Cape Town Fresh
Previously known as Constantia Fresh, Cape Town Fresh offers festival goers the opportunity to sample some of South Africa’s finest wines on offer by over 40 exhibitors – the likes of Bruce Jack Wines, Jordan Wine Estate, Raats Family Wines, Vrede en Lust, and Zevenwacht. What’s more, South Africa’s top chefs prepare food to accompany the wines. What sets this outdoor festival apart from other festivals is its focus on “freshness” – a vital part of food, wine and life.
Nuy Valley Festival
This family-friendly festival, with award-winning wines and fine country foods, celebrates the wine and olive harvest. The Nuy Valley is one of the most scenic hidden areas in the Western Cape, known for its picturesque mountains, vineyards, wines, and world-class olive products. The popular Nuy Valley Festival offers a wide variety of activities and things to do for the entire family. Take a ride on the Nuy Valley Express tractor between festive venues for live music, wine tastings, German dishes, craft beer, and much more.
Tulbagh Vintage & Vine Faire
This annual faire is a celebration of the award-winning wines and top-class olives of the Tulbagh Valley. Experience the valley’s rich cultural heritage through traditional dishes and tasty treats. With music, family-friendly events and more, it’s the ideal opportunity for visitors to spend the weekend in the country reliving days gone by.
Franschhoek Bastille Festival
Don your berets and all things red, white, and blue as you revel in the French ambience of the magnificent Winelands at the Franschhoek Bastille Festival. Stroll through the vibrant Franschhoek main road and share in the merriment, bespoke village shopping, and lively street entertainment of local drummers, musicians and performance artists. A highlight is the wine tasting marquee, which features more than 20 Franschhoek wineries.
Wine Town Stellenbosch
South Africa’s heartland of wine goes on full display, when it welcomes families and friends to its annual celebration of the grape, suitably called Wine Town Stellenbosch. This event 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.
Noble Vice
The Noble Vice is an excursion into terroir, taste, and raw talent. The artistry of 50+ of the most talented winemakers in South Africa defines this festival, supported by top local chefs. All share the same philosophy of reverence and respect for the earth and its bounty. Expect a liberated exploration into the Noble Vices of food and wine, tasting new wines by the cream of the crop of South Africa’s wine industry.
Agulhas Wine Triangle Festival
The Agulhas Wine Triangle Festival brings wineries from Africa’s southernmost corner around Cape Agulhas together to deliver a feast of flavours distinctive of this extreme wine growing area. Join them on the day to enjoy wine tasting, beers and ciders from the region. Participating wineries include Black Oystercatcher, Land’s End, Sijnn, Strandveld Vineyards, The Drift Estate, The Giant Periwinkle, Zoetendal Vineyards, and more.
Greyton Fire + Wine
Every winter, the picturesque village of Greyton brings you a unique winter wine experience with its Greyton Fire + Wine weekend. Grab your coat and wellies to take a stroll through the charming streets of Greyton, mingle with the friendly locals, and chat with over 20 knowledgeable winemakers. Indulge in the rich aromas, velvety textures, and complex flavours of exceptional red and full bodied white wines, perfect for warming you up on those chilly winter days.
Calitzdorp Expressed
The Calitzdorp Expressed festival is an expression of all that this lovely town has to offer. It’s hosted across 30 venues, including award-winning wineries, delectable restaurants, quirky pubs, and charming bakeries. These venues offer something for everyone, with outdoor adventures, craft markets, live music, phenomenal food, wonderful wines, eclectic art exhibitions, interactive workshops, and so much more.
Knysna Oyster Festival
Get ready to shuck and roll! Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024, this year’s Knysna Oyster Festival promises to be a pearl of an event. This year’s theme is “Have a whale of a time”, chosen because the festival coincides with the thrilling whale watching season in Knysna. The theme also signifies the abundance of activities available throughout the festival. From adventure sports to a wine festival, there’s an array of events that promise non-stop entertainment for the whole family!
For a full list of wine festivals in the Western Cape, click here
Image: Franschhoek Bastille Festival
Story: Visit Winelands