WeeklySA_AdminSTELLENBOSCH HITS JOBURG TRAIL
The Stellenbosch Experience, an event that features South Africa’s top winemakers from the Cape winelands, will be happening in Sandton and Soweto on June 9, 10 and 11.
Wine enthusiasts will feature outstanding wines from more than 40 producers and meet the winemakers themselves. Among the attendees will be owner/winemaker Ntsiki Biyela of Aslina Wines, winemaker Shawn Matthyse of Ken Forrester Wines, winemaker Dirk van Zyl of Glenelly Wines, winemaker Rianie Strydom from Cavalli Estate and winemaker Narina Cloete of Blaauwklippen Estate.
A special highlight is the participation this year of some of South Africa’s top, Stellenbosch-made brandies.
This is the chance to ask everything you want to know about South Africa’s most awarded wine region, in an informal and festive setting. The tastings provide the ideal, no-pressure environment to explore, sip, and satisfy your curiosity about wine and Stellenbosch.
“We’re super excited about bringing Stellenbosch to Johannesburg again this year,” says Stellenbosch Wine Routes manager Elmarie Rabe. “We share so much as South Africans, and this is another opportunity to share our stories and celebrate the diversity of culture and taste. From Soweto to Sandton, the refined elegance of Stellenbosch’s wine tradition meets the vibrancy of Johannesburg’s north.”
“At the same time, we’re hoping to entice visitors to visit Stellenbosch itself, and particularly for our annual wine festival that takes place in August,” she says.
“The Stellenbosch Wine Festival is a two-day tasting event that’s part of the Wine Town Stellenbosch celebration. It is really the time to experience some of South Africa’s world-class farms, easy village lifestyle and all-round bliss of the Stellenbosch vibe.”
The Stellenbosch Experience in Johannesburg has become an annual feature of the City of Gold, and this year promises to take the bar to new heights, with new players joining the ranks of the Stellenbosch Experience.
• June 10, from 18:00 to 22:00, at Ristorante Villa Soweto, 6893 Bhejane Street, Orlando West. Tickets are R200pp and are available via Webtickets and Pick ‘n Pay. In addition to the tasting glass included in the ticket, there will be food trucks with meals for sale. The dress format is smart casual.
• June 11, from 17h30, in Sandton, at the Southern Sun and Towers. Tickets are R400pp and limited to 150 people. Tickets include wine tastings and food pairings. Get your ticket now on Plankton.mobi.
TROPHY WINE SHOW
The annual Trophy Wine Show Great Tasting, which involves sampling a trove of award-winning wines, returns to Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on June 12.
Tickets to the event, which starts at 5pm and ends at 9pm, cost R350 via Webtickets. Expect around 150 award-winning wines (scoring 90 points and above) selected by international and local wine professionals.
Highlights at The Great Tasting include the Best White and Best Red Wines of Show, the International Judges’ trophy winner, Best Premium Wine, the Discovery of the Show (best value wine) and Investec Champion Winemaker of the Year.
As the headline sponsor, Investec believes the Trophy Wine Show is a wonderful platform to celebrate excellence in the industry. Moreover, the event will engage discerning and sophisticated wine enthusiasts across the country. Investec looks forward to the opportunity to present the top wines to its niche clients and the public alike.
Tickets are limited and include the sampling of all wines, a delicious deli snack (value R120) and the tasting glass to take home. Investec cardholders receive 20 percent on their ticket purchase. Limited PnP Smart Shopper cardholder discounted tickets are available on a first-come-first-served basis (two tickets for the price of one).
PnP FEST IN DURBAN
The Pick n Pay Wine & Food Festival Durban is the place to be on June 28.
Wine lovers will celebrate South Africa’s wine country, and enjoy award-winning wines, delicious food options and live music at the beautiful Chris Saunders Park in uMhlanga.
The Festival offers visitors the opportunity to sample wines from a curated selection of top wine estates. And if you love bubbles, you’re in for a treat with a variety of Cap Classique and sparkling wines for all to enjoy.
The Festival offers visitors the opportunity to sample wines from a curated selection of top wine estates. And if you love bubbles, you’re in for a treat with a variety of Cap Classique and sparkling wines for all to enjoy.
Our ever-popular Pick n Pay Tasting Room sessions are back! Go on the ultimate tasting journey with a celebrity chef and the featured producer of your particular session, and pair your favourite wines with freshly prepared gourmet canapés. The Pick n Pay Fresh Food Market will serve an assortment of dishes prepared with fresh ingredients such as curry, fish and chips, fresh salads, sushi and indulgent cheese and charcuterie boards. Pick n Pay’s Burger & Pizza Trucks will also serve their popular dishes!
Pick n Pay Wine Club Early Access: R300 (includes early access from 12pm, 1 wine tasting glass & 20 wine tasting vouchers). General Access: R300 (includes access from 1pm, 1 wine tasting glass & 20 wine tasting vouchers). Designated Driver Ticket: R150 (Includes a R75 voucher card to purchase soft drinks and coffee.
BASTILLE RETURNS IN JULY
The annual Franschhoek Bastille Festival returns for its 30th edition to celebrate French heritage in a new location next month.
The iconic event, taking place on July 12 and 13, offers wine and cheese tastings, stalls, live entertainment, and a best-dressed competition.
Guests will receive a wine glass and 10 tasting tokens, with the option to explore “Uncorked Exclusive” for a more intimate wine experience. They will enjoy gourmet delights and street performances at the Food Fair and Celebration Square. Iconic Bastille tickets are for guests aged 18 and older. Dress in blue, white, and red.
This year, the event will unveil a brand-new location in the heart of the village – the Hospice parking area. The new location offers festival goers a refreshed setting in which to revel in one of the Cape’s most beloved winter traditions.
Bastille celebrates the valley’s French roots with its world-class hospitality, offering something for every palate and passion. Rhythm DiVine will feature funky French DJ beats incorporating live saxophone, violin, and percussion while Cape Town’s beloved band, Tuxedo, adds to the ambience with a powerhouse set-list of crowd favourites. Tickets, available via Webtickets, cost R390.
KNYSNA WINE FEST
The ever-popular Knysna Fine Wine Festival 2025, taking place at Simola Golf & Country Estate from July 4 and 5.
The event is a premiere showcase for local wines, taking place within the Knysna Oyster Festival. With its delectable oysters, vibrant atmosphere, and thrilling sporting events, this year’s festival promises plenty of excitement and a full programme for attendees.
Under the enticing theme “For a shucking good time!”, the festival will celebrate the unique charm and flavours of Knysna and invite festinos to indulge in a feast of food, sporting, and cultural activities.
The full festival line-up boasts a plethora of events designed to cater to diverse interests and ages. From live music performances and cooking competitions to wine festivals and arts and crafts markets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Wine lovers will have the opportunity to savour the finest selection of more than 30 wines from the Garden Route and beyond. Tickets cost R350 per person and are available on Quicket.
CULLINAN FEST
The Cullinan Winter Wine Festival, focusing on winter wines, takes place at the Premiermyn Hervormde Kerk in Cullinan, east of Pretoria, on July 5.
Top wine estates will be showcasing their award winning wines at this year’s festival.Red wines including award winning Pinotage, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, Bordeaux blends, not to mention the fortified wines such as Port, Sherry, Muscadel and Hanepoot.
For the non-wine drinker we also have a few Craft Distillers and Brewers, Food Stalls, Deli Type Foods and General Stalls within our market area. Live Entertainment by various artists complete the show. The event starts at 9am. Tickets cost R150.. – Compiled by Len Maseko
