• The TOPS at SPAR Wine Show makes a welcome return to Nelspruit from 28 to 30 November for a dazzling ‘POURformance’ at Emnotweni Casino’s Arena. South Africa’s biggest and boldest travelling wine show is WINEding its way to seven cities around the country this year – and Nelspruit looks set to be a grape escape for wine-lovers.

    Andrew Douglas, Owner and Producer of The Wine Show, says this is the show’s third appearance in Nelspruit. “This year’s show at Emnotweni will deliver more than ever before – with an amazing line-up of well-known and as-yet-undiscovered gems from the world-renowned Cape winelands for tasting and buying, entertainment at every turn, interactive edutainment in our popular wine theatre.”

    “The Wine Show is always fun, and it offers something for every wine-lover from novice to aficionado; it’s the place to stock up on old favourites and make new discoveries, which can be shipped free of charge with our complimentary ‘Sip ‘n Ship’ service,” he adds.

    Some of the crowd-pleasing attractions include the Wine Label Design Awards presented by Rotolabel, and a chance to win wine for a year with Stellenbosch Vineyards. Industry players who participate in the show to deliver content and build awareness of their roles in the industry include the Platter’s Wine Guide,  Aware.org (previously ARA), the VinPro Foundation, Proudly South African, and the DTI which, as a catalyst for transformation and change and a promoter of cultural diversity in the wine industry, brings five new wine farms to the show in each city. The SPAR Sommeliers Olive Brook selection will showcase their two new ranges, Everyday and Terroir Selection, in a talk on ‘Complex but not Confusing’ in the 40-seat wine theatre.

    Says Adam McIntyre, Operations Director & Complex GM of Emnotweni Casino, “We are extremely excited to be hosting the TOPS at SPAR Wine Show once again and to be giving Nelspruit residents the chance to experience the unique mix of education and entertainment that makes it a great place to see, taste and learn about the diversity of South Africa’s world-famous wines. We look forward to welcoming thousands of wine-loving Lowveld residents to Emnotweni.”

    Tickets are priced at R185 for a General Admission ticket, which includes a tasting glass, show guide, access to wine theatres and unlimited tastings. A special Weekend Pass ticket, priced at R280, has been created for the ultimate wine-lover to spend both Friday and Saturday exploring the exceptional wines and edutainment experiences on offer at the show, and includes a complimentary Platters Wine Guide worth R270. Show times are 17h00 to 21h00 on Thursday and Friday, and 15h00 to 21h00 on Saturday.

    The TOPS at SPAR Wine Show’s #DrinkSmart programme promotes responsible alcohol consumption and safe driving practices at the event. A number of safe, convenient and affordable choices have been implemented by the TOPS at SPAR Wine Show, allowing guests to “Drink wine but stay fine!”, including free rides with Goodfella’s, available on request at the entrance.

    For more information and to book tickets, visit www.wineshow.co.za.

    Imka Webb
    Author

    Imka Webb is a freelance digital marketing expert and the digital editor of Food & Home Entertaining magazine.  www.imkawebb.com