Wine connects Botswana and France

Wine lovers gathered at Alliance Francaise this past weekend to celebrate the Beajolias Nouveau Day, courtesy of France Botswana Business Club.

The day that is celebrated every year on the third Thursday of November in France to mark the new harvest wine of the new season. Usually in France, the key word to start the celebration is “Le Beaujolais est arrive”, meaning ‘The Beaujolias Nouveau has arrived’. Ambassador of France to Botswana, Pierre Voillery explains that the occasion is celebrated in many countries outside France, in all the continents.

He appreciated all the wine lovers who came to support the event, saying that it shows appreciation of different cultural backgrounds. Chairman of France Botswana Business Club (FBBC), Dr. Patric Benon also appreciated the good turn up at the event as people came in to welcome the new wine of the season.

He indicated that FBBC’s aim is to group companies with the mandate of reinforcing business link between Botswana and France.  “It is about networking between local businesses and French businesses to create business opportunities as well as facilitating exchange of business information between the two countries,” he said adding that finally FBBC has been supporting culture, education or any other activity that can reinforce mutual understanding of people from Botswana and France.

He thanked local companies including Orange Botswana, Seen Foods, Parmalat, Total, Mazars AGS, Minequip, and Light Box Photon Booth, for facilitating the cultural mix between Botswana and France. The attendants of the event also appreciated the wine tasting and chilled session. Shahbaz Mahmood viewed the event as a friendly and open plartform, making it easier for people to interact and that it connects the business community.

John Sande said that it feels special to taste the very new wine on the new season.  “The wine tastes good but it has still not matured. Otherwise, it is a lovely event and we are networking pleasantly,” he said. He further said that what amazes him most about the night is learning about the wine and cheese culture of the French people.

However, he urged the French organisers to also add more aspects of the French Culture, saying that they need to learn more on cultural exchange. “Apart from wine, they could also explore aspects like architecture and fashion so that we get to learn more of their way of living too,” said Samde.