WeeklySA_AdminNederburg has taken a rare step of showcasing its treasure chest of rarest and oldest wines at an outdoor summer party to be held at its Paarl farm on the evening of December 6.
The affair, open to the public, will be a special long-table gala garden celebration featuring wines from as far back as the 1960s right up to the present.
“This really is a remarkable occasion that we’re calling ‘Unlocking the Vault’,” explains Nederburg general manager Kate Jackson.
The soirée will be heightened by live music, a DJ and dance floor, with the highlight being the pouring of seven wines, across seven decades, beginning with a 61-year-old Port from 1964. The wines from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s were all made by the legendary Günter Brözel (pictured), who was cellarmaster from 1956 to 1989.
Nederburg has been featured as one of the world’s most-admired wine brands by Drinks International. The other five wines to be served areNederburg Eminence 1989 and Nederburg Edelkeur 1991, as well as the Nederburg Private Bin R163 Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Nederburg Two Centuries Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 and Nederburg Private Bin Two Centuries Cabernet Sauvignon 2021.
Tickets at R1 450 a person via: https://www.dineplan.com/widgetframe/70z2dTZc?date=2025-12-06
EVENTS
FRANSCHHOEK BUBBLY FEST
Franschhoek Cap Classique and Champagne Festival is back to pamper wine lovers from all over South Africa with a garden-party-style day filled with bubbly. The event takes place at its usual venue – Franschhoek Huguenot Monument Festival Grounds – on November 29 and 30, from 11h00.
Set against the historic backdrop of the Huguenot Monument, the festival unfolds over a weekend rich with epicurean delights, providing plenty of reasons to raise a glass and share a toast. Attendees can look forward to an unforgettable experience filled with floral-themed festivities, exquisite Cap Classiques, and vibrant live entertainment. The joyful sound of popping corks will resonate throughout, creating the perfect atmosphere for celebrating all things sparkling. Attendees are invited to dress up in their finest attire for the Best Dressed Competition, with the theme “Elegantly Floral,” beautifully capturing the vibrant essence of the season and the surrounding beauty of the renowned Cape Floral Kingdom.
Over two lively days, festival-goers can enjoy performances by popular acts such as the Majozi Band and the Absolutely Fabulous Duo, returning by popular demand. As the culinary capital of the country, Franschhoek’s local restaurants and a variety of pop-up food stalls will ensure that guests indulge in artisanal gourmet goodness and French-inspired fare proudly on offer.
Fijnwyn Wine & Food Market
Celebrate the arrival of summer at the Fijnwyn Innie Lente Wine and Food Marketat the Shokran Events Venue, Pretoria, on November 8.
Wrap up the year in style at the Festive Fijnwyn Wine & Food Market on Saturday, 8 November 2025 at the Shokran Events Venue, Pretoria East. The perfect way to celebrate the festive season – whether with friends, family, or colleagues – and taste wines from over 30 wine farms!
Enjoy a selection of white, rosé, and red wines, paired with delicious offerings from top street food vendors or a specially curated graze box. The lively live music will add to the festive vibe, making this the ultimate end-of-year celebration.
A R220 ticket via iTickets includes a tasting glass and access to unlimited wine tastings. : Shokran Events Venue is situated on 99 Luiperd Street Tiegerpoort, Pretoria. The event starts at 10h00.
Stellenbosch Street Soirées
The very best season to experience Stellenbosch is back and along with it, the City of Oaks’ famous open-air Street Soirées too.
Organised by the Stellenbosch Wine Routes, the Street Soirées are the opportunity to get a taste of winelands’ living in an informal, cocktail setting with top wine, street food and live music.
Starting from Wednesday (October 29), the Street Soirées take place once or twice a month until March 25 next year. While the run may seem long, tickets to each two-hour event sell out quickly and bookings should best be made promptly via https://plankton.mobi/.
“The Stellenbosch Street Soirées have become one of the most highly anticipated fixtures of the winelands calendar,” says Stellenbosch Wine Routes manager Elmarie Rabe. “It’s not only a way to be immersed in the rich wine and food traditions of the Stellenbosch lifestyle but many people use it as a prelude to a night on the town.”
Other dates for the Stellenbosch Street Soirées for 2025/26 are: 12 & 26 November 12 & 26; December 10; January 14 & 28; February 11 & 25; and March 11 & 25. They take place at Drostdy Street, Stellenbosch, from 18:00 to 20:00. Tickets cost R250 pp (includes a branded glass + 10 wine tasting tokens). Tickets: https://plankton.mobi/. Each ticket includes a memorable evening under oaks, along with street food for sale, music and a special premium tasting included among the 10 tasting tokens supplied.
A.R.T. WINE EXHIBITION
Western Cape’s Dunstone Country Estate is to host the renowned luxury-infused lifestyle event – the A.R.T WINE Exhibition – again in Wellington tomorrow (November 1).
This year, the day promises outstanding food, fine wine, design, fashion and live music entwined with life-affirming artwork. With just 200 tickets available, the Dunstone A.R.T WINE Exhibition will once again be among the premier wineland gatherings of the year.
On top of getting a first-hand view of distinctive design, art and fashion, guests will taste wines from producers across the region as well as top-end brandies and whiskies made in this picturesque part of the world too. Alongside Dunstone, participating producers include Wolvenhoek, Jacaranda Wines, Bela-Bela, Doolhof Wine Estate, Canetsfontein, Hildebrand Wines & Olive Oil and Tempel Wines.
The star attraction is a five-course tasting menu paired with wines from Wellington. Along with a décor exhibition, there will be a red-carpet fashion show too, where designers will exhibit the latest styles. The event will take place from 11:30 to 18:00. Tickets: cost R950 per person. Bookings via Dineplan
CAROLINE’S WINE REVIEW
The 2025 edition of Caroline’s White Wine & Cap Classique Review will be staged at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on November 6 (17h00 to 21h00).
It will be hosted in the Members’ Lounge on the 4th Floor of the DHL Stadium, Fritz Sonnenberg Road in Green Point.
Hosted by Caroline Rillema of the legendary Caroline’s Fine Wine Cellar, this world-class showcase offers wine enthusiasts the rare opportunity to experience an unparalleled line-up of the Cape’s flagship white wines and Cap Classiques.
Only 70 accolade-achieving winemakers, the crème de la crème of South African wine producers, are invited to present just one wine – their best of the best – on the night.
The ticket price is R350 per person, and secure, undercover parking is available at R70 per car. Purchase tickets at: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/339864-carolines-white-wine-review-2025/#/tickets
A DAY OF CONSTANTIA WINES
The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel & Spa will present its inaugural Tastes of the Valley event on November 15, celebrating Constantia’s finest wines paired with a delectable cuisine.
This relaxed, elegant wine tasting event will unfold in the hotel’s celebrated gardens, offering guests the opportunity to explore the wines of six Constantia Valley wine estates in one location.
Guests will be exposed to a relaxed tasting journey, featuring a range of wines from Beau Constantia, Eagles’ Nest, Buitenverwachting, Groot Constantia, Steenberg Vineyards, and Constantia Glen, each showcasing three to four of their signature wines.
This deftly curated collection will highlight the diversity, quality, and character of Constantia’s wine offering, from elegant whites to reds and everything in between.
Tickets costing R485 per person include a tasting glass. Only 100 tickets are available to the adults-only event split into two tasting sessions: the first from 12:00 to 15:00 and the second from 14:00 to 17:00. Guests are encouraged to enjoy the event responsibly. Booking available via Quicket.
Darling Whisky Show
The first-ever Darling Whisky Weekend, to be held from 21 to 23 November, will showcase the splendour of the picturesque West Coast town.
This event will include select masterclasses and whisky tastings from some of the world’s most renowned distilleries. Inspired by the successful McGregor Whisky Weekend, founded by Hector McBeth, the event aims to unite whisky aficionados, distillers, and newcomers to celebrate craftsmanship and culture on South Africa’s Cape West Coast.
McBeth, owner of WhiskyShop.co.za and Retail stores in Woodstock and Fourways, states: “The Darling Whisky Weekend offers a unique flavour journey up South Africa’s West Coast, where event guests can savour exceptional whiskies, sample exquisite whiskies from around the globe, including Scotland’s Aberlour and Ardbeg, Ireland’s Dunvilles and Foxes Bow, Japan’s Nikka and Suntory, India’s Indri and Paul John, and South Africa’s very own TOOR and Darling Brew Reminisce.”
Tickets range from R150 for Masterclasses to R495 (Early Bird) or R550 (General) for the main event, with a Sunday Whisky Brunch at R1 000. Shuttles will run from 12:00 PM for safe and easy travel. Tickets are available from www.darlingwhiskyweekend.co.za.. – Compiled by Len Maseko
