NO DOUBT affairs of one sort or another will be sparked during Wade Bales’ wine and whisky whirls in South Africa’s capitals. Love is in the air, and it’s that time of year when the Cab Franc producers of the country converge. There are plenty of occasions to contemplate in May 2019, whether you’re in Cape Town, Durban, Franschhoek, Joburg, PE, Pretoria, Somerset West, Tulbagh or Worcester (see below), and for top SA wine events later in the year, click here.

 

1 MAY
Fijnwyn Wine & Food Festival – Pretoria

Shokran’s farm setting among pecan and almond trees, wines from 40 estates, meze platters on long ‘harvest’ tables and live music (plus an outdoor movie for the children).

3 & 4 MAY
Capital City Wine Show – Pretoria

Gathering at the Capital Menlyn Maine hotel, “the Who’s Who, the A-List and the Bucket List wineries of the Cape will showcase a premium range reflecting their icon wines and the new kids on the block.” On-the-move deli fare including sushi, biltong, salmon and foie gras.

4 & 5 MAY
Riebeek Valley Olive Festival

Eight Swartland venues: Allesverloren, Brink Family Vineyards at Pulpit Rock, Het Vlock Casteel, Kloovenburg, Meerhof, Olive Boutique, Pulpit Rock, Riebeek Valley Wine Co and Country Market on the Square.

7 MAY
Tuning the Vine – Cape Town CBD

A midweek wine-tasting adventure including some of the hippest inner-city venues, showcasing delicious wines and talented winemakers. City streets filled with happy wine tuners, helpful wine fairies and wine-loving fun.

9 & 10 MAY
Wine & Malt Whisky Affair – Cape Town

A lifestyle experience at the Gardens hotel, 15 on Orange. Over 120 premium wines from South Africa and over 90 malt whiskies from around the world. Besides the unlimited tastings, guests can feast from the selection of gourmet cheeses, artisanal breads and antipasti.

9 – 11 MAY
Tops at Spar Wine Show – Durban

At The Globe, Suncoast, Durban’s hottest new events venue. Sip into something comfortable and make your grape escape to WINEderland… The show offers an opportunity to learn about wine varietals, winemaking processes, wine pairings and more.

10 & 11 MAY
I Love PE Wine Show – Port Elizabeth

Hosted at the Tramways Building, with “a beautiful line-up of wine estates, great local restaurants to keep the tipsy away, the vibe set by home-grown honeys on vocals and, naturally, the wine lovers that make it all a success…”

11 MAY
Nuy Valley Festival – Worcester

An outdoor family festival that celebrates the end of harvest with award-winning wines and fine country food. The venues: Conradie Penhill Artisanal Wines, Leipzig Country House and Winery, Nuy on the Hill (up the road from the winery) and Willow Creek Olive Estate.

18 MAY
Cab Franc Carnival – Somerset West

Up to 20 producers of this niche variety will offer their wines for tasting and sale at Avontuur Estate between Stellenbosch and Somerset West. Casual exchanges with the winemakers as well as “interactive tutored tastings” of gold medallists at the 2019 Cab Franc Challenge. Eats provided by food trucks and the Avontuur restaurant.

25 & 26 MAY
Groves & Vineyards Festival – Johannesburg

Hot 91.9FM celebration of flavour and rhythm at the Casalinga restaurant in Muldersdrift. Great food, amazing wines, top local musical talent and a relaxed vibe. Pop-up boutiques, bars and beautiful grounds.

25 & 26 MAY
Harvest Festival – Pretoria

Gourmet and artistic food and wine market (family day) with numerous farms exhibiting at the Leriba Hotel in Centurion. A lifestyle event…

25 MAY
Shiraz & Charcuterie Festival – Franschhoek

On the picturesque estate of Anthonij Rupert Wines, with 18 other exhibitors including top producers Hartenberg, Mullineux, Stark-Condé, Thelema and Waterford. To eat: salamis, cured hams and flavoured chorizos; the host’s seasonal salads, truffle arancini, olives, jalapenos, creamy tomato soup and pulled Moroccan lamb shoulder; plus a macaroon bar!

25 MAY
Tulbagh Vintage & Vine Faire

Celebrating award-winning wines, top-class olives and other products of the valley. Also experience locally made, traditional dishes and tasty treats. A day of family entertainment, music and fun events. A day in the country, reliving days gone by…

30 MAY
Chardonnay & Pinot Noir Festival – Johannesburg

Showcasing South Africa’s top Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at the Killarney Country Club in Houghton. An opportunity to meet the people behind the wines, all of which will be on sale at discounted prices on the day.

30 & 31 MAY
Wine & Malt Whisky Affair – Johannesburg

Hosted at stylish Hyde Park Corner by retailer Wade Bales. “What makes this event unique is not only the range of premium products, but also the calibre of the passionate and knowledgeable people who present them.” Tickets include all tastings, a complimentary glass, a selection of gourmet cheese, antipasti deli and artisanal breads, plus…