Over the three days from 5-7 October, just shy of 2,000 guests registered their attendance for CapeWine 2022, the premier trade showcase for the industry, with a record-breaking 417 exhibiting producers showcasing their wines under one roof while illustrating the 360 degrees of sustainability efforts, each focusing on the pillars of planet, people, and prosperity.
A combination of both local and international trade and media guests attended a host of seminars, tastings, and producer events where they could experience a wide range of South Africa’s top wines and learn more about the regions and varietals that make this country’s wine so unique.
Sustainability 360
Creating a sustainable future for the wine industry, its people, the land we farm and focusing on future generations was one part of the theme. The other highlights the 363 year long history of the South African wine industry.
Each element of CapeWine was meticulously crafted to ensure that the most sustainable practices were followed with recyclable stands, minimal waste, carbon offsetting and sustainable packaging and the producers were inspired to tell their individual stories of their sustainability journeys.
Clear and growing results of transformation
In her address to show visitors at the Opening Seminar on the first morning of CapeWine, keynote speaker Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza, noted: “The wine industry is one of the exciting industries of our agricultural sector, with clear and growing results of transformation, both on gender and race.”
CapeWine in numbers
Glasses were rotated roughly four times, which means roughly 32,000 units were used and approximately 26,400 bottles of wine, to the value of R6 million, were shipped into the show for tasting over the three days. According to partners Waste(Planet), roughly 7 tons of wine bottles were poured and sent to be recycled, 2 tons of water bottles, 6,5 tons of general waste, over 4,500 meals were served and almost 4,000 cups of coffee kept exhibitors going. An additional 160 support staff assisted within the hall, which included trainee chefs from School of Skills, in Rocklands, waiters, glass washers, baristas and runners.
WoSA CEO, Siobhan Thompson, comments, “As CapeWine 2022 draws to a close after a four-year hiatus, I can conclude that this was a wonderful celebration of our quality wines with a special focus on the sustainability of our winelands, people and businesses. The result of this mammoth project exceeded our expectation with visitors attending from all corners of the world. The energy and excitement in the hall over the 3 days was testimony to the hard work done by all of the producers to create wines that represent the vibrancy of our nation.”
As the doors closed on a truly successful event and the industry reflects on what was a busy, yet exhilarating week for all, we are excited to reap the rewards in the international trade as they return with a renewed excitement about South African wine and the media continue to sing the praises of an industry which has positioned itself as a major player in international markets and we are already looking forward to the next edition of CapeWine, which is set to take place in 2025.
