The three-day event is the biggest wine show in the southern
hemisphere. Hosted by Wines of South Africa (WOSA) and underwritten by
DHL Express, with Nampak as a secondary sponsor, it takes place in Cape
Town from September 15 to 17.
WOSA CEO Siobhan Thompson says exceptionally strong international
interest in the South African category is being matched by keen support
from the country's winemakers, and producer exhibition space has already
been fully subscribed, months ahead of the show.
"The spotlight on South Africa's wine industry has never been
brighter, thanks to the steady stream of positive attention elicited
globally by many of the country's dynamic and innovative winemakers.
Praise for our wines and our imaginative approach to eco- and socially
sustainable issues continues to mount, all the result of years of
extremely hard work that's starting to really bear fruit for us now,"
she says.
Delegates who will be attending what promises to be one of South
African wine industry's most successful wine showcases to the world
since the first Cape Wine was held in 2000, will be coming from Europe,
the Americas, Asia, Australasia and Africa. They will have the chance
to sample from the vast and growing spectrum of wines made locally. "Our
wines reflect a rich biodiversity but also an amazing ingenuity and
versatility on the part of our winemakers. Visitors will be able to
taste the latest wines from the established wine-growing areas, as well
as those originating from newer coastal and inland sites."
There will also be ample opportunity to focus on business. "The whole
idea is to equip delegates sufficiently to buy South African wines with
confidence, whether they are first-time importers or are already
supporting our industry, so we can expand our visibility and
distribution. In the case of writers, we hope they will convey the
excitement of their discoveries to their followers. "
She says visitors will also be entertained and informed by a series
of seminars sponsored by Bosman Family Vineyards and Lelienfontein Vine
Growers. These will include appearances by some of the Cape's winemaking
surfers who will talk about taking an holistic approach to winemaking,
life and the environment; and a local version of the show, The Apprentice.
Four members of the industry will talk about how programmes and
interventions to bring talent from historically disadvantaged
communities into the industry have personally and positively impacted
their lives. Sommelier Higgo Jacobs will highlight trends in local
blends and how these wines are making their mark internationally and
renowned champion of old vines, Rosa Kruger will cover typicity of
terroir and also, varietals new to South Africa.
Thompson will open Cape Wine with an overview on the new era of South
African wine, while WOSA chairman Michael Jordaan, who introduced many
major innovations to South African banking as former head of FNB, will
address delegates on the impact of innovative thinking in the local wine
industry.
The line-up of opening day speakers will also include Hennie Heymans,
the MD of DHL Africa. Indian entrepreneur Analjit Singh, who recently
expanded his investment in South African wine, will be discussing the
potential of participating in the local industry. Alan Winde, Western
Cape Minister of Economic Opportunities will discuss the growth strategy
for tourism, which is the province’s fastest-growing sector as well as
the importance of niche markets, such as wine tourism.
A World Economic Forum Travel & Tourism Competitive Index
recently ranked South Africa the top tourist-ready economy in Africa.
Throughout the three days, a Speakers' Corner will give producers an
interactive platform to share interesting ideas and wines with
delegates. Sponsored by Amorim, the informal corner will seat 20 people
schoolroom-style within the exhibition hall. The programme of 30-monute
slots per presenter will also be posted on the website and highlighted
in the catalogue.
More details are available from www.capewine2015.com, where delegates can also register for the exhibition. Stay up-to-date via: Facebook: Cape Wine 2015 and Twitter: @CapeWine2015.