The town of Stellenbosch is getting set for the annual Wine Town Stellenbosch 2022. Promising a wide range of activities, wine-tasting events, showcases and lots more, there is sure to be something for everyone. PICTURE: ALFRED THORPE
South Africa’s heartland of wine goes on full display from Thursday August 4 to Tuesday August 9, when it welcomes families and friends to its annual celebration of the grape, suitably called Wine Town Stellenbosch 2022.
Inaugurated last year, Wine Town Stellenbosch features a diverse series of events and experiences intended to offer something for everyone. These include live music performances, farm walks, inspired meals, and tutored tastings – from formal to informal occasions – all featuring wine as the main attraction.
According to organisers, the format of the festival remains decentralised. Events will be hosted around town and on wine farms, giving wine lovers opportunity to explore the region known for its heritage and world champion wines.
Oenophiles will get their fill not only at in-depth tastings with winemakers themselves, but also through focused events aimed at highlighting particular aspects of local wines, such as cultivar excellence or age of vineyards.
Organisations participating this year include the Pinotage and Chenin Blanc associations, while the popular Stellenbosch Cabernet walk-around tasting at Ernie Els Wines returns.
One of the main attractions of Wine Town Stellenbosch 2022 will be Stellenbosch Wine Festival, a two-day showcase of local wines to be held in the Stellenbosch Town Hall. Held on the Friday and Saturday (August 5 and 6), the festival is ideal for visitors wanting a snapshot of the wine scene.
Stalls run by the region’s top wineries will offer tastings, from 4pm to 8pm on Friday; and, 2pm to 6pm on Saturday. Over 200 wines will be represented while food prepared by renowned chef Bertus Basson will be available too.
There will be a diverse range of participating wineries that include legends and favourites such as Spier, Alto, Neethlingshof, Middelvlei, Hidden Valley Wines, Morgenster, Lanzerac, Villiera, Remhoogte, Groenland, Boschkloof, Peter Falke wines, Hartenberg, Cavalli, Kaapzicht and Zevenwacht, as well as new wine route members Weltevreden Estate/Bertha Wines and Compagniesdrift.
Visitors keen to experience wines on the farms where they’re made will again be spoilt for choice this year. Among the highlights are a winemaker’s lunch at Bottelary Hills; the Oppieplaas Festival at Lanzerac Wine Estate, Spier wine blending experience and live music at Neethlingshof as part of its First Sundays series.
There will also be a special walk-around tasting to be held at Simon Wine Emporium on Tuesday August 9. Local restaurants will also be running promotions during the festival and special accommodation deals will also be available for visitors wanting to make a weekend of the occasion.
Tickets for this event start at R300 per person and are available online at plankton.mobi and go on sale on Tuesday July 5.
For more information on dates, locations, prices and terms and conditions, visit winetown.wineroute.co.za