Standard Bank Private WineX opened at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from October 28 to 30, showcasing three evenings of tastings, art, music and entertainment.  Scores of wine lovers sampled more than 700 vinous offerings and brandies from over 120 exhibitors. PHOTOS: Robert Magwaza

EVENTS

Pretoria’s festive pour

Wine lovers can toast the start of the holiday season when Festive Fijnwyn returns to Shokran Events Venue in Tierpoort, Pretoria, on November 7.

Starting at 10am, the gathering promises a day of wine discovery and festive cheer, bringing friends together in a celebration of the approaching summer holidays.

Visitors can explore wines from more than 35 wine farms, with a selection spanning crisp summer whites, bold reds, rosés and sparkling wines for those end-of-year toasts.

With sunshine, festive colours and favourite wines setting the mood, the event offers an opportunity to discover a new bottle or revisit a familiar favourite in good company.

Tickets cost R250. Shokran Events Venue is at Plot 99, Tierpoort, Pretoria.

Franschhoek bubbly fest

The Franschhoek Cap Classique & Champagne Festival returns to the Huguenot Monument on December 5 and 6, promising a stylish weekend of sparkling wine, food, fashion and music.

Presented by Capitec and Franschhoek Wine Valley under the theme “Step Into The Light”, the festival will showcase leading South African Cap Classique producers alongside selected imported Champagnes. A curated range of non-alcoholic alternatives will also make its debut.

Each ticket includes a commemorative wine flute and 10 tasting tokens. Guests may sample wines, buy them by the glass or bottle and enjoy dishes from gourmet food vendors.

Entertainment will include performances by Coda SA, Amy Jones and ShenFM, supported by DJs playing Deep House, AmaPiano and Afro-electronic music.

This year also introduces the Crystal Lounge, an exclusive retreat offering a welcome cocktail, private lounge access and dedicated luxury restrooms.

Fashion lovers can enter the popular Best Dressed Competition, themed “Colours in Motion”. Entrants are encouraged to experiment with flowing fabrics, movement and reflective details, with prizes awaiting the most stylish guests.

Tickets will be sold through Webtickets, with early booking strongly recommended.

New wines – fresh discoveries

The NEW Wine Show returns for its fifth edition this weekend, bringing wine tastings, gourmet food and fresh discoveries to the PE St. George’s Club in Port Elizabeth.

Taking place on October 31, and November 1, the 2026 edition will feature 12 handpicked South African wineries, showcasing a complementary selection of wines from different regions.

The line-up brings together familiar estates that exhibit across the country and wineries that seldom venture beyond the Western Cape, offering local wine lovers a chance to discover producers relatively new to the city.

Participating wineries have also been encouraged to bring one or two wines from their exclusive ranges, adding something special for enthusiasts keen to explore beyond their usual favourites. Tickets include unlimited tastings from all participating estates. Visitors can also buy bottles to enjoy off-site or place orders for home delivery.

Chefs at The Club will prepare gourmet small plates designed to complement the featured wines, rounding off a weekend of tasting and discovery.

Whisky toast to 25 years

Whisky Live celebrates its 25-year legacy with a festival showcasing more than 200 whiskies at The Galleria in Sandton from November 5 to 7.

From rare finds to familiar favourites, the Whisky Live Festival invites seasoned enthusiasts and curious newcomers to explore the flavours and character of whiskies from around the world.

The three-day celebration promises a journey of discovery, offering visitors the opportunity to broaden their palates and find a new favourite in an elegant setting.

Whether your preference is for something bold and smoky or smooth and mellow, the festival brings a wide selection together under one roof — with plenty of reasons to raise a glass to a quarter-century of whisky appreciation.

Show times for Thursday and Friday, 18h00–22h00; Saturday, 15h00–21h00. General access tickets price R695 via TicketPro or R895 (at the door); masterclass only R695 (excludes tasting hall access); combo tickets (masterclass plus access to tasting hall) R1 095 and VIP lounge R2 495. All ticket prices per person.. – Compiled by Len Maseko: lenmaseko@weeklysamirror.news