Day 2 and 3 followed much the same pattern. The people were beautiful, impressed, complimentary and warm (as only the Asian population can be). Their knowledge base was impressive, their tasting palettes acquired, experienced and refined.
Day 1… the air-conditioning renders the sizzling atmosphere a ‘cool place’ to be in Singapore.
11am. The buyers and traders from all over Asia stream in and almost all of them linger at our Singapore/South African stand. Our wines flow. The chilled 2009 Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc (2009 at S$48 and Joostenberg Fairhead at S$48 are an instant talking point among the refined connoisseurs and wine loving public). Our wooded Chardonnay (Isabella from estate Muratie) is favourably compared with the very finest the ‘old world’ has to offer.
It was 10am on the 21st October when we first set foot in the convention hall, which would house the magnificent “Wine For Asia” exposition.
I’d love to tell you that the space was spotless and oozing distillery whiffs of freshly bottled Sauvignon Blancs and unmistakable Shiraz, but I cannot. The space more closely resembled a bee hive with frantic, organized activity and a buzz of some latent extraordinary expectation. A warm hanger filled with carpet shavings, staples. cardboard boxes, brochures, and material cuttings.
The Wine Lovers designated booth area was perfectly situated – near to the entrance and visually accessible.
