3RD BRANDY FESTIVAL CELEBRATES SA BRANDY – THE WORLD’S FINEST
Standard Bank Fine Brandy Festival, 5 to 7 May 2010, Sandton Sun, Sandton, Johannesburg
Borne from the vine, distilled to perfection and crowned by the world, South African brandy has no equal. Celebrating South Africa’s iconic elixir, the Standard Bank Fine Brandy Festival is a unique, all-brandy event taking place from 5 to 7 May 2010 at the Sandton Sun.
Now in its third year, the Standard Bank Fine Brandy Festival is an initiative by the South African Brandy Foundation in sponsorship with Standard Bank, providing a sophisticated showcase where visitors can experience the triumphs of the country’s distillers.
Themed ‘South African Brandy: the world’s finest’, the festival opens the door to the local brandy industry’s continued achievements on the world stage. Bringing together all who share a passion for this treasured drink, connoisseurs and budding brandy enthusiasts will mingle with major distillers, multi-award winning brandy masters and smaller, single-estate brandy makers.
“With its discernibly South African character resulting from our soils, sun-ripened grapes and copper stills, brandy is one of our country’s true national products and most treasured drinks,” says Ielanda Koen, South African Brandy Foundation spokesperson. “It is of special significance that we dedicate the 3rd festival to South African brandy’s world status in a year that the global attention is on our country.”
The event is an upmarket showcase where visitors can experience for themselves the triumphs of the country’s distillers, according to Michael Fridjhon, wine legend and seasoned event organiser. “The message that festival goers will take from the festival is not only of brandy’s extraordinary smoothness and aromas, but about brandy as South Africa’s unique expression in a very sophisticated beverage market.”
Festival Highlights:
The festival line-up includes the largest collection of South African brandies ever assembled under one roof, showcasing the full spectrum of the brandy industry’s achievements. Guests can sip, nose and explore their way through matured Cape pot still treasures, vintage and blended brandies of remarkable quality.
The new 2010 Walk of Fame pays tribute to pioneers of the industry and brandy greats crowned worldwide best on the international competition arena. Adding to the multi-faceted show experience, the Brandy Aroma Wheel treats the nose to the subtle and complex flavours in fine brandies, ranging from violets to vanilla, cedar wood to citrus, chocolate to cigar box, and mint to mocha.
For the first time the handcrafted brandies of Van Loveren, Grundheim and De Compagnie can be savoured at the festival as The Artisan Collection puts the spotlight on artisanal brandies made in preciously small amounts, and which can otherwise only be experienced at the cellar.
Cinema Paradiso, an innovative new Salon Privé capturing a cinematic mood, offers a luxurious chill out lounge. Here matured brandy treasures can be enjoyed with nouveau canapés such as popcorn with brandy butter.
To showcase the versatility of brandy, mixologists – the modern day masters of the bar – raise the bar with their contemporary approach and expertly crafted brandy-based cocktails.
By popular demand Abie Valentyn, Van Ryn’s veteran cooper with 36 years in the trade, returns for more action, keeping the truly hand-made process of The Cooper’s Craft in the spotlight as he assembles barrels and finishes off with his signature tune.
The SA Brandy Foundation is a member of ARA. The Standard Bank Fine Brandy Festival supports moderate and responsible enjoyment of brandy. Corporate Cab services available.
For full details on festival events and bookings visit www.brandyfestival.co.za or e-mail info@sabrandy.co.za
Practical details:
Standard Bank Fine Brandy Festival
5 to 7 May 2010, Sandton Sun, Sandton. (5th May by invitation only)
Times: 17h00 – 21h00 (no entry after 20h30)
Cost: R195, include a brandy glass and beverage vouchers
Tickets available from Computicket or at the door.
No visitors under 18 years.
Booking a Corporate Cab:
To book a Corporate Cab for an evening at the Standard Bank Fine Brandy Festival, either log onto www.corporatecabs.co.za and follow the Brandy Festival link, or call 0800 800 800 to book with one of their call center agents. All bookings are immediately confirmed by email. An SMS gets sent to the festival goer an hour prior to pickup stating the driver’s name and cell number.
Corporate Cabs provide Brandy Festival patrons with a 10% off the standard Corporate Cabs rates for fares above R100.
- DATE
- March 2010
- ISSUED BY
- Errieda du Toit PR
- FOR
- South African Brandy Foundation
- QUERIES
- Errieda du Toit or Ian du Toit
(021) 913 2248
082 547 6153 (Ian) / 082 921 3842 (Errieda)
ian@edtpr.co.za / errieda@edtpr.co.za
