Wine Town Stellenbosch is an all-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.
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.
Explore the best of local wine and scrumptious food at venues around the town of Stellenbosch and at participating wine farms. Better yet, book an overnight stay to enjoy the full experience!
Stellenbosch Wine Routes celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, and you know what that means – pulling out all the stops to make this an event to remember! Experience what Stellenbosch is all about while local wines spanning across five decades take centre stage!
Stellenbosch is also 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 in an occasion hosted by the region’s Cabernet Collective.
‘Cabernet through the Ages’ as it’s so aptly titled, takes place at the newly renovated visitor centre of Ernie Els Wines and is a unique opportunity to compare rare older vintages seldom offered to the public. This is a must for all Cab enthusiasts!
But that’s not all… Wine-lovers will also have the gorgeous opportunity to experience wines from South Africa’s elder vineyards, thanks to the Old Vine Project (OVP). A walk-around tasting is hot on the cards featuring the wines of its Stellenbosch members.
A masterclass will also present a comparative tasting of old vine Chenin blanc from various regions, followed by lunch prepared by Chef Craig Cormack.
‘Celebrate Chenin Blanc’ will see another champion grape in the spotlight. This dinner features a four-course meal composed by Chef George Jardine and is hosted by Chenin Blanc Association vice chair and wine supremo Jeff Grier, with special guest wine authority Michael Fridjhon.
To extend the Stellenbosch Wine Routes’ anniversary milestone celebrations, a special dinner will be organised at Bertus Basson’s Eike restaurant. Farms instrumental in what was the country’s first tourist-orientated wine meander will be at the forefront, while relatives and colleagues of the original founders from Simonsig, Spier and Delheim will share stories alongside a three-course meal and wines.
The Cap Classique Producers Association and Simonsig Estate will band together to present an informal walk-around tasting on the lawns of the winery in celebration of the golden 50-year anniversary of Cap Classique. Around 20 producers will present over 50 wines. There will be music and food trucks too.
More fun can be expected at the tasting entitled Big Bottles, Bowties and Braaibroodjies. On offer will be samples from magnums (1,5-litre) and larger bottle formats. A light-hearted spin to the distinctly informal event requires visitors to wear a bowtie, even if attending in a pair of shorts.
Top local chefs will grill their versions of the inimitably South African toasted sandwich, while a selection of well-known and lesser-known producers will showcase their wines.
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
- A winemakers’ lunch at Waterford Wines, hosted by the Upper Blaauwklippen Collective.
For more information on dates, locations, prices and terms and conditions, visit www.wineroute.co.za/wineweek. Reservations may be made via Plankton, at https://plankton.mobi
Join the social media conversation about the inaugural Wine Town Stellenbosch and use #WineTownStellenbosch #SWR50Years #StellenboschWineRoutes50. Use @stellwineroute to connect with Stellenbosch Wine Routes on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Enquiries may be directed by email [email protected] or phone to 021 886 4310.
Picture: Supplied