Grand Tasting of 2025 Trophy Wine Show Winners

A total of 152 award-winning wines presented at a public tasting hosted under the auspices of Trophy Wine proved more than worthy of their accolades. Thanks to a panel of international and local wine professionals, who judged the wines using a rigorous blind-tasting selection process. The penultimate highlight of the event, which was held at the Sandton Convention Centre, was the inaugural Investec Champion Winemaker of the Year, which was handed to the cellarmaster responsible for making the most awarded wines of the competition. The winner was Hagen Viljoen of Zevenwacht Wine Estate. PHOTOS: Len Maseko

EVENTS

KNYSNA WINE FEST

The ever-popular Knysna Fine Wine Festival 2025, will be held at Simola Golf & Country Estate from July 4 and 5.

The event is a premiere showcase for local wines, happening under the auspices of the Knysna Oyster Festival. With its delectable oysters, vibrant atmosphere, and thrilling sporting events, this year’s festival will operate under the theme “For a shucking good time!”. It will celebrate the unique charm and flavours of Knysna and invites 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.

PnP Durban Fest

The Pick n Pay Wine & Food Festival Durban will take place in uMhlanga on June 28.

Wine lovers will celebrate South Africa’s winelands, and enjoy award-winning wines, delicious food options and live music at the beautiful Chris Saunders Park.

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 ever-popular Pick n Pay Tasting Room sessions are back! They will take wine enthusiasts on the ultimate tasting journey with a celebrity chef and the featured producer of your particular session, and pair favourite wines with freshly prepared gourmet canapés.

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.

FRANSCHHOEK BASTILLE

The annual Franschhoek Bastille Festival returns for its 30th edition to celebrate French heritage in a new location in a fortnight.

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.

Rhythm DiVine will provide funky French DJ beats, with Tuxedo adding to the ambience with a powerhouse set-list of crowd favourites. Tickets, available via Webtickets, cost R390.

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