Across the border—Zimbabwe
Wines Of South Africa 2019 Writer: Farai Chimba, Acting General Manager, Victoria Falls Hotel Photography: Safari Magazine
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he Wines of South Africa 2019 festival in Zimbabwe held in October at the Victoria Falls Hotel was another resounding success. This, the second Zimbabwe event, was established when Danai Wines owner, Albert Nhau, approached Wines of South Africa’s (WoSA) Mathome Mbata to do some work in the Zimbabwe market after realising the potential of the wine trade in this country. It was little known then that this event would turn out to be a major calendar highlight for this particular destination in Zimbabwe. Albert Nhau was to play an instrumental role in inviting Wines of South Africa over to Victoria Falls and Harare as initial target venues for an inaugural event. Upon visiting and being hosted by the Victoria Falls Hotel, the decision was never in doubt as to where the venue and event would be set for the roll out. The hotel, with Farai Chimba at the helm, hosted a cocktail event for the wine trade. Farai Chimba also chairs the Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe chapter, and it was seen that the time was ripe for putting into action the concept of a region-based tourism event targeting businesses in the wine trade.
This year’s occasion saw an increase in exhibitors and visitors and it is fast becoming the premium business and tourism wine tasting event, where wine estates and distributors are able to interact with the market and deals are sealed in the process. The primary target participants are retailers, distributors, lodges, hotels and restaurants, with secondary participants being support services to the wine industry. The event was graced by visitors from Botswana, Zambia, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Australia, among other tourists and trade visitors. Exhibitors at this, the second event, also included food brands associated with wine pairing, with a fine selection of cold meats and cheeses on display.
The host of the event, Farai Chimba, explained, ‘My vision for the hospitality sector is through working with partners such as Wines of South Africa to develop wine tourism supported by the following: •
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‘Wine education—equipping service personnel with critical and continuous knowledge of wine.
TRAVEL & LEISURE ZAMBIA
‘Distribution and awareness of wine brands and knowledge beyond the label by stakeholders in distribution, retail, service and the public.
‘Development of an integrated hub for wine tourism which has a good selection of offerings in the tourism establishments between Kasane, Livingstone and Victoria Falls. This “Golden Triangle”, where we share the same clients and distribution channels, creates opportunities for unique experiences to further develop arrivals based on special interest groups and established market segments.'
Wine tourism is recognised by UNWTO (World Tourism Organization, UN specialised agency) as playing a role in linking culture, history and lifestyle, which the destination and venue provide in Victoria Falls. Diversification of the tourism product includes providing a destination that matches the expectations of the travelling wine tourist to create enriched tourist experiences. All this can be achieved by ensuring that at shop floor service level the importance and appreciation of wine is presented through training and competitions to stimulate better service and knowledge in the region.
WoSA have been instrumental in training hospitality personnel with over 160 trained over the past two years; and also hosting the first Sommelier Cup event in Zimbabwe. The event was won by Takura Makadzange from Mutare who represented Zimbabwe in Cape Town for the World Sommelier Cup final in September, 2019. This platform will be used to identify talent in the wine service industry and create opportunities in the footsteps of established sommeliers in South Africa like Joseph Dhafana. The future plan is to spread the events within Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. WoSA are playing a huge role in skills development and awareness which will continue to have a footprint on the continent. This prestigious event, sponsored by Wines of South Africa and hosted at the iconic five-star Victoria Falls Hotel, continues to grow in strength and is a must-not-miss calendar event if visiting the region at the time.
Dates for 2020 were released in December, 2019, and information is available for exhibitors and participants through event co-ordinators Lewa & Co. Contact Kuda Hove on: info@lewaandco.com
