Mother Sippy: Winter Wine Series at the Time Out Market

Winter weekends were made for red wine, good conversation and discovering your next favourite bottle. The Time Out Market Cape Town continues to be a local favourite for bringing all three together, with its monthly Winter Wine Series.

It's a relaxed afternoon of tasting that puts some of the Western Cape's most exciting producers under one roof.

Running on the last Saturday of every month from June to September, the event transforms the Market's studio into a wine lover's playground, where you can sip your way through a curated selection of wineries while soaking up the all buzz of the V&A Waterfront. 

The next tasting takes place on Saturday, June 27, bringing together producers from some of the Western Cape's most celebrated wine regions, including Stellenbosch and Paarl, Robertson, and the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.

"Cape Town's wine culture is one of the things that makes this city so special, and our Winter Wine Series is all about bringing a fantastic mix of established favourites and boutique producers togehter to give guests the chance to discover different regions, along with the stories behind the wines, right here in the heart of the V&A Waterfront," says Sivu Nobo, Time Out Market Cape Town's Head of Events.   

"It's essentially a wine route without the driving. Just award-winning wines, great food and a fantastic atmosphere overlooking this unique harbour."

So what can you look forward to at Saturday's event?

• Rijks, Tulbagh

One of Tulbagh's most acclaimed estates, Rijks has built a reputation around award-winning Chenin Blanc and powerful Pinotage. The estate's Private Cellar Pinotage has collected multiple international accolades and helped put the region firmly on the wine map.  

• Tesselaarsdal, Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge

Founded by Berene Sauls, one of South Africa's most respected winemakers, Tesselaarsdal takes its name from the Overberg village where she grew up. Expect elegant cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir shaped by the nearby Atlantic Ocean.  

• Vrede en Lust, Simondium, Franschhoek Valley

Dating back to 1688, this historic estate is known for its premium Cap Classique, Sauvignon Blanc and Bordeaux-style reds. The dramatic mountain backdrop and centuries of history make it one of the Cape Winelands' most recognisable farms.

• Hazendal, Stellenbosch

A Stellenbosch institution with roots stretching back to the 17th century, Hazendal combines heritage with contemporary winemaking. The estate is particularly known for its refined Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Method Cap Classique sparkling wines.

• Beau Joubert, Stellenbosch

A boutique producer founded by former Springbok rugby player Beau Joubert, the winery specialises in small-batch wines with a focus on classic Stellenbosch cultivars. Their Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style blends are particularly sought after.

• Dalkeith, Swartland and Stellenbosch

With grapes sourced across three farms from the inland Kalmoesfontein, Jakkalsfontein in the Swartland and Koplandsteen in Stellenbosch - this producer is known for wines that showcase the distinct character of each terroir, from mineral-rich Syrah to textured, citrus-laced Chenin Blanc.  

• Rock of Eye, Stellenbosch 

One of the newer names on the Cape wine scene, Rock of Eye is carving a reputation for minimal-intervention winemaking under award-winning winemaker Coenie Snyman.   

• Dr. Goodvine

A wine label with a playful name and easy drinking style, this producer focuses on making wine less intimidating and more enjoyable.  

• Magliarina 

Boutique producer Carsten Migliarina sources grapes from around the Western Cape, with current cultivars including Albarino, Chenin Blanc, two Chardonnays, Grenache, Shiraz and a Syrah/Cabernet Sauvignon.

Why go?

Beyond the wines themselves, the Winter Wine Series offers the chance to taste across multiple regions and producers in a single afternoon.  

Whether you're loyal to a favourite cultivar or looking to broaden your palate, it's a chance to compare styles and discover bottles that may never have crossed your radar.   

For R250, you'll receive a wine glass and 10 tasting tokens to kick-start your afternoon. Additional tokens are available to purchase if you discover more wines than you planned to sample (which is highly likely).   

Need to know

• When: 27 June, 25 July, 29 August and 26 September
• Time: 1pm–5pm
• Cost: R250 (includes a wine glass and 10 tasting tokens)
• Where: Time Out Market Cape Town, V&A Waterfront
• Book via the app: Tickets are limited and available via the Time Out Market Cape Town app for Android or iOS.  

With a fresh round of exciting producers pouring under one roof, this may be the easiest wine route you'll do all winter.