FROM bow ties to braaibroodjies, Wine Town Stellenbosch is a new de-centralised wine festival that brings you the best of the City of Oaks over five days, from Wednesday, November 3 to Sunday, November 7.
In the blend of this local wine and food showcase are a series of events to take place at venues around the town of Stellenbosch and at participating wine farms. Specials on overnight stays will encourage visitors to overnight and enjoy the full experience. Bringing even bigger vibe, Wine Town Stellenbosch overlaps with the town’s popular Street Soiree events, scheduled for Wednesday October 27, November 10, November 24 and December 8.
Nonetheless, de-centralising the festival means that safety remains a priority. “For this reason, seats are very limited where events require booking, so early booking is advised,” says Elmarie.
Events are also guaranteed to be popular as they’ve been designed to showcase precisely what Stellenbosch and its wine are all about. Among the highlights is a tasting of local wines over five decades. Stellenbosch Wine Routes celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and the event will lay out its evolution with a tasting of wines from the 1970s to the present day.
Another great occasion is to be hosted by the region’s Cabernet Collective. Stellenbosch is renowned for its Cabernet Sauvignon and a selection will be available at a sunset walk-around tasting of current and older vintage wines, presented by over 20 producers. The Stellenbosch Cabernet Collective presents Cabernet Through The Ages takes place at the newly renovated visitor centre at Ernie Els Wines and is a unique opportunity to compare rare older vintages seldom offered to the public – a must for all Cab enthusiasts.
Another of South Africa’s champion grape varieties comes under the spotlight at a dinner entitled Celebrate Chenin Blanc, to be hosted by Chenin Blanc Association vice chair and wine supremo Jeff Grier, with special guest wine authority Michael Fridjhon. The dinner features a four-course meal composed by chef George Jardine.
To celebrate the golden 50-year anniversary of Cap Classique, the Cap Classique Producers Association and Simonsig Estate join forces to present an informal walk-around tasting on the lawns of the winery. Some 20 producers will present over 50 wines. There will be music and food trucks too.
Additional events on farms during Wine Town Stellenbosch include:
- First Sundays live music at Neethlingshof;
- Wine Down in Wine Town at Muratie;
- Skilpadvlei Oppieplaas, a walk-around tasting event;
- Lanzerac Oppieplaas, a mini festival of Pinotage;
- A picnic-style Sunday braai at Spier; and,
- A winemakers’ lunch at Waterford Wines, hosted by the Upper Blaauwklippen Collective.