Saskia Lesch Brings KWV’s Aged Brandy and Chocolate Pairings to Gaborone

Saskia Lesch put brandy in the spotlight at a Gaborone tasting, guiding guests through KWV’s wines and a lineup of aged spirits paired with chocolate. The event marked six months of the Gaborone Wine Club, which hosted the South African producer at the Gaborone Club for an afternoon of tasting and conversation. Lesch manages KWV’s portfolio across Africa and led the session, according to the account. Guests began with familiar labels including Roodeberg and Cathedral Cellar before moving on to brandies aged for 10, 12, 15 and 20 years. Each was served with chocolate, giving attendees a chance to consider how time in the barrel shapes flavour and how a pairing can alter the tasting experience. KWV, founded in 1918, brought more than a century of production history to the gathering. Its brandies have received international recognition, including an eighth Brandy Producer of the Year title at the International Spirits Challenge in 2026, the report says. The Gaborone Wine Club began in April and has since grown to 21 members, ranging from newcomers to experienced wine drinkers. Its regular events are designed to explore producers and their bottles in a relaxed setting, with monthly gatherings covering both smaller wine farms and established names. Membership also includes a complimentary monthly wine selection, discounts through participating TOPS at SPAR stores and preferential purchasing arrangements. Absa Bank Botswana has added discounts for Platinum and Signature cardholders. The club is also developing The Village Pantry, a planned restaurant, specialist grocer, wine shop and deli. For Lesch, the Gaborone event offered a chance to introduce the stories and choices behind the bottles, as well as to demonstrate that an afternoon’s tasting can range well beyond wine.