WeeklySA_AdminCape Town’s northern vineyards in the Durbanville Wine Valley are rolling out the red carpet in celebration of the official 200th anniversary of Durbanville town. Wine lovers are going to be in their element with a specially curated tasting experience on April 10 and 11.
This exclusive, once-off event showcases the finest wines from the region’s esteemed wineries, offering visitors a unique opportunity to savour the terroir and rich heritage that have defined Durbanville’s excellence in both winemaking and hospitality.
Participating wine farms include De Grendel, Durbanville Hills, Klein Roosboom, Nitida, Maastricht, Bloemendal, D’Aria, Canto, Meerendal, Diemersdal, and Groot Phesantekraal, each presenting signature varieties and limited-release vintages as well as special, farm-wholesome menus. Visitors can indulge in exceptional wine pairings and guided tastings with winemakers who continue to elevate Durbanville’s standing as a premier wine destination.
De Grendel wine estate (PICTURED) is one of Cape Town’s oldest farms, stretching out over almost 330 hectares on the fynbos-covered slopes of Tygerberg Hill. Visitors can taste De Grendel wines from the long glass encased verandah of the De Grendel Tasting lounge and the stoep overlooking the vineyards to the magnificent views of the Table Mountain, Cape Town city and the Atlantic Ocean or chill in the relaxed lounge atmosphere.
Some of the exclusive experiences include special evenings of wine tasting with live music. Pricing across the events varies, ensuring there’s something for everyone, and some events must be booked in advance. For the full programme, visit www.durbanvillewine.co.za.
For more information about Durbanville Wine Valley’s activities, follow @durbanvillewine on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram or visit the website at durbanvillewine.co.za/events.
For more information about the Durbanville Wine Safari service and to reserve a seat, contact bookings@durbanvillewinesafari.com.
EVENTS
FIJNWYN IN PRETORIA EAST
The annual Fijnwyn Bubbles Wine and Food Market returns to its usual base at Shokran Events Venue in Pretoria East on March 21 and 22.
Organisers promise a celebration of exceptional wine, mouth-watering food, and live music. More than 30 wine estates will be showcasing their finest offerings at the event.
Each participating farm will have at least one bubble to taste, along with a selection of white, rosé, and red wines. Whether a fan of sparkling bubbles or traditional wines, organisers say there will be something for everyone.
One of the highlights will be street food delights that will perfectly complement the wines, offering a culinary adventure for taste buds.
Tickets cost R220, include a tasting glass and access to unlimited wine tastings. The venue is situated on 99 Luiperd Street, Tiegerpoort, Pretoria East.
SUMMER VINES IN PAARL
Summer Vines, a new wine festival promising a unique experience to wine lovers, is coming to Paarl in the Western Cape on March 22 Described as a unique experience of a walking tour of the wine regions, the show will offer a diverse range of local wineries and some winemakers will be present to share the journey of their wines from grape to bottle. All wines are available for tasting and purchasing.Highlights include live music, food trucks, beer tent, local charcuterie style stalls (fresh breads, jams, cheeses). Participating wineries include Ayama Wines, Kanu Wines, Keermont Stellenbosch, Painted Wolf Wines, Wightman and Sons Wine Co., Wildeberg Wines, Wolvenhoek Vineyards.
The venue is Wilderer Wilderer Distillery, which is situated on R45 Simondium. Early bird tickets cost R220 (limited) while the normal entry price is R280. Tickets include over 30 tastings plus a branded glass to take home. For more information visit www.summervines.co.za or email info@summervines.co.za for more information.
SIMONSBERG WINE FEST
RMB Simonsberg Wine Festival is to showcase the stature and prestige of the route at Plaisir de Merle estate in Franschhoek over three days from March 28.
The event will feature 40 wines from more than 10 wineries, including Plaisir, Bartinney, Thelema, Tokara, Anura, Glen Carlou, Muratie, Quoin Rock, Vuurberg, Neil Joubert, Marianne, and many more.
Other event highlights include a bubbly and gin garden, beer as well as live music from DJ and performer Shen FM, including food stands, offering Zuney Wagyu Burgers; sushi; oysters; pizza; and cheese and charcuterie picnic boxes.
Tickets for Friday night cost R1 250 per person, inclusive of food from SALT and all flagship wines (limited to 300 guests). Tickets for Saturday and Sunday cost R350 per person, including 15 wine tasting coupons, a glass, and a bag.
QUOIN ROCK HARVEST
Quoin Rock is hosting a Harvest 2025 Celebration on its Stellenbosch farm on April 10, to give wine lovers a rare insight into winemaking.
The winery invites wine lovers to step into the heart of the harvest season, where the land’s bounty, the winemaker’s art, and the spirit of fire come together for an extraordinary celebration.
They will be treated to a harvest table flowing with seasonal delights, including dishes prepared with flames dancing on the braai, infusing each bite with bold, smoky perfection. These delicacies will be enjoyed along with a curated selection of Quoin Rock’s signature wines, each sip a story of passion and terroir.
To create sedate ambience, there will be live entertainment, setting the scene for an afternoon of connection and celebration beneath the majestic Simonsberg Mountains as well as stunning views of the Knorhoek Valley and picturesque natural surroundings stretching to Cape Town. Tickets cost R3 250 a person. Activities start at 4pm.
P n P CAPE TOWN
The Pick n Pay Wine & Food Festival Cape Town 2025 returns to the mother city for a two-day showcase on April 26 and 27.
Visitors to the show will taste their way through some of SA’s top wine producers and discover a world of award-winning wines and sumptuous food. The event will take place at the Claremont Cricket Club.
Each ticketholder receives 20 wine tasting tokens and a tasting glass upon entry, the number of tokens “paid” per tasting is based on the rand value of the wine to be tasted at various stalls. Highlights include an experience at the Tasting Room, Picnic and PnP Mixology Theatre. Tickets cost R300 a person.
VERGELEGEN HARVEST
The 350-year-old Vergelegen is to host the Live Music Harvest Feast at its Somerset West estate on April 6.
Guests will join to celebrate the end of the harvest with a rustic feast in a stunning new secret venue on the farm. Offering fine wine and exceptional food, the exclusive event will take place from 16h00 to 20h30.
With just 60 seats available, guests will gather at the Wine Tasting Centre before embarking on a scenic ride in farm vehicles to a picturesque vineyard setting. Here, they’ll sip on bubbles, savour gourmet canapés, and even hand-pick their own grapes.
As the sun sets, the journey continues to a hidden pop-up venue, where two long harvest tables will be set for a lavish farm-style feast.
The Ceekay Band will provide live music as guests indulge in a family-style meal. Tap your toes, sip on our wines and enjoy the festive atmosphere in our exciting new secret venue on the farm.
Tickets cost R950 per person, and include a welcome drink with canapés, a delectable harvest feast, live music, wine all afternoon, and a take-home gift.
Compiled by Len Maseko
