Rant: The Good Food and Wine Show

I think my luck has changed back into the green! I won tickets to the Good Food and Wine Show (GFWS) thanks to @CapeArgus and Lance Witten for the heads-up on his Twitter account.

A few years back I attended the event, I know it was fun because I cannot remember much due to the countless tastings we glugged down. This year, however, I did not have the same experience maybe because I’m not 23 anymore? Here are my hits and misses of the event:

HITS:

• I got to meet Reza and take a picture, yes the Spice Prince of India! (I love his show).
• Got some real schmancy looking wine glasses for R 150.00 which is a steal – retails for R 300.00.
• Someone proposed on stage while J’Something was performing which was sweet to watch.
• Found Jack Parow’s own handcrafted brandy – and it was surprisingly good.

MISSES:

• My ticket didn’t include a glass – ended up paying R 60.00, R 60.00! for one glass.
• The glass included 7 “tasting coupons which really didn’t matter; the exhibitors didn’t want them or know about them?
• The venue was packed, it was difficult to take pictures or walk around with a full glass of anything. This put us off from wanting to walk around or stand in line to try something new.
• Maybe it was the time of day but the exhibitors weren’t the friendliest – could be fatigue?
• Big wine farms weren’t on show i.e. Webersburg, Backsberg etc.
• The GFWS was the same weekend as The Wacky Wine Festival – WHY!

In the end, it was an experience even though I feel a bit disappointed in the event. I tried some interesting pestos and chilli sauces, there were plenty of food options – but carrying around so many items and trying to find a place to sit down and eat would have been a nightmare. I believe in second chances so will try again next year!