05 Apr 2022

 

The second edition of Jwaneng Wine Experience left oenophiles, wine lovers, calling for more refills at the mining town on Saturday. Even though the event started later than planned, with wine lovers skeptical about the event taking place, the patrons lived to its expectation as the patrons came in respectable numbers.

Clinging of glassware, the aroma of various wines jelled with the tunes of local artistes such as Motlha, Nnunu Ramogotsi, Khoisan and Ancestral Ritual, which complemented the clings and wine aromas. The event’s ambiance was sophisticated, a proof that wine unlike other beverages was chic. Some of the wines that were availed for tasting included kanonkop kadette, promoting cabernet Sauvignon variety.

In an interview, one off the participants, Bame Sekgoma who is the founder of Wine Art, said that the event was an exposure to new businesses such as hers. “The event was well organised although customers came late.

We managed to establish a good traction with clients for future opportunities.

It was the first time for us to attend a wine show because we were only established in 2021,” she said. Sekgoma said that although they had expected a bigger crowd, they nonetheless managed to make good sales from those who came.

“The size of the crowd was manageable, and we will definitely be here for the next event,” she said Sekgoma said that her business sells wine accessories such as wine glasses, wine openers, wine stoppers, bottle openers and others, either as packages to organisations or to individuals.

 Motlhalefi Motshelanoka, a sales assistant for Distell also said that the event went well, and that they were looking forward to more of such. “We are also confident that the event has potential to improve for the better with time.

They need to bring in more brands as well as working with more local artistes,” he said. Motshelanoka, also said that they are looking forward to the next event, but felt that Jwaneng needed more accommodation facilities as most revellers and stakeholders commuted from Gaborone, which also posed a risk for those travelling at night.

One reveller, Thobo Masie was happy for the atmosphere of the event. “I personally liked the event for the fact that it created a conducive chilling session for the adult population who want to have a good time, but feel too old to go to bars,” she said. Masie said that the event was good for elderly couples to bond and enjoy love. Jwaneng wine experienced started in 2019 with plans to hold it annually, but due to the COVID 19 pandemic, it did not materialise for the past two years until this year. ENDS