EVENTS

TROPHY WINE SHOW

The Johannesburg edition of the Trophy Wine Show Public Tasting at the Sandton Convention Centre, Pavilion (Bill Gallagher Room), in Sandton on June 1.

The show is brought by Investec is hosting a one-night only tasting of the 2024 award-winning wines selected at this year’s competition, after three days of blind tastings. The wines are selected from a line-up of around 1 000 wine entries judged ‘blind’ by a panel of judges chaired by South Africa’s wine authority Michael Fridjhon.

Details of all award winners will be available online from June 4. Trophy winning wines at the public tasting will include Best Red, Best White, Discovery of the Show (Best Value) and the International Judges’ Trophy award. Ticket price includes tastings and a take-home glass. Light meals for sale.

CRAFT BEER FEST

Gauteng beer lovers are surely bracing themselves for festive frothy moments when the Capital Craft Beer Festival returns to its usual venue – the Pretoria National Botanical Gardens – on June 15.

The event celebrates 11 years of ‘beer-hoppy’ times for beer and music lovers who are expected to converge on the venue in great numbers on the day. Buzzing crowds, bountiful brewers, the best local and international beer, an abundance of entertainment for all music tastes, and a diverse selection of food will be the order of the day.

More than 40 beer brands will be available on the day. Entertainment will be provided from three stages, featuring acts such as Soweto String Quartet, Spoegwolf, Skeleton Jacket, Qadasi & Maqhinga and Springbok Nude Girls.

Ticket sales are spread over the dates: from R285 up to May 31; R300 until June 7; R325 up to June 14; and (subject to availability) R350 on the day.

GIN & RUM FEST

Casalinga Restaurant will be hosting the annual Joburg Gin and Rum Festival on its grounds in Muldersdrift, west of Johannesburg, on June 1.

Cocktail lovers who can look forward to delicious gin and/or rum cocktails curated by a team of mixologists together with artisanal food stalls and the best in local music.

The event, which starts at 12 noon, is a celebration of some of the finest Gins and Rums with curated cocktails to suit every tastebud.

Ticket costing R120 and R230 includes entrance, event glass and one free taster. Entrance for kids under 12 with parents is free. Kids 12 -18 unfortunately not permitted. Casalinga is situated on Rocky Ridge Rd, Muldersdrift.

WINE BY THE RIVER

The Vaal Wine Expo 2024, which is part of the Vaal Wine Route, will take place at Stonehaven on Vaal in Vanderbiljpark on June 1.

Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a prime selection of unlimited superb wine tasting right on the banks of the Vaal River in Gauteng! This year, the event will celebrate its 20th anniversary.

Swirl, sniff and sip great SA wines while cruising down Millionaires Mile on a luxury cruiser in Gauteng! Once again, the Vaal River Meander Wine & Spirit Expo is being hosted jointly by Stonehaven on Vaal on the banks of the Vaal River in Gauteng.

Tickets cost R300 per person which includes: a branded tasting glass to use and take home; unlimited tastings of over 200 different wines; 30 minute Vaal River Cruise voucher OR a R50 food voucher to use on the day; access to food stalls, kiddies play area, restaurant & bar.  Tickets limited to 3 000 tickets.

CAPE’S WINE SUMMIT

The South Africa Wine Summit, aimed at forging a strategic framework for the local industry, will be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on May 23.

Aptly named Blend and Bond, the summit embodies the collaboration that defines the South African wine landscape. It represents a collective commitment to solidarity, innovation, and sustainability as industry players unite to navigate evolving challenges and capitalise on emerging opportunities.

At the heart of the summit lies unveiling a new strategic framework designed to propel the South African wine industry forward. Drawing on the latest trends, insights, and research, this strategy charts a bold course for growth, competitiveness, and resilience in the global marketplace.

The summit promises to be an event brimming with opportunity. Participants will engage in thought-provoking discussions on thriving amid chaos and uncertainty and seizing opportunities even in turbulent times. Tickets are R800 per person.