WeeklySA_AdminThe Plett Wine & Bubbly Festival returns to Plettenberg Bay on May 2, marking 20 years of ‘Plett Wine of Origin’ with a week-long celebration of the region’s growing wine reputation.
Festivities unfold along the Plett Wine Route with curated tastings, vineyard tours and intimate winemaker experiences, culminating in a flagship event at Kay & Monty Vineyards in The Crags.
From 1pm to 4pm, guests can sample local wines, enjoy food stalls, an oyster bar and live music, before a high-energy performance wraps up the day.
Tickets cost R465 via Quicket and include a tasting glass, 10 wine tastings and event discounts.
Set against the Garden Route’s coastal scenery, the festival is timed with public holidays to attract long-weekend travellers, reinforcing Plettenberg Bay’s status as a boutique wine destination known for Cap Classique, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.
The Plettenberg is situated on a rocky headland in one of South Africa’s most spectacular beach towns. Plettenberg Bay boasts a year-round temperate climate, pristine beaches and dense green forests, making it the ultimate South African seaside escape.
Recently voted by the readers of Condé Nast Traveller as one of the Top Hotels in South Africa, the 5-star hotel boasts direct beach access, showcasing some of the most breathtaking vistas, including views of the ocean, mountains and endless stretches of golden sand. The hotel features 37 guest rooms, including 12 Suites and two spectacular Villas.
It has a world-class restaurant, Amelia’s, where deliciously fresh dishes are served in a mesmerizing seaside setting.
EVENTS
Unwined Show Vibes in Mbombela
Wine lovers and food enthusiasts are in for a treat as the Unwined Food and Wine Show heads to Mbombela Golf Club on May 2, promising a vibrant celebration of South African wine, cuisine and community spirit.
Starting at 12pm, the event brings together top local wine estates, giving visitors direct access to winemakers and their craft — with no middleman — and the chance to purchase bottles at exclusive show prices. From bold reds to crisp whites, the curated selection showcases the diversity and quality of the country’s wine scene.
Beyond the glass, guests can indulge in a wide range of gourmet offerings from handpicked food vendors and restaurants, serving everything from artisanal bites to hearty favourites.
Live music from carefully selected local talent will provide the soundtrack to the day, creating a relaxed yet energetic atmosphere designed for socialising and discovery.
More than just a tasting event, Unwined also supports skills development by creating opportunities for local students to gain experience in event coordination.
Tickets start from R250 via Quicket, making it an accessible and lively long-weekend outing in Mpumalanga.
Cederberg Fest in Umhlanga
Wine lovers and lifestyle seekers are invited to slow down and savour the moment when the Cederberg Harvest Festival arrives in Umhlanga on April 30.
Hosted at the stylish Grimaldi’s at Umhlanga Pearls, the event promises an immersive celebration inspired by La Dolce Vita — the sweet life — where good wine, good food and unhurried connection take centre stage.
Set against the relaxed coastal charm of Umhlanga, the evening captures the spirit of leisurely indulgence, offering guests a chance to experience Cederberg Wines’ latest releases.
The festival opens at 18:30 with welcome drinks and appetisers, setting the tone for a curated tasting journey through the winery’s new vintages. Guests will then gather for a generous family-style feast, echoing the communal warmth of Italian dining traditions.
More than just a wine tasting, the event is positioned as a full sensory experience — blending flavour, setting and storytelling into a celebration of the harvest season.
Grimaldi’s, known for its easy elegance and sun-drenched ambience, provides the perfect backdrop for the occasion, transforming the evening into a coastal interpretation of Italian charm.
At R595 per person, the experience offers not only access to premium wines and cuisine, but also an invitation to pause, connect and embrace a slower, more intentional way of enjoying life.
Pick ‘n Pay Fest Cape Town
Cape Town’s “secret season” gets a delicious lift as the Pick n Pay Wine & Food Festival returns on April 25 and 26 at the Claremont Cricket Club in Constantia.
Set against the scenic Constantia valley, the two-day festival promises a celebration of South Africa’s finest wines, food and live entertainment.
Visitors can explore offerings from more than 50 top wine estates, with a dedicated Sparkling Experience lane showcasing a variety of Cap Classique and sparkling wines.
Food lovers are equally well catered for. The Pick n Pay Fresh Food Market will feature everything from fish and chips and sushi to fresh salads and indulgent cheese and charcuterie boards.
Burger and pizza trucks will add to the relaxed, festival-style atmosphere.
For a more curated experience, guests can book the popular Tasting Room sessions, pairing wines with gourmet canapés, or take part in the interactive Mixology Theatre, where cocktails are crafted under expert guidance.
Tickets start at R350 via Webtickets, with optional add-ons including picnic bags and premium tasting experiences.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking for a relaxed weekend outing, this festival offers a perfect blend of flavour, fun and flair in the heart of the Mother City.
BenVino Wine Fest
Gauteng’s wine lovers are in for a treat as the BenVino Wine Festival returns on May 2, bringing a full day of tastings, music and outdoor indulgence to 114 on Waterhouse in Benoni. Hosted by Val Di Terra Events, the festival has quickly built a reputation as one of the province’s fastest-growing wine experiences — and for good reason. Set among rolling lawns, tranquil waterfalls and lush gardens, the venue offers a setting that evokes the charm of the Cape winelands without leaving the city.
This year’s edition promises even more variety, with unlimited tastings of over 200 wines from more than 25 leading South African estates, including at least ten new wine farms.
Beyond the wine, visitors can expect a lively programme of entertainment, including live performances by Rewind, Les and Bryan, and other artists.
Craft food stalls, harvest platters, wine-themed games and merchandise add to the festival atmosphere, while prizes worth over R25 000 are up for grabs.
Tickets start at R275, and a VIP option available.
Harties Wine Fest
The inaugural Harties Wine Festival arrives at Matambandou in Hartbeespoort on April 26, offering a relaxed celebration of South African wine culture.
Starting at 12h00, the festival brings together a curated selection of local wineries for an afternoon of tasting, discovery and conversation. Designed as an easy, social outdoor experience, the event invites both seasoned enthusiasts and casual wine lovers to engage directly with winemakers while sampling a variety of labels.
Beyond the glass, the experience extends into gourmet food offerings and live entertainment, creating a vibrant yet unhurried atmosphere that reflects the growing appeal of destination-style wine events just outside Johannesburg.
Tickets are priced at R400 per person and include festival entry, access to wine tasting stalls, and a commemorative wine glass. Tickets are available via Webtickets, with no indication that sales will be available at the gate — early booking is advised. – Compiled by Len Maseko: lenmaseko@weeklysamirror.news
