The origins of winemaking stem back many millennia, with the earliest evidence pointing to 6000 B.C. With a process so rich in heritage, there’s a lot of lore to understand and a subculture of “wineos” to engage with. The 2022 WineX is an exhibition of South African wine, and a celebration of the finest vintages that Mzansi has to offer. You may only be starting your vinous journey, or only learning about the WineX festival now – so let’s talk about what’s so great about it!
150+ Exhibitors
As you may know, no two wine estates produce identical bottles of wine. The farm where the grapes were grown, the soil its grown in (known as terroir), the weather conditions during the growing season, the pressing and fermentation process used, and what the wine is mixed with all have drastic effects on how it tastes. This is why it’s exciting to note that there will be over 150 exhibitors at the 2022 WineX festival, hailing from across the country, from big name farms and production houses, to smaller, exclusive boutiques. With such a wide variety of exhibitors, there literally will be something for everyone, including olives, olive oils, specialist meats, cheese and chocolates from Ghana which you can pair with each glass.
Over 800 wines and champagnes on show
Further to this, the wine list will boast over 800 different bottles of wine and champagne from across South Africa, with a fair scattering of international bottles mixed in as well. While the exact wine list is still being finalised at this stage, you can know with full confidence that your next favourite will be at the 2022 WineX festival.
Bespoke tastings
While the bottles and displays will no doubt be beautiful, we all know why we’d really attend an event like the 2022 WineX festival – to pop some corks and taste the wines! Festivals can be bustling events where people may feel rushed to move from stall to stall, but WineX features much more intimate ways of engaging with the wines on show, so you can taste and enjoy them on your own or with a small group of friends.
Shop@Show
Why stop at tasting though, since a bottle of wine is best put to use when shared in the comfort of your own home. The 2022 WineX festival will once again feature Shop@Show, a facility allowing visitors to procure some of their favourites. There is also a rewards programme incentivising each purchase you make.
Staying Safe
With so much merriment, it’s important to have somewhere close by to “decant” after all your tastings. Thankfully, there are a couple of options around the Sandton Convention Centre which we can recommend – giving you that home away from home experience after you’re done at WineX!
Courtyard Hotel Sandton is a stunning hotel which is conveniently close to the festival – it’s just down Maude Street at the intersection with Rivonia Road, so you could even walk if you feel so inclined. City Lodge Hotel Sandton, Katherine Street and City Lodge Hotel Sandton, Morningside, are also great options that are both essentially just a 5-minute Uber away from the Sandton Convention Centre. Finally, Road Lodge Sandton is also just a 5-minute drive away and offers a very affordable rate for visitors just looking to spend the night nearby.