African woman artisans will converge for the upcoming annual premier artisanal luxury fair, the Handmade Contemporary Fair (HmC Fair), which takes place at Melrose Arch in Johannesburg from September 1 to 3. With over 90 percent of the 100 artisans displaying their craftsmanship and design being women and the fair itself being fully women-run, this event celebrates the creativity and entrepreneurship of African women while showcasing the finest handmade creations from across the continent.

On display will be fashionwear, accessories, and homeware, to furniture, foods, wine, bespoke accessories and other handmade luxury personal effects.

EVENTS

PRE-AUCTION WINE EVENING

This year’s annual Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild (CWG) Auction public tastings come to Johannesburg on Wednesday.

After a stint in Cape Town last Thursday, the Joburg chapter of the pre-auction tasting will similarly see wine lovers sample the 2023 auction wines while interacting with the winemakers.

Tickets cost from R500 on Quicket, and the event will be held at the Nedbank Atrium, 135 Rivonia Road, Sandton, from 18:00 to 21:00.

Meanwhile, the actual auction takes place at the Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West on October 6 and 7, and is hosted by Strauss & Co.

It offers wine lovers the opportunity to buy rare and unique wines produced by CWG members. If interested in buying wine, but can’t attend the auction in person, bidding will also be taking place online, by telephone or by commission bid.

Bidders will need to create a bidder’s account and register to bid on the Strauss and Co website yesterday.

FRANSCHHOEK’S BUBBLY FIESTA

The enchanting valley of Franschhoek is preparing to shine as it gears up to host a week of fabulous festivities, paying tribute to the effervescence of Cap Classique wines.From Friday this week until September 7, locals and visitors alike will be treated to all things sparkling, as the highly anticipated Cap Classique Route celebrations take centre stage.

The Franschhoek Wine Valley’s Cap Classique Route encompasses 23 local producers.

Wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs from near and far are invited to experience the renowned abundance of Franschhoek, with a week-long of interactive tastings, bespoke cellar tours, and unique food and wine pairings.

From sabrage demonstrations, to artisanal Cap Classique pairings, bubbly breakfasts and cellar-door specials – there’s much to pack into a week itinerary.

The ultimate highlight to kickstart the week-long festivities is an afternoon of epicurean delights hosted at Haute Cabrière, where a masterclass awaits on September 1.

DURBANVILLE’S JOZI CHARM WALTZ

Sandton restaurant and bar Zioux is to host a special tasting of wines from the Durbanville Wine Valley – famous for its cool-climate Sauvignon Blancs – on September 5.

On offer will be top-flight local winemakers showcasing some 30 wines for tasting with canapés as well as an exclusive masterclass in Sauvignon Blanc – a variety for which Durbanville Wine Valley is most awarded and is world-class. Represented will be 13 of the country’s most renowned wineries: De Grendel, Durbanville Hills, Bloemendal, D’Aria, Groot Phesantekraal, Nitida, Klein Roosboom, Meerendal, Diemersdal and Maastricht. The masterclass is limited to 19 participants only, so booking sooner rather than later is advised. Two events showcasing the variety will be hosted: the Stoep Soirée, which takes place at Zioux Patio on September 5, from 18h00, costing R280 a person. The other event, titled Sauvignon Blanc Masterclass, takes place at Zioux Raised Area, from 19h30 to 20h30, with tickets costing R480 a person via Quicket.