Mtunzini SPAR & Tops raise the glass and set the bar

Wine estates, distilleries, breweries, with a harvest table full of delicious eats were showcased at the Mtunzini Sip & Taste Festival 2022

September 27, 2022

Nokwanda Tema 2 minutes read

Owners of Izti Sweets, Nelia and Daniel Nel hooking Phillipa Verbaan with their delectable treats

MTUNZINI Village was alive with celebration at the recent inaugural Sip & Taste Festival. The event sponsors, Mtunzini SPAR & Tops, with their partners rose to the occasion by showcasing delicious food and drinks at the sold-out event.

Curiosity and excitement filled the air as the 200 guests from Mtunzini and greater Zululand arrived at the Mtunzini Country Club on Thursday.

ALSO READ: A feast of entertainment for Dolosfees

Each guest was welcomed with a tasting glass at the entrance, and then it was off to sipping, mixing, tasting and mingling, all while music band Angus delivered hit after hit to an accepting crowd.

Angus rocking the crowd with ‘Sweet Caroline’ – Raine Jacobs, Clinton Pratt and Richard Pratts

Undoubtedly, every kind of pallet was spoiled! From crisp, fresh breads to high quality cheeses, decadent desserts, organic juices, meats cooked to absolute perfection, and yummy treats to hide away from others.

Both guests and suppliers took advantage of the rare opportunity to interact in the enjoyable environment.

Mtunzini SPAR director Daniel Verbaan was overwhelmed by the turnout and support from the community, and said the concept came from a fellow SPAR retailer.

Guests mingling and enjoying the live music by Angus

“Phillipa and I were inspired by Candice at Nottingham Road SPAR. I’d like to thank her for guiding us into this. The aim was brand awareness and I hope that is what the suppliers gained out of this,” he said.

A portion of the ticket sales, valued at R20 000, was donated to the Mtunzini Residents Association (MRA), which runs various projects, including the upkeep of the Mtunzini track and trails, PUG (Pop-up Garden crew volunteers), and the Handyman Project that ensures the town maintains its pristine common areas. These projects seek to improve the quality of life in the village.

MRA committee member Bernice van de Meijden expressed her gratitude for the donation and lauded the impact the Verbaans have had since taking over the local SPAR.

Andile Dlamini (South African Brewies) and Mthulisi Ndelu (RGBC) clearly having a great time

“The Verbaans have brought that ‘spice’ to the village! This is the best thing to have happened after the Covid-19 pandemic. It has allowed people to come out and be social,” she said.

Some guests turned out to be luckier than they thought, as awesome prizes were won via ticket draws throughout the night.

Residents unanimously agreed that this was worth getting out of their homes for.

Ann Wright and Ann Romani from SPAR Engage showing support to Mtunzini retailer

According to Mtunzini resident Kerrin Smit, this was certainly one for the books.

“I think the event was well organised and the vibe was epic. I love how I explored the different wines and all that’s available in the village. If it takes place next year, I will definitely be back!”

Verbaan thanked his management staff at Mtunzini SPAR for making the store run efficiently and for their assistance in pulling off the first-time affair. A special thanks went to his wife Phillipa for being the inspiration behind this successful event.

“We hope people will support us knowing we supply the best in the country in our very own town. You don’t have to travel far and wide for it, it’s right here on your doorstep.”

Daniel Verbaan concluded that the Sip & Taste Festival is well worth a repeat. Hear! Hear!