Dar es Salaam’s Wine Festival, celebrating its tenth year, is now under the masterful direction of Denzil McAnda, senior restaurant manager at Southern Sun’s Baraza Grill. Swahili Coast Foodie sat down for a lunch interview with the new festival organiser to discuss the city’s legendary celebration of the wine world.
The Festival is 10 years old. What makes this event so successful?
The event has exposed people to different kinds of wine from across the globe. Ten years back when Adam Fuller, General Manager at Southern Sun, founded the festival there was hardly any knowledge in Dar about wine. Over the years it has given the suppliers a showcase to promote their wines.
How many wines will be offered at the 2015 Festival? I estimate over 100 wines.
For people that have never been to the Festival, how would you describe it?
It really does have a ‘festival’ atmosphere: informal and laid back. Anyone can visit a stand to sample any of the wines displayed. All the wines are available from the stands until 7.30 in the evening. The occasion is both fun and informative. There is an opportunity to speak to visiting wine makers, experts from the wine suppliers and export managers who fly in for the event. A really exciting part of the event is the free draw. I encourage everyone to stay for this as there are amazing prizes ranging from airline tickets to wine hampers.
How has the event grown in the last couple of years?
The variety of wines has really increased. Wine knowledge in the city has also grown so one finds more people curious to find out more about the exciting bottles being sampled.
Has the format changed this year?
All the food will be served by waiters this year to ensure that everyone gets to enjoy the food without having to line up at food stations.
Any wine trade line-up changes this year?
Qway are on board for the first time.
What sort of numbers are you expecting this year?
500 tickets have been sold.
Has the Dar Wine Festival led the way in creating a wine scene in Dar?
It has given suppliers and distributors an opportunity to branch into different markets. I think the Festival has also encouraged others to hold wine-related events in the city.
Do you find wine drinking habits are changing at Southern Sun?
Patrons who used to always order house wine are now requesting a specific grape or bottle. They are exploring the many options and richness of the wine world.
Finally, what would be your recommendation for a bottle to celebrate the Festival’s 10th anniversary?
I would select a magnum (1.5l) of Meerlust Rubicon 2008 (South Africa), a Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and Cabernet Franc. It is a sophisticated wine that can be kept for up to twenty years and fitting for a special occasion. We have two bottles available and perfectly stored in the cellar of The Baraza Grill (300,000 Tsh). I first had it at the vineyard, a historic wine estate in Stellenbosch. It is smooth and full of character. It is not on the wine list but can be ordered upon request.
Denzil served Parmesan Chicken with J.Moreau & Fils Petit Chablis 2012 (France) for the lunch interview at the Baraza Grill, Southern Sun Hotel. Visit the blog for more Festival coverage and great photos from the event.
