THE Western Cape’s largest wine route is coming to Cape Town this weekend with the first Stellenbosch Wine Festival Cape Town, presented by Pick n Pay, at the V&A Waterfront on April 6 and 7.
Visitors will be able to sip and sample wines from top Stellenbosch wine estates right on the water’s edge at Table Bay harbour’s North Wharf. Winemakers and estate owners will be there to chat about their favourite wines and the history behind them, and wines will be on sale at cellar door prices.
Participating estates include, among many others, Beyerskloof, Warwick, Ken Forrester, Kleine Zalze, Kaapzicht Estate, Le Bonheur and L’Avenir. “Stellenbosch was the first wine route to take the collective wine show concept to Johannesburg many years ago, and now we are going to do the same thing in our own backyard. Festival goers can expect Stellenbosch at its finest!” comments Forrester.
Stellenbosch Wine Routes chairman, Mike Ratcliffe, explains the rationale behind relocating this festival: “Stellenbosch’s wines are undoubtedly some of the finest in the world, and we’d like to communicate this message to a wider audience,” he says. “Not only is the V&A Waterfront a world-class facility, with approximately 24-million visitors a year; moving locations means we’re able to expose our exceptional wines to a wider audience, and in so doing introduce visitors to wines they may never have had the opportunity to experience otherwise.”
This festival is all about personal interaction, continues Ratcliffe. “Meet your wine heroes. Hear about your favourite wines directly from the makers. Ask questions and discover possible secret gems ‘under the counter’,” he shares.
Stellenbosch is particularly famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Ratcliffe suggests seeking out the best Stellies has to offer, and find out for yourself why this variety is something of a flagship for the region.
“What better way to learn more about Stellenbosch and its people, enjoy a glass of fabulous Stellenbosch wine at the foot of Table Mountain in one the most vibrant and beautiful cities in the world?” asks Elmarie Rabe, manager of Stellenbosch Wine Routes.
“We are bringing the heroes behind the bottles, the rock stars – aka winemakers – to share their passions, loves and stories. It is one of the few occasions where you can rub shoulders with wine-royalty and an opportunity not to be missed.”
Pointing out highlights is like having to choose your favourite child or sibling, laughs Rabe. “Oh my word! It’s dangerous territory! But I think ‘winenistas’ can look forward to the well-known brands, but on the other hand it is also a great opportunity to discover gems along the wine routes. It is really a mixed bag of producers and wines – a great opportunity to find a new favourite.”
The entertainment pairs excellently with Stellenbosch’s finest, says Rabe: “We are looking forward to Hot Water and Jeremy Olivier and of course the classic Pick n Pay Tasting Room where you can participate in incredible wine and food pairings in a stylish venue. So many wonderful things to look forward to – and so difficult to choose.”
Food offerings will have something for everyone, from good old-fashioned burgers and fish and chips, to charcuterie and cheese platters for the more discerning palate. There will be plenty seating with umbrellas creating shaded areas. In the tasting room, winemakers from will show you how to bring out the best in their finest creations. Three estates to look forward to are Le Bonheur, which will showcase its delicious Cuvee Rouge; L’Avenir, which will present the best there is of Rosé; and Kaapzicht, which will demonstrate the subtle changes of Chenin when paired with different tastes.
EVENT DETAILS:
Saturday April 6: 12 – 9pm
Sunday April 7: 12 – 6pm
General Admission: R150 a person
With Pick n Pay Tasting Room experience: R180 a person
Children under the age of 18 enter free of charge, but will not receive a tasting glass
Both options include a complimentary branded tasting glass and 20 wine tasting tokens
Booking: Go to www.Webtickets.co.za, book online and collect instore, book and pay online, or buy your tickets at any Pick n Pay Supermarket or Hypermarket countrywide.
For more information, click here.
Follow the hashtag #SWFCT
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StellenboschWineFestival/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StellWineFest
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stellenboschwinefest/
WIN!
FOUR Eat Play Drink Cape Town readers can win double tickets to the festival on Sunday, April 7. Like and follow the Facebook page for details. Winners will be contacted directly by the organisers and no correspondence will be entered into by Eat Play Drink Cape Town.
