Cape Wine 2015 seminars announced

Monday, 15 June, 2015
Wines of South Africa
Cape Wine 2015 will open at 09.30 on Tuesday 15th September at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, with a seminar for all visitors, entitled ‘A New Era for South African Wine’.

Welcoming international guests, Wines of South Africa’s CEO, Siobhan Thompson, will present an overview of this new era, covering the influencing factors that make South Africa a world class wine producer and highlighting, through the fast-moving dynamism of the industry, how much there is to discover in South African wine, for both new and well-established markets. Thompson’s presentation will explain South Africa’s positioning, which tells the story of the country, the people and the wines.

Joining Thompson, Wines of South Africa’s chairman and former head of FNB, Michael Jordaan, will address delegates on the impact of innovative thinking in the local wine industry. Indian entrepreneur, Analjit Singh, who recently expanded his investment in South African wine, will be discussing the huge potential of investing in the country and Western Cape Minister of Economic Opportunities, Alan Winde, will discuss the growth strategy for tourism, which is the province’s fastest growing sector. Finally, the show’s headline sponsors, DHL, will present advances in logistics.

On day two of the show, 16th September at 09.30, Rosa Kruger, South Africa’s legendary viticulturist, will chair a seminar entitled ‘Listening to the Landscape – The Typicity of Our Terroir’. This event will update guests on the latest research and discovery of old and new vineyard sites; it will also focus on new viticulture practices and the introduction of new plant materials. At 12.00 on 16th September Reyneke’s biodynamic winemaker, Johan Reyneke, will chair the ‘Vintner Surfers – a Holistic Approach’ seminar, which will look at how the mindset and philosophy of South Africa’s surfing winemakers influences their approach.

Day three of the show, 17th September, will begin at 09.30 with Higgo Jacobs, Sommelier at Large, chairing ‘South Africa Blends – Making Their Mark’ which will discuss how winemakers are redefining South African blends and making them among the country’s most exciting and sought after wines. The final seminar at midday on 17th September, ‘The Apprentice’, will be chaired by Wines of South Africa’s market manager for Africa, Matome Mbatha. Mbatha will introduce the inspiring stories of South Africa’s promising protégés, being empowered and mentored to enter the industry and transform it.

For full details of all seminar speakers and for more information on Cape Wine, visit www.capewine2015.com, where delegates can also register for the exhibition. Stay up-to-date via: Facebook: Cape Wine 2015 and Twitter: @CapeWine2015