Wine is a year-round affair in the country’s second oldest town, but for the week of Stellenbosch Wine Town celebrations are taken up a notch.
For a full week, 1 – 6 August, wine estates put on their party dresses, with a range of events, including farm walks, culinary creations, expert-led tastings – something for everyone, really, for those new to wine and for those who know their Cab from their Grenache.
There is plenty to choose from, with Stellenbosch’s grande old dames and new young bucks all taking part, all to show off the exceptional quality cultivars that have put Stellenbosch on the global wine map.
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Several wine organisations are also participating, such as the Stellenbosch Cabernet Collective, Chenin Blanc Association and the Pinotage Association.
It is a week of two halves: Oppieplaas is all about winemaker lunches and dinners, wine pairing events, blind tasting events and live music. Taking place, of course, on the farms and estates.
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And then there’s Inniedorp, with restaurant offers and wine activations, such as a curated grand Pinotage dinner at Simon Wine Emporium and a Stellenbosch terroir tasting for wine geeks and connoisseurs. The week ends with the ever-popular Stellenbosch Wine Festival.
For two days, the historic Stellenbosch Town Hall is turned over to wine and food – expect to taste Stellenbosch’s finest wines and most delicious cuisine.
On Friday, 4 August, the festival is open from 5pm to 9pm, and on Saturday, 5 August, it takes place from 2pm to 6pm. More than 200 exceptional wines will be available, complemented by gourmet dishes crafted by acclaimed chef Bertus Basson.
Prominent names among the participating wineries include Spier Wine Farm, Ernie Els Wine, Beyerskloof and Kaapzicht, joined by newcomers Dorp St Wines and Compagniesdrift.
The full programme and ticket sales are on the Wine Town website, with prices from R350 per person.
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Written by Lorraine Kearney
Feature image: Supplied
