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Love wine but looking to add a little spice to your collection? The Wine Concepts Grape Escape Wine Festival brings together 40 top producers from across the Cape Winelands to pop the cork on more than 130 wines for an evening exploring the vinous road less travelled.
Now in its sixth year, the festival has built its reputation on sharing wines beyond the same-old Sauvvie that you’re used to ordering. Here, the focus is on uncommon varieties, curious blends and bottles you might not find on the supermarket shelf.
Think Viura and Mourvèdre. Verdelho and Sangiovese. Not heard of Nebbiolo? Now’s your chance to taste it. Barbera, Chenin Blanc and Chenin-led blends also make an appearance, as does a good selection of Rhône varieties, from Viognier and Roussanne to Syrah and Grenache.
The roll call of producers doing the pouring is just as interesting, with both big-name brands and boutique trailblazers on the lineup. Jordan is pouring Assyrtiko and Riesling. Migliarina brings Albariño, Grenache Noir and a vine-dried Pinot Gris sweet wine. Morgenster is showing Vermentino, Nebbiolo and a Sangiovese blend, while Wightman and Sons adds Viura, skin-contact Chenin, Tinta Barocca and Carignan to the mix.
Chenin fans are especially well looked after, and here the focus is on showcasing the sheer versatility of South Africa’s signature white grape, with styles ranging from old-vine and barrel-fermented examples to skin-contact and field-blend interpretations.
Grape Escape: Need to know
The Wine Concepts Grape Escape Wine Festival takes place at Moyo Restaurant in Kirstenbosch (main gate) on Thursday, 11 June, 2026. Open from 6pm–9pm.
Tickets cost R480 per person and include entrance, a wine glass, tastings and snacks served through the evening. Wines showcased at the festival will also be available to order at discounted prices from Wine Concepts on the night, which is useful if you discover a new favourite.
Bookings are available online via Quicket or at the Wine Concepts stores in Newlands or Kloof Street. Tickets at the door will be subject to availability.
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