Fine Brandy Fusion 2015, premier annual showcase of South Africa’s brandies, takes place this year on June 4 and 5 at the Sandton Convention Centre, affording the opportunity to rub shoulders with celebrities, learn from brandy masters and taste their world-class creations.

“We are very excited about this year’s programme,” says SA Brandy Foundation director Christelle Reade-Jahn. “Brandy is made around the world, but South Africa is a recognised champion in this arena. In fact, this year Fine Brandy Fusion showcases International Wine & Spirit Challenge (IWSC) winners of the World’s Best Brandy title of the past 20 years and almost all are South African.

“If you appreciate quality brandy or want to know more about it, then you simply can’t afford to miss the occasion."

In line with the event theme, “The Spirit of Craftsmanship”, the skill of the brandy master will be on display, and the focus will be on the craft of brandy blending by expert brandy masters. Through a series of masterclasses, you’ll learn first-hand about the art of blending and the building blocks that make an award-winning brandy. You'll also discover how to identify and savour the natural aromas and flavours of the spirit.

Interact with makers of small-batch brandies, and taste brandies from off the beaten track that are only available at the show. If you’re new to brandy, this is the perfect chance to learn about the fascinating history of the spirit since it was first distilled on board a Dutch ship in Cape Town harbour in 1672.

Displaying how craftsmanship extends to the barrel in which the liquid is required to rest for years, a cooper from Stellenbosch’s Van Ryn brandy distillery – the only active cooperage in Africa – will give a series of live demonstrations.

Shop@Show will on hand to facilitate purchases of the exclusive offerings as well as unique brandy-related gifts.

Dates: 4 and 5 June 2015

Place: Sandton Convention Centre

Times: 5:30pm to 9:30pm (no new entries after 9pm)

Cost: R195 per person (includes crystal brandy snifter, booklet with 15 brandy taster coupons, three cocktail coupons and two coffee coupons)

Tickets are available from Computicket or at the door.

For the latest news and information, including live coverage, follow Fine Brandy Fusion on Facebook and Twitter (#lovebrandy), or e-mail info@brandyfusion.co.za

To WIN four tickets to Fine Brandy Fusion 2015, follow us on Facebook and Twitter for details of a giveaway starting on 1 May 2015.

Winner to be announced on 15 May 2015. Best of luck!