The Swartland Sosiaal Wine Festival is back and taking place on 28 October at Org de Rac in Piketberg – and you won’t want to miss out!
Get ready for a fantastic wine adventure because the Swartland Sosiaal Wine Festival is making a triumphant return on October 28th! If you missed it last year, don’t worry; you have another chance to experience this delightful celebration of wine, hospitality, and good times. Set against the backdrop of the Swartland region’s scenic beauty, this event promises to be a memorable day out, located just a 90-minute drive from Cape Town at the renowned Org de Rac organic winery.
Carien Hugo-Waring, the founder and organizer of Swartland Sosiaal, couldn’t be more excited: “Swartland Sosiaal is back with a bang. The event was a hit last year, and we’re thrilled to return, this time at one of our region’s most famous wineries.”
And for those concerned about conflicting schedules with the Rugby World Cup, fear not! Swartland Sosiaal will conclude well before the final kick-off at 21:00, making it the perfect pre-game destination.
Org de Rac’s picturesque manor, sprawling lawns, and charming veranda will serve as the festival’s backdrop. Expect a variety of pop-up food stalls, picnic opportunities, live music, and, of course, the chance to sample wines from the Swartland’s renowned wineries, along with a few special surprises.
Tickets are limited, with just 400 available through Quicket, so be sure to grab yours early. Adult tickets are priced at R350pp and include a safari-style wine tasting, a R50 voucher towards your first wine purchase of the day, and live entertainment featuring the full band of Newton & Co.
For designated drivers, there are 30 special Designated Driver Tickets available at R200pp. These include a R50 food voucher and a bottle of water. Wristbands will be provided to identify designated drivers, ensuring no alcohol is served to them.
To make your day even more convenient, shuttle services will be available from Cape Town. You can explore cellar tours, barrel tastings, a Serious Sipper’s Lounge with masterclass tastings, and a Cap Classique-and-oysters bar, all while enjoying the festival from noon to 17:00.
Participating wineries include well-known Swartland establishments like Riebeek Wine Co, Pulpit Rock Wine, Huis van Chevallerie, Leeuwenkuil Family Vineyards, Arbeidsgenot Wines, Winkelshoek Wynkelder, Wildehurst Wines Koringberg, Brookdale Estate in Paarl, and Deetlefs Wine Estate near Worcester.
And don’t worry about going hungry! You can choose from a variety of ready-made meals and picnic basket items from pop-up stalls by Die Moorrees and the Hopefield Market. The Cap Classique-and-oyster bar will offer a glass of bubbly and four West Coast oysters for just R110.
For those eager to learn more about wine, Org de Rac will offer cellar tours led by renowned winemaker Lizelle Gerber. You’ll gain insight into the winery’s sustainable farming and winemaking practices while tasting new release vintages from barrels and tanks. Be sure to snag one of the 30 available tickets at R150pp from Org de Rac’s website.
Serious wine enthusiasts will have the opportunity to participate in tutored masterclasses in the Serious Sipper Lounge. These sessions, limited to 20 people per slot, will be presented by winemakers from the festival’s participating wineries at 13:00, 14:00, and 15:00. Details will be available on Swartland Sosiaal’s social media platforms.
If you’re planning to attend from Cape Town, information about shuttle services and accommodation options will be provided in your ticket confirmation email issued by Quicket. So, mark your calendars and get ready for a day filled with wine, food, and good company at the Swartland Sosiaal Wine Festival!
