Unsurprisingly, the Stellenbosch Street Soirées have become an annual highlight of the region, as it offers enthusiasts the opportunity to taste wine and socialise in an elegant setting among towering oaks at the Cape’s finest time of the year.
As per tradition, sumptuous street food from local purveyors, including renowned chef Bertus Basson’s De Vrije Burger, will be on offer, along with smooth and contemporary music.
The Street Soirées, which started in November, continue on Wednesday 1 and 15 February, and Wednesday 1 and 15 March.
Each evening’s activities run from 18:00 to 20:00. Between 15 and 25 wineries will participate per event.
This year Toco, a new digital currency and digital payment platform dedicated to reversing the effects of climate change is the official currency of the beloved Street Soirées.
The Stellenbosch Street Soirées will only accept payments in Toco, revolutionising the way locals and visitors can enjoy the beautiful summer evenings of Stellenbosch.
The partnership between Toco and the Stellenbosch Street Soirées gives visitors an easy and secure way to pay using their phones, and allows them to support a currency that turns everyday purchases into positive climate action.
Toco is the world’s first currency that captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. It’s money as tons of carbon, stored in a digital wallet.
“We are committed to leading the charge in climate action and championing sustainability. By partnering with Stellenbosch Street Soirées, we want to make it easy for everyone – locals, businesses and visitors – to become an active part of this climate-conscious community,” said Paul Rowett, CEO and Co-founder of Toco.
“As a digital payment platform, we offer a fast, secure and cashless way to enjoy these events. Partnering with the soirées provides a gateway to introduce our platform directly to the Stellenbosch community, inspiring them to take meaningful steps towards a more sustainable future simply by buying a glass of wine. As a result, every Street Soirée event will contribute to the removal of about 170 tons of CO2 in just one evening – the same amount it would take 6 800 trees to remove in one whole year. That is powerful impact created in a really simple and convenient way of which every soirée visitor can be proud.”
The announcement marks the beginning of a collaboration between both companies, one which will bring about significant advances in promoting eco-friendly practices across local businesses and many Stellenbosch merchants already accept the currency.
“The Stellenbosch Street Soirée has been well known as one of South Africa’s premier social events, hosting thousands each year for a fun night out, filled with music, great-tasting food and exquisite local wine,” said Elmarie Rabe, manager of Stellenbosch Wine Routes.
“It provides a unique opportunity for locals and tourists alike to come together, making it the perfect event to demonstrate Toco’s and Stellenbosch Wine Routes’ commitment to fighting climate change.
“By coming together with one shared goal – protecting our planet while still enjoying life – Toco and Stellenbosch Street Soirées are paving the way towards creating an economy that works hand-in-hand with nature.”
Rowett added: “We hope this partnership encourages more people and businesses to join us on our journey towards sustainability by turning ordinary transactions into positive climate actions.”
