The perfect time to visit one of the finest wine capitals

Of all the wine capitals across the globe, Stellenbosch in South Africa is one of the most compelling.

South Africa’s second-oldest town is an inspiring wine, food, art and cultural destination.

If you are looking for an excuse to visit, or re-visit, then the dates of August 4-9 are worth noting.

Those are the dates of the annual celebration of the grape 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, meals and tutored tastings.

The format of the festival remains de-centralised with events hosted around town and on wine farms,

Organisations participating this year include the Pinotage and Chenin Blanc Associations, while the popular Stellenbosch Cabernet walk-around tasting at Ernie Els Wines (below) 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 Hal on August 5-6.

Stalls run by the region’s top wineries will offer tastings from 4pm-8pm on the Friday; and 2pm-6pm on the Saturday. Over 200 wines will be represented while food prepared by chef Bertus Basson will be available.

Wineries involved include 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.

Other highlights include a winemaker’s lunch at Bottelary Hills; the Oppieplaas festival at Lanzerac Wine Estate, a Spier wine blending experience and live music at Neethlingshof.

Local restaurants will also be running promotions during the festival. Among them are Clos Malverne, Peter Falke Wines, Middelvlei, Stellenbosch Kitchen, Helena’s Restaurant, Jonkershuis 1817 at Weltevreden Estate and Taphuis at Lanzerac.

For more information on dates, locations and prices visit https://winetown.wineroute.co.za/