WeeklySA_AdminPLATFORM: From bold reds to elegant Cap Classiques, the Proudly South African Local Wine Expo brought together 29 emerging wine brands in Johannesburg, giving consumers and buyers a taste of the country’s growing black-owned wine industry…
By Jacob Mawela
The Proudly South African Local Wine Expo transformed Johannesburg’s Prison Break Market into a celebration of South African wine, entrepreneurship and transformation as 29 emerging producers showcased their labels to wine lovers, retailers and hospitality buyers over three days in late July.
Hosted in partnership with W&R SETA, FoodBev Manufacturing SETA, the Gauteng Liquor Board, San Quentin and the Gauteng Tourism Authority, the annual free-entry event has become an important platform for promoting black-owned wine brands and connecting them with commercial opportunities. The venue, opposite Leeuwkop Correctional Centre, lends the market its distinctive name.
The media launch opened with a dedicated buyers’ session where exhibitors pitched their wines to retailers, liquor traders, hoteliers, restaurateurs and sommeliers. The objective was clear: create lasting business relationships that can help emerging wineries expand their market reach.
Visitors sampled an impressive selection of wines, from full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignons, Merlots, Pinot Noirs and Shirazes to crisp Chardonnays, Chenin Blancs and Sauvignon Blancs, alongside proudly South African Cap Classique sparkling wines. Exhibitors included Aslina Wines, Ayana Wines, Petto Wines, Khula Wine, Nanola Wines, Toasted Barrels, Thornleigh Wines, Zulu Girl Wines and many others representing the diversity of South Africa’s growing wine sector.
Among the exhibitors was Pretoria entrepreneur Amanda Ngubombini, founder of Petto Wines. Having launched the brand in 2019 and successfully navigated the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, she welcomed the opportunity to present her wines to prospective buyers and expressed the hope of securing listings with established retailers.
A graduate of the South African Wine Academy, Ngubombini’s passion for viticulture is reflected in Petto Wines’ portfolio, which includes Chardonnay, MMC Cap Classique Brut, 2018 Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The boutique label is known for rich, full-bodied wines with firm tannin structures and pronounced berry and blackcurrant flavours.
Another standout was Aslina Wines, founded by pioneering winemaker Ntsiki Biyela in 2016. Raised in rural KwaZulu-Natal, Biyela made history as one of South Africa’s first black female winemakers after graduating from Stellenbosch University in 2003.
Following 13 years at Stellekaya Wines, she established her own label, drawing inspiration from her upbringing and family heritage, reflected in ranges such as the Ndubs collection.
Biyela’s journey mirrors the purpose of the expo itself: creating opportunities for talented winemakers whose determination and innovation are reshaping the South African wine industry.
While she currently sources grapes and uses shared cellar facilities, she has ambitions of owning her own cellar as her business grows.
Launched in 2022 in partnership with the SA Wine Industry Transformation Unit, the Proudly South African Local Wine Expo continues to introduce consumers to emerging labels while championing transformation, entrepreneurship and greater inclusion in one of the country’s most celebrated industries.
EVENTS
Cederberg Shiraz Fest in Pretoria
Wine lovers in Pretoria will be among the first to raise a glass to the fifth edition of the Cederberg Shiraz Festival, as the popular annual celebration begins its five-city tour at The Tasting Room Long in Waterkloof on August 6.
Hosted by Cederberg Wines, the festival shines the spotlight on one of the cellar’s flagship varietals, inviting guests to explore the versatility and depth of Shiraz through a carefully curated food-and-wine pairing experience.
Set against the intimate backdrop of The Tasting Room Long, the evening promises a journey into the distinctive character of wines produced in the rugged Cederberg mountains. Guests can expect expertly matched dishes designed to complement the rich spice, dark fruit and elegant structure that have become hallmarks of Cederberg’s award-winning Shiraz.
Now in its fifth year, the festival has grown into a highlight on South Africa’s wine calendar, celebrating not only the winery’s signature wine but also the stories, people and terroir behind every bottle.
The event begins at 6.30pm, with tickets priced at R650 per person.
Pirates Wine Fair
The Pirates Wine Fair will celebrate its second year of existence with another showcase on August 9, which will be dedicated to women.
A prime selection of wine farms aims to highlight the increasing role of Women in Wine, and their contributions to the world class South African wineries.
Participating wineries showcasing their wines include Bon Courage Estate, DeMorgenzon, David Finlayson Wines, HER Wine Collection, Kleine Zalze, Krone, La Bri, Leeuwenkuil, Nitida, Rietvallei, Rustenberg Wines, Sutherland Vineyards, Thelema, Twee Jonge Gezellen.
Live Music, Entertainment, Food and of course a selection of Wines to celebrate with your beloved partner.
Tickets cost R250 per person or R400 per couple and include a free welcome mimosa, as well as a Pirates Wine Fair tasting glass and access to the wine farms boutique selections. Pirates Club 25 is situated on Braeside Road, Greenside, Randburg. Showtimes are from 12noon to 5pm.
Pick n Pay Wine Fest
The Pick n Pay Wine and Food Festival is set to usher in spring with a celebration of South Africa’s finest wines, gourmet food and live entertainment at The Wanderers Club in Johannesburg on August 8 and 9.
The popular festival will showcase more than 70 leading wine estates, giving visitors the chance to sample an extensive selection of award-winning wines, from premium still wines and elegant Cap Classiques to luxury Champagne and refreshing Mimosas.
Festival-goers looking for a relaxed outdoor experience can pre-order a picnic bag to share on the lawns. The picnic option is available as an add-on when purchasing Early or General Access tickets through Webtickets.
Interactive experiences return with the Pick n Pay Tasting Room, flavoured by Robertsons Spices, where acclaimed chef Tjaart Walraven pairs gourmet canapés with premium wines during exclusive sessions limited to just 40 guests each.
Making its Johannesburg debut is the Pick n Pay Liquor Mixology Theatre, presented by Diageo, where visitors can learn to create two signature cocktails in entertaining 30-minute classes.
General Access tickets cost R350 and include entry, a tasting glass and 20 wine-tasting vouchers. Tasting Room and Mixology Theatre bundles are available at R500 each, while picnic bags cost R350 as an optional add-on.
Lesotho Wine Fest
Wine enthusiasts from across Southern Africa will gather in Maseru on October 10, for the 13th edition of the Lesotho Wine Festival, one of the kingdom’s premier wine and lifestyle events.
Hosted at the Maseru Club, the festival promises a day of tasting, entertainment and socialising, featuring more than 240 wines from over 45 producers. Since its launch in 2012, the event has grown into a celebrated showcase of wine culture, attracting both seasoned connoisseurs and curious newcomers.
Organised by Station Off-Sales (Liquor City Group), the festival operates on a non-profit basis and is dedicated to promoting a refined wine experience while supporting local talent and celebrating an elevated Lesotho lifestyle.
Running from 11am, the event offers an ideal opportunity to discover new favourites, meet producers and enjoy a memorable day in the Mountain Kingdom.
Tickets are available online via lesothowine.co.ls. – Compiled by Len Maseko: lenmaseko@weeklysamirror.news
