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Energy and excitement: Wines of South Africa's Intrepid tasting woos visitors and exhibitors

Published:  09 September, 2016

The first stand alone Wines of South Africa tasting since 2011 stormed back onto the London scene with an explosion of energy, enthusiasm and excitement from exhibitors and visitors alike

The first stand alone Wines of South Africa tasting since 2011 stormed back onto the London scene with an explosion of energy, enthusiasm and excitement from exhibitors and visitors alike.

Staged in the historic setting of the East End's Tobacco Dock, over 138 producers showed just why South Africa is creating such a buzz in the Industry right now. Hailed as one of the best trade tastings for years, by many on both sides of the tasting tables, the energy in the crowded room was palpable, and a spirit of determination and willingness to work together to drive Brand South Africa was evident.

Too often viewed as the source of high volume, low priced wines, South Africa has long been recognised by the Industry as a country of incredible diversity and opportunity, able to produce world class wines at the high end; the challenge has always been how to convince and engage the consumer to trade up and understand the quality message. However, latest Nielsen Stats to end July 2016 provide encouraging reading - whilst volume is down, total exports to the UK have increased by 2% in terms of value, with packaged wines showing dynamic growth of 8%.

"This is the start of premiumisation for South Africa," commented Jo Wehring, UK market manager for Wines of South Africa.

"We're very excited to come back and do a purely South African wine show. The dynamic is totally different from a few years ago; we feel we've come of age, and that we're entering a whole new period. The enthusiasm, and the buzz today shows how much interest there is in what South Africa is capable of, and is now producing on the world stage. The South African wine industry is looking to the future, continuing to explore and develop, but now, with confidence and conviction."

Siobhan Thompson, CEO of WOSA was similarly enthused: "I'm blown away by the energy in the room today," she stated. "There is such a willingness and enthusiasm to explore and discover the next layers of our country's wine heritage and potential."

Thompson stated that South Africa now knows it can compete with the best in the world on today's wine stage.

"We can truly bring out the spirit of our country's wines and winemakers. We are learning about, and now expressing, the very best of the diversity of the amazing soils, climates, and therefore wine styles that we can offer, and it's an incredibly exciting time".

Another observation, referenced by buyers and producers alike, was the willingness of winemakers across the Cape to work together collaboratively to energise the groundswell of support and growth, with a clear collective and interactive spirit. The tasting showcased the heritage and the future of South Africa, from the iconic, celebrated, historic wine estates to the young, new generation of winemakers, working together to build brand South Africa.

The Intrepid South Africa event has been one of the most vibrant, and exhilarating tastings of the year so far. The challenge now is for the wine industry, from buyers, to writers, to distributors, through to winemakers, to translate that enthusiasm and conviction to the consumer.

For all the latest news, analysis and insights on South Africa's vibrant wine scene, look out for the joint Harpers and OLN South Africa supplement with this coming October issue of Harpers. 

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