Ten Day Stellenbosch Wine Festival pops it's cork this January

New look ten day Stellenbosch Wine Festival to take place 25 January to 3 February 2013

The Stellenbosch Wine Festival, the flagship event of South Africa’s iconic wine region, stomps its way into a new era this January with an expanded ten-day program designed to showcase in a bigger, better and bolder fashion the delightfully diverse town of Stellenbosch from 25 January until 3 February 2013.

The Stellenbosch American Express® Wine Routes moved this annual highlight event from its previous mid-winter schedule to the new dates in order to capitalise on the unique assets and attractions this historic oak-lined town and its more than 150 wineries has to offer during the height of summer.

“We realised that it makes sense to showcase our world-class wines during a period when everything that Stellenbosch offers – its natural beauty, unique cultural heritage, excellent academic institutions and vibrant agricultural industries – is at its best and brightest. Perfect summer weather, the buzz of a new University year and the bustling start of the harvest season will all add new dimensions to the Stellenbosch Wine Festival experience. Our member farms are excited, the whole town is mobilised and we are sure that wine lovers and lifestyle tourists from all over South Africa and the world are going to be thrilled with what Stellenbosch is bringing to the table this summer,” says Annareth Bolton, CEO of the Stellenbosch Wine Routes.

The new-look Stellenbosch Wine Festival, presented by Pick ‘n Pay, delivers a full flight of wine experiences for both casual fans and connoisseurs, including a ten-day promotion at many of the area’s award-winning restaurants, special cultivar evenings and wine farm tours.

Throughout the week, the public will be able to tailor-make their own festival experience by dining in town and estate restaurants offering special food and wine pairing menus as part of the festival’s “Wine & Dine” sensation or by visiting a myriad of farms offering unique tours and tasting programmes.

A festival highlight will be the Blessing of the Harvest and the Harvest Parade on Saturday, 26 January, as celebrants from Stellenbosch member farms march through the streets on a flotilla of tractors. For those more adventurous festival goers various sporting events will give enthusiasts a colourful taste of the Stellenbosch lifestyle.

It all culminates in a three-day Wine Expo, which will be located in the heart of the vibrant town, and feature interactive stands and tasting programmes from over 130 wine and gourmet food producers. The Wine Expo is set to take place from 1 to 3 February on Die Braak and will take full advantage of the beautiful natural surroundings with rustic tables, green décor and free-flowing Bedouin tents. A central stage will play host to Sunset Sounds Concerts to keep festival goers entertained as they enjoy the fabulous vintages on offer.

A full Festival Guide will be published by the organisers in early January and details of the entire programme will be made available on the Festival website over the coming months.
Follow us on twitter @StellWineFest with the hash tag #StellWineFest and one Facebook to find out more about the participating wine farms, restaurants and festival activities as well as promotions and giveaways.

For more information, visit www.stellenboschwinefestival.co.za