The TOPS at SPAR Wine Show will be WINEding its way to East London for the first time ever from 7 to 9 November for a dazzling ‘POURformance’ at Hemingways Casino. South Africa’s biggest and boldest travelling wine show is making its way to seven cities around the country this year – and East London looks set to be a grape escape for wine-lovers.
Andrew Douglas, Owner and Producer of The Wine Show, says this is the show’s first appearance in East London. “We are looking forward to bringing an amazing line-up of over 150 well-known and as-yet-undiscovered gems from the world-renowned Cape winelands for tasting and buying, entertainment at every turn, and interactive edutainment in our popular wine theatres.”
“The Wine Show is always fun, and it offers something for every wine-lover from novice to aficionado; it’s the place to stock up on old favourites and make new discoveries, which can be shipped free of charge with our complimentary ‘Sip ‘n Ship’ service,” he adds.
Some of the crowd-pleasing attractions include the Wine Label Design Awards presented by Rotolabel, and a chance to win wine for a year with Stellenbosch Vineyards. Industry players who participate in the show to deliver content and build awareness of their roles in the industry include the Platter’s Wine Guide, Aware.org (previously ARA), the VinPro Foundation, Proudly South African, and the DTI which, as a catalyst for transformation and change and a promoter of cultural diversity in the wine industry, brings five new wine farms to the show in each city. The SPAR Sommeliers Olive Brook selection will showcase their two new ranges, Everyday and Terroir Selection, in a talk on ‘Complex but not Confusing’ in the 40-seater wine theatre. Visitors to the East London show can also look forward to a display of the TOPS at SPAR Olive Brook Carnival range, which offers easy drinking wines for all occasions.
Says John McGregor, General Manager of Hemingways Casino, “We believe the East London market is hungry (or in this case, thirsty) for a lifestyle-orientated event of this nature and we’re excited to be hosting the TOPS at SPAR Wine Show for the first time. This show will give East London residents the chance to experience the unique mix of education and entertainment that makes it a great place to see, taste and learn about the diversity of South Africa’s world-famous wines
After making its mark in East London from 7 to 9 November, the TOPS at SPAR Wine Show ends off its tour in Nelspruit from 28 to 30 November.
Tickets are priced at R135 for Thursday evening and R185 for Friday and Saturday, which includes a tasting glass, show guide, access to wine theatres and unlimited tastings.
The TOPS at SPAR Wine Show’s #DrinkSmart programme promotes responsible alcohol consumption and safe driving practices at the event. A number of safe, convenient and affordable choices have been implemented by the TOPS at SPAR Wine Show, allowing guests to “Drink wine but stay fine!”, including free rides with Goodfella’s, available on request at the entrance.
For more information and to book tickets, visit www.wineshow.co.za.
Imka Webb is a freelance digital marketing expert and the digital editor of Food & Home Entertaining magazine. www.imkawebb.com
