Spring is the perfect excuse to explore the more considered side of South Africa’s food-and-wine scene. From intimate winemaker dinners to sensory tastings and wine flights matched with small plates, these experiences offer more than just sampling a few bottles.
Cape Town and the Cape Winelands
Groot Phesantekraal at Grub & Vine — 16 September
Grub & Vine’s next Meet the Makers evening brings together winemaker Richard Schroeder of Groot Phesantekraal and chef Aaron for a four-course dinner paired with the estate’s wines. The menu includes dishes such as venison tartare, tuna tartare, roast line fish and beef fillet, with each course created to complement a particular pour.
Where: Grub & Vine, Bree Street, Cape Town
When: 16 September 2026, from 18:00
Cost: R600 per person, excluding gratuity.
De Grendel Winemaker’s Dinner — 30 September
This venison-themed dinner at De Grendel Restaurant offers a more formal food-and-wine pairing. Guests can expect venison-inspired canapés followed by a three-course menu, with Cellar Master Charles Hopkins guiding diners through the wines and explaining the thinking behind each pairing.
Where: De Grendel Restaurant, Cape Town
When: 30 September 2026, from 18:00
Cost: R1,050 per person.
Wine Wisdom with Constantia Glen — 1 October
At Bombay Brasserie at Taj Cape Town, Wine Wisdom brings Constantia Glen wines into the dining room for an evening of curated food and wine pairings. It is suited to those who enjoy learning more about how wine interacts with flavour, texture, and spice in a restaurant setting.
Where: Bombay Brasserie, Taj Cape Town
When: 1 October 2026, from 18:30
Cost: R595 per person.
Perdeberg Winemaker’s Dinner — 2 October
Perdeberg’s winemaker’s dinner at STEEN Restaurant centres on a six-course menu paired with the estate’s wines. The winemaker will be present at the table, making this an opportunity to explore the wines while hearing directly from the person behind them.
Where: STEEN Restaurant, Perdeberg Cellar, Paarl
When: 2 October 2026, from 18:00
Cost: R695 per person.
Simonsig Cap Classique Vertical Tasting — 3 October
For those more interested in the wine itself, Simonsig’s Vintages in Conversation offers a vertical tasting of Cap Classique across different vintages, accompanied by a three-course dinner. The format allows guests to compare how the wines develop over time, rather than simply tasting a single release.
Where: Simonsig Tasting Room, Stellenbosch
When: 3 October 2026
Details: Booking and pricing should be confirmed directly with Simonsig.
Nederburg Uncharted — 9 and 10 October
Nederburg’s Uncharted experience takes wine tasting beyond the traditional tasting-room format. Guests move through a blindfolded, multisensory journey involving sound, scent, and touch before enjoying a three-course dinner inspired by the experience and wines.
Where: Nederburg Wine Estate, Paarl
When: 9 – 10 October 2026
Cost: Approximately R795 per person.
Muratie Winemaker’s Dinner — 9 October
Muratie’s dinner celebrates the life and legacy of Ronnie Melck through an eight-course food-and-wine pairing menu. Chef Hannele and winemaker Hattingh de Villiers have curated the evening around Muratie wines, including the Ronnie Melck Shiraz and Ronnie Melck Family Reserve Syrah.
Where: Muratie Farm Kitchen, Stellenbosch
When: 9 October 2026, 18:30 for 19:00
Cost: R1,250 per person.
1947 on Vilakazi at 96 Winery Road — 10 October
This one-night pop-up at 96 Winery Road combines a five-course menu with Ken Forrester wines. The menu includes dishes such as butternut and carrot velouté, Mozambique king prawns, smoked Wagyu brisket and cheesecake, offering a more structured dinner experience for those who enjoy food-led pairings.
Where: 96 Winery Road, Stellenbosch
When: 10 October 2026, from 18:00
Details: Booking is essential.
BLOOM at Erinvale Estate — 17 October
BLOOM at Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa will host a four-course wine dinner paired with Ridgeback Wines. Cellar Master Renier van Deventer will guide the evening, giving guests the chance to explore the wines alongside a menu prepared by Chef Sebastian.
Where: Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa, Somerset West
When: 17 October 2026, from 18:30
Cost: R850 per person.
KwaZulu-Natal
Cederberg and Ghost Corner at The Chefs’ Table — 16 September
At The Chefs’ Table in Umhlanga, winemaker David Nieuwoudt will host a six-course dinner featuring wines from Cederberg and Ghost Corner. The evening is designed to explore two distinct expressions of terroir, with Nieuwoudt sharing the stories behind the vineyards and wines.
Where: The Chefs’ Table, Umhlanga
When: 16 September 2026, from 17:30
Cost: R925 per person, excluding additional drinks and gratuity.
Gauteng
Chefs & Chenin — 26 and 27 September
Although the wider event includes a number of activities, the Cellar Club Chenin tastings are the most relevant option for wine enthusiasts. These curated tastings focus on Chenin Blanc and are supported by a resident sommelier, making them a more focused alternative to the event’s broader programme.
Where: Crawford International Sandton College, Johannesburg
When: 26 – 27 September 2026
Details: Confirm tasting times and ticket options before booking.
A guide to booking
These experiences are generally intimate, ticketed and capacity-controlled, so advanced booking is advisable. It is also worth confirming whether gratuity, additional drinks, transport, and non-alcoholic alternatives are included in the advertised price.
For designated-driver-friendly outings, check whether the venue offers a reduced tasting-only or alcohol-free option.
