September 22, 15:00IOL

Six Western Cape wineries confirmed for Taste of Cape Town 2026 festival

The Taste of Cape Town 2026 festival will run for two days, offering guests the best tastes of the city accompanied by carefully selected wines from the Western Cape. The welcome glass served at the event will be produced on a South African farm.

Highlights of the Taste of Cape Town 2026 festival

House of Graham Beck has been confirmed as the Cap Classique wine partner for the festival. The program for the two-day festival will feature six Cape wineries at the Green Point Cricket Club.

Participants include Kleine Zalze and Cavalli from Stellenbosch, Waterford Estate from the Blaauwklippen Valley, Steenberg Vineyards from Constantia, and The Chocolate Block from Boekenhoutskloof in Franschhoek. The wine selection has been designed to harmonize with the gastronomic program, which includes 12 restaurant cuisines, a chef's school, and masterclasses.

Kerry Espey, BFE events manager and appointed wine curator for Taste of Cape Town, noted: 'A festival built around taste deserves wines that complement every bite.' The assortment will include Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and full-bodied red wines, with Cap Classique from Graham Beck serving as the welcome drink. Additionally, the Graham Beck Vintage wine line will be available in the Slow Life VIP lounge.

Organizers emphasized that all featured wines are grown, processed, and bottled in the Western Cape, demonstrating the diversity of the region's terroirs and producers. Bonke Shipalana, CEO of The Allure Group, which holds the exclusive IMG license for the Taste Festival in South Africa, stated: 'Local is delicious; it's not just a slogan we took for the campaign. It's what's in the glass.'

Dates and tickets for Taste of Cape Town 2026

Taste of Cape Town will take place at the Green Point Cricket Club on Saturday, November 28, and Sunday, November 29. Gates open at 11:00, and the festival runs until 22:00 both days. Tickets can be purchased on the Taste of Cape Town and Quicket websites.

There are several ticket options: the Taste Entry Pass costs 450 Rand and grants access to all restaurants, demonstrations, and wine tastings. The Taste Premium option is 595 Rand and includes a voucher for a signature dish. The most expensive option, Taste Lux, is 895 Rand and includes a welcome drink plus two vouchers—one for a signature dish and one for Taste Exclusive. A group rate, Taste Lux Friends, is available for four people at 3,222 Rand, which includes four welcome drinks, four signature dishes, and four Taste Exclusive meals.

Similar stories

iol.co.zaSeptember 10, 07:00

Five Cape Town Markets Worth Visiting for Diverse Experiences

If you love buying vintage items or are looking for fresh farm produce, Cape Town has a market for every taste. Even if you have already visited popular spots like Neighbourgoods Market, Oranjezicht City Farm Market, and Mojo Market, the city has many other options.

Some markets attract visitors with their food, others with their atmosphere, local producers, or simply the chance to spend a Saturday in an unusual setting. Furthermore, not all of them require an early start.

Below is a list of five markets in Cape Town and its surroundings that are worth adding to your itinerary.

Kalk Bay Village Market

Kalk Bay is already a favorite spot for leisurely walks on weekends, and the Village Market offers another reason to stop here. It is located on the grounds of the Holy Trinity Church on Main Road. This is a smaller and more informal market where you can browse vintage finds, collectibles, handmade goods, and other interesting items before heading to the sea.

Additionally, there is street food and music, and the landscape offers views of the mountains and the ocean. Since its operation depends on the weather, it is recommended to check information before traveling.

Bay Harbour Market

If you haven't been to the Bay Harbour Market in a while, it is worth including it in your weekend visiting list. This market is situated in a former fish factory in the Hout Bay harbour, set against the backdrop of Table Mountain and Chapman's Peak. Inside, visitors can find food, fashion, jewellery, art, crafts, and decor, with live entertainment enhancing the atmosphere. It is an ideal place to come for lunch and spend much more time browsing the stalls.

The market operates on Fridays from 9:30 AM to 9:00 PM, and also on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

Market in the Garden

This market is worth making a trip for if you want your market visit to feel more like a daytime stroll rather than just regular shopping. It takes place inside the University of Stellenbosch Botanical Garden, where stalls are scattered throughout the garden instead of being gathered in a traditional market format.

Visitors can expect local producers, clothing, jewellery, artwork, baked goods, food, and other small finds, while music sets a Saturday atmosphere. You can also pop into the Botanical Cafe. Generally, the market is held on Saturdays, and current schedules show trading hours around 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The entrance fee is 15 Rand, but staff and students of the University of Stellenbosch enter free of charge.

Franschhoek Village Market

The Franschhoek Village Market is an excellent choice that can easily become part of a full day in the Winelands. It is located under old oak trees in the center of Franschhoek. It features food and drinks, fresh produce, handmade goods, art, vintage clothing, and antiques. For families and visitors wishing to have a relaxing Saturday, live music and a children's play area are also provided.

The market operates on Saturdays, and its operation depends on the weather. Entry and parking are free.

Five Markets, Five Very Different Outings

The appeal of these markets lies in the fact that they offer completely different experiences. Blue Bird is suitable for an evening out in Muizenberg, Kalk Bay fits organically into a coastal day, and Bay Harbour is a light weekend stop in Hout Bay. Stellenbosch turns the market into a garden walk, while Franschhoek provides a reason to spend a Saturday in the Winelands. Thus, if your usual set of Cape Town markets has started to feel predictable, perhaps it is time to choose a less trodden path.