The GoodLife Fine Brandy Festival, the only event of its kind dedicated entirely to the art and enjoyment of South African brandy, will present its second annual showcase at the Sandton Sun hotel from 20 - 22 May 2009.

The full spectrum of the brandy industry's achievements, from masterfully crafted potstill brandies to couture cocktails, will be on display.

Themed continuity in change, the GoodLife Fine Brandy Festival 2009 brings together major distillers, small, single-estate brandy makers and Gauteng's brandy lovers at a sumptuous yet sophisticated gathering at the five star Sandton Sun hotel.

“Building on the inaugural show’s extraordinary success in 2008, this year's festival focuses on innovative new ways to appreciate brandy,” says Caroline Snyman, chairperson of the South African Brandy Foundation. “It emphasises the refined nature and usage of South Africa’s brandy products in a sophisticated show environment.”

Not only can visitors nose and sip their way through a collection of potstill and vintage brandies, trendy brandy cocktails will also be on everybody’s lips, according to Ielanda Koen, manager of the South African Brandy Foundation. “The buzz words at this year’s festival promise to be the avant-garde cocktail and the brave new world of molecular mixology.”

South Africa’s spirit drink of choice (selling 50% more than its nearest competitor), brandy has a consumer profile which closely mirrors the key South African demographics. While still skewed towards males, brandy consumption amongst women is increasing rapidly. At present, 25% of brandy drinkers are women, where cocktails with mixers seem the consumption style of choice. In line with global trends, the SA market has seen a significant shift towards premiumisation, as consumers covet craftsmanship, luxury and provenance. Innovative new products, such as white potstill brandies draw a new generation of hip and trendy 20-somethings to the category.

The GoodLife Fine Brandy Festival is an initiative by the South African Brandy Foundation in sponsorship with Standard Bank. Festival partners include Sandton Sun, BDFM and British Airways.

GoodLife Fine Brandy Festival details:

20 to 22 May 2009, Sandton Sun, Sandton, Johannesburg
Times: 18h00 – 21h00 (no entry after 20h30)
Cost: R180, including a brandy glass and beverage vouchers
Tickets are available through Computicket or at the door. Note: No visitors under 18 years.

Please enjoy brandy responsibly and in moderation.

Festival info-line:

Contact the SA Brandy Foundation on (021) 887 3157 or
info@sabrandy.co.za or www.sabrandy.co.za