Organised by: The Cape Wine Academy   Welcome to Mzanzi’s Favourite Wine Festival in 2010 Thursday to Saturday 2nd to 4th September 2010 at the University of Johannesburg, Soweto Campus, Chris Hani Road (Old Potch Road), Soweto. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Starts with a Conversation The idea of having a wine festival in Soweto was borne around a braai in Pretoria in 2004 between neighbours Lyn Woodward (an original member) and Mnikelo Mangciphu (co-founding active member). They were drinking wine out of Soweto Beer Festival glasses, and several glasses later, thought what a good idea it would be to have a Wine Festival. It was the right time to start introducing South Africa’s quality wines to the remaining 80% of our population. Wine is not for white South African’s only to enjoy. It should be a way of life for all South Africans. Six years later, the Soweto Wine Festival is Mzansi’s favourite wine festival and THE place to be seen. Dedicated and Committed Co-founding member of the Soweto Wine Festival is Mnikelo Mangciphu who is the owner/manager of the only wine shop in Soweto – Morara Wine & Spirit Emporium, which he launched after the first Soweto Wine Festival in 2005. The other co-founding member of the festival is Marilyn Cooper who is a Cape Wine Master and is also the Managing Director of the Cape Wine Academy based in Johannesburg. Mnikelo Mangciphu, one of the festivals founding members and owner of Soweto’s first wine shop, Morara Wine Emporium, says that this festival is dedicated to encouraging, educating and growing black wine drinkers in Mzansi. Unspoken Pride There is an unspoken pride and awareness that all new trends start with Sowetans. Shifting lifestyle drinking habits to include our world-famous wines is very much part of the festival history, and definitely a part of Soweto’s trending-setting tradition. Perception Shift To shift the black market’s perceptions of wine drinking and wine drinkers, the festival focus is on integrating wine into black people’s homes and enhancing their existing lifestyles. Visitors want to learn about food and wine combinations – but Sowetan Style.    Timelines of Success 2005 In 2005, the first festival was held over three days at Ubuntu Kraal in Orlando West, was attended by 1500 members of the public and was officially opened by the then Minister of Agriculture Thoka Didiza. 82 wineries came to that first festival, filled with great excitement; many had never been into a township before. 2006 In 2006 the festival moved to the present premises University of Johannesburg, Soweto Campus, which has proved to be a far more suitable and more accessible venue, with larger safe parking. Over 3000 people attended the Soweto Wine and Brandy festival, and all had a great time. 2007 In 2007, we had 94 different wineries with over 800 labels to entice the 4225 visitors that came through our doors. It was also the first year we invited big brand sponsors to participate in the festival. 2008 In 2008, we had 105 exhibitors with over 850 wines to taste and 4365 visitors to taste them. The hall was packed to seams, to the point we had to stop selling tickets early. This year we included an ‘edutainment’ element to the festival called the Pick n Pay Wine Class. 2009 In 2009, we had 103 wineries exhibiting with over 800 wines and 5520 visitors attending. 2009 was so packed that doors closed 2 hours after opening. We have learnt our lesson - Sowetans LOVE South African Wine! 2010 Watch this space! In 2010 we have increased the festival to 3 evenings and have doubled capacity by building a large marquee. Will you be at Mzansi’s Favourite Festival of 2010? See you there!