A fresh year of exciting wine events is already underway. We’ve updated a selection of some of the main wine festivals and events to help you plan, especially if you want to extend your stay.
Get ahead of your busy schedule and diarize 2020’s food and wine festivals now. From large, family friendly shows to intimate, black-tie affairs – there’s plenty to get excited about.
For regular event updates and listings of new events, follow @visitSAwinelands on Facebook.
18 April: Bot River Barrel & Beards (Gabrielskloof, 1hr 40mins ex Cape Town)
A harvest tradition sees Bot River winemakers compete for the most luxuriant beard. The Shave Off on the 1st February marks the start of harvest each year as well as the start of a new beard. At the end of harvest, a Beard Parade is held to choose the winner. This is an opportunity to taste new vintage wines as well as special releases. For information: nicolene@gabrielskloof.co.za;
Website: www.botriverwines.com
Ticket prices not available at time of publishing.
26 April: Plett Truck & Vine Festival (Kay & Monty Vineyards, Plettenberg Bay)
Food trucks and wineries have teamed up to present the event in Plett’s typical laid-back style. Visitors are encouraged to bring picnic blankets, lawn chairs and a beach umbrella. For information: 044 534 8387, hello@kayandmonty.com.
Tickets from R100pp.
1-2 May: Elgin Cool Wine & Country Food Festival (1hr ex Cape Town)
Participating wineries present their own programmes, allowing visitors to tailor-make experiences for tastings of food and wines during this festival weekend. The art deco-inspired Elgin Railway Market was the hub of activities last year and is likely to do so again in May. There’s outdoor entertainment, live music and even a petting zoo for the children. For information: 071 267 9785, info@winesofelgin.co.za ,
Website: www.winesofelgin.co.za
Entry is free, but individual event costs apply.
9 May: Nuy Valley Festival (1,5hr ex Cape Town)
This outdoor family festival celebrates the annual end of harvest with wines and country food. The organisers also lay on live music, olive oil tastings, craft beer and a trail run. The Nuy Valley “Express” tractors-with-wagons will transport visitors from one festival venue to the next. For information: 084 245 3922, info@nuyvalleyfeast.co.za,
Website: www.nuyvalleyfeast.co.za
Ticket prices not available at time of publishing.
30 May: Vintage & Vine Faire (Tulbagh; 1,5hr ex Cape Town)
Tulbagh has a rare collection of Cape Dutch architecture and makes it ideal for this kind of event, which also promotes the region’s wines, olives and handmade products. Visitors get to meet the winemakers and other team members who see the wine from vine to bottle. There’s family-friendly entertainment and music too.
For information: 023 230 1348, info@tulbaghtourism.co.za,
Website: www.tulbaghwineroute.com
Ticket prices not available at time of publishing.
13-15 Junie (TBC): Calitzdorp Winter Festival (4hrs ex Cape Town)
Calitzdorp is one of the Klein Karoo’s charming hamlets and a popular weekend getaway destination, especially in winter when the weather is mild. Although known as the Port wine capital of South Africa, Calitzdorp also promotes its excellent still wines at this festival – hosted at the old railway station. There’s a line-up of tastings, entertainment and activities for both young and old. For information: 044 213 3775, info@calitzdorpwinterfestival.co.za,
Website: www.calitzdorpwinterfestival.co.za
11-12 July: Franschhoek Bastille Festival (1hr ex Cape Town)
Showing off its French heritage, Franschhoek annually sets up a marquee and invites visitors to enjoy a selection of wines and local food. There’s ample parking that allows for a short walk between the village and festival venue. Sample the Franschhoek wines while gourmet fare is available for purchase from some of Franschhoek’s renowned eateries.
For information: 0218762861, info@franschhoek.org.za,
Website: www.franschhoekbastille.co.za
Ticket prices not available at time of publishing.
24-25 July: Soetes & Soup (Breedekloof; 1,5hr ex Cape Town)
Hosted at the various wineries around Rawsonville, Slanghoek, Goudini, and Breede River, visitors can enjoy complimentary cups of homemade country soup accompanied by a glass of red or dessert wine. With the focus on family-friendly environment, Soetes & Soup is an entertaining presentation of the Breedekloof’s wines and hospitality. For information: 023 349 1791, info@breedekloof.com,
Website: www.breedekloof.com
Ticket prices not available at time of publishing.
7-9 August: Elgin Winter Weekend – Winter, Wine & Words
Wineries get in on the act during this weekend-long festival of activities to celebrate all we love about winter: fireplaces, red wine, live entertainment, books and delicious comfort food.For information: 071 267 9785, info@winesofelgin.co.za
Costs not available at time of publishing.
7-10 August: Robertson Slow Food & Wine (Robertson; 2hr ex Cape Town)
Wineries and tourism businesses collaborate to put on intimate, winter-focused, food-and-wine experiences. Enjoy diverse food traditions from vetkoek and waterblommetjie stew to seafood paella, duck and game. Experiences range from fine dining to farmyard picnics. For information: 023 626 3167, events@robertsonwinevalley.com,
Website: www.robertsonslow.com
Individual activity and participant costs apply.
14-15 September: Franschhoek Uncorked (1hr ex Cape Town)
Sample wines as you travel from farm to farm throughout the weekend. Among them are new release wines. The festival is the perfect opportunity to stock up for the festive season. Festival highlights include themed tastings, bespoke meals, live music, old school lawn games and more. For information: 021 876 2861, info@franschhoek.org.za,
Website: www.franschhoekuncorked.co.za
26 September: Klawer Braai Day Festival (3hr ex Cape Town)
In a celebration of heritage, Klawer promotes its fire-cooking prowess as well as local wine and music at this family-friendly event. Anyone can enter the braai competition and teams go head-to-head. If you don’t want to compete, bring your family for a picnic. For information: 027 216 1530, ontvangs@klawerwyn.co.za,
Website: www.klawerwine.co.za
Ticket prices not available at time of publishing.
9-11 October: Wine on the River (Robertson; 2hr ex Cape Town)
Celebrate Spring on the banks of the Breede River at Goudmyn Farm. Stalls for food and wine are the main attraction, as well as interactions with local winemakers, chefs and producers. Some 30 wineries participate. Live music and a shady picnic area along the riverbank complete the experience. For information: 023 626 3167, admin@robertsonwinevalley.com,
Website: www.wineonriver.com
Tickets available from Howler and will become available in March.
5-6 December: The Franschhoek Cap Classique & Champagne Festival (1hr ex Cape Town)
Get dressed up for what many see as the social calendar event of the year. Sip on locally made Cap Classiques and imported bubblies from France. Although final details are still being planned, a grand marquee is likely to be set up alongside the Huguenot Monument again to offer visitors the opportunity to mingle with local producers and international brands. For information: 0218762861, info@franschhoek.org.za,
Website: www.franschhoekmcc.co.za
Ticket prices not available at time of publishing.
