WeeklySA_AdminRenowned for its culinary prowess and world-class wines, the Franschhoek Wine Valley will receive hordes of wine lovers for a dive into the vibrant tapestry of French culture during the valley’s iconic annual Bastille celebrations, taking place tomorrow and Sunday. Guests will have the opportunity to join wine tastings within the signature Bastille marquee, where festivities abound with local food stalls and live entertainment, or opt to wander through the bustling streets, soaking in the undeniable atmosphere of the village alive with celebration – there’s something for everyone to enjoy.Tickets available through Webtickets cost R350. Festival Times: tomorrow 11h00- 17h00 & Sunday from 11h00- 16h00.
EVENTS
WineX Mpumalanga Back
South Africa’s much-loved regional wine show – Standard Bank Winex Wine Show – returns to Emnotweni, Mbombela, in Mpumalanga on August 2.
With Standard Bank Private now sponsoring, renowned wine commentator Michael Fridjhon and his WineX team will ensure wine lovers enjoy a two-night spectacle this winter.
Wine enthusiasts from Nelspruit, White River, and the Lowveld are invited to discover new delights and revisit timeless classics at this cherished event. Around 40 exhibitors will present an impressive line-up of nearly 200 wines, including vibrant bubblies, crisp whites, bold reds, and delightful desserts, complemented by select ‘foodies’ presenting wine-enhancing delicacies.
Experience the rich reds of Vilafonté, Rust en Vrede, Quoin Rock and Glen Carlou, the refreshing whites of Strandveld Vineyards, Cederberg and Ken Forrester, and the effervescent offerings from Haute Cabrière and Simonsig Wine Estate.
The show will be held from 17:00 to 21:00. Ticket Prices for Friday, August 2: R275 (includes tastings and wine tasting glass). Emnotweni Rewards cardholders are entitled to discounts from 10% when booking online. No under 18s.
MURATIE WINE & MUSIC
Muratie wine estate is hosting their Retro Rouge Wine Festival in Stellenbosch on July 27.
This popular celebration of best-loved winter flavours will take place in Muratie’s Canvas Venue, the estate’s exquisite transparent marquee with 360˚ panoramic views over the Stellenbosch Winelands and Table Mountain in the distance.
Wine stations will be offering an impressive array of tastings of Muratie’s well-loved wines, fortified wines and vintage wines and traditional food favourites will include vetkoek, samoosas, burgers, soups, cheese platters and more. There will also be live music by Stellenbosch musicians, Kruger and Tutu, and Dirtopia will host a fun Retro Rouge Wine Walk to a scenic lookout point.
Tickets cost R195, and this includes 10 wine tasting tokens. Children under 18 Free. Event starts at 10h00 and ends at 17h00. Purchase Retro Rouge Wine Festival tickets at: https://www.muratie.co.za/muratie-event/retro-rouge/. Wine Walk Ticket at R150: http://www.dirtopia.co.za/index.php/walks-muratie
STELLENBOSCH WINE FIESTA
Wine Town Stellenbosch, the annual seven-day celebration of wine and wineland living, takes place from July 29 to August 4.
The highlight of the event is the Stellenbosch Wine Festival on August 2 and 3. Hosted in the historic town hall, some 60 of the country’s best producers offer more than 200 wines for tasting, which are served alongside a never-ending harvest table of seasonal and local bites and delights.
The celebration is the culmination of a smorgasbord of family-friendly experiences organised by wine farms, restaurants, tour operators and guesthouses in South Africa’s wine capital.
A food feast will be commandeered by celebrated chef Bertus Basson and prepared by Bertus Basson. Festival dates and times: Aug 2, 17:00 – 21:00 and Aug 3, 14:00 – 18:00. Tickets cost R490pp via Plankton and include 18 wine tasting tokens, live music and harvest feast.
SAUVIGNON BLANC SOIRÉE
Explore some of the Cape’s best red wines at a premier tasting to be hosted by producers of the Durbanville Wine Valley at Loch Lynne wine estate on August 2.
The Taste of Terroir Winter Red Wine Tasting Soirée by Durbanville Wine Valley will feature a range of red wines across several vintages and styles. Award-winning farms to be represented are Bloemendal, Diemersdal, De Grendel, D’Aria, Durbanville Hills, Groot Phesantekraal, Klein Roosboom, Maastricht, Meerendal and Nitida.
For the price of the ticket, guests will enjoy red wines from 10 Durbanville producers as well as live music by electric violinist Renate Riedemann and canapés. Should guests wish to make a reservation for dinner after the event, the following restaurants near Loch Lynne Wine Estate are recommended: The Farm Eatery at Diemersdal, Bossa Meerendal and La Romantica Meerendal.
The events will take place from 17h00 to 20h00. Tickets cost R280 per person. Bookings: https://qkt.io/Qdy0kk
WINE FEST IN DURBS
The annual Pick n Pay Wine & Food Festival this time moves to Durban, taking place in uMhlanga on July 27,when visitors to the show will enjoy award-winning wines, delicious food options against the backdrop of live music at the beautiful Chris Saunders Park.
A highlight at the event will be the Pick n Pay Tasting Room sessions, which are limited to 30 guests per session only. A Tasting Room session takes you on the ultimate sensory journey with a celebrity chef and the featured producer of your particular session, while you 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. Pick n Pay’s Burger & Pizza Trucks will also serve their popular dishes!
A general access ticket costs R275 a person, includes a day pass, a branded wine glass, 20 wine tasting vouchers. The general access & Tasting Room bundle ticket costs R375 a person, includes a general access and entry to a Tasting Room session. Double Ticket & Picnic Combo: R845 (includes two general access tickets from 1pm, and a picnic bag to share).
CAROLINE’S WINE REVIEW
Caroline’s 2024 edition of her annual Red Wine Review, hailed as one of the most prestigious tasting events on the South African wine calendar, takes place in Cape Town on July 25. It will be hosted in the Members’ Lounge at the DHL Stadium on Fritz Sonnenberg Road, Green Point, from 5pm to 9pm.
Hosted by Caroline Rillema of the legendary Caroline’s Fine Wine Cellar, this world-class showcase gives wine enthusiasts the rare opportunity to experience some of the Cape’s very best flagship red wines.It’s an exclusive presentation of 80 of South Africa’s most awarded and applauded wines, with the winemakers themselves in attendance to meet and engage with.
The Cape’s top-tier Cabernet, Shiraz/Syrah, Merlot, Pinotage, Cinsault, Grenache, various niche varieties as well as classic Bordeaux-style, Rhône-style and Cape blends will be well represented at this celebrated walk-around tasting event. All setting the tone for an exhilarating occasion.
The ticket price is R495 per person, and there is secure, undercover parking available at R60 per car, both available via Quicket.
CAP CLASSIQUE EXPERIENCE
A dinner evening of Colmant with winemaker Paul Gerber, accompanied by a tapas menu by Chef James Diack is scheduled to take place at Great Domaines Tasting Room in Johannesburg on July 24.
From the first estate in South Africa to dedicate its production exclusively to that of Méthode Cap Classique, we have winemaker Paul Gerber in Joburg for an evening of Colmant unlike anything experienced before.
With the Delice Nectar to be served as an péritif on arrival, Paul will then guide guests through some of the best Colmants vintages and non-vintage bubblies
The evening starts 18h00 and will end at 20h30. Great Domaines is situated on 2 Jameson Ave, Melrose Estate, Johannesburg. Tickets cost R625 per person.
