WINE
Feature
SA WINE MARKET
G N I W S P U N A SEES A lthough wine consumption in South Africa dropped from 7.65 litres to 6.9 litres per person per annum recent figures show a steady increase of up to 7,5%. Mnikelo Mangciphu, co-founder of TOPS Soweto Wine Festival and owner of Morara Wine Emporium based in the heart of Soweto, says nowadays most of the establishments that serve alcohol include a range of wines. From his observation many new wine consumers have realised that drinking alcohol at 13% (wine) is far better than consuming spirits. “They have learnt the health benefits of drinking a glass of red wine a day which is excellent for the heart. Wine has also increased the enjoyment of adult’s lifestyles, opening up a world of new tastes and smells that increase the enjoyment of food whilst socialising with family and friends,” he added.
Wine Festival and wife of Soweto Marilyn Cooper (L) gciphu. Man lo ike Mn r co-founde
Mnikelo Mangciphu Wine Festival.
, co-founding memb
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Mangciphu says TOPS Soweto Wine Festival which was launched in 2005 aims to expose the local market to a range of South African wines in a relaxed, fun, safe environment, which will enhance their choices, lifestyle and increase their education. Besides its political history, Sowetans are known to be South Africa’s top trendsetters, so Soweto was an obvious choice to host the festival. According to Marilyn Cooper, CEO of the Cape Wine Academy as well as co-founder and organiser of the TOPS Soweto Wine Festival, the festival has achieved massive growth since 2005 where only 1 500 people attended compared to 2011, where they hosted more than 8 500 people! “But much more than this, the festival was one of the first major events to come into Soweto with big brands associated with it, showing others that this vibrant township was on its way up.” She said the Soweto Wine Festival definitely led the way for other township wine festivals and big branded township events and has been the launching pad for other black-owned businesses and entrepreneurships such as the Morara Wine Emporium, distribution centres.
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Zodwa Chirrndze,
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Sib Vuyelwa Makonase,
“We use entrepreneurs, restaurants, chefs, sommeliers, security, designers and photographers from Soweto for the festival, so employment in Soweto has benefitted greatly.” Cooper notes that people in Soweto have reacted to the wine festival with enormous enthusiasm and loyalty and they have visitors who have been to all their festivals since inception. She says most wineries should realise that unless they introduce their wines to the large South African middle market, they will fall by the wayside. “It is the only growth market in South Africa and needs to be taken seriously”.
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Cooper further described the Soweto Wine Festival as vibrant, truly South African, sophisticated with a party vibe, the kind of festival you will ever go to where you leave feeling like you have had a great time, learnt something new, and it’s on your doorstep. “It is a fabulous learning experience as well, where you can compare different styles of wine and find the one that appeals to you. You can also take a free Nederburg wine and food pairing class to understand how specific flavours change one’s wine choice. This year’s festival will be held from 6 to 8 September at the University of Johannesburg Soweto Campus.
