Top 30 Wine Festivals and Events in the Western Cape: June to September 2025

The Western Cape’s winter and early spring months—June to September 2025—transform the Cape Winelands into a hub of wine-soaked celebrations, blending world-class vintages with gourmet food, live music, and the region’s breathtaking landscapes. As CapeVineMaster.co.za prepares for its May 2025 launch, we’ve curated the top 30 wine festivals and events across June, July, August, and September, showcasing South Africa’s 366-year winemaking heritage. From Stellenbosch’s oak-lined soirées to Franschhoek’s French-inspired fêtes, these events cater to oenophiles, foodies, and families alike. Many dates and costs are still to be confirmed (TBC), so check with organizers before planning. Here’s your guide to the season’s best, listed chronologically where possible, with a critical eye on what shines and what could improve.

June 2025

1. Decorex Cape Town Wine Tastings

2. #DrinkChenin Event

3. De Hoop Wine, Whales, and Music Weekend

4. Tulbagh Arts Festival

• When: June 27–29, 2025 (TBC)
• Where: Tulbagh
• Cost: TBC
• Details: Showcases Tulbagh’s award-winning wines and olives alongside cultural events. The small-town charm is enchanting, but limited wine variety may disappoint reds enthusiasts. Visit cape-winelands-info.co.za.

5. Cook Franschhoek

• When: June 2025 (TBC)
• Where: Various venues, Franschhoek
• Cost: TBC
• Details: Top chefs pair dishes with Franschhoek wines in cooking demos. Intimate and educational, but the scattered venues require planning, and costs can add up. Check franschhoek.org.za.

6. Annerkant die Berg

• When: June 2025 (TBC)
• Where: Breedekloof Wine Valley
• Cost: TBC
• Details: A family-friendly festival with wine tastings, art, and outdoor activities like hiking. The community vibe is warm, but transport between venues can be a hassle. Visit visitwinelands.co.za.

7. Time Out Market Wine Tastings

• When: Every Tuesday, June–September 2025
• Where: Time Out Market, Cape Town
• Cost: R150–R250
• Details: Weekly tastings feature 250+ premium Cape wines hosted by Cultivar. The urban setting is trendy, but the market’s bustle can distract from the wine focus. Book at timeout.com.

July 2025

8. Knysna Wine Festival

• When: July 4–5, 2025
• Where: 1 George Rex Dr, Rexford, Knysna
• Cost: TBC
• Details: Part of the Knysna Oyster Festival, this event features 200+ wines from 50 estates, plus craft liquors. The variety is impressive, but wine takes a backseat to oysters and festivities. Visit knysnaoysterfestival.co.za.

9. Franschhoek Bastille Festival

• When: July 12–13, 2025
• Where: Franschhoek Wine Valley
• Cost: R250–R400
• Details: A French Huguenot celebration with a wine-tasting marquee, live music, and carnival games. The vibrant stalls are a highlight, but crowds can overwhelm the small town. Book at franschhoekbastille.co.za.

10. Berg River Canoe Marathon Wine Stops

• When: July 16–19, 2025 (TBC)
• Where: Paarl to Velddrif
• Cost: Free for spectators
• Details: Spectators at this 240km race enjoy pop-up wine tastings from Paarl estates. The riverside setting is unique, but wine offerings are limited and secondary to the race. Visit berg.org.za.

11. Stellenbosch Street Soirées

• When: July 2025 (multiple dates TBC)
• Where: Drostdy Street, Stellenbosch
• Cost: TBC
• Details: Pop-up evenings with Stellenbosch wines, street food, and live music. The oak-lined ambiance is magical, but limited seating frustrates latecomers. Check sleeping-out.co.za.

12. Pinotage Festival

• When: July 2025 (TBC)
• Where: Various venues, Stellenbosch
• Cost: TBC
• Details: Celebrates South Africa’s signature Pinotage with tastings and pairings. The focus is spot-on, but the event’s scale feels modest compared to larger festivals. Visit pinotage.co.za.

13. Hermanus Food and Wine Fair

• When: July 2025 (TBC)
• Where: Hermanus
• Cost: TBC
• Details: Features Hemel-en-Aarde wines and gourmet food. The coastal vibe is refreshing, but the wine selection leans heavily on local estates, limiting variety. Check sa-venues.com.

14. Kamers Vol Geskenke

• When: July 2025 (TBC)
• Where: Stellenbosch (venue TBC)
• Cost: TBC
• Details: A craft market with wine tastings from local estates. The creative vibe is fun, but wine is a side attraction, not the star. Visit kamers.co.za.

August 2025

15. Stellenbosch Wine Festival

• When: August 1–2, 2025
• Where: Stellenbosch Town Hall
• Cost: TBC
• Details: Over 60 Stellenbosch producers showcase wines with a gourmet harvest table by Chef Bertus Basson. The cultural vibe is electric, but the indoor venue can feel cramped. Visit sa-venues.com.

16. Wine Town Stellenbosch

• When: August 4–9, 2025
• Where: Various venues, Stellenbosch
• Cost: Varies by event
• Details: A week-long extravaganza with farm walks, tutored tastings, and live music. The diversity is a strength, but scattered venues require careful planning. Check winelandsexplore.com.

17. Calitzdorp Expressed

• When: August 8–10, 2025 (TBC)
• Where: Calitzdorp
• Cost: TBC
• Details: The Port Capital hosts tastings, craft markets, and live music across 30 venues. The eclectic vibe is charming, but logistics can be tricky for newcomers. Visit sa-venues.com.

18. Klein Karoo Klassique

• When: August 15–17, 2025 (TBC)
• Where: Oudtshoorn
• Cost: TBC
• Details: Pairs Klein Karoo wines with classical music and cuisine. The niche focus is unique, but limited wine variety may not suit all palates. Check sa-venues.com.

19. Hermanus Kalfiefees

• When: August 2025 (TBC)
• Where: Hermanus
• Cost: TBC
• Details: Celebrates Southern Right whales with wine tastings from local estates. The coastal setting is a draw, but wine is secondary to whale watching. Visit sa-venues.com.

20. Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival

• When: August 2025 (TBC)
• Where: Stellenbosch
• Cost: TBC
• Details: Features wine tastings alongside world-class music performances. The cultural blend is sophisticated, but wine offerings are limited. Visit sicmf.co.za.

21. Boschendal Workshop and Wine

• When: August 2025 (TBC)
• Where: Boschendal Wine Estate, Franschhoek
• Cost: R775
• Details: Combines wine tastings with a mid-workshop lunch. The intimate setting is lovely, but the price is steep for a half-day event. Book at boschendal.com.

22. Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show Public Tasting

• When: August 2025 (TBC)
• Where: CTICC, Cape Town
• Cost: TBC
• Details: Showcases South Africa’s top wines from the prestigious competition. The quality is unmatched, but the urban venue lacks vineyard charm. Visit trophywineshow.co.za.

September 2025

23. Simondium Spring Market

• When: September 6, 2025
• Where: Le Bonheur Crocodile Farm, Paarl
• Cost: TBC
• Details: Features Paarl wines, food stalls, and crafts. The family-friendly vibe is welcoming, but wine variety is modest compared to larger festivals. Visit lebonheur.co.za.

24. Taste the Tradition Weekend

• When: September 12–14, 2025 (TBC)
• Where: Robertson Wine Valley
• Cost: TBC
• Details: Estates like Bon Courage and De Wetshof offer curated food and wine experiences. The hospitality is warm, but the smaller scale limits grandeur. Visit robertsonwinevalley.com.

25. Ladismith Music Festival

• When: September 26, 2025
• Where: Ladismith
• Cost: TBC
• Details: Route 62’s rocking festival includes wine tastings alongside music performances. The energy is infectious, but wine is secondary to the music. Check insideguide.co.za.

26. Clanwilliam Wild Flower Show

• When: September 2025 (TBC)
• Where: Clanwilliam
• Cost: TBC
• Details: Pairs local wines with a stunning fynbos display. The natural beauty is a highlight, but wine tastings are a side attraction. Visit sa-venues.com.

27. Robertson Wine on the River

• When: September 2025 (TBC)
• Where: Robertson Wine Valley
• Cost: TBC
• Details: An open-air festival with wines from multiple estates, set by vineyards. The riverside setting is idyllic, but crowds can strain facilities. Check robertsonwinevalley.com.

28. Greyton Wine Weekend

• When: September 2025 (TBC)
• Where: Greyton
• Cost: TBC
• Details: Over 40 producers showcase wines in a charming village. The intimate scale is a draw, but parking challenges can frustrate visitors. Visit wineinthecape.co.za.

29. Italian Festival at Idiom

• When: September 2025 (TBC)
• Where: Idiom Wines, Somerset West
• Cost: TBC
• Details: Celebrates Italian-style wines with food and culture. The unique theme is engaging, but the focus on niche wines may not suit all. Visit idiom.co.za.

30. Paternoster Wine & Tasting Lounge Event

• When: September 2025 (TBC)
• Where: Paternoster Wine & Tasting Lounge, Paternoster
• Cost: TBC
• Details: Features West Coast wines in a coastal setting. The laid-back vibe is refreshing, but the remote location requires a dedicated trip. Visit paternosterwinelounge.co.za.

A Critical Sip

The Western Cape’s June-to-September 2025 wine events offer a rich tapestry of experiences, from the high-energy Franschhoek Bastille Festival to the serene Taste the Tradition Weekend in Robertson. Stellenbosch’s Wine Town and Knysna’s Wine Festival stand out for scale and variety, while niche events like #DrinkChenin and Calitzdorp Expressed showcase regional specialties. However, challenges remain: high ticket costs at premium events like Boschendal’s workshop may deter casual visitors, and smaller festivals often lack the polish of their larger counterparts. Crowds in Franschhoek and Stellenbosch can test patience, and some events prioritize music or culture over wine, diluting the focus. Still, with diverse settings and passionate producers, these festivals capture the heart of South Africa’s wine culture. Plan early, book ahead, and let CapeVineMaster.co.za guide you to the season’s finest sips!

Stay tuned to CapeVineMaster.co.za for event updates and join our monthly tastings to savor the best of 2025!