The 83rd International Dijon Gourmet Fair opened in Paris last night, 31 October, and runs until 11 November, 2013. South Africa, along with the wine-growing region of the Western Cape, has been dubbed the ‘guest of honour’.
The country’s rich history, heritage, landscape, architecture, cultural diversity, authentic gastronomy, and centuries-old vineyards make it an attractive destination to the French audience.
The gastronomy fair’s highlight will be the South African Cultural Pavilion, where South African Tourism France will promote the country’s gastronomy, art and crafts, and tourism infrastructures, as well as showcase a selection of wines representative of the Western Cape province’s production.
Bongani Tembe, Commissioner-General of the South African Season in France, says, “It is most fitting that this project should take place in 2013 as it forms part of the South African Season in France. It signifies the 10 years of close cooperation between Burgundy and the Western Cape province and highlights a cooperative wine-growing and wine-making programme that has been active for the past 13 years.”
The Ambassador of South Africa, Her Excellency Ms Dolana Msimang, inaugurated the Dijon International and Gastronomic at the Château du Clos de Vougeot, along with the South African Minister of Tourism, Mr Marthinus Van Schalkwyk.
The Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Paul Mashatile said, “The seasons is honoured to be a part of this annual highlight on the French calendar. It is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the very best of South Africa’s food, wine, arts and culture.”
Country Manager of South African Tourism, France MS Linda Sangaret said, We are delighted to participate in the Dijon Fair which will provided us with a wonderful opportunity to showcase the diverse culture of our country to over 200 000 visitors. Our national pavillion and our South African restaurant are already drawing visitors in their hundreds and we are looking forward to this going on for the next 10 days.
The South African Season in France is celebrated through a range of activities taking place at the Fair which includes exhibiting the best of Mpumalanga crafters a project co-sponsored by the Mpumalanga Provincial Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation and performances by Naima McLean.
Among the key activities of the 2013 fair will be a wine tasting lesson with a sommelier at the wine bar, a wine competition with prizes being awarded to estates and labels for the winning wines, and a scientific conference featuring various French and South African speakers.
A further highlight is ‘Restaurant des Saveurs’, which will host a great Michelin-starred chef daily serving up traditional South African cuisine and wines. South African chefs include Kelvin Joel, Mphume Mqwebu, Christiaan Campbell, Shaun Schoeman, Benny Masekwameng, and Tanja Kruger.
In total, the Season will include in the region of 250 dance and theatre performances, 100 musical concerts, 50 films, 40 residencies, 35 workshops, 30 exhibitions, and 150 South African wines will be available for the French to taste.
For more information see: www.france-southafrica.com or @nacsouthafrica https://www.facebook.com/nacsouthafrica
