WeeklySA_AdminCape winelands’ landmark Vergelegen Estate has bagged the Best Wine Farm Experience at the 2025 Best of the Cape Awards. Presented by leading Cape radio station Kfm 94.5 in partnership with Yoco, the public-nominated awards celebrate the Western Cape’s favourite places and experiences.
The Best Wine Farm Experience category recognises destinations that combine outstanding wines with exceptional visitor experiences – and Somerset West’s Vergelegen’s rich heritage, award-winning wines, and warm hospitality proved irresistible to voters. “We’re on top of the world at this news, especially as it comes directly from the public,” said Vergelegen MD Wayne Coetzer. “Winning this award means so much for the estate – it is an external endorsement that we are fully on track. There is no one better than our customers to tell us how we are doing. “Without a doubt, what differentiates Vergelegen is our people. This award is a feather in the cap of every staff member, each of whom understands service and hospitality.
“We strive to create a memorable experience for every single guest who visits Vergelegen and this recognition is a testament to the dedication and passion of our entire team.” The Best of the Cape Awards are one of the Western Cape’s most popular lifestyle accolades, with thousands of nominations received across 30 categories. This year’s winners were announced on August 15.
Visitors to Vergelegen can enjoy a wide range of activities – from guided garden, heritage and cellar tours, to picnics in the camphor tree forest and enjoy a game drive through the estate’s nature reserve.
EVENTS
AFRO WINE WEEK SUMMIT
The Afro Wine Week Summit, billed as a gateway to investment, empowerment and community-building in the global wine industry, will take place at the Rockefeller Hotel in Cape Town on September 8 and 9.
It will bring together winemakers, investors, global brands and industry leaders, who will cast the spotlight into the future of the global wine industry. This will be happening during two days of panels, keynotes, breakout sessions and networking. The organisers have curated a space where wealth creation, inclusivity and investment will converge. The objective is to offer prime opportunity to support Black-owned wine brands, explore investment avenues and shape the future of a thriving, untapped market.
Tickets cost R5 500 per person via Webtickets.
The event will precede the triennial CapeWine 2025, the Southern Hemisphere’s premier wine trade show, which takes place over three days at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from September 10 to 12.
CAPEWINE 2025
CapeWine, the largest southern hemisphere wine trade event, is scheduled to take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The triennial event will feature more than 400 South African wine producers, and attract trade and media representatives from more than 60 countries. Wines of South Africa (WoSA) is hosting the flagship showcase, which is geared to highlight the richness and diversity of South Africa’s wine industry to an international audience of trade professionals, media and enthusiasts.
During the three days of the expo, there will be seminars, exhibition and bespoke excursions to the winelands to experience the wonder of its wine routes.
A full list of exhibitors and activities is available on the CapeWine 2025 website: www.capewine2025.com.
Registration opens early in 2025, with tickets available for the full three-day event at R800, or a daily ticket for R500. The exhibition will run daily from 10:00 to 17:00, providing ample opportunities to network, taste exceptional wines, and explore the local culture and landscapes of the Cape winelands.
DURBANVILLE HILLS EXPERIENCE
Seven iconic landmarks, seven cool-climate wines and seven gourmet canapés.
This is the experience wine enthusiasts can expect on August 27 and 28 when they attend the Durbanville Hills Collectors Reserve celebration.
At this special occasion, seven distinctive varietal wines crafted by the Durbanville Hills winemaking team headed up by cellarmaster Pieter-Niel Rossouw, in honour of seven iconic Cape Town landmarks will be served with seven gourmet canapés.
As guests explore different tasting stations, they will be regaled by winemakers about stories behind the wines and the landmarks that inspired them. Afterwards, they will enjoy a skilfully designed two-course dinner at the award-winning Tangram Restaurant.
The evening starts at 18h30 for 19h00. The venue is Durbanville Hills, Tygerberg Valley Rd, Cape Farms, Cape Town. Tickets to the event cost R550 per person.
BROOKDALE DINNER
Brookdale will celebrate new vintages during “Winemakers’ Food & Wine Pairing Dinner” held at The Bistro on the farm on August 28.
The evening will be hosted by winemaker Xander Sadie and assistant winemaker Shanice du Preez, who will guide guests through Brookdale’s latest vintage releases, while engaging with the talented young winemakers who took the reins in the winery’s vineyard and cellar this year.
Promising an elegant evening of culinary discovery and wine appreciation, the event will feature a seasonal five-course menu created by Executive Chef Gary Coetzee.
At R750 per person, the evening includes all five courses with wine pairings.
Seating is limited. Luxury accommodation is also available in the Manor House on the estate for those who’d like to spoil themselves with an overnight stay after the Winemakers’ Dinner, all-inclusive at R3950 per person sharing (dinner, bed and breakfast).
WOMEN IN WINE
A special tasting featuring a collective of 15 women winemakers will showcase a trove of wines reflective of the personal journeys of these trailblazers.
The event will be held at Culture Club in Cape Town on August 29, starting from 18h00.
The evening will involve a walk-around by guests, tasting and celebrating the next wave of wine, all crafted by women “who don’t just make wine, but make statements”.
Guests can expect sparkling personalities, electric palettes, and wines that don’t play by the rules, all sipped to disco beats in the backdrop and ambience with energy.
The cost is R350 per person and tickets are available via Quicket. The venue is situated on 103 Bree Street.
IVORY MANOR WINE FEST
Sip into spring at Ivory Manor’s 2025 wine festival on 6 September and join us for an unforgettable experience celebrating the world of fine wines.
Celebrate the season with a stylish day out enjoying fine wines, delicious food, and elegant surroundings at Ivory Manor Wine Festival in Pretoria on September 6.
This 5-star wine show takes place at Ivory Manor Boutique Hotel in Pretoria and will feature 15 top wine farms (and 1 distillery) and a collection of vintage wines.
Guests will indulge in the finest selection of reds, whites, roses, and sparkling wines from renowned vineyards. Some of the favorites include: Uva Mira, Vergelegen, Iona, Creation, Eikendal, Vondeling, Lothian, and Avontuur.
Tickets cost R400 a person available via Quicket or email us on wine@ivorymanor.co.za.
They include a crystal wine tasting glass and light lunch. Ivory Manor Boutique Hotel is situated on 280 Jochem Street, Rietvalleirand. The event starts at 11h00.
CHARDONNAY & PINOT NOIR FEST
Wine Concepts will host their 13th annual Chardonnay & Pinot Noir Celebration at Moyo Restaurant, Kirstenbosch on September 18.
A total of 45 of the Cape’s premium wine producers will be presenting an outstanding showcase of the Cape’s finest Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs.
Lovers of these two noble Burgundian varietals will have the rare opportunity to discover, explore, sip, and savour over 100 flagship wines.
Snacks that complement the various styles of wine, prepared by the chefs of Moyo Restaurant, will be served throughout the evening.
The event starts at 18h00 and ends at 21h00. Tickets, available via Quicket, cost R480 per person and include entry, wine glass, tastings, and snacks.
They are also available at any of the Wine Concepts branches: tel 021 671 9030 (Newlands) or 021 426 4401 (Kloof Street) or email: newlandshop@wineconcepts.co.za.. – Compiled by Len Maseko
