KZN Wine Festival Brings Taste of the Land to Ballito
Next Saturday, the Pick n Pay Wine & Food Festival makes its way to Sugar Rush Park in Ballito, and for those of us who know our history, this is more than just a day out. It is a celebration of South African excellence, of the soil that sustains us, and of the winemakers who have turned their craft into a statement of resilience. With roughly 50 of the country's leading wine estates on display, this is a chance to taste what our land truly has to offer, from elegant reds and crisp whites to award-winning rosés and a fine selection of Cap Classique.
For the discerning palate, the Tasting Room offers guided wine-pairing sessions hosted by a chef, a wine expert, and the featured producer. With only 40 seats per session, this is an intimate affair. The schedule runs from 12.30pm with Survivor Wines, followed by Hermanuspietersfontein at 1.30pm, Journey's End Vineyards at 2.30pm, Babylonstoren at 3.30pm, and Anthonij Rupert Wyne at 4.30pm. These sessions are available as a R150 add-on to your ticket, a small price for a deep dive into the craft.
If you prefer to get your hands dirty, the Mixology Theatre, presented by Diageo, offers an interactive cocktail-making class. Under the guidance of an expert mixologist, you will craft and enjoy two premium wine-based cocktails. This too is a R150 add-on, and it is a chance to see how our local wines can be reimagined in new and exciting ways.
When hunger strikes, the Food Market has you covered, with everything from nutritious bowls and lamb dishes to sushi, vibrant salads, and gourmet cheese and charcuterie boards. The ever-popular burger and pizza trucks will keep the crowd fed throughout the afternoon. For those who prefer a more relaxed setting, a pre-packed picnic bag, serving two, can be added to your ticket. Settle in on the lawns, enjoy live music, and soak up the festival atmosphere.
It is important to note that alcohol may only be consumed at the venue and cannot be taken off-site. So do not buy bottles with the intention of taking them home. If you taste something you love, order via Pick n Pay and schedule delivery for when you are back at home. The festival runs from noon to 6pm on October 3, with tickets at R350 from Webtickets. Pick n Pay Wine Club members get early access at 12pm, with general access from 12.30pm.
A token system is in place to promote responsible drinking. Tokens have no cash value, but you will pay between one and four tokens per tasting, depending on the price point of the wine. Under R100 costs one token, R101 to R200 costs two, R201 to R400 costs three, and over R400 costs four. Each 50ml tasting portion reaches the line clearly printed on your glass. Wine sales from the Pick n Pay Wine Shop continue until 5.30pm.
This festival is a reminder that our wine industry, despite its colonial roots, has been reclaimed by South Africans who pour their heart into every bottle. It is a celebration of our land, our people, and our future. Come and taste what we have built.