The Joburg Wine Show

The Jo'burg Wine Show has for the past three years captured the imagination of the wine drinking public as a fun, interactive and educational event that brings the best of the Cape Winelands to the doorstep of Gauteng consumers.  The show has differentiated itself from the numerous other wine showcase events by offering an educational personal and creative opportunity for the public to taste, explore and buy the best of South African wines.

Within three years of its inception, The Jo'burg Wine Show has become the fastest growing wine show in the country. According to event organiser John Woodward, the show has exceeded all expectations for quality of visitor resulting in an excellent return on investment for exhibitors.  "In 2007, the show attracted 5500 visitors of which 41% were wine show novices, we're expecting to hit the 8000 visitor mark this year.    The attendance statistics revealed that the unique format of the show appealed to both the wine connoisseur and a younger, non-traditional wine drinker looking for an informal, accessible introduction to wine and this indicates that there is an enormous growth potential in terms of untapped market segments," mentions Woodward.

Show statistics also indicated that 82% of visitors actually bought wine during the 2007 show, which delivered a measurable return on investment for the wineries and estates exhibiting during the show.  The show therefore does not only offer exhibitors the opportunity for brand exposure and positioning in the highly lucrative Gauteng market, but also creates a competitive retail opportunity in a highly receptive audience.  The fact that 70% of the stands booked to date are repeat exhibitors bears testament to the retail impact the show has created.

"We limit the number of stands and have booked the largest space at Gallagher to ensure that visitors can once again experience the one-on-one experience with the various wineries in a spacious, personalised environment.  The fact that we have the best retail spend per visitor of any show in the country is evidence to the winning formula of the show.  This is a golden opportunity for wine producers to achieve the ultimate marketing objective - creating a relationship with their customers and getting their products in the hands of a potential consumer," states Woodward.

The Jo'burg Wine Show also features a strong edutainment aspect with a dedicated "Wine Theatre" where free tutored tastings and educationals are conducted as well as a "Friends for Dinner Theatre" where celebrity chefs and renowned winemakers teach the art of food and wine pairing.