Join Sauvignon Blanc South Africa for a terroir-driven tasting led by renowned wine authority Michael Fridjhon, and discover how Sauvignon Blanc expresses the nuances of terroir like few other grape varieties can.

Explore the cultivar’s remarkable versatility and its ability to reflect site across South Africa’s dramatically varied climatic zones. From cool coastal regions to inland vineyards with altitude, Sauvignon Blanc thrives in diversity, offering a full spectrum of styles: from crisp, mineral-driven wines to layered, textured expressions. A not-to-be-missed masterclass in place, precision, and the stylistic possibilities of South Africa’s #wildwhitewine.

The tasting will be presented by Swartland Wines Cellarmaster, Riaan van der Spuy, as a review of high-altitude vine-growing, with specific reference to the implications for South Africa. The objectives will be twofold. Firstly to define and describe high-altitude viticulture as an international concept, together with its associated implications for winegrowing, the benefits it offers, and the challenges it poses. Secondly, it will explore high-altitude viticulture and its producers in South Africa.

The tasting will provide a background of both the literature and personal experiences of high-altitude winegrowers relating to the climatic and natural factors affecting high-altitude viticulture, the chemical and physical properties of grapes and subsequently, the specific challenges associated with high altitudes.

Paul Clüver from Paul Clüver Wines challenges the narrow focus on distance to market when assessing carbon footprints in the wine industry. He reveals how factors like bottle weight, packaging materials, and transport mode often outweigh mere distance in environmental impact. We also question the boundaries of carbon responsibility, especially claims of carbon neutrality that exclude indirect emissions. While a good starting point is for producers to measure their direct carbon footprint, true sustainability demands a broader view—one that accounts for the entire value chain and encourages more transparent, accountable practices across the industry.

Presented by Mr. Bubbles himself, Pieter Ferreira, chairman of the Cap Classique Producers’ Association will guide you as you taste the shining stars of Cap Classique from the 5 recognised style classes in this informative session.

Join Francois Haasbroek from Blackwater Wines for a critical look at the evolution and future of Syrah in South Africa; is it just a name that is interchangeable with Shiraz or does it have a stylistic evolution that merits investigation? The collection of wines in the seminar will represent examples from members of Shiraz South Africa.

In this tasting, Dr. Winnie Bowman (CWM) will take guests on a journey as they taste and experience Potstill and Cape brandies, with a minimum maturation age of 10 years and older, equivalent to the XO description. The brandies presented have won brandy trophies either at IWSC and ISC in London, or similar accolades. We will also showcase some newer innovative brandies. Each will be expertly paired with a handmade chocolate or truffle.

In this reflective and inspiring session, Fairtrade celebrates two decades of Fairtrade wine in South Africa — a story of progress and positive impacts. Through stories, Paul Colditz (Fairtrade SA) will highlight the journey of change, of children that have accessed education resources and new opportunities breaking generational cycles through Fairtrade Premium investments. Explore the link between a high-quality bottle and the brighter futures it enables

Join Gary Jordan from Jordan Wine Estate as he delves into how climate change has hastened the need to identify isohydric grape varieties suitable for dry-land farming. Isohydric varieties are those that close their leaf stomata when they sense a drop in soil water potential, or an increase in the atmospheric demand. Varieties such as Assyrtiko, amongst others, can cope with low water or drought conditions.