Seithati Motsoeneng
FROM its humble beginnings in 2012, the Lesotho Wine Festival has blossomed into one of the most anticipated events on the country’s social calendar.
This year, the festival is scheduled from 10 to 11 October, ushering in the festive season with a burst of flavourful wine experiences.
What started as a small gathering of friends and wine enthusiasts has evolved into a major celebration, attracting hundreds of visitors from across the region and beyond.
The Lesotho Wine Festival continues to grow each year, emphasising quality, local support, and international collaboration. With its diverse offerings and focus on community engagement, it’s not just a wine event but it is a celebration of Lesotho’s vibrant culture and potential.
The festival’s founder, Paulo Defreitas – a seasoned trader in the wine industry with over 25 years of experience – recalled how the event began.
“It was initially a small get-together with friends in the wine trade, just to showcase the wines I would have been importing and enjoying,” Mr Defreitas said.
Over the years, his vision to create a platform for wine lovers and local artisans has transformed the gathering into a vibrant celebration of culture, hospitality, and fine wines.
This year, the festival is expected to feature over 40 wine producers, including international wineries from Portugal, Italy, Spain, Argentina, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Visitors will have the opportunity to sample more than 220 different wines, representing a diverse array of styles and regions.
A special emphasis will be placed on showcasing Lesotho’s own Sani Wines — the highest winery in Lesotho — which is making a notable mark in the industry.
Beyond wine tasting, the festival promises an array of entertainment and cultural experiences.
Attendees can look forward to international live acts, an arts and crafts exhibition, and a unique pre-event showcasing the latest designs from local and South African designers.
Food lovers will enjoy the Sunday “Smoking Wine” food exhibition, featuring pop-up restaurants offering international cuisines, alongside a premium VIP experience with a four-course menu prepared by the best culinary chef.
Mr Defreitas said they are committed to supporting local artisans and promoting Lesotho’s cultural heritage.
“We have gone to great lengths to include local designers and craftspeople, giving them a platform to showcase their talents,” said Mr Defreitas.
The event also aims to boost local tourism and create employment opportunities, with over 500 people involved in its organisation and execution.
Looking ahead, Mr Defreitas said they have moved the festival to a larger venue at the Maseru Club, to accommodate more guests and offer enhanced luxury amenities.
He said they also hope to expand attendance to over 5000 visitors from outside Lesotho, which could significantly boost the country’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
A key principle of the festival is ensuring that wines sampled are available in local stores, allowing attendees to purchase their favourites.
“If you taste something you like, you will find it in my shop, the Station Offsales,” Mr Defreitas said.
“This commitment helps foster a lasting connection between visitors and the local wine industry.”