The stage is set and it’s full-steam ahead for one of the Cape winelands’ biggest shindigs – the 2024 Wine Town Stellenbosch celebration of wine, to be held from Monday 29 July to Sunday 4 August.
The historic town, and spiritual heartland of South African wine, comes alive with a programme of events to suit all ages and levels of food-and-wine interest. From varietal deep-dives and presentations on farming techniques to laid-back lunches and off-the-charts dinners; and, grand social gatherings to intimate assemblies – it’s all on offer, backed by Stellenbosch’s unique heritage of wine and culinary excellence.
Over the seven days Wine Town Stellenbosch offers unparalleled access to the country’s top wine estates and wines. Events are hosted on farms and along the famous tree-lined avenues of the City of Oaks, and builds towards the Stellenbosch Wine Festival on the weekend of Friday 2 and Saturday 3 August.
Here some 60 of the country’s best producers present more than 200 wines for tasting, served alongside a traditional harvest table of divine bites, curated by Bertus Basson and his restaurants group, led by chef Adele Grewar.
“Wine Town Stellenbosch is certainly lining up be the best showcase of what our region is all about,” said Elmarie Rabe, Stellenbosch Wine Routes manager. “With experiences on farms and in town, it really gives a 360 view that is the sense of place reflected in our wines.
“We’re very excited about several completely new experiences and the return of the Stellenbosch Wine Festival, which has been going for more than half a century. Most importantly, we’re very grateful to our partners who have helped make this happen.”
In addition to the wine route members and affiliated enterprises, companies partnering with the 2024 Wine Town Stellenbosch celebration of wine are the Stellenbosch and Cape Winelands District municipalities, Wesgro and Aquasky as well as United Airlines and the Rola Motor Group.
Must-do experiences
This year Wine Town Stellenbosch again presents singular events arranged specially for this occasion.
Two prominent events focus on Cabernet Sauvignon, the variety with which Stellenbosch is often most closely associated. These are the Stellenbosch Cabernet Conference, made possible by United Airlines, Riedel – The Wine Glass Company, Stellenbosch Wine Routes, and Lanzerac Wine Estate and a must-do tasting for fans of this wine variety.
Organised by Stellenbosch Cabernet, a collective of passionate cabernet producers, the Stellenbosch Cabernet Conference on Monday 29 July features expert guest speakers David Bowman, an experienced industry executive, and winemaker/viticulturist Graham Weerts joining in-person from the United States.
The focus is global brand positioning by taking examples from the American market. Topics for the day also include packaging and targeted marketing, with local specialist and viticulturist Jaco Engelbrecht leading a discussion on Stellenbosch Cabernet terroir.
The conference concludes with a case study of cabernet brought to you by United Airlines, a comparative tasting with stellar wines from the US and Australia.
Full-day tickets cost R1 200 per person or R800 per person for Stellenbosch Cabernet members and R900 per person for Stellenbosch Wine Route members. The cost includes full-day access from 08:30 to 15:00, including lunch and a tasting from 15:45. Booking essential is essential at https://forms.gle/cJdjNQDbviG4Z3L4A.
Cabernet remains on the programme offering with Cabernet Through The Ages tasting, hosted by Stellenbosch Cabernet. Featuring a walk-around tasting of specially-selected wines from diverse vintages, it takes place at Waterford Wine Estate on the evening of Thursday 1 August. Tickets are limited, so early booking is recommended.
Happy Hour in Stellenbosch
Sip, savour and socialise during Stellenbosch’s wine bar Happy Hour, every day from 17:00 to 19:00. There are few better ways to enjoy the essence of Stellenbosch life than a walk down the avenues lined by oak trees and historic architecture. Happy Hour offers visitors the opportunity to spend a little time at a range of the finest wine bars.
View the participating wine bars on the Wine Town website at www.winetown.wineroute.co.za.
Multi-course food-and-wine showstoppers
Stellenbosch is home to one of the biggest concentrations of top restaurants in South Africa. It’s reputation for outstanding wine and food experiences is second to none, with Wine Town Stellenbosch being the best opportunity to get to know them.
A range of stellar culinary events are in the line-up, including a five-course winemakers’ lunch at Blaauwklippen and a seven-course experience menu at Manor Kitchen at Lanzerac.
Best be hungry when you book for the six-course dinner at Rust en Vrede Estate, winemaker’s dinner at the Bertha Wine Bar or a chef’s dinner at Weltevreden Estate.
Among other participating restaurants and wine bars hosting Wine Town special events are: Senobias at Eendracht; Hussar Grill; Vadas Smokehouse & Bakery; Kantien; Lievland Café; 96 Winery Road Restaurant; Nocturne; Le Pommier; Somerbosch Bistro; De Warenmarkt; The Cellar Door @ Jordan; Pink Valley Wines; The Wine Glass; Kleine Liebe & Deli; Stellenbosch Reserve; Rykaart’s at Longridge; Clara’s Barn; Geuwels @ Vergenoed Löw; Post & Pepper; and Genki.
Book now for outstanding occasions
This year’s offering takes Wine Town Stellenbosch to new heights with some outstanding experiences.
If oysters are your thing don’t miss the gourmet oyster and wine pairings at Cavalli wine estate.Discover the stories behind the wines from Simonsig’s vinotheque through its immersive Vintage Village. It includes a tasting of vintage red wines, white wines, and of course, Cap Classique.
Reconnect with nature and unearth the secrets hidden in our soil at Hartenberg’s Regenerative Vineyard Tour and Tasting, hosted by the wine farm’s viticulturalist and South Africa’s father of regenerative viticulture, Wilhelm Joubert. Plus, there’s an exclusive opportunity to encounter the magnificent cattle at both Hartenberg and Yonder Hill with the latter presenting the Ankole Walkabout and wine tasting.
Make the Stellenbosch Wine Festival a top priority
If there’s one event to attend at Wine Town Stellenbosch, it’s the Stellenbosch Wine Festival. From organic champions to ancient producers; from world conquerors to fan favourites, the participating producers represent the length and breadth of the Stellenbosch wine territory.
Among them are well-known farms such as Villiera, Warwick Wines, Stellenzicht, Spier, Thelema, Neethlingshof, Morgenster, Meerlust, Quoin Rock, Kleine Zalze, Kanonkop, Kaapzicht, Muratie and Ernie Els. There are also the more boutique brands such as Visio Vintners, Winshaw, Le Chant, Amperbo, Alluvia, Skilpadvlei, Remhoogte, Joubert, Dorp St, Aslina and Compagniesdrift.
The festival runs from 17:00 to 21:00 on Friday 2 August, and from 14:00 to 18:00 on Saturday the 3rd. Tickets cost R490 per person and includes 18 wine tasting tokens, live music performances and a harvest feast. Book your place via Plankton.
Visit www.winetown.wineroute.co.za for the official 2024 Wine Town programme.
For more information on the Stellenbosch Cabernet Conference, email Billie Lambrechts on wine@stellenboschcabernet.co.za.
