Twelve emerging wine brands are returning to the highly anticipated Standard Bank WineX 2024 for another exciting showcase. Powered by South Africa Wine’s Transformation and Development Department, these outstanding emerging wine and brandy brands will take centre stage at this year’s WineX.
Standard Bank WineX 2024 is set to be an extraordinary event for wine enthusiasts, connoisseurs, and the broader wine and spirits industry. It takes place from 30 October to 1 November at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
According to Karin Kleinbooi, the executive manager for transformation and development at South Africa Wine, this platform is critical for these brands, offering them a unique opportunity to connect with consumers and trade buyers while amplifying their visibility on one of the country’s largest wine stages.
“The Transformation and Development Department plays a focal role in nurturing this growth, ensuring that Black-owned wine and brandy brands are not only present at these platforms but are also equipped with the tools to succeed in a highly competitive industry,” Kleinbooi said.
South Africa Wine aims to invest in under-represented wine entrepreneurs through enterprise development and market integration, promoting inclusivity and supporting emerging brands in domestic and international markets.
Kleinbooi added that through trade shows like WineX, South Africa Wine is helping to level the playing field, providing these brands with directed exposure and access to key market players and our growing consumer society.
“This platform allows consumers to discover and engage with these distinctive wines while simultaneously offering valuable networking opportunities for brand owners,” Kleinbooi said.
Wine and brandy unite at WineX
The emerging wine brands participating in WineX 2024, all supported by South Africa Wine, will provide a delightful journey through the A to Z of wines of change: Aslina Wines, Bayede Wines, Compagniesdrift, Francis Wines, LucMo Wines, Moedi Wines, PaardenKloof Estate, Redamancy Vineyards, Siwela Wines, Three Quarters Wines, Zoetendal Vineyards, and ZuluGirl Wines.
Each brand tells a unique story of originality, heritage, and entrepreneurship, showcasing the best of South Africa’s emerging talent.
Also, for the first time in WineX history, South African Wine and the South African Brandy Foundation will stand together under one roof, a significant milestone that speaks to the synergy between the wine and brandy sectors.
Kleinbooi said this partnership signifies not only the evolution of South Africa Wine but also the growth of both industries as key players in the country’s economy.
“The inclusion of emerging brands underlines our commitment to transformation across the board, and for the first time, these wine and brandy entrepreneurs and professionals will be part of a collective showcasing at the event, presenting their unique narratives and products to a diverse audience.”
Developing talent in Mzansi’s wine industry
Over the past 20 years, the South African wine industry has made significant strides in nurturing and developing professionals within the industry.
Kleinbooi said the repeat presence of emerging brands at WineX 2024 is a testament to the success of these initiatives, showcasing the talent and dedication that have been cultivated over the years.
“At the core of South Africa Wine’s objectives is the drive to invest in under-represented wine entrepreneurs through enterprise development and market integration support.
“Our primary objective is to foster inclusivity in the wine sector by providing these emerging brands with the support they need to flourish in both domestic and international markets,” she said.
The Transformation and Development Department plays a pivotal role in nurturing this growth, ensuring that Black-owned wine brands are not only given a rightful space on prominent platforms but are also equipped with the tools to thrive in a highly competitive industry.
“Diversity and inclusion are not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity for the wine industry.
“By integrating black enterprises and entrepreneurs on significant trade platforms with diverse audiences, experiences, content, and marketing, the industry can build authentic engagement with its target consumers and the broader wine and brandy community.”
Looking ahead to WineX 2024
With the event just around the corner, South Africa Wine’s dedicated WineX campaign has officially kicked off with a series of articles set to introduce consumers and the wine community to these emerging brands.
Over the coming weeks, South Africa Wine will feature short profiles of each participating brand, giving readers a glimpse into the passion and innovation that drives them.
WineX 2024 promises to celebrate the diversity and dynamism of South Africa’s wine landscape, and these entrepreneurs will boldly display this.
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