Starts with a Conversation
The idea of having a wine festival in Soweto was borne around a braai in Pretoria in 2004 between neighbours Lyn Woodward (an original member) and Mnikelo Mangciphu (co-founding active member).

They were drinking wine out of Soweto Beer Festival glasses, and several glasses later, thought what a good idea it would be to have a Wine Festival.

It was the right time to start introducing South Africa’s quality wines to the remaining 80% of our population. Wine is not for white South African’s only to enjoy. It should be a way of life for all South Africans.

Now, the Soweto Wine Festival is Mzansi’s favourite wine festival and THE place to be seen.

Dedicated and Committed
Co-founding member of the Soweto Wine Festival is Mnikelo Mangciphu who is the owner/manager of the only wine shop in Soweto – Morara Wine & Spirit Emporium, which he launched after the first Soweto Wine Festival in 2005.

The other co-founding member of the festival is Marilyn Cooper who is a Cape Wine Master and is also the Managing Director of the Cape Wine Academy based in Johannesburg.

Mnikelo Mangciphu, one of the festivals founding members and owner of Soweto’s first wine shop, Morara Wine Emporium, says that this festival is dedicated to encouraging, educating and growing black wine drinkers in Mzansi.     Marilyn Cooper

Unspoken Pride
There is an unspoken pride and awareness that all new trends start with Sowetans. Shifting lifestyle drinking habits to include our world-famous wines is very much part of the festival history, and definitely a part of Soweto’s trending-setting tradition.

Perception Shift
To shift the black market’s perceptions of wine drinking and wine drinkers, the festival focus is on integrating wine into black people’s homes and enhancing their existing lifestyles. Visitors want to learn about food and wine combinations – but Sowetan Style.