I certainly can’t complain about life being boring.  As I write this, I am on my way to Jhb, the country’s economic powerhouse.  After having hosted and honed four successful Wine Festival’s in Knysna, we decided that it was time to take the show to Jhb, where 65% of our clients reside. 

We selected Melrose Arch as the perfect venue to host the festival, we hand-picked 40 of South Africa’s top producers, many of whom we have excellent relationships with and have worked closely with for a number of years.

That 1st phase was easy enough.  Part 2 has been much more demanding.  Firstly, marketing a new event in a cost effective way required some creative thinking.  Secondly, and unbeknown to us, a prominent and Jhb retailer opened a store at the beginning of the month at Melrose Arch and took exception to our Cape based business “muscling in” on their turf.  Finally, after some tough negotiations and a few sleepless nights we came to terms – reason prevailed.

So, finally, we embarked on the 3rd and last phase … execution!! ... Though at times it felt like I was the one up for it.  We had done all the hard yards, all that remained was an anxious wait to see if the crowds would come. 

We had monitored the weather from Cape Town as a cold, unseasonal weather system was expected to dominate much of the Highveld.  But how could it last …. It’s the middle of summer right?  Right. From the moment we landed until the time we left Jhb three days later, it bucketed down.  Our vision of hosting a warm, open air wine tasting under the stars was in tatters.  Fortunately, we had made provision for the Highveld’s unpredictable late afternoon thunderstorms.  Our marquee was up, but the temperature plummeted.

The first night felt like an eternity with people trickling in throughout the evening, but just never enough to create the energy and heat required to declare the evening a success. 

On Friday morning, we regrouped and formulated a strategy to rescue the day.  More heaters,  more entertainment and more people.  At 5.30 on Friday evening, the heaters took the edge off the icy chill, music filled the marquee and the crowd revelled in the outstanding wines and whisky on offer. 

We had pulled the event from the brink and had overcome every obstacle against all the odds.

Next year?  Wade Bales Wine Festival 2010 is going to be a cracker!!

Send me your comments to wadeb@thewinesociety.co.za

Previous blog: 10 November 2009