There’s nothing better than an amazing glass of wine to make everything right with the world (especially when it’s a little cold outside) – and this winter, The Wine Show in Durban will not disappoint. Bringing together some of the best wine producers from around the country under one roof, you’ll be spoilt for choice at this premier wine and lifestyle event. It’s all happening from 5 -7 June 2014 at Durban’s Suncoast.
Irrespective of whether you’re a connoisseur, wine enthusiast or simply a casual quaffer, The Wine Show is a one-stop-shop when it comes to wine. Sip your way from farm to farm and ask the winemakers from regions as vast as the Western Cape to Gauteng everything you’d like to know before buying your favourites directly from them at the show. Durban visitors who love to entertain should definitely stop off at the ‘What Food What Wine?’ experience where the winning wines of the 2014 competition will be available to taste and to buy so that visitors can literally replicate these food & wine menus at home.
For those who appreciate something a little different, make sure you chat to the natural wine-makers from The Winery of Good Hope. Natural wines are fast becoming the new black because they are produced ethically, contain little or no sulphur and don’t use enzymes, fining agents, or other chemical additives – values that reflect the growing consumer consciousness. These wines make fabulous gifts for wine lovers too (if you can bear to part with them) or simply keep them for your own collection. Also at this year’s show you can taste the delicious Blaauwklippen’s aperitif Before & After. Made by mistake it turned out to be a real after dinner winner. Or visit Mellasat Vineyards to try its rare white Pinotage or Bosman Family Vineyards which boasts the largest range of cultivars in the country. It’s so popular viticulturists even go there to buy their rootstock.
If you need a break from all the bottles, you will find something to suit every palate, including delicious sushi. Or make sure you head to the Wine Extra Theatre, where various edu-sessions (read: fun, informative workshops) will be held by different wine experts including Maryna Strachan of Wine Extra magazine. Some to look out for include “From Vine To Wine: The art of grafting vines for fine wines” by Bosman Family Wines or “A Vertical Tasting of Fine Cape Blends from Clos Malverne”.
While you’re having a good time, the last thing you want to think about are the minute details −like how you’re going to get your seemingly endless (and heavy) purchases home. Fortunately, the show’s got that all covered too. For peace-of-mind you can make use of the Dawn Wing Wine Drop facility where you can store your purchases for the duration of the show and then simply collect on your way out. Alternatively, have it couriered directly to your door with Dawn Wing’s Sip n Ship service.
To get yourself home, consider using the free GoodFellas service. It’s available from the venue during the last three hours of the show and its drive-you-home service is on a first come, first served basis. Tickets are available in advance through Computicket (R90), or at the door (R100) and include a crystal tasting glass, all tastings, access to the Wine Extra Theatre and a map to help you navigate the show. For more information on The Wine Show visit www.wineshow.co.za or call 021 888 8800.
The Wine Show Durban (Suncoast Casino):
- Thursday 5 June, 17:00 – 21:00
- Friday 6 June, 17:00 – 21:00
- Saturday 7 June, 12:00 – 21:00
