The entire South African wine industry enthusiastically supports Cape Wine. More than 300 wineries, representing over half the wineries will be present exhibiting over 4 000 wines. Says Cathy van Zyl MW , who specialises in South African wines and is one of the associate editors of the the famous John Platter South African Wine Guide (edited by her husband, Philip) , 'This has become the most important trade event o n the South African wine calendar. Anyone who is anybody exhibits . If you are interested in importing South African wines or adding them to your wine list , this is a not-to-be missed show.'
A stone's throw from the city, international hotels and the famous V&A Waterfront, the show is held at the spacious venue which is only 25 minutes' drive from the nearby winery areas. One can meet trade visitors and journalists from all over the world and network with the South African winemakers and producers.
One can get the complete picture of the status of the South African industry apart from discovering a huge variety of wines, from value-for-money wines to garage wines and also icons in the making.
After years of toiling, South African wines have made inroads to the Indian market. From Sula ( (Two Oceans) to Sovereign Impex (Graham Beck, Wilderkrans) most importers carry one of more brands of wines from this country who was dominated by only KWV for decades before the country became independent in 1994.
As with most shows of international stature, several seminars will be organised every morning in conjunction with the trade exhibition. Tasting
Says Andre Morgenthal, Communications manager of Wines of South Africa (WOSA), who has visited India several times and is very optimistic about the Indian market, 'South African wines can't be stereotyped and our wines improve each year. There is a wonderland of wine to be discovered. The South African wine industry is known as producing quality wines, possessing character, not being mass-produced, and having friendly people behind the brands. Cape Wine offers a great opportunity to explore these wines.'
Vintage of 2008 signifies their second consecutive cold wet winter and a cool start to summer that has helped produce an exciting vintage with great concentration and flavours and can be tasted personally at the Show.
Of course, the visitors can also take this opportunity to visit wildlife, enjoy the delicious and affordable cuisine and soak in the culture to which India is tied in many ways. As the South African High Commissioner in India , H.E. Mr. Francis Moloi says,' Indians were either born South Africans in their previous life or will be born as South Africans during their next life,' this might be a good time to find out why.
Importers from India and other stakeholders might want to check out their website for more information on Events and Seminars or any info that might help them plan their visit.
http://www.capewine2008.co.za/
Subhash Arora
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