WeeklySA_AdminHIGH SPIRITS: Representatives of the winning spirits from the Trophy Spirits Show – brought to you by Investec – celebrate their prizes. The unique competition in the South African spirits industry covers the breadth and depth of the entries quite unlike any other such competition and unparalleled in this country.
However, the diversity of categories, ranging from South Africa’s pot-still brandy industry via local and international gin, liqueurs, agave (tequila), vodka and spirit aperitifs to the finest malt and blended whiskies produced in Scotland and Ireland gives it a very special quality.
The 2025 edition of the competition saw more entries than in 2024. It is clear that the producers and importers of high-end products have come to trust the panels which sit in judgement of their spirits and liqueurs.
There were 111 entries received this year from 28 producers and distributors with 60 brands, spread through 19 categories.
All results, including silver (90 to 94/100) and bronze medallists (85 – 89/100), are listed on the website: https://trophyspiritshow.co.za/winners-and-results/
EVENTS
STELLENBOSCH WINE FEST
South Africa’s biggest lifestyle celebration of wine returns to Stellenbosch from July 26 to August 3.
The celebration – Wine Town Stellenbosch – is held an entire week, involving experiences and activities hosted by wine farms, restaurants, tour operators and guesthouses. It includes specialised wine tours, workshops and curated vertical tastings as well as winemaker lunches and dinners, specials at restaurants around town.
It comprises a nine-day programme of activities on estates across the region, culminating in the Stellenbosch Wine Festival, an all-inclusive walk-around tasting at the City of Oaks’ historic town hall.
Tickets to the Stellenbosch Wine Festival for August 1 and 2 are now on sale. Dates and times: 1 August 1 (17:00 – 21:00) and August 2 (14:00 – 18:00). Tickets: R550pp (online) | R600 at the door. Ticket includes: Wine tasting tokens, live entertainment and access to the graze table. Tickets: Book via Plankton.
2025 RED WINE REVIEW
Caroline’s 2025 edition of her annual Red Wine Review, hailed as one of the most prestigious tasting events on the South African wine calendar, will be at DHL Stadium on July 24.
The event, which starts at 5pm and ends at 9pm, will be held at the Members’ Lounge on the 4th Floor of the DHL Stadium, Fritz Sonnenberg Road in Green Point, Cape Town.
Hosted by Caroline Rillema of the legendary Caroline’s Fine Wine Cellar, this world-class showcase gives wine enthusiasts the rare opportunity to experience an unparalleled line-up of the Cape’s flagship red wines all under one roof.
Up for tasting will be 100 of South Africa’s most awarded and applauded wines. South Africa’s leading red wine producers have been invited, and the winemakers themselves will be in attendance. The ticket price is R495 per person and undercover parking is available at R70 per car. Purchase tickets via Quicket.
WHISK WINTER WINE FEST
Centurion’s Whisk Wine Bar is to present the Whisk Winter Wine Festival 2025 for Gauteng wine lovers on July 26.
Visitors will sample the best wines from the country’s finest vineyards and enjoy delicious nibbles under the winter sunshine. To add to the ambience, there will be live music throughout the day, and dance-floor beats by United DJs. It will be a fun-day for the whole family with face painters and a balloon artist in attendance.
Tickets, available at Whisk Bar and via Quicket, cost R150 per person and includes Whisk-branded stemless wine glass, branded tote bag. Whisk Wine Bar is situated at the corner Nellmapius Drive and Cornwood Ave in Centurion. The event starts at 11am.
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.
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
