Marlene van der Westhuizen (pictured), a trained chef and author of seven cookbooks, is hosting a mouthwatering “Cook’s Autumn Weekend” at Same Gabriel’s Homestead Food Studio in the Cape winelands from April 11 to 14.

This wonder weekend will involve delectable food demonstrations, elegant wines, abundant flowers, and sumptuous food-decked tables. The whole weekend will be enjoyed languidly against the backdrop of Sam Gabriel Homestead Studio and Cellar’s sprawling garden, swimming pool and forest.

Three night packages, including standard room, cottage or manor house accommodation, vary from R19 000 to R22 000. Bookings at marlenevdw@mweb.co.za.

Van der Westhuizen, whose first book Delectable was published in 2006, exudes passion about good living while also waxing lyrical about food and wine: “Food, friendship and a glass of excellent wine are, for me, the most important ingredients of a life worth living. The gentle early morning debate about a possible dinner menu, picking arms full of wild flowers in the fields around the achingly beautiful village of Charroux, filling a basket with fresh asparagus, sun warmed tomatoes and purple hearted artichokes”.

EVENTS

Muratie Family Affair

Cape’s Muratie wine estate is hosting a dinner experience at The Tasting Room in Pretoria on March 26.

The event, costing R450 a person and starts at 18h30, features a selection of wines from the estate paired with expertly matched dishes. The Tasting Room is situated on 198 Long Street, Waterkloof.

This vibrant food-and-wine venue aims to bring the flavours and atmosphere of a tasting experience in the Cape’s finest vineyards to Gauteng.

P n P Wine Show

Discover a world of award-winning wines & delicious food at the Pick n Pay Wine & Food Festival at the Western Province Cricket Club in Rondebosch on April 27 and 28.

Discover a world of award-winning wines and celebrate the finer things in life at the Pick n Pay Wine & Food Festival. Sniff, swirl and sample wines from top local wine estates while socialising with friends to the sounds of local live music in a chic, relaxed environment.

A Pick n Pay Tasting Room will host food-and-wine pairing demonstrations. Chefs and winemakers will share personal picks from various estates, and pair them with canapés in a tasting masterclass. With every session lasting 30 minutes, guests will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to host unforgettable dinner parties for friends and family.

FIJNWYN IN PRETORIA

On April 30, the Fancy Fijnwyn will offer an evening of rustic elegance for Pretoria wine lovers  who love the outdoors, featuring fine wine and cuisine.

The venue is 99 Luiperd Street Tiegerpoort, Pretoria East, the event starts at 16h00. Tickets cost R450 a person.

Nestled in the heart of nature, this exclusive wine market invites local revellers to immerse themselves in an intimate gathering under the open sky. With only 400 tickets available, this event promises to be a truly exclusive affair, where every moment is infused with the warmth of community and the richness of flavour.

As they dine al fresco and mingle with fellow wine enthusiasts, the soulful tunes of live music by Chris Steyn will serenade them, adding an extra layer of charm to the evening’s ambiance.

PINOTAGE & BILTONG

The popular PINOTAGE & BILTONG FESTIVAL is back in 2024 to showcase two of SA’s best loved treats true to local heritage.

The Rhebokskloof Wine Estate, Noord-Agter Paarl Road, Windmeul on April 27 and 28. Pinotage and biltong speaks to the hearts and palates of many South African food and wine lovers. On offer will be plenty of Pinotage in a range of fizz, white, red, rosé, dry and sweet styles, each paired with a different biltong flavour.

Apart from the many delicious biltong flavours by Jansen Pure Beef to be paired with all the Pinotage styles. Live entertainment with groovy music. Regular Tickets – R370 per person, includes wine glass, all wine and biltong pairings, entrance to the festival, live entertainment, wine and biltong pairing card. Dedicated Driver Tickets – R270 per person – includes entrance to the festival, live entertainment, a biltong card and all biltong tastings.

PARYS WINE FEST

Free State’s own wine calendar event – Parys Wine Festival 2024 – will be held on The Garden on 8th on Middel on March 29.

Tickets, costing R150 a person, are available via Quicket. Parys, situated in the Northern Free State, is less than an hour’s drive (120km) from Johannesburg. There is also an exclusive and small distillery for brandy and liquors. For beer lovers, there are three beer breweries in die Parys area where honey beer, various ales, stout, buchu beer, weiss beer, pilsner and porter beer are being brewed. For South African “mampoer” where you can taste 52 different kinds. There are 18 restaurants which cater for an exciting and diverse culinary experience.

SPIRITS AT DISOUFENG

Spirit Fest SA will take place at one of Soweto’s hottest hospitality venues, Disoufeng Pub & Restaurant, in Zone 10, Meadowlands on March 30.

Tickets cost R100 and R300. The show starts at 11am. #SpiritFest is about celebrating the world’s best spirits! Join the fun at Disoufeng Pub for a local and global showcase of premium spirit brands in the heart of Soweto.

WINE OF COLOUR

WineofcolourSA Food & Wine Show is gearing to give Gauteng wine lovers an unforgettable experience when it opens doors at Silverstar Casino in Krugersdorp on April 6 and 7.

This two-day event will showcase the best in wine and food from around South Africa. On offer will be a selection of exquisite wines and delicious food from some of the country’s best winemakers and chefs.

Relax and take in the atmosphere of the show as you sip on your favourite tipple and sample the delights of the local cuisine. An array of entertainment to enjoy including live music and performances is lined up.

Taste a selection of the best wines and food while enjoying performances from some of the country’s best artists. Tickets cost R100 to R300 a person. The show starts at 11am.

DURBAN WINE FEST

The Durban Wine Festival heads to Richard Bay for the first time ever to provide a rare experience to the wine lovers in the coastal KwaZulu-Natal town on March 31.

The legendary Wine Wednesdays is presenting the province’s biggest wine at the iconic Zula Beach, along with a prime selection of wines, food, best Djs and live music.

Zula Beach Richards Bay is situated at Anchors Cast Building, Bridgetown Road, Tuzigazi. Tickets cost R100 and R700.

WINE IN MBOMBELA

Unwined Food and Wine Show makes its annual return to Mpumalanga’s Mbombela Golf Club, Mbombela on May 4.

The event will showcase the best of South African wines. By bypassing intermediaries, the organisers empower both wine enthusiasts and vintners, forging a direct connection that celebrates the artistry of winemaking. In tandem, we’re shaping futures by offering local students a platform for skills development within the vibrant tapestry of event coordination.

In addition to the carefully curated selection of wine estates, a diverse range of food vendors and restaurants will be available to showcase their cuisines for the day. Indulge in a gastronomic adventure as you explore a myriad of flavours, from gourmet bites to artisanal specialties.