Moroke Sekoboto
THE 11th edition of the annual Lesotho Wine Festival, the premier wine and tourism event in the country, is set to take place early next month.
The festivities will begin with an exclusive “Oysters and Bubbles” event at Maseru Club on Independence Day (4 October), followed by the main festival on 5 October.
Organised by Station Offsales (Ha Frank), the Lesotho Wine Festival has been providing wine enthusiasts with a world-class tasting experience since its inception in 2013.
This year’s festival will feature 40 wine producers and a selection of 160 wines, coinciding with the celebration of Lesotho’s 200th anniversary as a nation. The festival is sponsored by FNB Lesotho.
The performances will be headlined by American House music muso, Harrison Crump, with the locals also billed to showcase their skills.
Event organiser, Paulo Feliciano de Freitas, said attendees will be treated to an array of gourmet-style oyster dishes alongside a large selection of hand-picked wines. Guests will also enjoy performances by both local and international artists, browse craft stalls, and sample premium craft gins and beers.
“This is the 11th edition of the event, and it has grown into a premier hospitality showcase. We are bringing together 40 wine producers from South Africa, Italy, Chile, Portugal, Spain, and France. It’s the biggest wine event not only in Lesotho but also in the region, attracting people from Angola, Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, and beyond,” Mr Freitas said.
The festival’s VIP experience will be enhanced by a partnership with RGBC, offering premium products like Moet & Chandon, Hennessy, Glenmorangie, and Hendrick’s Gin.
“Each guest will have the opportunity to taste 160 premium wines and spirits. The Lesotho Wine Festival is an annual highlight, showcasing exclusive products to both local and international guests,” he added.
Mr Freitas expressed his gratitude to FNB Lesotho for sponsoring the festival, which enables the team to deliver a remarkable experience for Basotho, offering them a chance to sample high-quality wines and other premium beverages.
“This year, we are excited to introduce the ‘Oysters and Bubbles’ event on 4 October, with access to 10 wine producers, branded wine glasses, and sparkling wine and rosé. There will be live performances from Naleli Mohapi, Ntlaks the Journey, Ebonics, John Tšenoli, Smoke Mosi, Harrison Crump from the USA, and DJ Sander from the UK,” Mr Freitas added.
In addition to fine wines and live music, the festival will feature gourmet meals prepared by renowned Basotho chefs, including celebrated Chef Jobo Monaheng.
“Guests can enjoy a variety of oysters, seafood, and sushi prepared in exciting styles. Wines like Graham Beck, Sleenbury, Simonsig, Pierre Jourdan, and Krone, along with champagne, prosecco, and pet-nat, will be available.”
Beyond wine, the festival also promotes tourism and local economic activity.
“The Lesotho Wine Festival attracts visitors from across the globe, and I am proud of the tourism and economic impact it has. This year, we will create 200 jobs for the youth in Maseru,” Mr Freitas said.
The festival will also highlight local craftsmanship, with 20 Basotho artisans showcasing their work in the crafts and arts section.
