Pick n Pay Wine & Food Festival returns to Joburg with 70 top wine estates and gourmet experiences

Johannesburg is set to become the country's wine and culinary capital this weekend as the Pick n Pay Wine & Food Festival makes its return to The Wanderers Club on August 8 and 9.

The two-day event will bring together 70 of South Africa's leading wine estates, offering visitors the chance to sample wines from across the country's renowned wine regions while enjoying gourmet food, live music and hands-on tasting experiences.

Festivalgoers can indulge in a variety of food options from the Pick n Pay Fresh Food Market, including sushi, artisanal cheese and charcuterie boards, gourmet burgers and wood-fired pizzas. Tastings will range from Cap Classique and Champagne to wine-based cocktails.

One of the festival's biggest attractions, the Pick n Pay Tasting Room, flavoured by Robertsons Spices, will host expertly curated wine and canapé pairings led by celebrity chefs and some of South Africa's top winemakers. Cocktail enthusiasts can also visit the Diageo Mixology Theatre for interactive masterclasses showcasing creative serves using premium spirits and wine.

Live entertainment will keep crowds entertained throughout the weekend, with Courus headlining Saturday's programme and Stones & Bones closing the festival on Sunday. Visitors will also have the opportunity to win prizes through competitions and lucky draws held across both days.

A popular feature of the festival remains the opportunity to purchase wines directly from participating producers, with exclusive festival promotions and Pick n Pay Smart Shopper savings available on selected products.

"The Pick n Pay Wine & Food Festival is all about making great wine accessible and enjoyable," said Gavin Levers, Head of Liquor at Pick n Pay.

"Whether you're discovering a new favourite, learning from South Africa's top winemakers or simply enjoying great food with friends, the festival offers a relaxed and engaging experience where people can taste, learn and buy all in one place."

With Women's Day falling on Sunday, August 9, followed by the public holiday on Monday, organisers say the festival offers the perfect long-weekend outing for families, friends and wine enthusiasts alike.

The festival runs from August 8 to 9 at The Wanderers Club in Johannesburg. Early Access ticket holders can enter from 12pm, while General Access opens at 1pm. Tastings conclude at 4.30pm, with the event ending at 6pm. Tickets are available through Webtickets.