This year’s Stellenbosch Wine Festival presented by Pick n Pay again proved a massive drawcard for wine-lovers, foodies and families, with in excess of 9 000 people attending the festival and related events over four days.
The positioning of the festival is to showcase the very best of Stellenbosch wine all in one place and to provide local producers, of both food and wine, with a captive and appreciative audience. #StellWineFest trended in the Western Cape throughout the weekend – an indication the popularity and fun being had at the event.
Commenting on the festival, Elmarie Rabe, Stellenbosch Wine Routes Manager, said, “Every year we are delighted with the the interest in the Stellenbosch Wine Routes. We present the very best that our vineyards produce and are inspired that visitors acknowledge the quality and bounty of the efforts of the wineries. We enjoy hosting visitors to the farms throughout the year including a large contingent of tourists, who now know and love our wines. The festival provides a platform for all wine producers in the region to showcase their wines.”
This year the live Toks and Tjops broadcast and local music were also a drawcard over and above the wine and gourmet offerings. For the fun-seekers there was the Grape Stomping Ground where guests could try their hands (and feet) at some old-school wine making techniques in a stomping showdown. Rabe continued. “The way the festival grounds are set up, with bean bags, shaded seating and hay bales were perfect for socialising and relaxing. Sipping on wine while drinking in vibey but relaxed atmosphere – I can’t think of a better way to spend the weekend”.
Foodies were well catered for at The Gourmet Lane, where there was everything from oysters to wine themed slushies on offer, meticulously prepared by local food artisans. The real heroes of the day of course were the wine farms that came out to present their wonderful wines. With 400 wines available for tasting there was something for every palate. Stellenbosch holds the status of a leading cultural, educational and leisure destination but it is its wine that has made – and continues to make – Stellenbosch famous.
Bespoke pairing and tasting opportunities were on offer throughout the weekend at the Pick n Pay Tasting Room where guests got to experience estate-specific wine and canapé pairings. For the true connoisseurs and those wanting to learn more there was the brand-new Pick n Pay Wine Library that offered in-depth sessions about specific varietals.
Saturday morning brought the Pick n Pay Women’s Walk that saw over 3 200 women, men, children and even some family pets walk 5kms in aid of PinkDrive.
Organisers noticed more families this year, possibly due to a perfect location, child-friendly activities and organised child-minders in the Momentum Health Kiddies Area. The festival is mindful that families enjoy time together and have factored this into the festival.
Once again the entire event was a resounding success and the overwhelming sentiment is that the Stellenbosch Wine Festival is a not-to-be-missed event.
Follow us on Social media for next year’s dates:
Facebook.com/StellenboschWineFestival
Instagram.com/stellenboschwinefest #SWF2017
Twitter.com/StellWineFest
