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About Soweto Wine Festival |
It 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. |
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Soweto Wine Festival Owners |
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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. |
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Soweto Wine Festival History |
Timelines of Success
2005:
The inaugural 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.
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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. |
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2007:
The festival showcased 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. |
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2008:
The festival grew to 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. |
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2009:
The festival featured 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! |
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2010:
In the year that South Africa hosted the Soccer World
Cup, the Soweto Wine Festival welcomed a sell-out audience
of over 7,500 visitors to the three-night event. Despite
increasing capacity with the addition of a Platinum
Wine Arena, organisers closed doors early on Fridy and
Saturday nights. |
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