Some of the country’s best boutique wines and bubbly – made by female wine makers – will be showcased at the upcoming Women of Wine South Africa (WoWSA) Festival on Sunday, August 12 from 11h00 to 16h00, in celebration of Women’s Month.

Women Of Wine South Africa Festival

This not-to-be-missed event, which is open to the whole family, takes place at the Candlewoods Boutique Venue in Centurion in conjunction with leading Johannesburg wine outlet Wine Menu run by Corlien Morris.

More than 50 premium wines will be on display in the biggest show of its kind, with more to be announced. It also features craft beer, gin and ‘tequila’ made by women. Many of the female producers will be present to discuss and show their product.

Women around the globe are playing an increasingly influential role in the wine, beer and spirit industry, once a male-dominated domain. The aim of WoWSA is to showcase the country’s leading women spirit distillers, winemakers, and beer crafters and their product and demonstrate how they are transforming the local drinks world.

The Wine-Up

For those who love bubbly there are a number of superb Méthode Cap Classiques for tasting including Dainty Bess by Jane Ferreira Eedes; Genevieve by Melissa Nelson; Saltare’s Brut Nature MCC, Brut Reserve MCC and Brut Blanc de Blancs MCC 2014; Kloovenburg Blanc de Noir NV and Huis van Chevallerie Filia Mg.

Don’t miss wines by Catherine Marshall; Hogan (Jocelyn Wilson); Swartland’s Huis van Chevallerie (Christa von La Chevallerie); Illimis (Lucinda Heyns); Kloovenburg (Jolandie Fouche); Franschhoek’s La Bri (Irene Waller); Lismore (Samantha O’Keefe); Mont Blois (Nina-Mari Bruwer); Saltare (Carla Pauw); Durbanville Wine Valley’s Signal Gun (Irene Wille); TSW Signature Wines (Trizanne Barnard); Vergenoegd (Marlize Jacobs) and Somerset West’s Waterkloof (Nadia Barnard).

For the lovers of Gin and Beer

Also at WoWSA is Hope on Hopkins gin (made by Lucy Beard and Leigh Lisk) as well as the Hopkins Esperanza, their take on tequila (no one outside Mexico can make an agave spirit and call it tequila) which has no additives, colourants or flavourants and is delicious on its own or with tonic water.

Craft beer brewer Jeanri Nel from Durbanville’s Hoogeberg Brewery will be presenting her product including her Ystervark Lager and the light and fruity Bontebok Five Crops.

On the Food Front…

As a bonus, the Women of Wine South Africa festival will also showcase olive oils from Saltare. As well as unlimited tastings, guests will have the option of purchasing a wide variety of food (bring your own blanket and umbrella) and picnic on the beautiful lawns of the Candlewoods Boutique Venue or if you prefer at one of the tables in the restaurant set-up. All wines at the tasting event will also be on offer to purchase and drink with lunch as well as to take home. Wine Menu will deliver purchased wines for a small additional fee.

Music will add to the relaxed atmosphere and there will be food and entertainment for children

Says Morris: “We are showcasing top class wine, beer and spirits at the WoWSA Festival but the event is perfect for the whole family. Visitors can get to taste fabulous wine and meet the women behind making them but also have a fun outing with something that will appeal to the whole family.”

Numbers are limited so booking is essential. Tickets are R150 a person with children under the age of 18 free.