Ghana and South Africa wine trade was boosted over the weekend as some South African wine companies introduced their class of wines to the Ghanaian market.

Wesgro, the official Tourism, Trade and Investment promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape in South Africa assembled some of SA’s best wine brands in separate wine pairing and exhibition programs.

This was aimed at enhancing wine trade between Ghana and South Africa.

Ghana’s hospitality industry interfaced with the South African wine industry as seven South African wine companies; Libby’s Pride Wines Cc, M’hudi Family Trust, Aslina Wines, Siwela Wines (Pty) Ltd, Ses’Fikile wines (Pty) Ltd, Thokozani Wines and Koni Wines put their wines on show over the weekend.

Wine Tasting & Pairing Event

Last Thursday, key players in the hospitality industry had the unique opportunity of tasting the class of wines from the exhibitors.

Wesgro and its partner agency in Ghana, KobaltBlue Events Limited, hosted an exclusive food and wine dinner for trade, media and VIP guests. The wines were paired with a fusion menu of Ghanaian, African and continental dishes.

This was held at the Chapter 1 Restaurant, the premier wine tasting club in Ghana at the five-star, award-winning luxury boutique hotel, Villa Monticello.

Guests comprised of portfolio managers working in the food and beverage/hospitality industry, importers, wine boutiques, wine connoisseurs and enthusiasts, lifestyle and culinary journalists.

Wesgro International Trade Manager for Africa, Tatiana dos Santos, explained the objective of the event “saying to increase awareness of premium brands in the market and create a platform for new exhibitors to meet traders from upmarket hospitality.”

He added, “Another key objective is to grow South Africa’s market share and create an appreciation for South African wines. It is also important for people to have a better knowledge of SA wines and understand how to consume these wines correctly; the promotion is key in spreading this message.”

Mr dos Santos was hopeful “Ghanaian supermarkets purchase and stock more South African wines and to see more Ghanaians drinking South African wines responsibly.”

Brands on exhibition

On Saturday and Sunday at the 6th AccraPremium Food Festival - the Finest Food, Drink, Hospitality and Lifestyle celebration for the family in Ghana at the Accra Polo Club, the five funded wine companies exhibited their brand of wines to the Ghanaian market.

The exhibiting companies were made up of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) wine producers who have interesting traditions to their businesses and are passionate about exploring the potential of the Ghana-South Africa wine industry;

Libby's Pride Wines

From Tea Lady to Wine Lady, Elizabeth started in the wine industry 19 years ago. At the time she carried no knowledge of wine and had to go study about it, but after a prelim course, she got a new mind-set of how to enjoy and appreciate wine.

Her vision is to provide good quality wines and have a consistent supply. Her nickname and her star sign which is Leo; carry Libby’s pride, and that symbol is of Strength and Pride.

Aslina

Hailing from KwaZulu Natal, Ntsiki Biyela, embarked on a life-changing journey to the Cape Winelands. It was here where she discovered her passion and talent for creating captivating wines. Out of her dream, comes a brand that pays tribute to her greatest inspiration; her beloved grandmother, Aslina.

M’hudi Wines

M'hudi wines are the first fully black-owned wine farm in South Africa and are led by an African woman. They are 15 years in the wine industry and make good quality wines. They have two brands; a premium brand meant for food and a medium-range brand which is for easy drinking.

Ses’ fikile Wines

Ses’fikile means we have arrived, a brand the wine market has been waiting for - Award-winning wines that trumpet the African Renaissance.

Siwela Wines

Siwela Wines is a producer of great quality wines and was established in the Western Cape. They are a proudly African brand and aim to encourage wine enthusiasts to embrace the beautiful African culture, heritage and originality through each sip of Siwela winesGhana as a wine trading destination

Ghana’s wine market continues to show some growth due to the increase of high-income middle-class earners, the expatriate community and tourists. Ghana is an important export market and offers expanding market opportunities for the industry.

In addition, wine is generally perceived to be a healthier alcoholic beverage as a result, people are gradually shifting from consuming beer to wine.

Ghana’s wine knowledge base continues to grow and the promotion of South African wine in Ghana will further advance market opportunities for both Ghana and South Africa.