A Route 12 celebration that is about much more than wine
For one weekend in June, some of the Garden Route’s favourite restaurants, tasting rooms and local gathering spots will become part of a community-wide celebration of food, wine, music and discovery.
The fourth annual Wine & Whatever Experience returns from 4 to 6 June 2026, bringing together eateries and tasting venues across the Route 12 region. Stretching from Glentana and Groot Brak River to Hartenbos, Herbertsdale, Klein Brak River and Mossel Bay, the event invites visitors to explore the area one glass, and one meal , at a time.
While wine remains at the heart of the experience, the event has steadily evolved into something broader: a showcase of local hospitality, regional flavours and the growing food culture that continues to attract visitors to the Garden Route throughout the year.
A self-guided tasting adventure
Unlike traditional wine festivals held at a single venue, the Wine & Whatever Experience encourages guests to create their own route.
Ticket holders can start their journey at any participating venue, collecting a commemorative wine glass and event map before setting off to sample a variety of wines, craft beers and spirits.
This year’s lineup includes everything from award-winning red blends and sparkling wines to organic wines, craft gin and locally brewed beer.
Visitors can expect tastings featuring well-known South African wine producers alongside smaller regional favourites, offering a chance to discover labels they may not normally encounter.
Several venues are also pairing their tastings with signature menu items, creating an experience that blends food and drink rather than treating them as separate attractions.
Local restaurants step into the spotlight
One of the most appealing aspects of the event is its focus on local businesses.
Participating venues include restaurants, cafés, tasting rooms and beer houses that have become familiar names within their communities. For many visitors, the weekend presents an opportunity to explore places they have driven past countless times but never stopped to experience.
From artisan bakery offerings paired with Chenin Blanc to premium Pinotage tastings and organic wine selections, each venue brings its own personality to the event.
Tourism stakeholders have increasingly highlighted food and wine experiences as key drivers of regional travel, and events such as Wine & Whatever help showcase the diversity of businesses operating along the Garden Route.
The music starts before the wine
The celebrations officially begin on Thursday, 4 June, with a live tribute concert celebrating 50 years of U2.
Hosted at the Mossel Bay Town Hall, the performance, titled With or Without You: The Songs of U2, promises a retrospective of some of the Irish rock band’s most iconic music.
Organisers say the concert is intended to set the tone for a weekend focused not only on tasting experiences but also on shared community moments.
Growing excitement online
As details of the event continue to circulate through social media and local tourism networks, excitement is building among residents and regular visitors to the region.
Food-and-wine weekends have become increasingly popular across the Western Cape, particularly among travellers looking for authentic local experiences rather than large-scale commercial festivals. The Wine & Whatever Experience taps into that trend by offering a more intimate journey through towns and villages that are often overlooked by mainstream tourism itineraries.
A weekend for locals and visitors alike
Whether you’re a dedicated wine enthusiast, a craft beer fan, a foodie or simply looking for an excuse to explore the Garden Route, the Wine & Whatever Experience offers a reason to hit the road this June.
Beyond the tastings and live entertainment, the event serves as a reminder of the strength of community collaboration along Route 12, bringing together local businesses, musicians and tourism operators to create an experience that celebrates the region’s unique character.
With winter settling in across the Western Cape, the event could be the perfect opportunity to gather friends and family for a weekend of good food, great drinks and memorable local experiences.
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Picture: Supplied
