WeeklySA_AdminCreation wine estate recently hosted a group of young wine wannabe connoisseurs at its picturesque Hermanus farm, in the southern Cape. The gathering delved into a round-table discussion spearheaded by Areni Global on debunking the myths about young people (alias Generation Z) and fine wine as well as their approach to this category. Areni Global is an independent think tank dedicated to the future of fine wine.
The conversation challenged the idea of age as the primary factor in wine consumption.
“At Creation, we are inspired not only to have an inter-generational wine business but also to have inter-generational guests. All creatures, great and small, are welcome at Creation,” says Carolyn Martin, co-founder and marketing director of the winery.
Areni highlighted that Gen Z, born in the mid to late 1990s and known for their digital savviness and inquisitive nature, share many similarities with established fine wine buyers. Despite their differences in age, both groups value quality and established brands, they are well-educated, and have a thirst for knowledge. This reassured the local wine sector that the future of the fine wine industry was in good hands.
Some key takeaways on Gen-Z as fine wine consumers were that they are curious explorers: They are eager to discover unique and international wines, venturing beyond traditional selections, says Martin.
EVENTS
WineX Mpumalanga Back
South Africa’s much-loved regional wine show – Standard Bank Winex Wine Show – returns to Emnotweni, Mbombela, in Mpumalanga on August 2.
With Standard Bank Private now sponsoring, renowned wine commentator Michael Fridjhon and his WineX team will ensure wine lovers enjoy a two-night spectacle this winter.
Wine enthusiasts from Nelspruit, White River, and the Lowveld are invited to discover new delights and revisit timeless classics at this cherished event. Around 40 exhibitors will present an impressive line-up of nearly 200 wines, including vibrant bubblies, crisp whites, bold reds, and delightful desserts, complemented by select ‘foodies’ presenting wine-enhancing delicacies.
Experience the rich reds of Vilafonté, Rust en Vrede, Quoin Rock and Glen Carlou, the refreshing whites of Strandveld Vineyards, Cederberg and Ken Forrester, and the effervescent offerings from Haute Cabrière and Simonsig Wine Estate.
The show will be held from 17:00 to 21:00. Ticket Prices for Friday, August 2: R275 (includes tastings and wine tasting glass). Emnotweni Rewards cardholders are entitled to discounts from 10% when booking online. No under 18s.
WINE FEST IN DURBS
The annual Pick n Pay Wine & Food Festival this time moves to Durban, taking place in uMhlanga on July 27,when visitors to the show will enjoy award-winning wines, delicious food options against the backdrop of live music at the beautiful Chris Saunders Park.
A highlight at the event will be the Pick n Pay Tasting Room sessions, which are limited to 30 guests per session only. A Tasting Room session takes you on the ultimate sensory journey with a celebrity chef and the featured producer of your particular session, while you pair your favourite wines with freshly prepared gourmet canapés.
The Pick n Pay Fresh Food Market will serve an assortment of dishes prepared with fresh ingredients. Pick n Pay’s Burger & Pizza Trucks will also serve their popular dishes!
A general access ticket costs R275 a person, includes a day pass, a branded wine glass, 20 wine tasting vouchers. The general access & Tasting Room bundle ticket costs R375 a person, includes a general access and entry to a Tasting Room session. Double Ticket & Picnic Combo: R845 (includes two general access tickets from 1pm, and a picnic bag to share).
CREATION IN DURBAN
Cape winelands’ iconic Creation wine estate will host a dinner at 9th Avenue Waterside in Durban on August 1.
The five-course dinner will be perfectly paired with award-winning Creation wines, capped by a conversation with the estate’s marketing director Carolyn Martin on sustainable winemaking.
Hear about the innovative practices introduced by Carolyn and her team to reduce environmental impact and promote biodiversity at Creation Wines. Discover the health benefits of wine and how mindful consumption can enhance your overall wellness.
Martin is hoping the evening will attract a wine connoisseur, a sustainability enthusiast, or simply anyone curious about the intersection of these two worlds, this event promises to be an inspiring and educational experience.
The event starts at 7pm. Tickets, available via Quicket, cost R685 (ex. Gratuity).
WINE AND PRAWNS FEAST
Pretoria’s tranquil Kievits Kroon wine estate is to host a Gauteng Prawn and Wine Festival on August 4.
Visitors will enjoy an all-you-can-eat prawn feast, wine tasting, live music, and a large variety of family-friendly activities.
With a vast selection of prawn-inspired food stations, guests will be spoiled for choice on the day! Stir fry action station, Slider bar, Curry corner, Braai drums with whole prawns, Potjie pots and paella pans, Pizza boards and salad bowls, and of course a dessert spread filled with sweet temptations!
Guests will also be given a number of wine tasting tickets and, with over 50 wines to choose from.
For the kiddies, there’s a dedicated menu featuring kiddies’ favourites, jumping castles, and activities including race painting, Cupcake decorating, mechanical bull rides, Pedal go-carts, Lawn games, Pizza making, and more.
There will also be a luxurious poolside massage from our on-site spa therapists.
Soak up the sun, sip on some wine, and enjoy a variety of spa treatments to help you de-stress. Kievits Kroon Gauteng Wine Estate situated on 41 Reier Rd, Kameeldrift-East, Pretoria
Tickets for adults cost R750 per person and for kiddies R535 each. Toddlers under three years old enter free.
STELLENBOSCH WINE FEST
Wine Town Stellenbosch, the annual seven-day celebration of wine and wineland living, takes place from July 29 to August 4.
The highlight of the event is the Stellenbosch Wine Festival on August 2 and 3. Hosted in the historic town hall, some 60 of the country’s best producers offer more than 200 wines for tasting, which are served alongside a never-ending harvest table of seasonal and local bites and delights.
The celebration is the culmination of a smorgasbord of family-friendly experiences organised by wine farms, restaurants, tour operators and guesthouses in South Africa’s wine capital.
A food feast will be commandeered by celebrated chef Bertus Basson and prepared by Bertus Basson. Festival dates and times: Aug 2, 17:00 – 21:00 and Aug 3, 14:00 – 18:00. Tickets cost R490pp via Plankton and include 18 wine tasting tokens, live music and harvest feast.
SAUVIGNON BLANC SOIRÉE
Explore some of the Cape’s best red wines at a premier tasting to be hosted by producers of the Durbanville Wine Valley at Loch Lynne wine estate on August 2.
The Taste of Terroir Winter Red Wine Tasting Soirée by Durbanville Wine Valley will feature a range of red wines across several vintages and styles. Award-winning farms to be represented are Bloemendal, Diemersdal, De Grendel, D’Aria, Durbanville Hills, Groot Phesantekraal, Klein Roosboom, Maastricht, Meerendal and Nitida.
For the price of the ticket, guests will enjoy red wines from 10 Durbanville producers as well as live music by electric violinist Renate Riedemann and canapés. Should guests wish to make a reservation for dinner after the event, the following restaurants near Loch Lynne Wine Estate are recommended:
The Farm Eatery at Diemersdal, Bossa Meerendal and La Romantica Meerendal.
The events will take place from 17h00 to 20h00. Tickets cost R280 per person. Bookings: https://qkt.io/Qdy0kk
