It’s National Pinotage day this weekend and the Winelands is abuzz with events and happenings as the summer weather starts to take over. Roosterkoek, craft beer, skaapstertjies, wine, Wagyu burgers are on the menu as Sandringham is hosting the Groot Plaasproe, head to Lanzerac for their 60 Years of Pinotage Celebration. Marvel at the flora at Helderberg’s Open Garden Day and run off some of the weekend’s decadence at the Pinotage Fun Run and much more in our list of things to this weekend.
DRINK
Celebrate 60 years of Pinotage @Lanzerac – 12 to 13 October 2019
As the home of the world’s first commercially bottled Pinotage – it comes as no surprise that celebrating International Pinotage Day at Lanzerac is a highlight on all Pinotage Lovers’ calendar each year.
This year, in honour of the estate celebrating 60th year of producing Pinotage, Lanzerac will be extending the festivities over the entire weekend and guests can expect a bigger setup than previous years.
On Saturday the 12th of October, International Pinotage Day, and Sunday the 13th the space in front of the estate’s Tasting Room & Deli will be transformed into an oenophile’s dream with tables for guests to relax and enjoy a perfect Wineland’s day out with friends and family amongst the picturesque Stellenbosch mountains. Whilst the usual tasting experiences, along with a unique Pinotage tasting, will provide guests with the opportunity to explore Lanzerac’s acclaimed wine range, the wine-tasting station will offer them the chance to purchase their favourite Lanzerac wine to enjoy.
A Chardonnay and Pinot Celebration @Elgin Ridge Wine Estate – 11 October 2019
A panel of four highly revered wine experts will look at Chardonnay trends around the world and guide guests through Elgin’s elegant Chardonnays created in the valley’s unique cool climate. Producers will showcase their 2017 vintage during the morning tasting. The afternoon will comprise a blind tasting of Elgin Chardonnays, chosen by a select panel, pitted against top Chardonnays from around the world.
In addition to tasting world-class Chardonnays, there will be sparkling wine and coffees on arrival and a decadent harvest table for lunch. To end off the day, there will be time for guests to chat with fellow Chardonnay lovers, producers and the panel, while enjoying a variety of delicious drinks and gourmet snacks.
TASTE
The Groot Plaasproe @ Sandringham – 12 to 13 October 2019
The third annual Groot Plaasproe from Saturday 12 to Sunday 13 October 2019 at Sandringham outside Stellenbosch promises a taste experience of everything that farm life offers.
Roosterkoek, craft beer, skaapstertjies, wine, Wagyu burgers … all these delicacies and more await visitors to the “Groot Plaasproe” on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 October 2019 on Sandringham Farm outside Stellenbosch. This award-winning farm experience, presented for the third year by the organisers of the SA Cheese Festival, offers the whole family a taste of all things farm. Not only can one savour a variety of farm food; festivalgoers can get up close with more than 300 farm animals, line dance to the beat of popular artists and even win prizes by entering their burgers or braaibroodjies for a competition.
Open Gardens Festival @ Helderberg 12 & 13 Oct 2019
The focus this year’s Open Gardens is on water wise, indigenous gardens and will feature an array of innovative methods that garden owners are using to cope with the drought.
Several of the gardens will be offering tea and eats, or make a stop at one of the recommended tea and lunch stops. There is food for the soul in all the gardens; so take some time and relish the beauty of the gardens that grow in the shadow of the Helderberg, drink in the views and be revived by the peace of a place shared by others who care, not only for their plants, but also for the patients of Helderberg Hospice.
EXPLORE
Elgin Blossom Weekend @ Peregrine Farm Stall 12-13 October
Spring has sprung, the bees are out and orchards are in blossom as the new season is celebrated. There will be a hive of activity over this weekend in Elgin, which falls right in the middle of apple blossom time. Visitors can explore the area on their own and stop in at some of The Elgin Blossom Weekend partners for spring blossom themed activities, meals, tastings and more.
International Beer and Pizza Day with a twist – 13 October 2019
A thin based traditional German-style pizza called a Flammkuchen is one of the most popular items on The Bakery menu. Choose one of our three options, the Traditional Flammkuchen, the Vegetarian Flammkuchen or the recently re-launched Biltong Flammkuchen and enjoy it with a 440ml Anker Ale to complement the meal.
Enjoy the sunshine on the deck of The Bakery with views of the dam and the Stellenbosch valley. With their new summer menu launching soon, there are always new seasonal items to enjoy at Jordan.
RUN
Pinotage Fun Run @ Neethlingshof – 12 October 2019
Join the annual Pinotage Fun Run with Pinotage tastings at several stops along the way, and receive a bottle of Pinotage at the finish line as part of your entry fee. The Pinotage Run is always a fun and entertaining time for the whole family with food, wine, live music, lucky draws and prizes. So get your mates together, get some costumes (not compulsory) and get out there and enjoy yourself.
The run is a 6km Jeep track/off-road run or walk through the vineyards with amazing views and five wine (and water) stops. At the finish line we’ll have coffee, entertainment and lots of food options which means you can spend the day at Neethlingshof, just chilling and enjoying yourself.