The move to relocate is perfectly timed to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Freedom Charter on the Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication and - taking place in early September - is the perfect event to kick off a Spring Celebration in Soweto.
Another significant change to this year's festival is the opening times. Feedback from previous editions of the festival have prompted the following changes: the festival will no longer launch on a Thursday. Friday kicks off from 6pm to 10pm, Saturday 6pm to 10pm, and for the first time in history will be open on Sunday: 2pm to 6pm.
Marilyn Cooper, festival co-founder, said: "Moving to the historic Walter Sisulu Square allows us to introduce a new format that will increase the festival's capacity to create a multi-tiered platform for visitors, wineries, food and lifestyle brands. This includes the launch of a magnificent premium wine floor with VIP tickets for sale to the public for the first time in our 10-year history. Those brands looking to present their wines to an exclusive audience of VIPs are now able to do so in a most beautiful setting."
Over the past decade, the Soweto Wine and Lifestyle Festival has established itself as the benchmark for success for township wine festivals, attracting thousands of visitors to Soweto, positioning Soweto as a tourist destination and business hub, and inspiring the launch of sister wine events in Gugulethu, KwaMashu and Mozambique. The festival itself encourages continued investment in Soweto and secures in excess of R10 million annually in positive AVEs across media platforms worldwide, whilst many of South Africa's leading brands have used the festival to launch products and campaigns.
Over the past 10 years the festival has been highly influential in expanding the 'emerging' black wine consumer market, creating a large new wine-loving market that corporate sponsors now have easy access to.
• Soweto-based businesses and entrepreneurs ensure that the festival provides a showcase of the Best of Soweto with the Best of South Africa for #72HoursInSoweto;
• Host city, Joburg Tourism, will be showcasing the city's top events, from Joy of Jazz to the Sansui Summer Cup;
• VIP host, Durban Tourism, will be launching its summer campaign to media, tourism stakeholders and key partners in a VIP night filled with music, wine and entertainment from the City of Sun. Festival visitors can once again expect to find the Best of Durban on display;
• A number of South Africa's top wineries will be offering tastings, wine classes and activations; and
• Visitors to the festival can buy the best South African wine at cellar door prices; an ideal opportunity to grow your own wine collection to enjoy at home and impress your friends.
To showcase your wines at the 2015 Soweto Wine and Lifestyle Festival, email Heinrich at az.oc.lavitsefeniwotewos@hcirnieh or visit the Soweto Wine and Lifestyle Festival site.
