WeeklySA_AdminSouth Africa’s favourite white wine variety will be celebrated in style when the annual Drink Chenin Festival returns to Cavalli Wine Estate in Somerset West on Saturday, 13 June.
Set against the picturesque Helderberg landscape, the festival brings together some of the country’s leading Chenin Blanc producers for a day dedicated to showcasing the versatility and quality of South Africa’s signature grape. Wine lovers will have the opportunity to sample a wide range of Chenin Blancs from acclaimed estates including Raats Family Wines, Ken Forrester Wines, Jordan Wine Estate, L’Avenir, Kaapzicht, Kleine Zalze and Stellenbosch Vineyards, among others. The event promises more than just exceptional wines. Live music performances will provide entertainment throughout the day, while renowned chef Garth Bedford of Klein Joostenberg will offer a variety of gourmet dishes for purchase, ranging from hearty soups and homemade pies to charcuterie platters and desserts.
Each ticket includes unlimited wine tastings, a commemorative Drink Chenin wine glass and access to all festival activities. Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase their favourite wines directly from participating producers.
With fine wines, gourmet food and a relaxed winter atmosphere, the Drink Chenin Festival remains one of the Cape’s most anticipated annual wine gatherings.
EVENTS
Idiom toasts milestone
Idiom is marking a significant double milestone this June — celebrating 10 years of hospitality excellence and 21 years since crafting its first vintage.
The Somerset West wine estate will commemorate the occasion with a four-day programme titled Ten Tastes of Idiom, running from June 13 to 16 at its restaurant and tasting centre. The celebration comes as Idiom releases wines from its acclaimed 2024 vintage, two decades after the estate introduced its maiden 2004 vintage to the public in 2006. Over the years, the winery has established a reputation for producing premium wines inspired by both Cape terroir and the Italian heritage of the Bottega family.
Visitors attending the anniversary celebrations can expect a retrospective journey through the estate’s history. The programme includes a masterclass showcasing 10 landmark wines, a degustation menu featuring signature dishes from the past decade, and vertical tastings from the estate’s Vinoteque collection.
Unwind Winter Wine Fest
Wine enthusiasts and food lovers are set to gather in Jeffreys Bay this weekend for the Unwind Winter Wine Festival, a celebration of premium wines, artisanal beverages and gourmet cuisine.
Taking place on June 6, at Unwind Tapas Bar, the festival promises an afternoon of indulgence under the theme “Aged to Perfection – Cabernet and Candles – You Had Me at Merlot.” Guests can look forward to tasting a range of bold winter reds from leading South African producers, including Alto Estate, Fairview, Groot Constantia, Steenberg Vineyards, Stellenzicht Wines, Vilafonté, Waterford Wines and several other wineries. The event will also showcase winter-inspired cocktails, craft beer, gin, vodka, brandy and rum.
The culinary offering has been curated by Unwind and Infood Catering and Events, featuring a gourmet curry station, interactive braai experience, sourdough pizzas and a selection of artisanal dishes designed to complement the wines on offer. Adding to the festival atmosphere will be a Winter Wine Wonderland photo-booth, a curated night market, traditional Glühwein tastings, an Espresso Martini Bar and a Boozy Hot Chocolate Bar.
The festival starts at 12pm, with tickets priced at R350 per person through Quicket and R400 at the gate.
Durbanville Hills’ Thursdaze
Wine lovers looking for a relaxed and unconventional night out can look forward to Unfiltered Thursdaze, a new after-hours experience at Durbanville Hills.
Taking place on selected Thursdays and started last night, the weekly event will continue next Thursdays to July 9, offering guests an opportunity to explore wine in a setting that is more about stories and connections than formal tastings and wine jargon. The evening begins at 6pm with a welcome glass of wine and three paired bites served at the table, followed by an informal introduction from the winery team. Guests are then free to explore exclusive barrel samples, experimental blends and in-progress wines that are not usually available to the public. A highlight of the experience is the interactive “Guess the Barrel” challenge, where participants attempt to identify a wine’s varietal and stage of development for a chance to win tickets to a future event. Tickets cost R150 per person and are available in advance.
Uitsig Wine Festival
Wine enthusiasts are in for a treat when the Uitsig Wine Fest 2026 uncorks an afternoon of fine wines, food and entertainment at Uitsig Boutique Hotel on June 27.
The popular festival will bring together more than 17 wine estates from across South Africa, offering visitors the chance to sample a wide range of wines in a relaxed outdoor setting. Running from noon, the event promises an enjoyable winter outing for both seasoned wine lovers and casual enthusiasts.
Guests can expect live performances by local artists, a variety of food stalls and a family-friendly atmosphere set against the backdrop of the boutique hotel’s picturesque grounds. While wine tasting takes centre stage, organisers have ensured there is plenty to keep non-drinkers and younger family members entertained. Adult tickets cost R300 and include a complimentary tasting glass as well as unlimited wine tastings between 12pm and 3pm. Tickets available through Quicket.
Brandy Fest at Stellenbosch
South Africa’s finest brandies will take centre stage when the Brandy Festival returns to Stellenbosch on July 4 for its third celebration of the country’s award-winning distilling craft.
Hosted at The Salene on Devon Valley Road from 14h00 to 21h00, the festival promises a rich tasting experience featuring leading local distilleries showcasing their signature styles through guided tastings and bespoke cocktails crafted by expert mixologists.
Guests can enjoy three cocktails and four neat serves with the general admission ticket (R300), while the VIP Cigar and Brandy Pairing experience (R550) adds a premium tasting featuring a Cuban or Nicaraguan cigar, paired with selected potstill and Cape Brandies, plus espresso and Waterford salted caramel chocolates in an exclusive cigar lounge.
Live DJ sets and a free shuttle service within a 15km radius add to the winter atmosphere. Shuttle seats must be pre-booked via events@sabrandy.co.za by July 1. Tickets are available through Quicket.
Trophy Show Tasting Joburg
Johannesburg’s Trophy Wine Show Great Tasting returns to the Sandton Convention Centre on June 11 for one-night showcase. Hosted by the Trophy Wine Show and presented by Investec, the tasting runs from 17h00 to 21h00, offering wine lovers exclusive access to around 150 award-winning wines. Each selection has scored 90 points or more, identified through the show’s rigorous blind tasting process led by respected wine authority Michael Fridjhon alongside an expert panel of international and local judges.
Guests can expect a curated line-up of trophy, gold and silver medal winners, including standout categories such as Best White and Red Wines of Show, the International Judges’ Trophy winner, Best Premium Wine and the Discovery of the Show for exceptional value.
From rare finds to benchmark vintages, the Great Tasting promises a refined evening of discovery for serious collectors and casual enthusiasts alike.
Grape Escape Festival
The sixth annual Grape Escape Wine Festival, hosted by Wine Concepts, will be taking place at Moyo Restaurant June 11.
Set against the scenic backdrop of the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, the evening event promises a curated tasting experience featuring an array of distinctive wines from 40 of South Africa’s leading producers.
Guests will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of varietals and blends, including Cinsault, Viura, Mourvèdre, Verdelho, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo and Barbera, alongside Chenin Blanc and Rhône- style favourites such as Viognier, Roussanne, Syrah and Grenache.
Running from 18:00 to 21:00, the festival offers more than just tastings. Carefully paired snacks will be served throughout the evening, enhancing the overall experience.
Tickets cost R480 per person, available via Quicket, at Wine Concepts stores, or at the door on the day, subject to availability. – Compiled by Len Maseko: lenmaseko@weeklysamirror.news
