Wine Talk With Ross Mackay, Organizer Of The 2015 Dar Wine Festival

Ross Mackay, co-ordinator of the Dar Wine Festival, sat down with SCF for a Q and A to find out more about the man behind the event, what to expect this year and the city’s growing passion for wine.

What is your hospitality background?
I studied at the International Hotel School in Johannesburg. During my course I gained practical experience at both the Hyatt and The Grace hotels in Rosebank. I stayed in Johannesburg to work at The Grace, The Michelangelo and Sunnyside Park. Indigo Bay Island Resort and Spa on Bazaruto Island, Mozambique, then offered me the chance to experience a different side of hospitality. After 3 years, I then came here to Tanzania where I am now the Food and Beverage Manager at Southern Sun.

How old is the Festival?
It is now 9 years old. This will be my third festival and second one as coordinator ensuring the team put together a great event for everyone.

What can wine lovers expect from the 2015 Festival?
A showcase of fantastic international wines all readily available in Dar. There will be the chance to meet the people who make, sell and distribute the wines. There will be a wealth of wine knowledge there on the day, a great opportunity for people with a passion for the grape to enhance their knowledge.

What do you enjoy most about the Festival?
I really enjoy seeing people just experiencing and discovering wine. You can see it in people’s faces when they taste something they really like and sip something they are not too fond of. Either way it’s all about the experience.

Do you think wine consumption is changing in Dar?
Definitely. In my time here I have noticed a move from the sweet wines to more distinctive varietals, especially within the local community. People’s palates are changing and are getting more adventurous when it comes to wine. Sales are also increasing.

What is your favourite wine?
I enjoy wines made from Chenin Blanc and Shiraz grapes. Here in Dar my ‘go to’ wines are Ken Forrester Petit Chenin and Porcupine Ridge Syrah. Back home in South Africa we are spoilt for choice, but I am definitely a fan of Springfield Wines and Waterford Estate.