Simonsberg Wine Assembly is the ultimate wine event for red wine enthusiasts, hosted at the picturesque Vrede en Lust wine estate. Every year this wine festival brings together the very best red blends the Simonsberg wine region has to offer.
This year, guests can look forward to a day filled with educational guided tastings of exceptional wines from 11 top wine farms and a unique opportunity to meet the winemakers. Wines are paired with delightful locally made cheeses crafted with care by Dalewood Fromage, charcuterie from Richard Bosman’s Quality Cured Meats and artisanal bread by renowned chef Cass Zulch.
Taste wines from Vrede en Lust winemaker Karlin Nel and 10 neighbouring wineries of the region to highlight the abundance of quality red blends found in this small wine ward. Known for its exceptional terroir, the Simonsberg area is home to internationally recognised estates and award-winning cellars.
Participating wine farms include
Vrede en Lust
Boschendal
Plaisir Wine Estate
Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons
Painted Wolf Wines
Noble Hill
Babylonstoren
Niel Joubert Estate Wines
Bacco
Glen Carlou
Anura Vineyards
Savour complex flavour profiles with some of the best reds in the country
Crafted from an array of grape varieties, red wine unveils its unique personality on the palate. South Africa’s red wines are considered to be one of the most diverse in the world. Here red wine grape varieties make up about 40 percent of the country’s vineyard area with Pinotage as our signature grape.
Stellar Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage and other complex blends are produced in the major vine-growing areas of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl.
This year is an impressive year for South African reds at the International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC). Some of the winners include Boschendal, Glen Carlou, and Babylonstoren among others.
From the luscious depths of Merlot to the robust intensity of Cabernet Sauvignon, and the seductive allure of Pinot Noir, red wines span a spectrum of taste preferences. Whether you’re drawn to the velvety texture, the notes of dark berries, hints of spice, or the structured tannins that linger, Simonsberg Wine Assembly promises a journey of complexity and pleasure with every sip.
Cost: R500pp (includes wine tastings from over 10 wine producers and artisanal cheese, bread and charcuterie plate), book via Webtickets. Children of all ages are welcome
When: Saturday, 2 September 2023 from 11am to 4pm
Where: Vrede en Lust Wine Estate
Complimentary tickets with your stayover at Vrede en Lust wine farm
Vrede en Lust is offering complimentary tickets to Simonsberg Wine Assembly event when booking one of their luxurious accommodation options for Saturday, 2 September. Guests can choose between the well-appointed Vineyard Rooms, Family Cottage, or Manor House.
Stay in a Vineyard Room and receive 2 complimentary tickets, Jonkhmanshuis Cottage bookings receive 4 complimentary tickets, and 8 tickets are included in the Manor House private accommodation.
Surrounded by vineyards and a backdrop of the stunning Simonsberg mountains are the Luxury Vineyard Rooms. This Winelands accommodation offers ten en-suite rooms with beautiful views over the vineyard.
The Jonkmanshuis Cottages is ideal for small families with two en-suite bedrooms and sleeps up to four guests. Each cottage comes boasts elegant interiors with a fireplace and all the trimmings.
For smaller groups of up to 8 after a luxury spoil, the Manor House ties together a private Cape Winelands villa escape with stylishly decorated living spaces and epic views over the Franschhoek Valley for photo ops. The building includes 3 double bedrooms and 1 twin bedroom, all en suite.
All accommodation includes breakfast and wine tasting included in every booking and access to the swimming pool.
When: Saturday, 2 September
Where: Vrede en Lust Wine Estate, Simondium
Email: reception@vnl.co.za
Tel: 021 874 1611
Website: vnl.co.za/event/swa2023
Facebook: @VredeEnLust
Instagram: @vredeenlust