The Standard Bank WineX 2024, held from 30 October to 1 November at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, was a phenomenal showcase for twelve exceptional black-owned South African wine brands.
Brunhilda Brinkhuis, enterprise development coordinator at South Africa Wine, said the event brought wine lovers together to explore and appreciate wine brands at the South Africa Wine stand.
“The attendees who participated in the Standard Bank WineX 2024 exhibition were vibrant, interactive, and enthusiastic. They responded positively to the brands showcased at the South Africa Wine stand.”
Brinkhuis said it was the first opportunity for many attendees to taste the wines from these brands.
“However, it was the intriguing stories behind the brands and the exceptional quality of the wines that captured their interest,” she explained.
This enthusiasm, she added, was particularly heartening as it represented the public’s growing support for South African wine producers.
Zulu Girl Wines makes memorable debut
Zulu Girl Wines, represented by Pam Biyela, enthusiastically celebrated their successful debut at WineX.
“We are thrilled to share that Zulu Girl Wines had an unforgettable experience as first-time exhibitors.”
Biyela expressed appreciation for the audience’s genuine interest in Zulu Girl’s unique story and cultural significance.
“The reception to our brand was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees showing genuine interest in our story and values. Many were captivated by the cultural richness and uniqueness that Zulu Girl Wines brings to the South African wine scene.”
For Biyela, it was particularly rewarding to see Zulu Girl Wines valued for its craftsmanship and deep cultural roots.
Redamancy Vineyards: Meaningful connections
Antoinette Rapitsi of Redamancy Vineyards said her overall experience was great.
“WineX as a concept is well-organised, and the support from South Africa Wine and Brunhilda was great and very helpful,” Rapitsi remarked.
However, she pointed out that a few adjustments could enhance future events. Rapitsi expressed a preference for a designated trade day for more meaningful connections with industry insiders.
Despite these challenges, her brand was positively received, with attendees expressing enthusiasm, curiosity, and praise.
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Bayede Wines: Showcasing award-winning brandy
Bayede Wines also made a strong impression on attendees, and their representative, Ansie Truter, was thrilled by the response from WineX visitors.
“Winex 2024 exceeded my expectations in many ways. The event was impeccably organised, and the layout of the hall was both spacious and inviting.”
For Bayede Wines, the event highlight was the recognition their award-winning XO brandy received from knowledgeable wine connoisseurs. However, Truter raised concerns about the event’s purchasing system, wondering about the reliability of sales tracking.
“It’s unclear how many scans actually converted into sales, which raises questions about the system’s efficiency and reliability.”
Catch the inspiring stories of these brands in Food For Mzansi’s upcoming Faces of Summer Campaign, where the inspiring wine brands spill the stories behind their success and, of course, their top wine picks for the festive season.
Introducing Three Quarter Wines to new audiences
For Mahalia Kotjane, owner and winemaker of Three Quarter Wines, WineX was a significant milestone.
“Participating in the Standard Bank WineX was a milestone for us. As a young brand, this opportunity allowed us to introduce Three Quarter Wines to a broader audience,” she said.
Kotjane found that while many attendees were unfamiliar with her brand, they connected strongly with its story and quality. “This positive response confirmed that there’s an appetite in the market for what we offer, and that’s very motivating,” she shared.
Preparation pays off for LucMo Wines
Lucia Motloung, the owner of LucMo Wines, expressed similar sentiments, highlighting how WineX offered substantial exposure and networking opportunities.
“The preparations leading to WineX were great for our business growth as this was the first time we participated in a show of that magnitude,” she explained.
“The response was extremely positive, and our brand was well received by customers. They loved and appreciated the story of our brand, which was really encouraging for Luc Mo Wines.”
Motloung noted that day one was particularly successful, with organised interactions that allowed her to make valuable connections.
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