Looking for the best food and wine festivals in the Western Cape in 2024? Diarise these upcoming festivals!
Experience the best of South African food and wine at these upcoming festivals in 2024. Sample some of the country’s finest wine and freshest food, spend a thrilling weekend annerkant die berg, taste cool wines, savour heartwarming food and full-bodied reds in winter, and more. Here’s your list of the top food and wine festivals in the Western Cape in 2024.
Cape Winelands
Cape Town Fresh
Previously known as Constantia Fresh, Cape Town Fresh offers festival goers the opportunity to sample some of the country’s finest wines on offer by 45 exhibitors – the likes of Bruce Jack Wines, Jordan Wine Estate, Raats Family Wines, Vrede en Lust, and Zevenwacht. What’s more, 6 of South Africa’s top chefs prepare food to accompany the wines. What sets this outdoor festival apart from other festivals is its focus on “freshness” – a vital part of food, wine and life.
- Where: Cape Point Vineyards, Cape Town
- When: Sunday, 3 March 2024
Go Wellington Family Festival
The new Go Wellington Wine Route launches on 21 March, and to celebrate, they’re hosting the inaugural Go Wellington Family Festival. The event takes place at the charming Old Tannery. On offer is the opportunity to sample wines from over a dozen of the Go Wellington Wine Route members, a variety of food stalls, children’s activities, and live music. There will be café and cocktail-style seating with umbrellas.
- Where: Old Tannery, Wellington
- When: Thursday, 21 March 2024
Nuy Valley Festival
This family-friendly festival, with award-winning wines and fine country foods, celebrates the wine and olive harvest. The Nuy Valley is one of the most scenic hidden areas in the Western Cape, known for its picturesque mountains, vineyards, wines, and world-class olive products. The popular Nuy Valley Festival offers a wide variety of activities and things to do for the entire family. Take a ride on the Nuy Valley Express tractor between festive venues for live music, wine tastings, German dishes, craft beer, and much more.
- Where: Nuy Valley, Worcester
- When: May 2024 (Dates TBC)
Tulbagh Vintage & Vine Faire
This annual faire is a celebration of the award-winning wines and top-class olives of the Tulbagh Valley. Experience the valley’s rich cultural heritage through traditional dishes and tasty treats. With music, family-friendly events and more, it’s the ideal opportunity for visitors to spend the weekend in the country reliving days gone by.
- Where: Tulbagh
- When: Saturday, 25 May 2024
Franschhoek Bastille Festival
Don your berets and all things red, white, and blue as you revel in the French ambience of the magnificent Winelands at the Franschhoek Bastille Festival. Stroll through the vibrant main road and share in the merriment, bespoke village shopping, and lively street entertainment of local drummers, musicians and performance artists. A highlight is the wine tasting marquee, which features more than 20 Franschhoek wineries.
- Where: Franschhoek
- When: Sunday, 14 July 2024
Annerkant Die Berg
Blending the beauty and bounty of the Breedekloof Wine Valley, Annerkant die Berg pairs world-class wines with culinary experiences, art, live entertainment and outdoor activities that will enrich and inspire you. Settle in for a long weekend at one of the various accommodation options and give yourself time to explore all we have to offer. Live entertainment, outdoor activities and kiddie’s fun events will keep the family entertained while allowing the serious wine aficionados to chat with passionate winemakers, while enjoying various tastings.
- Where: Rawsonville
- When: July 2024 (Dates TBC)
Wine Town Stellenbosch
South Africa’s heartland of wine goes on full display from Tuesday, 30 July to Sunday, 4 August 2024, when it welcomes families and friends to its annual celebration of the grape, suitably called Wine Town Stellenbosch. This event features a diverse series of events and experiences intended to offer something for everyone. These include live music performances, farm walks, inspired meals, and tutored tastings – from formal to informal occasions – all featuring wine as the main attraction.
- Where: Stellenbosch
- When: 30 July – 4 August 2024
Taste the Tradition Festival
The enchanting Robertson Wine Valley is renowned for wine, natural beauty and warm-hearted hospitality, making it the ideal destination for a spring-time breakaway during the Taste the Tradition Weekend. Hosted by members of the Robertson Wine Valley, including Bon Courage De Wetshof Wine Estate, and others, guests will experience a diverse range of authentic food, wine and recreational offerings personally curated by a welcoming community.
- Where: Robertson
- When: 20-24 September 2024
SA Cheese Festival
At the annual SA Cheese Festival, experience the finest cheeses from across the country, indulge in live demonstrations and interactive workshops, and explore a lively marketplace filled with wine, gourmet food, and more. Sip, savour, and discover a world of exquisite flavours as you explore the vast selection of wines, available for tasting and purchasing. With live music, entertainment, and a delightful kids’ theme park, you do not want to miss out!
- Where: Sandringham Farm, Stellenbosch
- When: September 2024 (dates TBC)
Noble Vice
The Noble Vice is an excursion into terroir, taste, and raw talent. The artistry of 50+ of the most talented winemakers in South Africa defines this festival, supported by top local chefs. All share the same philosophy of reverence and respect for the earth and its bounty. Expect a liberated exploration into the Noble Vices of food and wine, tasting new wines by the cream of the crop of South Africa’s wine industry.
- Where: Cape Winelands
- When: November 2024 (dates TBC)
Franschhoek Cap Classique and Champagne Festival
Set against the backdrop of the picturesque Franschhoek Valley, the annual Franschhoek Cap Classique and Champagne Festival is not to be missed. With over 20 local producers (Benguela Cove, Domaine des Dieux, Graham Beck, Krone, Pongrácz, and more), the festival showcases exceptional Cap Classiques. For two full days, the historic Franschhoek Huguenot Monument will come alive with live music and a vibrant atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to kick off the festive season in the heart of summer!
- Where: Franschhoek
- When: Early December 2024 (dates TBC)
Overberg – Agulhas Wine Triangle Festival
The Agulhas Wine Triangle Festival brings wineries from Africa’s southernmost corner around Cape Agulhas together to deliver a feast of flavours distinctive of this extreme wine growing area. Join them on the day to enjoy wine tasting, beers and ciders from the region. Participating wineries include Black Oystercatcher, Land’s End, Sijnn, Strandveld Vineyards, The Drift Estate, The Giant Periwinkle, Zoetendal Vineyards, and more. Food stands, refreshments and bottle sales will also be available on the day.
- Where: Black Oystercatcher, Elim
- When: 22-23 March 2024
Elgin Railway Cool Wine Festival
It’s time to taste cool wine! Yes, Elgin’s cool climate wine. The Elgin Railway Cool Wine Festival pulls the cork on Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, elegantly blended reds, Merlot, Malbec, Syrah, and most definitely Pinot Noir. Taste from Elgin’s best wine estates that will all be at the Elgin Railway Market, with artisanal food in abundance to go with your wine.
- Where: Elgin Railway Market, Elgin
- When: May 2024 (dates TBC)
Wine, Whales and Music
De Hoop invites you to join them on their famous Wine, Whales and Music weekend for spectacular whale viewing with fabulous wines and incredible music. The weekend comprises wine pairing dinners, tastings of wines from the Overberg region, live classical music performances, and guided walks to watch the Southern Right Whales at Koppie Alleen.
- Where: De Hoop Nature Reserve, Bredasdorp
- When: 21-23 June 2024
Greyton Fire + Wine
Every winter, the picturesque village of Greyton brings you a unique winter wine experience with its Greyton Fire + Wine weekend. Grab your coat and wellies to take a stroll through the charming streets of Greyton, mingle with the friendly locals, and chat with over 20 knowledgeable winemakers. Indulge in the rich aromas, velvety textures, and complex flavours of exceptional red and full bodied white wines, perfect for warming you up on those chilly winter days.
- Where: Greyton
- When: 12-13 July 2024
Greyton Wine Weekend
This November, the picture-perfect country village of Greyton is providing the setting for a glorious summer weekend of tasting wine from over 40 producers. These include AA Badenhorst, Harry Hartman Wine Co., Remhoogte, Steenberg… Visitors return year after year for a repeat experience so, if you haven’t been yet, make 2024 your year to discover the finest wines from boutique wineries and great established wine estates.
- Where: Greyton
- When: 8-9 November 2024
Garden Route and Klein Karoo
Stoep Tasting
Familiar with the Graaff Reinet Stoep Tasting? Introducing the new format of the Stoep Tasting, taking place on two weekends in Graaff Reinet and Nieu Bethesda. There will be different wine producers attending each weekend. Taste and shop wines in two towns, and have a memorable time in the great outdoors!
- Where: Graaff Reinet and Nieu Bethesda
- When: 17-18 May 2024 | 23-25 May 2024
Calitzdorp Expressed
The Calitzdorp Expressed festival is an expression of all that this lovely town has to offer. It’s hosted across 30 venues, including award-winning wineries, delectable restaurants, quirky pubs, and charming bakeries. These venues offer something for everyone, with outdoor adventures, craft markets, live music, phenomenal food, wonderful wines, eclectic art exhibitions, interactive workshops, and so much more.
- Where: Calitzdorp
- When: 15-17 June 2024
Knysna Oyster Festival
Get ready to shuck and roll! Celebrating its 40th anniversary, this year’s Knysna Oyster Festival promises to be a pearl of an event. This year’s theme is “Have a whale of a time”, chosen because the festival coincides with the thrilling whale watching season in Knysna. The theme also signifies the abundance of activities available throughout the festival. From adventure sports to a wine festival, there’s an array of events that promise non-stop entertainment for the whole family!
- Where: Knysna
- When: 21-30 June 2024
