a future-facing wine conference
a future-facing wine conference
a future-facing wine conference
The
vibes
winelab.Africa hosted a one-day conference on Wednesday, 6 August 2025, at Atlas Studios, Braamfontein Werf in Johannesburg. Have a look at how it all happened.
The
panelists
Wine Talk brought together Joburg-based industry insiders, alongside Cape Town delegates and tastemakers, including sommeliers, critics, influencers, restaurant and bar owners, retailers, media and international buyers to discuss unlocking the country’s largest, yet historically underserved wine market. Meet the panelists who informed, moderated and shared on the day.
The
conversations
From a hard-hitting keynote to the Influence Showdown, Wine Talk provided the platform for attendees to speak to, and to learn from each other. The main takeaway is that there is no overarching answer; the key is to build inclusivity and education without diluting facts and tailoring messaging to diverse demographics and interests.
“People don’t buy goods and services, they buy stories, relations and magic.”
Seth Godin
Why?
we need to navigate shifting consumer habits, generational transitions and socio-political transformation
bridge the gaps between producers, professionals and consumers
Johannesburg is a wine-consuming capital, often overlooked in national wine conversations
SA Wine needs more than great terroir, it needs storytellers, educators, and cultural connectors
Who?
wine professionals
sommeliers, marketers, importers, buyers, producers
wine sellers
retail, distribution and hospitality decision-makers
wine voices
media, influencers, educators, students, writers, critics, young service voices
How?
listen to diverse voices
experts, critics, influencers, educators, and consumers
empower transformation through practical dialogue, tasting and education
build connections across wine, hospitality, education and media sectors
create a space to disrupt, reflect, and rebuild a more inclusive, responsive wine future
Critics vs influencers: What Joburg taught me about the future of SA wine
At the inaugural Wine Talk Joburg Conference, industry insiders debated whether critics or influencers truly drive wine culture and sales. Daléne Fourie sat down with the experts and came away with four takeaways for wine marketing in South Africa.
Read more on News24 >
Inside the Joburg wine conference that marked a turning point for SA vino
South Africa’s wine future under the spotlight at Wine Talk 2025 as Gauteng takes the lead in wine consumption.
Read more on News24 >
Critics vs influencers: What Joburg taught me about the future of SA wine
At the inaugural Wine Talk Joburg Conference, industry insiders debated whether critics or influencers truly drive wine culture and sales. Daléne Fourie sat down with the experts and came away with four takeaways for wine marketing in South Africa.
Read more on News24 >
The Conversations
adapting to changing markets
Gauteng as an economic wine hub
who drives wine influence
the Swartland Evolution and a story of change
fine wine perceptions and consumer education
The Agenda
09h00 – 12h00
Speak
THE WINE INDUSTRY, TODAY AND UNFILTERED
Share
STORIES OF REINVENTION AND SUCCESS
Discuss
FROM CELLAR TO SHELF TO SIP, WHERE’S THE
DISCONNECT?
13h00 – 16h00
SHARE
THE SWARTLAND EVOLUTION:
FROM REVOLUTIONARY TO SUSTAINABILITY
Debate
WHO REALLY DRIVES THE WINE CONVERSATION?
Report
CLOSING THE WINE GAP