Celebrate South Africa's 20 years of democracy
27th April is Freedom Day in South Africa, celebrating the end of apartheid when Nelson Mandela was elected as the first black president of South Africa in 1994. This year, 2014, is the 20th anniversary of this young democracy and South Africa has truly developed into a multi-cultural, multi-faceted rainbow nation. South Africa's wine industry has also evolved over the past two decades. Investment in vineyards and wineries and the overseas experience of young winemakers combined with the country's 350 years of winemaking history and diversity of climate and geography have led to significant improvements in wine quality. Chenin Blanc is no longer the mediocre off-dry wine of old but instead ranges from light and refreshing to serious with ageing potential. While Stellenbosch is still the centre of excellence, renowned for its classic Bordeaux styles, exciting new regions are offering the consumer more variety, such as Pinot Noir from cool climate Elgin, Rhone style wines from passionate Swartland, and award-winning Pinotage from breakaway Wellington.  Recognising its troubled past and the preciousness of its fragile environment, South Africa now also leads the way in terms of production integrity, sustainability and biodiversity. It launched a fully traceable sustainability seal in 2010 and is now developing a producer certification for ethical labour practices. 65% of the world’s Fairtrade wines are produced in South Africa. Come and join our celebration of South Africa here in Hong Kong! Neil Grant, chairman of the South African Sommelier Association and owner of Burrata Restaurant in Cape Town, will be in town leading a series of wine tastings. See for yourself the diversity of South Africa's wines, and let’s toast its freedom.  Wines of South Africa (WOSA) has released The Democracy Series of videos that reflect in a personal but very powerful way the life-changing experiences of people touched by transformation initiatives in the wine industry. Click here to watch.
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