Every 3 years, WOSA arranges the biggest showcase of South African Wine to the wine trade. Hundreds of international buyers, distributors, agents, media and wine professionals descend on the winelands to get a taste of what we have to offer.
Wed 12 Sept was Day 1 - and the CTICC was abuzz from early in the day, where over 300 producers presented their wines to eager attendees from all over the world.
South African Wine is very much flavour of the month, and I was super proud to be a part of the industry today, seeing regions standing together, seeing innovative mavericks showcase their individuality as well as the great initiatives which are running in the wine industry to make a huge difference, slow but sure, to bring transformation in the wine industry. Pebbles, The Anna Foundation, The Pinotage Youth Development Academy (PYDA), WWF, WIETA and VinPro Foundation stood together to show the world the great #wineforgood projects on offer.
During the Pinotage Tutored tasting, the IWSC quietly announced their award for Pinotage going to the Beyerskloof Diesel Pinotage 2014, and Beyers Truter and his son Anri were on hand and very proud to receive the award.
The Simonsberg Ward had a impressive lit topographical installation, around which their producers proudly presented their wines and with true sustainability in mind, this display can be easily packed up and re-used for other shows.
Spier's exhibition was an entire house out of wood, which also showcased their tree-preneurs, a project which empowers over 100 people from some of the Cape’s poorest communities with the opportunity to change their lives. Ranging in age from 5 to 93, Tree-preneurs are taught how to care for indigenous trees and plants. They are given seedlings to nurture; once these have reached 30cm, they can be exchanged for vouchers for food, clothing, agricultural goods, tools, bicycles and educational support.
The Breedekloof Wineries had a massive installation showcasing their Valley of Generosity and the Swartland, true to form, brought their wingerd stokke with them, and the crazy mavericks, The Zoo Biscuit gang had fabulous movie posters individualised to them - great fun!
Make sure you allocate enough time for the show, because there are plenty of excellent wines and stunning presentations to see.
The impressive showcase at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) continues on Thurs 13th and Friday 14th Sept.
For more info - visit the wine.co.za Spotlight HERE or visit www.capewine2018.com
