September 2022 saw the return of the premier trade event, CapeWine, after a four-year hiatus hosted at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The event brought together key industry stakeholders from around the globe over three days of seminars, tastings and producer events and most importantly nurturing vital relationships under the theme of Sustainability360.
Sustainability is a driving factor of our modern world, and nowhere is this more prevalent than in SA’s wine industry, with the vast majority found in the Western Cape biosphere, recognised as one of the most diverse in the world. The impetus of sustainability is furthered in light of the water crisis highlighted by the risk of “Day Zero” of 2017 and 2018. The significance of 360 points to the full circle nature of sustainability and the over 360 years of winemaking in SA.
CapeWine 2022 saw visitors from over 60 countries and 417 exhibiting producers with just under 2000 guests registered from local and international trade as well as members of the media for the three days.
The Paserene team including Martin Smith, winemaker and part owner, had the privilege of exhibiting this year. The event was a rich experience of connecting and learning from the dynamic array of exhibitors and seminars, many of whom are valued colleagues of the SA wine world. The event was also an opportunity to deepen and create new relationships from around the world, in particular from China, the Netherlands, Sweden and the USA.
Paserene was also proud to take part in the special events for the Franschhoek Wine Valley, the home of Paserene’s tasting lounge, the Nest. Martin also attended a Chardonnay event hosted by Johann de Wet where Martin brought greater awareness of the new release of the Paserene Chardonnay with its new label art indicating the change of vineyard and wine lifted by floral notes. The tasting was followed by a dinner where Anthony Hamilton Russel gave a beautiful speech highlighting Chardonnay’s unique and vibrant position in South African wine.
CapeWine 2022 was an exceptional event by WoSA and sponsored by DHL for the third consecutive time. The three days were a whirlwind of activity with wonderful connections which Paserene is looking forward to nurturing. There is already much anticipation for future events, particularly for CapeWine 2025 as the event returns to its three-year cycle.
