Wine lovers can look forward to uncorking new tasting experiences as they discover the degustation area at the Good Food and Wine Show taking place from Friday, 27 May to Sunday, 29 May 2016 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
A celebration for the senses
A top note in this food and wine fest will be the experiential Wine Wall where visitors can see, smell and sip some of the best wines from both South Africa and abroad.
The Wine Theatre
Designed to turn enthusiasts into connoisseurs, the Wine Theatre will see some of the country’s celebrated sommeliers – like Tuning the Vine’s Ewan Mackenzie and the Taj Hotel Resorts and Palaces’ Pearl Oliver – spilling their wine and food pairing secrets.
Mackenzie (aka the Wine Thief) is the winner of several Sommelier of the Year South Africa awards. In his current career, he utilises his decade-long experience not only to source but to produce fine wines for both local and international markets. In addition he’s the curator of Cape Town’s monthly wine event, ‘Tuning the Vine’ which takes people on a wine and food pairing tour of the inner city.
Beverage manager and head sommelier at Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, Oliver is passionate about a burgeoning wine culture. She has served as MasterChef South Africa’s sommelier judge and as a wine panel judge for WineLands magazine, Ultra Liquor Best Value Awards competition, Garagiste and the SA Top 12 Shiraz challenge. She is also the chairperson of the WellsFaber Best Value sommelier wine panel.
At the theatre, you’ll be able to meet the makers of your favourite wines – like Frans Smit of Spier and Pieter Walser of BLANKbottle, as well as treat your taste buds to a grappa tasting with George Dalla Cia. What’s more, the Vineyard Hotel will be doing food and wine flavour profiling in their own special way. The South African Sommeliers Association will also be on hand to guide guests through the world of wine. Be sure to have four wine tasting vouchers to qualify for entry to each session.
A barrelful of exhibitors
In addition to sampling wines from an array of exhibitors from well-known wine farms to small cellars, visitors to the show can get to grips with the latest gadgets. Calorie-conscious connoisseurs can see Slim Lady Wines’ new sparkling variety, while those preferring their wine with a difference can try Ice Tropez’s sparkling wine cocktail which features a blend of rosé, white peach and carbonated water
You can also catch the Michelangelo International Wine and Spirit Awards in which eight wine farms will be participating.
Additional areas for exploration
Don’t miss out on the other six areas at the show, including Lifestyle, Wellness, Beer and Alcohol, Market and Street Food, Baking and Gourmet. Each will offer visitors opportunities to interact with exhibitors, uncover the latest trends and take part in entertaining and informative hands-on experiences.
