The popular Stellenbosch Street Soirées are back with more reasons to savour, sip and share the vibrant pulse and pleasures of South Africa’s wine and gourmet capital during the summer.
The first one is this evening from 6pm-8pm, and they continue every month until March.
The easy-going gatherings will transform the oak-lined streets of Stellenbosch into a colourful hub of food, wine and live music where strangers become friends over a glass of vino from the country’s oldest and foremost wine route.
The lower part of Church Street is where all the action is at, with wine tastings by various Stellenbosch estates, and gourmet bites by participating restaurants beckoning enthusiasts to revel in a slice of the Stellenbosch scene.
The musical entertainment for the 2013-2014 Street Soirees kicks off with a foot- stomping performance by the Amazink All Stars followed by the local minstrel group the Mystros (in January) to add some extra local flair to these food and wine rendezvous.
“Stellenbosch has always been celebrated for its high quality wines, but these days we are also known as the gourmet capital of South Africa as attested at the prestigious 2013 Eat Out Awards.
Four of the top ten restaurants hail from the Stellenbosch Wine Routes,” says Elmarie Rabe, events manager for Stellenbosch Wine Routes.
The Stellenbosch Street Soirees take place between Bird and Andringa streets and each gathering features a different selection of cellars and eateries. For R30 you get a wine glass and a ticket to taste as many wines as you want, and delicious street food will be on sale.
l Dates: December 11, January 15, February 12 and March 12 (weather permitting). Info: 021 886 8275. www.wineroute.co.za