On 5 July, the iconic Hotel Cardoso in Maputo hosted the first edition of Néctar – Wine Culture Festival, an event that brought together wine lovers, producers, sommeliers, educational institutions and the general public in an atmosphere of celebration, learning and discovery.
Organised by the Connoisseur Prestige Club, A Malta do Vinho and Xonguila Magazine, Néctar was supported by the Ministry of Economy, INATUR, the Portuguese School of Mozambique and a diverse range of partners, among them the following: Grupo MEGA, Tropigália, Socimpex, Lactopaiva, Wine Lovers, Midway, Cosel, YAO and Inspiration Locações. The sponsors were UBA Moçambique bank, HEINEKEN Mozambique, the CFAO Group and the Hotel Cardoso.
The official opening was performed by the Secretary of State for Tourism, Fredson Bacar, who highlighted the transformative potential of wine culture for national tourism and the positioning of Mozambique as a destination for sophisticated and sustainable experiences. With nearly 500 participants, the programme took place across gardens and conference rooms, interweaving moments of tasting, learning, reflection and celebration. The venue had 10 spaces devoted to wine tasting, where distributors and representatives presented the labels they sell in Mozambique, introducing the public to a wide selection of international references. The ticket included three tastings of choice, with the option of buying more, thus promoting a free and personalised experience.
One of the highlights of the event was the interactive trail “From Grape to Toast”, an educational journey designed by the CFAO Group that passed through 10 themed stations covering everything from grape varieties and harvest to bottling and service. Specialist guides accompanied visitors, making the experience highly informative, engaging and memorable. As for refreshing surprises, a stall serving wine and sparkling wine sorbet stood out, much appreciated by visitors throughout the afternoon.
Alongside what was happening in the gardens, three short and interesting sessions enlivened the conference room: first, “How to taste wine”, led by A Malta do Vinho; then “The brands of HEINEKEN Mozambique”; and the third, with the contribution of Grupo MEGA, devoted to Portuguese wines from the Douro, Dão and Alentejo regions.
The formal speeches and the awards ceremony, which honoured the best wines in the tasting, took place on the main stage. The technical jury awarded the prize to Totus Pinotage, presented by Wine Lovers, while the public chose as its favourite the red Fado, from Grupo Midway — two names that stood out for quality, balance and character.
The live performance by the Deodato Siquir Trio, a Mozambican jazz group, brought an elegant and engaging atmosphere to the festival, underlining the sophistication of the event without breaking the lightness and informality of the setting. Areas for gastronomy, art and sustainability, green spaces and relaxation zones allowed wine to be combined with rich sensory experiences, creativity and environmental awareness. In addition, the presence of the new Toyota range of vehicles, in an interactive display that let the public book test drives on site, enriched the experience with a touch of innovation in mobility.
The festival was also distinguished by including theoretical and practical training in winemaking, held over three days and involving technical-vocational and higher education institutions. The first session took place at the Portuguese School of Mozambique (EPM-CELP), as part of the technical course in Tourism, with the following two days held at the Ministry of Economy, with the active participation of INATUR (National Tourism Institute) and the following educational institutions: UEM – Inhambane School of Hospitality and Tourism, IFPELAC, Eduardo Mondlane Industrial and Commercial Institute, Marracuene Technical Vocational Institute and the Commercial Institute of the City of Maputo. Teachers and students were then able to apply the knowledge acquired directly in the festival’s activities — a practical bridge between knowledge and action, the classroom and the market
To close, Néctar leaves one certainty: this first edition was only the beginning. The organisers have already announced that they intend to make the festival annual, aiming to establish it as a tourist reference in the region and an essential meeting point for lovers and professionals of wine culture. And the news does not end there. The team’s next major event is already confirmed: a festival devoted to beer culture, which will take place on 25 October at Galeria de Maputo. More details will be revealed soon — but one thing is certain: after wine, Mozambique is preparing to raise a glass to beer too, with the same passion and excellence.
