I am besides myself about this event, and was so excited to find out more last week with the organisers – and learnt a few things in the process too, might I add, like for example, that you get “white” Pinotage!

The first Pinotage and Biltong Festival in Gauteng takes place on national Pinotage day, Saturday 14 October and Sunday 15 October at the stunning Leriba Hotel in Centurion from 11 to 5 pm daily.

“This is the one festival dedicated to the Pinotage varietal in all its diversity,”  says organisor Cobie van Oort of CVO Marketing.  “You will be blown away by some of SA’s best red Pinotages, but you can also have lots of fun with alternatives  including rosé’s, bubblies, blends, dessert wines and even a white Pinotage!”

With two of our country’s iconic products on show, visitors can be sure of a fantastic day of around 60 great wines paired with a range of biltong flavours and types from Billa’B & Co – Biltong Deli as well as related items like droëwors.  Billa’B & Co Biltong and all the wines are for sale and festival goers are invited to purchase directly from the wineries themselves.

The participating wineries are Altydgedacht, Beyerskloof, Delheim, Flagstone, Kaapzicht, Koelenhof, La Couronne, Lanzerac, L’Avenir, Mellasat, Overhex/Balance wines, Perdeberg, Rhebokskloof, Slanghoek, Simonsvlei, Van Loveren, Vriesenhof and Wellington Wines.

The event is family-friendly with live jazz by the Swing Cats Duo, meals in one of the restaurants on site or at the River Lapa complex,  and casual seating under the trees  next to the river.   

The Pebbles Project, a registered charity organisation supported by Montagu Dried Fruit and Nuts, is responsible for the Kidz Zone where kids will be entertained whilst their parents enjoy the day.  A donation of R75 per child is requested which will go towards Pebbles’ projects. To find out more visit www.pebblesproject.co.za .  Under 18’s enter free.

Tickets @ R220 pp online from www.plankton.mobi or www.computicket.com  includes a branded wine glass for tastings and a Pinotage and Biltong Pairing card. Tickets at the gate are R250 pp.

The dress code is purple and white and prizes will be given for the best, cutest and most fun outfits!  Visit the SelfiePro stand to get your pic taken and share it on social media to enter.

For more info – check them out here