Come and experience wine, culture infusion at this year’s much improved SWF

In my humble language- Setswana it goes ‘maropeng go a boelwa’ simply put returning to your roots.

Punted as an ‘international trade exhibition for wine lovers’, it has been scheduled for September 1 & 2 2018 at the historical Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication- Soweto, were it was originally founded.

This event showcases all kinds of products from wines, spirits, sparkling wine, champagne and delicatessen, etc.

You might tag it ‘Soweto wine revolution or the art of Summer Wine’ depending which side you’re seated, if it does matter, that will see over 100 South African wineries come together for over 6 000 wine lovers to taste from the available wines.

“Moving back to the historical Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication in the heart of Kliptown, Soweto, is a major development and opens up many possibilities at the venue steeped in history,” says Barba Gaoganediwe- head of communications at Gauteng Tourism Authority, who also indicated the decision to take back the fest to WSSD had to with their mandate to market and promote heritage sites in the Province.

This also allows SMMEs to benefit directly or indirectly- from accommodation to service providers and ordinary folks. This forms part of our strategy ‘the fourth industrial revolution’, he continued.

In partnership with South African Tourism, says Gaoganediwe, they will share stories of Soweto and mzansis most-happening destination with the world through a digital campaign called #72hrsSoweto- to showcase Soweto as a place to visit, explore and stay in. Or play…

At the media launch held at Just Badela Food and Wine restaurant, Orlando West, a large contingent of media corps and executives sampled some of the wines that will be exhibited at the fest, fish and sumptuous braaied meat.

According to Saki Zamxaka, one of SA’s think-tanks and lead organizer of the fest alluded they, will bring a new life into the concept as they try and benchmark it with other international platforms, also confirming Standard Bank as one of the sponsor’s.

“Be on the look-out as we infuse culture and wine in such a way Sowetans’ will cherish and drink to for ages to come,” he said jokingly accompanied by a glass of his favourite wine.

The SWF is fast emerging in South Africa as it continues to attract local and international visitors.

Ticket sales and programme lineup will be available soon.