Experience KZN wine&dine to launch at
2010 Indaba
This year’s Indaba
tourism trade show will include a dynamic new feature spotlighting
KwaZulu-Natal through an innovative food and wine showcase featuring an
array of iconic chefs and wines made by The Stables Wine Estate.
The Indaba trade show at the Albert Lithuli Convention Centre in Durban
from 8 to 11 May - already Africa’s biggest tourism trade show – will
feature the Experience KZN wine&dine display coordinated by Africa Meets
Europe chef Mphume Mqwebu, The Stables Wine Estate and Tourism KZN.
The Experience KZN wine&dine stand will feature demonstrations by some
of the best KwaZulu-Natal based chefs and a few visiting international
chefs, including Chris Kolo and Lamile Ngidi of Zimbali Lodge, Fanie
Sebapo and Dickson Nyamushwa of Barra Lodge in Mozambique, Futhi Ngomane
of Zen Africa Chef Academy, Brendan Newport of Bean Bag Bohemia, Jackie
Piccard of Zamara, Mathabo Kunene as the chef that catered for Nelson
Mandela's wedding, the 3 Chefs restaurant and The Stables Wine Estate
City Cellar executive chef Janine Kahn.
“It is going to be a landmark occasion!” said Mqwebu, who is driven by
her passion of rich African culture and its diverse cuisine. Africa
Meets Europe operates as a private and corporate function catering
company and includes elements from a variety of African cuisines fused
with European influences.
“Through the expertise of the chefs and others that have already
committed to the project we will be able to take visitors on a cultural
trip around KwaZulu-Natal in terms of locally influenced cuisine,
locally produced wines from the Midlands and home grown indigenous
entertainment of storytelling, music and dance.” Mqwebu added.
The Stables Wine Estate is KZN’s first wine estate and responsible for
putting KZN on the wine map of the world, producing their first KZN
wines in 2005 they have gone on to win many national and international
awards.
The Stables Wine Estate has become a popular KwaZulu-Natal tourist
destination, offering visitors a chance to taste a wide range of red,
white and rose wines list and enjoy some typical Midlands delicacies.
Owners Tiny and Judy van Niekerk were responsible for the designation of
KwaZulu-Natal as a certified wine producing region, and are passionate
about expanding the industry in the province and establishing global
best winemaking practices.
Experience KZN wine&dine is the brainchild of Judy van Niekerk of The
Stables Wine Estate. ‘I felt there was too much emphasis on the Cape and
Gauteng as excellent cuisine destinations, whilst there was no attention
given to KZN and its multi cultural influences that create an eclectic
array of flavours and tastes,” said Van Niekerk.
Experience KZN wine&dine will be launched at Indaba 2010 in association
with TKZN and Department of Arts and Culture. This concept not only
focuses on promoting KZN as a wine and food destination but also has
packages that will allow both domestic and international visitors to
experience the array of cultures and exciting adventures throughout KZN.
“Visitors can choose from a selection of experiences on offer that will
take them from the beach, berg, bush and onto battlefields and
experience the diverse cultures and food influences all whilst enjoying
KZN wines and a range of current and historically influenced
entertainment that is indigenous to the province,” added Van Niekerk.
Included in this tourism concept is an element of community involvement
in that visitors will be given an opportunity to give back to the
province through working with The Stables Wine Estate on the North Coast
with planting and tending to vines that are being planted on tribal land
at present. This work will include involvement in developing homesteads
and sustainable home gardens with vegetables and herbs.
CAHASA (Culinary Arts and Hospitality Association of South Africa) which
has been funded by TKZN for the duration of the 2010 Indaba, will
reinforce the goals set by The Stables Wine Estate and Africa Meets
Europe by promoting food, wine and hospitality to the South African
public.
The Experience KZN Wine&Dine stand will be available for guests to enjoy
at this year’s Indaba from 8 to 11 May at the Durban International
Convention Centre.
For more information go to
www.stableswine.co.za
