FIVE MORE REASONS – BEYOND THE BEST BOTTLES – TO VISIT THE TOPS AT SPAR WINE SHOW
If the promise of fine wine isn’t enough to lure you to next weekend’s TOPS at SPAR Wine Show – the seventh consecutive time it will be hosted in the Bay – here are five more very good reasons to pop in after work on Thursday 4th and Friday 5th August or make a Saturday of it on the 6th.
It’s The Greatest Show Unearthed!
This year the show has a fabulous theme: vintage! It’s a throw-back to a bygone era and everything from the drapery to the dress will be old-school-is-cool. Having wowed show-goers in Johannesburg and Durban earlier this year, the show’s personality is based on its seven sassy characters, each representing different personalities of wine: There’s Ruby, the cheeky Acrobat; Scarlett, the Ring Mistress, a bubbly beauty who steals the show; Sadé, the Juggler who delicately balances the art and science of wine; Grace, the Unicyclist, who is quietly confident yet leaves a memorable mark; Pierre, The Chef, an uninhibited artiste who uses his talent to create liquid masterpieces, and Finn, the Marionette, a boyish charmer who loves a crowd. Come dressed up as your favourite and channel your wine alter ego.
The Weekend Post Wine Theatre
A firm favourite among show-goers, the pop-up theatre is back with a jam-packed line-up of interactive tastings and talks about wine in all its glory presented by those in the know. Take your seat from Thursday through to Saturday evening to enjoy at least one of 12 hot topics. Highlights include JC Le Roux’s Nougat & Wine Pairing, a delectable treat for anyone with a sweet tooth and a fondness for fizz, The Glen Carlou story told through Chardonnay and La Bri’s Wine and Lokum (Turkish Delight) tasting. Each 30 minutes long, they offer visitors a chance to learn more about wine in a fun, edu-taining setting. While access to the Theatre is included in your ticket, seats are based on a first-come-first-served basis so check out the schedule at www.wineshow.co.za in advance and get there early!
A feast of food to pair with your fine wine
Whether you’re in the mood for a taster or a whole meal you won’t be disappointed by the mouth-watering menu prepared by Sun International. Lunch-time visitors can purchase gourmet-sized dishes of skewered biltong dusted rare beef with fresh basil; lightly toasted herb brochette and Pinotage pearl onion; heirloom tomato and deep fried feta salad served with micro greens and organic micro radish; lamb tagine served with spiced couscous and toasted almonds or skewered teriyaki chicken fillet with roasted porcini mushroom, Rosa tomato and grilled baby marrow.
Come evening, diners will be delighted with a selection of skewered king prawns, brushed with a lemon, chilli, garlic and coriander marinade; chicken, prawn and chorizo paella; pulled pork taco’s served with a chili Asian slaw and mini gourmet lamb bunny chows served with coriander salsa.
Take your pick or enjoy them tapas-style and share among friends; just make sure you pair your fare with the most complementary fine wine – there really is no excuse not to experiment. Cheese platters will also be available all show long.
Are you well Red?
Presented in partnership with local book store, Fogarty’s, is a novel pop-up Wine & Book Pairing experience. Collaborating with Maryna Strachan, Editor of Wine Extra magazine and revered wine buff, Theresa Fogarty has paired her top ten literary tales with a well-matched Merlot, Shiraz, Chardonnay or MCC from exhibitors at the show. Learn a little about different genres of books and styles of writing and which quaff to best enjoy it with. Here’s a sneak peek: Pair JoJo Moyes’ The Girl You Left Behind with a Sauvignon Blanc like D’Aria’s. Or get lost in L.S Hilton’s Maestro in one hand and Delheim’s Pinotage Rosé in the other: both offer a twist that will tickle you pink.
It’s Show Time!
An extravaganza wouldn’t be complete without a good dose of entertainment, and the TOPS at SPAR Wine Show won’t disappoint. Take your picture with a larger-than-life stilt walker and mingle with the ushers, pourers and hosts who put on their finest and welcome you to The Greatest Show Unearthed. Or join in the fun and add a sparkly head band to your look or finish off your fashion with a set of tails and bowler hat; whatever gets you in the mood.
To think this is only five reasons to attend…. We haven’t even mentioned the 42 exhibitors who will bring their history, mystery and alchemy of wine. Excited? Tickets are available at www.itickets.co.za. Don’t miss out.
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