Seven Sisters Vineyards will be hosting Stellenbosch’s very first Wine and Crayfish Festival in the Welmoed Valley on 14 December.
The event creates a platform for local wine, food and product producers to engage with communities directly and promote their businesses. Over 20 local vendors and start-ups will be represented at the event as well as local bands and artists.
“We have recognised the need to create exposure for black-owned wineries and black entrepreneurs as a whole. We value change and transformation in the wine and agriculture industry, as well as for other small businesses,” says Vivian Kleynhans, founder and CEO of Seven Sisters Vineyards.
Ten local black female-owned wineries will offer wine tastings and share their wine-making stories with attendees at the event. The festival aims to be an inclusive space, one that families from every community are welcome to attend.
Kleynhans explains that, growing up in Paternoster, crayfish wasn’t seen as a luxury – it was a staple food and means of survival. “By bringing together wine and crayfish, the festival marries two different worlds – the West Coast and the Winelands. It’s never been done this way before, and it’s a cause that’s very close to my heart,” says Kleynhans.
Visitors can expect crayfish prepared in several different ways, including steamed and seasoned, grilled, curried potjie and crayfish cakes. Other food options include food mussels, smoked fish, paella, mixed seafood potjie, oysters and traditional fish and chips.
“With this event, we will be able to give exposure to Stellenbosch, the Winelands and our farm, the only black-owned wine farm in Stellenbosch with a tourism facility where we grow wine grapes, do wine tastings and food and wine pairings,” says Kleynhans.
Tickets to the event can be purchased on quicket.co.za. Each ticket includes a wine glass and several wine tasters. Halaal food and fish alternatives will also be on offer. Children under 13 years old enter for free. To learn more about Seven Sisters Vineyards, go to www.sevensisters.co.za.
