Winter is starting to roll into the Western Cape, but don’t let that put you off, because some of the best events and festivals happen in the province’s cooler months! Take a look at some of our favourites here.
Wacky Wine Weekend – 1-4 June
What to expect: This annual event in Robertson has been running for 13 years and continues to get better with every edition. With over 40 wineries taking part in the event, you are spoilt for choice here. Cellar tours, tutored tastings, and pairings are all on offer, and there is also plenty of food, entertainment and family-friendly experiences to go around as well. The focus is on the wine, of course, but the Wacky Wine Weekend has plenty more to throw at you as well.
Website:www.wackywineweekend.com
Good Food and Wine Show – 2-4 June
What to expect: Arguably the most prominent food and wine event in the country, the Good Food and Wine Show is a must for foodies and wine connoisseurs alike. The event combines live activations, which includes a Chefs Open Theatre, Baking Theatre and Wine Theatre, with a market set-up that includes, among other things, street food, gourmet tastings and wine. The event is also family-friendly, with plenty on offer for the kids – with a comprehensive programme running throughout the event.
Website:www.goodfoodandwineshow.co.za
Hermanus Fynarts – 9-18 June
What to expect: A 10-day celebration of art, music and food. One of the newer festivals on the calendar, the Hermanus Fynarts festival is now entering its fifth year. This is definitely one for the culture vultures with the programme consisting of exhibitions, art and wine tours, plays, films, and numerous workshops and demonstrations.
Website:www.hermanusfynarts.co.za
Knysna Oyster Festival – 7-16 July
What to expect: Running for over a week in July, the Knysna Oyster Festival is jam-packed with activities sure to appeal to just about everybody. From oysters and wine to live entertainment and sports, the festival is one of the most popular events in the country and a staple for locals. What makes it so special is the incredible diversity of events on offer – from the annual bicycle race and Forest Marathon to whisky pairings and live music – everybody is catered for at the festival. Race in the morning and relax in the evening, then repeat!
Website:www.oysterfestival.co.za
Franschhoek Bastille Festival – 15 – 16 July
What to expect: The Franschhoek Valley is easily one of the most anticipated events on the Western Cape calendar. A celebration of wine, food and the town French-infused history, the Bastille Festival is one you do not want to miss! Enjoy gourmet food from some of the town’s award-winning eateries, sample world class wines, stroll around the farmer’s market and enjoy the live entertainment on offer – you will not be bored when Bastille rolls into Franschhoek. The event is also family friendly, with children well catered for with a dedicated kid’s corner, while those looking to get an adrenaline fix can enter the annual trail run and new MTB race.
Wacky Wine Weekend – 1-4 June
What to expect: This annual event in Robertson has been running for 13 years and continues to get better with every edition. With over 40 wineries taking part in the event, you are spoilt for choice here. Cellar tours, tutored tastings, and pairings are all on offer, and there is also plenty of food, entertainment and family-friendly experiences to go around as well. The focus is on the wine, of course, but the Wacky Wine Weekend has plenty more to throw at you as well.
Website:www.wackywineweekend.com
Good Food and Wine Show – 2-4 June
What to expect: Arguably the most prominent food and wine event in the country, the Good Food and Wine Show is a must for foodies and wine connoisseurs alike. The event combines live activations, which includes a Chefs Open Theatre, Baking Theatre and Wine Theatre, with a market set-up that includes, among other things, street food, gourmet tastings and wine. The event is also family-friendly, with plenty on offer for the kids – with a comprehensive programme running throughout the event.
Website:www.goodfoodandwineshow.co.za
Hermanus Fynarts – 9-18 June
What to expect: A 10-day celebration of art, music and food. One of the newer festivals on the calendar, the Hermanus Fynarts festival is now entering its fifth year. This is definitely one for the culture vultures with the programme consisting of exhibitions, art and wine tours, plays, films, and numerous workshops and demonstrations.
Website:www.hermanusfynarts.co.za
Knysna Oyster Festival – 7-16 July
What to expect: Running for over a week in July, the Knysna Oyster Festival is jam-packed with activities sure to appeal to just about everybody. From oysters and wine to live entertainment and sports, the festival is one of the most popular events in the country and a staple for locals. What makes it so special is the incredible diversity of events on offer – from the annual bicycle race and Forest Marathon to whisky pairings and live music – everybody is catered for at the festival. Race in the morning and relax in the evening, then repeat!
Website:www.oysterfestival.co.za
Franschhoek Bastille Festival – 15 – 16 July
What to expect: The Franschhoek Valley is easily one of the most anticipated events on the Western Cape calendar. A celebration of wine, food and the town French-infused history, the Bastille Festival is one you do not want to miss! Enjoy gourmet food from some of the town’s award-winning eateries, sample world class wines, stroll around the farmer’s market and enjoy the live entertainment on offer – you will not be bored when Bastille rolls into Franschhoek. The event is also family friendly, with children well catered for with a dedicated kid’s corner, while those looking to get an adrenaline fix can enter the annual trail run and new MTB race.
Robertson Slow Food and Wine Festival – 4-6 August
What to expect: Time to slow it down, head out to the countryside, and put your feet up as this annual event is all about the simple pleasures in life. Enjoy the slow food and wine of this fantastic valley, interact with local wine makers and their families, learn more about the local cuisine and how to pair it with the local vintages, visit the farmers market on the Sunday, and take in the live entertainment on offer. But most of all, just take it slow…
Website:www.robertsonslow.com
