South Africa’s heartland of wine goes on full display from Thursday 4 August to Tuesday 9 August, when it welcomes families and friends to its annual celebration of the grape, aptly called ‘Wine Town Stellenbosch 2022’.
Inaugurated last year, Wine Town Stellenbosch features a diverse series of events and experiences intended to offer something for every visitor. Think live music performances, farm walks, inspired meals, and tutored tastings – from formal to informal occasions – all featuring wine as the main attraction, of course.
The design of the festival remains de-centralized. With events hosted around town and on wine farms, Wine Town Stellenbosch gives vino lovers the best opportunity to truly explore the region that is so well-known for its heritage and world-champion wines.
Oenophiles will get their fill not only at in-depth tastings with winemakers themselves but also through events that highlight particular aspects of local wines, such as cultivar excellence or the age of vineyards.
Who’s participating this year? Attendees can expect the Pinotage and Chenin Blanc Associations, while the popular Stellenbosch Cabernet walk-around tasting at Ernie Els Wines returning.
The all-in-one festival
One of the main attractions of Wine Town Stellenbosch 2022 will be the Stellenbosch Wine Festival, a two-day showcase of local wines to be held in the Stellenbosch Town Hall. It’s set to be held on Friday and Saturday (5 and 6 August) and is an ideal festival for visitors wanting a snapshot of the wine scene.
Stalls run by the region’s top wineries will offer tastings, from 4pm to 8pm on Friday; and, 2pm to 6pm on Saturday.
Over 200 wines will be represented while food prepared by renowned chef Bertus Basson will be available too.
And, as another treat of excitement, the event has curated tastings focused on special varieties and vintages.
There will be a diverse range of participating wineries that include legends and favourites such as Spier, Alto, Neethlingshof, Middelvlei, Hidden Valley Wines, Morgenster, Lanzerac, Villiera, Remhoogte, Groenland, Boschkloof, Peter Falke wines, Hartenberg, Cavalli, Kaapzicht and Zevenwacht, as well as new wine route members Weltevreden Estate / Bertha Wines and Compagniesdrift.
Tickets: Prices start at R300 per person and can be purchased online at plankton.mobi from 5 July.
Out and about in Stellies
Visitors keen to experience wines on the farms where they’re made, will again be spoilt for choice this year.
Among the highlights are a winemaker’s lunch at Bottelary Hills; the Oppieplaas festival at Lanzerac Wine Estate, Spier wine blending experience and live music at Neethlingshof as part of its First Sunday’s series.
Talk of the town
In town, Stellenbosch’s popular vibe gets extra energy during Wine Town Stellenbosch. There will be a special walk-around tasting to be held at Simon Wine Emporium on 9 August. This first-of-a-kind wine emporium (established in association with Stellenbosch Wine Routes) places women winemakers of Stellenbosch and their wines in the limelight at this event.
Be on the lookout for local restaurants too, some of which will be running promotions during the festival. Among them are Clos Malverne, Peter Falke Wines, Middelvlei, Stellenbosch Kitchen, Helena’s Restaurant, Jonkershuis 1817 at Weltevreden Estate and Taphuis at Lanzerac.
Special deals will also be available for visitors wanting to make a weekend of the occasion because wine not make it a little getaway? Consider staying at amongst others Clos Malverne, Coopmanhuijs Boutique Hotel, The Stellenbosch Hotel, Rivierbos, Weltevreden Estate Farm Stay Accommodation and Lanzerac.
More details:
For more information on dates, locations, prices and terms and conditions, visit winetown.wineroute.co.za.
You can also keep up on social media with @stellwineroute on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or check in on the hashtag #WineTownStellebosch.
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Picture: @stellwineroute
