Two major South African wine regions will be exhibiting under separate banners at Cape Wine 2012, as the southern hemisphere's biggest wine show returns after a four-year break.
For the first time, six wineries from Constantia Valley and 10 from Swartland will be on stands dedicated to their regions – a development which Su Birch, CEO of Wines of South Africa (WOSA), called ‘hugely interesting’.
The wineries showing under the Constantia Valley banner are Groot Constantia, Steenberg, Eagles Nest, Buitenverwachting, Klein Constantia, and Constantia Glen.
Elsewhere, grouped together as Swartland Independent, will be AA Badenhorst Family Wines, Intellego, Lammershoek, Meerhof, Mullineux Family Wines, Nativo, Porseleinberg, Rall Wines, Sequillo Cellars and Wildehurst Winery.
‘I think it will be hugely interesting for visitors to taste through these regions as one whole, to explore what the similarity and differences are between the various wines from one region,’ Birch said.
‘It is exciting that regions are choosing to work together at shows to build regional images. The direction is coming from the producers themselves,’ she added.
Over 300 of South Africa’s leading producers will exhibit at Cape Wine 2012. ‘From major brands to garagiste bottlings and high quality estates, Cape Wine is the flagship business showcase for the South African wine industry,’ organisers say.
As well as a full programme of seminars and conferences on all aspects of the South African wine industry, Cape Wine is introducing the Producers’ Soapbox, where wine marketers have 30 minutes to present a maximum of six wines from at least three wineries to a limited audience.
The programme will open with a presentation from the Minister of Trade & Industry in South Africa, along with the WOSA chairman Johan Krige, and CEO Su Birch.
Cape Wine is also billed as the first ‘green’ wine show in the world.
‘With stands made from recycled card, the invention of Walking Buses, offsetting projects for flights and a commitment to recycle, reuse and reduce wherever possible, the impact on the environment is at the forefront of every aspect of the show’, WOSA says.
Cape Wine 2012 takes place from 25 to 27 September at the International Convention Centre, Cape Town.
For more information and to register, visit CapeWine2012.co.za.
The Cape Wine 2012 catalogue will be available to download weeks before the event.
Written by Decanter.com staff
