Stellenbosch Wine Routes marks 55 years of championing South African wine tourism and the wines of Stellenbosch this year.

The centrepiece of the occasion is Wine Town Stellenbosch, which unites wine producers, restaurants, accommodation establishments and visitors for nine days of exceptional wine and food experiences across the region from Saturday 25 July to Sunday 2 August.

This year’s programme incorporates the anniversary through special experiences, collaborations and anniversary events.

The event prides itself on pitching the broadest insight to Stellenbosch lifestyle to experienced connoisseurs, newcomers and everyone in between, and completely over-delivering on value.

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Something for all

The programme offers experiences across the region, which culminates in the Stellenbosch Wine Festival, an all-inclusive walk-around tasting at the historic town hall.

On offer are specialised wine tours, workshops and curated vertical tastings as well as winemaker lunches and dinners, specials at restaurants and tastings hosted exclusively for the run of the event.

It officially gets underway with an inaugural Wine Town Run/Walk at Dornier Wine Estate, hosted in partnership with Runventure, on Saturday 25 July. Participants can choose between a scenic run or walk through the vineyards over 10 km or 5 km.

Stellenbosch Wine Routes has also introduced Celebrate With Us, a partnership with selected restaurants. Diners will be welcomed with a complimentary glass of local wine with their meal, to raise a toast to over 55 years of exceptional wines, memorable dining and the stories shared around social tables.

A host of events is on offer throughout – and all are popular, so reservations are advised. These include: Wilder as die Wildtuin with chefs Bertus Basson, Drikus Brink and Michael Fuller for an extraordinary nod to venison; Take a Journey into Chenin Blanc at DeMorgenzon; Vintage Day at Simonsig; the Sip and Paint Experience at Clos Malverne Restaurant; and many more.

World of wine

Undoubtedly, the highlight of programme is Stellenbosch Wine Festival, which will be held on Friday 31 July (17:00 to 21:00) and Saturday 1 August (14:00 to 18:00). It brings together over 60 producers and more than 200 wines under one roof.

Each ticket includes 20 tasting tokens, giving guests the freedom to work your way through the range at your own pace. Food is taken care of too – chefs Bertus Basson and Adele Grewar will put together a harvest table and abundant signature small plates and desserts, all included in the ticket price.

Live music adds to the vibe throughout the day, and an Aquasky water station is on hand to keep palates refreshed between pours. Tickets cost R600 online or R650 at the door.

For the full Wine Town Stellenbosch programme or to book tickets to any of the events, visit https://winetown.wineroute.co.za/.

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