Stellenbosch’s second annual Wine Town Stellenbosch festival is once again providing the town with economic and social opportunities.
This is according to Elmarie Rabe, general manager of Stellenbosch Wine Routes and marketing manager of Visit Stellenbosch, in email correspondence with MatieMedia.
“The fact that there are so many wine farms in the area offering a wide range of experiences is key in [responsibly] developing our wine culture,” said Elmarie Rabe, general manager of Stellenbosch Wine Routes and marketing manager of Visit Stellenbosch, in email correspondence with MatieMedia. “Stellenbosch town is slap bang in the middle of the biggest wine region with amazing and well-developed wine tourism experiences.” PHOTO: Karla de Bod
The festival is taking place from 4 to 9 August, stated Rabe.
More than a celebration of wine
Wine Town Stellenbosch is a wine festival hosted around Stellenbosch and on wine farms to provide economic opportunities and focus activities around a specific period, according to Rabe.
“Our aim is to bring business to wine farms, restaurants and accommodation and provide additional interest,” said Rabe.
The festival includes live music performances, farm walks, wine pairing lunches, tutored tastings and wine blending experiences, according to the festival’s website.
Wine Town Stellenbosch is hosted to provide economic opportunities, according to Elmarie Rabe, general manager of Stellenbosch Wine Routes and marketing manager of Visit Stellenbosch, in email correspondence with MatieMedia. “Many businesses were forced to close their doors due to lockdown, therefore I cannot wait to see Stellenbosch buzzing and busy again,” said Ilse Ruthford, managing director of Compagniesdrift, a winery in Stellenbosch. PHOTO: Karla de Bod
“The event itself employs several people, such as security, medics, general event staff, runners and waiters, but also provides additional opportunity for employment via the wine farms and in the preparation of food,” said Rabe. “It has a positive influence on local businesses, shops, transport providers, etc.”
Over 50 wineries are participating in the festival, including, for example, Peter Falke Wines, Spier, Neethlingshof and Lanzerac, according to the festival’s website.
Opportunity to share passions
Wine Town Stellenbosch also provides local wine producers an opportunity to share passions with like-minded people, said Wim Braak, marketing and sales manager at Peter Falke Wines.
One of the main attractions of the event is the Stellenbosch Wine Festival, a two-day showcase of local wines held in the Stellenbosch Town Hall on 5 and 6 August, according to the festival’s website.
“The Stellenbosch festival brings all the wine producers together under one roof to share our love of wine, food, and hospitality,” said Braak.
Wine is an integral part of Stellenbosch, according to Ilse Ruthford, managing director of Compagniesdrift, a winery in Stellenbosch. “When I think of Stellenbosch, I think of vineyards, wine farms and good wine. Although wine plays a huge role in our economy and in local tourism, it also brings people together and makes Stellenbosch a welcoming town,” she said. PHOTO: Karla de Bod
New wine route member Compagniesdrift will be participating in the festival for the first time this year, according to Ilse Ruthford, the winery’s managing director.
The festival is a great platform to create brand awareness for new wineries, stated Ruthford.
“It is a highlight and a very special moment for our brand because this will be our first time participating,” said Ruthford. “We are excited to introduce our wines and to share our story to all the wine lovers visiting the festival.”
Dominating the South African wine scene
Stellenbosch has dominated the South African wine scene with regards to history, education and wine quality, claimed Braak.
Stellenbosch is at the centre of wine tourism in the Cape Winelands, according to Wim Braak, marketing and sales manager at Peter Falke Wines. “With so many great wineries in Stellenbosch, each one is special in its own way,” he said. PHOTO: Karla de Bod
Rabe said she is looking forward to the feeling of fellowship and the celebratory energy that the festival brings. “It is also great to see everyone; we have been cooped up for such a long time and this is a wonderful opportunity to simply celebrate life,” she said.