WeeklySA_AdminOn September 18, Cape winelands’ Durbanville Hills will host Metro Merlot – an evening where urban energy meets vineyard elegance in a celebration of one of the world’s most-loved wines, Merlot.
As the sun dips behind Table Mountain and the city begins to sparkle over Table Bay, guests will be welcomed with a refreshing Merlot Sangria – the perfect sip to show off the cherry-and-raspberry charm of this versatile grape and toast the change of season.
The evening unfolds beneath the stars, with lounge-style seating and a visiting DJ spinning smooth, feel-good beats. Guests will discover five standout Durbanville Hills Merlots, each paired with a modern, flavour-packed bite.
Merlot thrives in the cool, coastal climate of Durbanville, where ocean breezes and deft winemaking combine to create distinctive, expressive wines. At Metro Merlot, guests will taste a rosé, a blend, a single varietal, the premium Collectors Reserve, and the award-winning Merlot 10-year-old potstill brandy. They will also discover the playful side of Merlot with specially-crafted cocktails at the Sangria station.
Metro Merlot promises to be a stylish night out filled with flavour, music, ambience and connection. Tickets cost R350 (limited seats – booking essential) via https://www.durbanvillehills.co.za/Blogs. The event starts at 18h30.
Durbanville Hills is situated a mere 20 minutes from Cape Town’s city centre, offering not only a spectacular view of Table Mountain and Table Bay, but also an extraordinary terroir that stabilises temperatures and eliminates extremes of heat and cold.
The winery boasts a relaxed indoor and outdoor tasting area/tasting cellar. The tasting room’s décor is chic, inviting one to linger in the lounge area with its comfy, contemporary seating or outside in our Olive Grove Bistro or beneath our olive trees and taste our range of wines on their own or paired with either chocolate, cheese or biltong. Guests can enjoy a light lunch of chef specials and sandwich of the day, or hake and chips or one of the platters. Weekends on the estate resemble a beehive, especially Sundays when live music reverberates through the Sundown Sunday series from 3pm – 6 PM (October to March).
EVENTS
Steenberg Garden Party
Steenberg’s signature Garden Party returns to Randburg on September 20 with a bold new setting, fresh vintages, and a flourish of spring energy. The event blends cap heritage with Joburg sophistication at the beautiful Glenshiel Estate, 19 Woolston Road, in Westcliff, an iconic property known for its stately charm, sweeping lawns, and panoramic views.
In honour of Cap Classique Month, the event will also toast 25 years of Steenberg Cap Classique, alongside the estate’s acclaimed Sauvignon Blancs and signature reds. Carefully curated tasting stations and generous harvest-style food pairings will showcase the depth and character of the range.
Adding an extra layer of discovery, an optional Masterclass with Cellar Master Elunda Basson will be held from 13h00–14h00, offering guests an intimate tasting experience of older vintages and insights into the unique Steenberg terroir. Live music by Mo-T (Mi Casa) and the event organisers invite guests to dance, taste, and wander. Tickets from R250 per person.
J.C. Le Roux Fridays
StellenboschThe House of J.C. Le Roux, South Africa’s first and leading cellar dedicated entirely to the art of making sparkling wine, will host singer Langa Mavuso under the winery’s J.C. Fridays on September 26.
A wine dedicated to craftsmanship and driven by passion, offers you an opportunity to indulge in an immersive wine and pairing experience, while listening to a smooth yet sweet voice of Mavuso.
Mavuso will set the tone for an afternoon of unforgettable memories, sip, dance and celebrate against a breathtaking Devon Valley in Stellenbosch backdrop. Tickets are R350 per guest (no under 18s). The winery is situated on Devon Valley Road. The event starts at 18h00. Tickets include: one sparkling welcome drink on arrival; seated sparkling wine and food pairing experience in the Tasting Room. Limited tickets are available exclusively via Quicket.
UNWINED FOOD AND WINE
The Unwined Food and Wine Show, taking place at Mbombela Golf Club in Mpumalanga on September 27, will showcase the best of South African wine.
The Unwined Local Food and Wine Show is committed to bringing together top winemakers, estates, and industry experts to elevate your wine experience. Visitors will explore an array of exquisite wines from our carefully curated selection of wine estates. They will be able to take advantage of exclusive show discounts to purchase your preferred bottles directly from the wine estate. On offer will be a diverse range of food vendors and restaurants to showcase their cuisines for the day – all to be enjoyed with a soundtrack of soulful melodies and infectious rhythms. Unwined is more than just a showcase of exceptional wines and culinary delights – it’s a celebration of community, camaraderie, and shared passion. Tickets costing R250 per person will be available via Quicket. The event starts at 12h00.
AFRO WINE SUMMIT
The Afro Wine Week Summit, billed as a gateway to investment, empowerment and community-building in the global wine industry, will take place at the Rockefeller Hotel in Cape Town on Monday and Tuesday.
The summit will precede the triennial CapeWine conference and exhibition, which starts on September 10 and will last for three days.
It will bring together winemakers, investors, global brands and industry leaders, who will cast the spotlight into the future of the global wine industry. This will be happening during two days of panels, keynotes, breakout sessions and networking.
The organisers have curated a space where wealth creation, inclusivity and investment will converge.
The objective is to offer prime opportunity to support Black-owned wine brands, explore investment avenues and shape the future of a thriving, untapped market. Tickets cost R5 500 per person via Webtickets.
CAPEWINE 2025
This coming week will see the much-anticipated CapeWine, the largest southern hemisphere wine trade event, taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, from Wednesday until Friday.
The triennial event will feature more than 400 South African wine producers, and attract trade and media representatives from more than 60 countries.
Wines of South Africa (WoSA) is hosting the flagship showcase, which is geared to highlight the richness and diversity of South Africa’s wine industry to an international audience of trade professionals, media and enthusiasts.
During the three days of the expo, there will be seminars, exhibition and bespoke excursions to the winelands to experience the wonder of its wine routes.
A full list of exhibitors and activities is available on the CapeWine 2025 website: www.capewine2025.com.
Registration opens early in 2025, with tickets available for the full three-day event at R800, or a daily ticket for R500.
The exhibition will run daily from 10:00 to 17:00, providing ample opportunities to network, taste exceptional wines, and explore the local culture and Cape landscapes.
CHARDONNAY & PINOT NOIR
Wine Concepts will host their 13th annual Chardonnay & Pinot Noir Celebration at Moyo Restaurant, Kirstenbosch on September 18. A total of 45 of the Cape’s premium wine producers will be presenting an outstanding showcase of the Cape’s finest Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. Lovers of these two noble Burgundian varietals will have the rare opportunity to discover, explore, sip, and savour over 100 flagship wines. Snacks that complement the various styles of wine, prepared by the chefs of Moyo Restaurant, will be served throughout the evening. The event starts at 18h00 and ends at 21h00.
Tickets, available via Quicket, cost R480 per person and include entry, wine glass, tastings, and snacks. They are also available at any of the Wine Concepts branches: Tel 021 671 9030 (Newlands) or 021 426 4401 (Kloof Street) or email: newlandshop@wineconcepts.co.za.
Wines in the Park
Scores of Gauteng wine lovers are expected to attend the inaugural Wines in the Park Show, which will be held at The Blades Hotel in Pretoria on September 13.
Guests will enjoy their wines relaxed on the lawns; taste some of South Africa’s finest vintages; enjoy delicious gourmet bites; and soak in live music – all happening at the riverside at The Blades. Top estates at the show include Zevenwacht, Kleine Zalze, Glen Carlou, Thelema, Bon Courage, Spier and Watsonia.
Tickets include branded glassware to take home; mini cheese box. There will be live entertainment enjoyed in the backdrop of scenic riverside setting.Wine Sales: Wines will be available for purchase directly from the featured estates.
The organisers have arranged designated picnic areas with blankets and cushions, but guests should feel free to bring their own for extra comfort.
The venue is situated on Kameeldrift Road, Roodeplaat. Tickets cost R365 per person and are available through Quicket. The event starts at 11am.
MONAGHAM WINE FEST
Johannesburg north’s Monagham Farm Spring Wine Festival will take place at the lifestyle complex’s The Other Side Country Restaurant on September 13.
The event organisers promise a perfect day out with fine wine, great food, and festive vibes under the spring sky for family and friends.
They will celebrate the Spring season while tasting wines from over 20 local and international wine estates, showcasing over 100 wines in a relaxed farm – to – table setting. Tickets costing R250 person are limited so book yours online now and come sip the day away with us. The venue is situated on Ashenti Road, Pretoria Rural, Lanseria. The event takes place between 12h00 and 17h00.
Menlyn Wine Meander
Pretoria’s Menlyn Wine Meander will host an unforgettable wine experience at Central Square Menlyn Maine on September 13. Visitors will celebrate the art of wine on a delightful afternoon filled with live music and over 15 exquisite wines to taste.
Activities include live music when guests will get to groove to the sounds of talented local artists while sampling a diverse selection of wines from renowned vineyards. A ticket includes a complimentary wine glass and 15 tasting tokens for tasting.
Tickets cost R150 per person available through Webtickets. The event starts at 11h00. The venue, Central Square Menlyn Maine, is situated on 180 Amarand Avenue, Waterkloof Glen. – Compiled by Len Maseko
