Nothing tames the heat of a South African summer afternoon quite like a chilled glass of crisp white wine. Luckily enough, there are some amazing wine events scheduled nationwide in the next couple of weeks. Here are some of our top vino picks of upcoming wine festivals – they had us at Merlot.
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1. Vino in Piazza Wine Festival
This festival is celebrating the richness of Italian wines and famous fine dining. The Italian Wine show will be introducing in excess of a staggering 130 wines sourced from 11 different regions in Italy.
Having a tough week or need a break from the buzz of city life? Well, take this as your sign to stop and smell the rosés.
On at Montecasino, Fourways from 22 to 24 November; see tsogosun.com for more.
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2. Festival on the Docks
Bottomless tasters of local wine, beer, and gin? Yes please! Combine this with the fresh ocean mist and the perfect backdrop for your next facebook profile picture and you’ve got a winner on your hands.
Wine not have a meal at the restaurant after your unlimited tastings or hop aboard an event-exclusive sunset cruise to Camps Bay? This is what summer afternoons were made for.
On at Life Grand Cafe at the V&A Waterfront on 23 November; see waterfront.co.za for more info.
3. The TOPS at SPAR Wine Show
If you’re a wine lover, you’ll blend right in at this annual event. Prepare yourself for exciting pairings, a wide variety of tastings, and flash performances by local artists and theatre performers.
Also, if you rally your friends, you can get discounts on bookings for groups of five or more.
On at Southern Sun Emnotweni, Nelspruit from 28 to 30 November; see wineshow.co.za for more.
4. Eastern Cape Wine Show
Great minds drink alike in sleepy Port Elizabeth at the annual Eastern Cape Wine Show. Forty wineries will be presenting tastings of some of our country’s most iconic wines.
Incredibly, over 250 wines will be exhibited for both sampling and ordering at special show prices.
On at The Boarwalk Convention Centre, Port Elizabeth from 29 to 30 November; for tickets, visit webtickets.co.za.
5. Franschhoek Cap Classique & Champagne Festival
The festival, themed around “The Magic of Bubbles”, promises to radiate elegance and sophistication. The dress code is blue and white and prizes will be offered for the best-dressed couple.
So prepare to get up, dress up, and show up (with a glass of bubbly in-hand). Let’s get fizzical at this (sparkling) wine festival!
On at the Huguenoet Monument, Franschhoek on 30 November and 1 December; see franschhoekmcc.co.za.
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6. Cellar Rats Wine Festival
The countryside setting of this quaint festival will offer you fresh air and tastings of everything from Portuguese wines to pot-still brandies.
Your ticket price will include unlimited tastings and a festival-branded glass at this upcoming wine festival. Plus, if you’ve got a Pick n Pay SmartShopper card, you’ll also be eligible for a discounted ticket, giving you one more reason to wine.
On at Bosheuvel Country Estate, Muldersdrift on 30 November; see winefestival.co.za for more.
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By Features Writer, Ashton Kirsten
