WOSA Info Bulletin No.255 WOSA USA update

Dear Producer,

WOSA USA Update

Hello from the U.S.!

The wine business here is moving into O.N.D. – October-November-December, the busiest time of year for our industry – and we’ve been busy preparing for it. It was great to see many of you during the Sommelier Cup and AGM. I had the chance to speak with many of you about the U.S. market and how South Africa’s doing there, but for those of you I missed, here’s an update on what we’ve been up to.

I’ll recap our activities since June below, and then follow with some news about our activities for the rest of the year. Normally we aren’t very active at the end of the year- the retailers and sommeliers we hope to reach are too busy to give us their time – but this year is a bit of an exception, with masterclasses and trips continuing into December.

Thanks for reading; I hope you’ll find the information below useful.

RECAP

Boston Masterclass: On June 26th WOSA gave a masterclass on South African wine for the trade and press at Legal Seafoods Park Square in Boston. The event was attended by a dozen influential sommeliers and press and featured a cross-section of wines from across the Winelands. This event has ignited some upcoming activities in the area for 2017, including WOSA participation in the Boston Wine Expo and some other promotions also being implemented.

Society of Wine Educators Conference: WOSA presented a seminar on the wines of Stellenbosch at the 2016 SWE Conference. The wines demonstrated the range, character, and quality of Stellenbosch wines, a subject chosen by the Conference organizers from several we proposed. Seventy SWE members attended, including retailers, distributors, and other members of the trade. The seminar was well-received and WOSA has been asked to present next year as well.

TexSom: WOSA once again sponsored a Sommelier Lounge, a VIP area for presenters and volunteers – 80 or so of the most influential and enthusiastic participants at the Texas Sommelier Conference. In addition, the event played host to the finals of the US portion of the Sommelier Cup, and WOSA also helped the Conference organize wines for the largest tasting and presentation of aged South African wines ever held in North America. Dr. Jamie Goode presented the wines and approximately 90 sommeliers attended. Response was enthusiastic (in person and on social media, too); this was a great showing that made it clear to the sommelier community that great wine is not confined to South Africa’s “young guns “ but is also made by many classic properties.

Consulate Events: On August 24th The South African Consulate in New York hosted an evening tasting of South African wines from woman-owned brands and woman winemakers. WOSA spoke at the event, building enthusiasm for the wines, putting them in context, both in terms of South African wine production and the U.S. market. The event was well-received and resulted in press coverage and new connections. Then on September 9th, working together with the consulate in Los Angeles, WOSA presented a luncheon, seminar, and tasting of wines from Black-Owned Brands and black winemakers, which also generated interest among the press and trade.

The Sommelier Cup: WOSA USA brought their three finalists to TexSom in August: Mike Duffy of New York’s Burger and Barrel Winepub, Cheron Cowan of Harold’s Meat + Three, also in New York, and Jeremy Eubanks of John Cowie’s Steakhouse in Seattle. There they faced their final stateside challenge, a blind tasting competition conducted by TexSom Master Sommeliers. The winner was Cheron Cowan. Cheron visited South Africa n September for the international competition and acquitted herself well. Alongside the Sommelier Cup visit WOSA brought four journalists to visit the Cape: Rachel Signer (freelance), Ed Deitch (vinePair and NBC), Lana Bortolot (Wine Enthusiast), and Kristen Wolfe-Bieler (Beverage Media). Since returning home WOSA has remained in contact; several articles are already placed, and more are to come.

O.N.D

TexSom International Wine Awards: These awards are becoming increasingly influential, especially in the on-premise/sommelier industry, and South African wines have performed well there in the last few years. The submission period began October 1st and continues until the end of the year.

Action: Producers and Importers, you can find details on how to submit wines at https://texsomiwa.com/

Chicago Masterclass: On October 26th WOSA will conduct a masterclass for press and trade at City Winery in Chicago. We already have 35 RSVPs. The seminar will featured 16 different wines representing a range of varietals, styles, and regions. In addition, in the evening WOSA will hold an informal, “post-shift” tasting of MCCs and Old Vine wines at The Dawson for sommeliers and other members of the trade. Chicago is an exciting and growing market for South African wines.

Action: None at this time. Wines have already been selected.

Press Visit: WOSA is bringing two journalists and a sommelier to the Cape at the beginning of November. Their itinerary is being developed by the head office based on the needs of their publications and restaurants.

Action: None at this time.

AWS Presentation: On November 15th Steve Lanier from American World Services will present a Seminar at the Stellenbosch Lodge on importing wine to the U.S. – what the market’s looking for, how to choose an importer, what potential importer partners will be looking for, and so forth. This presentation is intended for producers who are not currently represented in the U.S. but would like to be. This presentation is highly recommended for producers interested in participating in the AWS Importer Mission planned for April of 2017. The presentation runs from 9:00-11:00, including time for questions. Space is limited to 100 persons.

Action: Producers, please RSVP With Lauren Mortlock-Davids at lauren@wosa.co.za by November 8th. Space is limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis. Details on how to take part in the April AWS importer visit will be announced at or after the presentation.

SommCon: WOSA will be presenting a seminar at SommCon on November 17th focusing on South African Chenin Blanc. This new sommelier conference takes place in San Diego and reaches a large portion of the West Coast trade.

Action: None at this time. Wines have already been selected.

NYC Somm Meet Up: On December 6th WOSA will hold an informal evening gathering for sommeliers and other members of the trade. As in Chicago the event will focus on MCCs and Old Vine wines. Venue is yet to be confirmed. These “Meet Ups” have provewn to be effective ways to engage the on-premise community in an informal but effective fashion.

Action: None at this time. Importers, please stay alert for calls for wines for this event.

Disney: On December 7th and 8th WOSA will conduct training sessions for Disney cast members (i.e. staff) at three restaurants in the Wild Animal Kingdom in Orlando: Jiko, Sanaa, and Tiffins. All three focus on South African wines.

Action: None at this time.

Best,

Jim & Laurel

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