For more than 3 hours on the night of October 18, 2019 some of the finest people in Ghana’s capital Accra, networked, dined, learnt about and savored some of South Africa’s best wines.
The entire experience which took place at the Villa Monticello Hotel, was part of the Wines of South Africa Exclusive Wine and Food Pairing Evening event.
The occasion which was put together for a select group of about 50 people attracted individuals from all aspects of the Ghanaian life. You had business leaders (Bola Ray), celebrities (AJ Sarpong, Kofi Okyere Darko-KOD), international singer and performer Stephanie Benson, wine experts (Kodjo Adovor) as well as the expatriate community in Ghana.
The guests were treated to a comprehensive Wine and Food pairing exercise which featured among others “Seafood Salad paired with Rickety Bridge Sauvignon Blanc and Balance Chenin Blanc”, “A selection of Sushi paired with Thelema Sutherland Chardonnay and Boschendal Chardonnay”, “Slow Roasted Lamb Rump paired with Belfield Aristata 11 and Boschendal Cabernet Sauvignon”.
The rest were “The 24 Hours Braised Lamb Shank paired with Rickety Bridge Merlot and Boschendal Merlot”, “Josper Coal Grill Rib-Eye Steak paired with Cedeberg Merlot/Shiraz and Balance Sweet Red”, and “Passion Fruit Brulee paired with Ken Forrester Chenin Blanc and Balance Semi-Sweet Rose”.
The tasting and pairing were interspersed with some explanations and nuggets about the wines on offer, from the Sales Manager (Africa) for Overhex Wines Saskia Lesch and her colleague, all of whom were led by WOSA Africa Market Manager, Matome Mbatha.
Chef Ruby Paintsil of Villa Monticello Hotel supervised the preparation of the wonderful food on the night.
The entire experience which marks efforts by the South Africa wine industry to grow in important markets like Ghana, was put together by Wines of South Africa, the Western Cape Government, WESGRO and JON WILLIAMS CONSULT.
Ghana as a wine trading destination
Ghana’s wine market continues to show some growth due to the increase of high-income middle-class earners, the expatriate community and tourists. Ghana is an important export market and offers expanding market opportunities for the industry.
In addition, we generally perceive the wine to be a healthier alcoholic beverage as a result, people are gradually shifting from consuming beer to wine.
Ghana’s wine knowledge base continues to grow and the promotion of South African wine in Ghana will further advance market opportunities for both Ghana and South Africa.
