Says FNBB: If Not, Wine Not?

Wine. Societies and cultures across the globe have this one drink as a common asset. Possibly one of the most famous references to the fermented beverage is Biblical – when Jesus Christ performed his first miracle at a wedding in Cana at the encouragement of his mother, Mary. However, while the scriptures don’t state what varietal the water in the stone jars turned into, the remark by the guests that the best had been saved leads one to believe that it was something to be celebrated. [ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type="show" ihc_mb_who="1,2,3,4" ihc_mb_template="1" ] First National Bank Botswana called the public to commune and experience miracles of their own at the 2023 instalment of the First Wine Show. The event has been a feature of the Botswana landscape since 2018, and the collaboration between Tamasa Trading Wines and the financial institution continues to entertain while it educates. Curated as a laid back event, it is approachable to novices and aficionados who descended upon the Stanbic Piazza at Molapo Crossing on a temperate autumn afternoon. The diversity in the guests’ personal stylings was a reflection of the inclusiveness of the label ‘wine drinker’. With that said, the sold out public showcase was preceded by a corporate tasting evening for high value clientele. As a landlocked country, Botswana is not primed to be a land for the wine lover. This unfortunate fact translates into people either settling for whatever is available near them under the belief that falling for distinct wines is tantamount to shooting oneself in the foot. What the First Wine Show set out to do is bridge the gaps between attraction, appreciation and local availability. In partnering with Liquorama, guests were not only transported to various distant wine lands of South Africa while guaranteed that they would be able to walk away with a bottle of their favourite on the day – and return at their will to find more in stock in future. This business-to-business approach serves as an extension of the bank’s slogan, “How Can We Help You?” Tamasa Trading Wines, whose dealing with First National Bank includes in Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, and Namibia – where they also host a whiskey show – represents a spread of wineries. With Africa being seen as “the last frontier to grow a wine portfolio,” according to Tamasa founder, Barry de Vries, the business operates to match high-end wineries with retailers across the African continent and globally. On the role of wine shows in expanding their imprint, de Vries states that they serve to enlighten members of the public while also enabling them to confidently engage with restaurateurs and hoteliers when requesting wines that have impressed them. The winery representatives did their part in providing captivating descriptions of their offerings, ensuring that no question went unanswered. African Premium Brands’ Derik Lourens expounded on the fact that while their Blue Diamond range of wines is easy on the pocket, this is a due to the fact the makers opted to prioritise varietals that are naturally suited their locale. Nicola Malherbe, grandniece to the person after whom Sarah’s Creek is named, wove their family’s legacy into the framing of how their wines are whimsical and adventurous in Sarah’s honour and the place that brought her great joy as a child. Hoopenburg’s winemakers make Madeleine Lubbe’s life a breeze with their superbly executed wines. The Blanc de Noir made from cabernet sauvignon grapes on previously unused land on the farm makes for a delightful bubbly. While guests got a chance to sample the organic wines from Waterkloof, based in Somerset West in the Stellenbosch region, the pleasure of experiencing the Circumstance Cabernet Franc from the perch of the glass restaurant at the wine farm after learning about the biodynamic practices they employ added to the ambience. Through joining the group of exhibitors this year, Mulderbosch looks to break into the local market, adding to their Namibian imprint as they continue to expand across the continent. New York-based, Cape Classics brought their global flavours, including their Braai range which is tailored to pair with the ubiquitous grilled meat tradition of southern Africa – further expanding how people imagine the role of wine in their lifestyles. The FNB First Wine Show continues to offer people in Botswana a chance to travel through their palettes. A worthwhile investment in regional and international business development, it goes without a doubt that those who have been there before will be eagerly awaiting the next instalment. It may not take much time for the landlocked country known for beef and diamonds to be mentioned among wine nations, which may seem to some a miracle in itself. [/ihc-hide-content]

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Says FNBB: If Not, Wine Not?

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