Prof. Lekoa Solly Mollo (L) and Yogi Birigwa (R) were joined by other guests to toast to the good relations between Uganda and South Africa. Photo by Rachel Mabala
There is a good feeling about being tipsy. For a moment you get lost in another world, can afford to get hyper and dance yourself crazy. A few guests at the sixth edition of the South African Wine and Tasting Festival could say they did not only taste some fine wine as it settled on their tongues and found its way down their throats, they tasted a little ‘heaven on earth’ while at it.
One distinguished entrepreneur cracked me. “Do you know the way to the exit,” she whispered, all happy and giggling and then made jokes about taking one too many glasses of wine.
Some of the world’s leading wine producers could not let guests thirst for flavoursome fermented grapes. They kept pouring the coloured drinks which came in dry, natural sweetness and more. The only variant was the level of finesse.
The more precise connoisseurs would first smell the wine then slowly pour it over their tongues and then savour its goodness. The exhibitors had enough to pour.
South African High Commissioner to Uganda, Prof. Lekoa Solly Mollo, joked that it’s hard delivering a speech after they have enjoyed so much wine.
“Anyway, let me ask you one favour…make sure you have fun and enjoy wine,” he said as he toasted to good South Africa-Uganda relations.
“This year, we again honoured to still have our platinum sponsors Stanbic Bank, to the MD Patrick Mweheire and your team. Please join me in giving them an applause,” Yogi Biriggwa, the South African Airways (SSA) country manager Uganda, who is also brainchild of the festival.
Monitor Publications Ltd’s Judith Komuhendo and Richard Senkwale have a chat with festival organiser Yogi Birigwa (R). Photo by Rachel Mabala
Mweheire explained that they have supported the festival for many years.
“South Africans make great wine and it enables access for Ugandans to see and appreciate the product. Above all, it allows for a great evening of camaraderie and networking amongst our clients,” he added.
Lucky guests won nights at hosts Kampala Serena Hotel and its sister facility Lake Victoria Serena Resort, and others trips to different holiday destinations courtesy of festival sponsors SAA and South African Tourism.
“As the saying goes, the older the wine, the richer the taste, this festive in its sixth edition, gets more and more enjoyable, year by year as it matures,” Ms Biriggwa further explained, adding that it is no surprise that South African Wines are the preferred vintage in Uganda and hopes that wine tasting culture will yield stronger relations between Uganda and South Africa.
rbatte@ug.nationmedia.com