EVENTS
FEBRUARY
WINE PARIS
09 - 11 FEBRUARY
Wine Paris - 20 member wines have been sent to show at the Fan de Chenin and DrinkChenin pods at this year's Expo in Paris.
MARCH
POP UP TASTINGS
MARCH - MAY
Wine producers will be doing pop up regional tastings during the months of the Chenin Safari.
STELLENBOSCH GOLF CLUB CHENIN QUIZ CHALLENGE
11 JUNE
A fresh and fun wine discovery experience for Chenin lovers! A selection of participating wineries will each present a short introduction to their farm and Chenin Blanc wines, followed immediately by an engaging pop-quiz. Questions will include general wine knowledge as well as at least one question based on the producer’s talk and wines just tasted — a playful way to listen, learn and interact while enjoying great Chenin Blancs in a relaxed setting.
Whether you’re new to Chenin or a seasoned fan, this event offers a lively twist on wine tasting and an opportunity to meet producers, taste their wines, and put your knowledge to the test.
Tickets and exact times will be announced soon. Stay tuned!
MAY
STOEP TASTING WEEKENDS
21 - 23 MAY AND 28 - 30 MAY
One of South Africa’s most charming and eagerly anticipated wine tourism experiences — Stoep Tasting 2026, returning to the picturesque Karoo towns of Graaff-Reinet and Nieu-Bethesda over two unforgettable weekends in May. This beloved outdoor event celebrates artisanal wines, winemakers and spirited connections between producers and wine lovers from around the country and includes many Chenin Blanc Association members. We are once again planning to host some Chenin specific events over the course of the two weekends for Stoep tasting ticket holders. Details to follow but if you are interested in attending the main event, please see below for information and ticket links.
Weekend 1 — The Sibling
21–23 May 2026
This opening weekend features three afternoons of tasting with a range of producers across both towns. Perfect for discovering new wines and soaking up the Karoo atmosphere.
Ticket options: standard wine glass or upgraded Riedel glass.
Buy Tickers here: Click Here
Weekend 2 — The Original
28–30 May 2026
The classic Stoep Tasting weekend returns with three days of relaxed tastings and great opportunities to meet winemakers and buy their wines directly.
Ticket options: standard wine glass or upgraded Riedel glass.
Buy Tickets Here: Click Here
What to Expect
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Taste & buy wines from a wide variety of independent producers.
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Walk between stoeps in two charming Karoo towns.
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Collect your tasting pack on arrival with your QR-coded ticket.
Tickets are valid only for the weekend purchased and include access to all registered producers during official tasting times.
JUNE
DRINK CHENIN DAY FESTIVAL
13 JUNE
Food and live music
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Venue: Cavalli Wine Estate, R44 Strand Road, Somerset West, Cape Town
Overview:
Drink Chenin Festival returns for another unforgettable celebration of South Africa’s most beloved white varietal – Chenin Blanc. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Cavalli Wine Estate, this signature winter wine experience is the ultimate blend of flavour, fun, and finesse.
Key Highlights:
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Enjoy tastings of Chenin Blanc from over 20 top producers across the country.
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Live music performances throughout the day.
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Delicious, local gourmet food vendors – all available for purchase.
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If you are feeling active, join the Chenin Safari, and return for a glass (or three) with fellow Chenin lovers. Contact us for more info on these separate activities: drinkchenin@gmail.com
Ticket Info:
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R350 per person, includes:
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A branded DrinkChenin wine glass
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All wine tastings
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Access to live music and full event area
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Children welcome – free entry but must always remain under adult supervision. No under 18s may participate in tastings.
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Chenin Safari participants enter free.
Important Details:
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Dress code: Casual, comfortable, and winter-ready. The event is prepared for inclement weather, but the lawns may be damp – wear sensible shoes.
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No dogs allowed.
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Please note: No external food or drink permitted.
List of participating wineries will be shared shortly. (note some are different from the safari and more may join up before 13 June):
Quicket link for Festival on 13 June will be added shortly
STANDARD BANK TOP 10 CHENIN BLANC CHALLENGE 2026
Top 20 Finalists announced: Monday 10 August
Top 10 Awards Ceremony & Public Announcement: Friday 21 August
This year marks the 13th edition of the competition, celebrating the top 10 Chenins. Winners receive R25,000 each, which must be used for community upliftment or upskilling projects for farm workers, acknowledging their essential contribution to the success of the vineyards. This condition has been a mandatory part of the competition since its inception in 2014.
Please take note of the important dates below and keep an eye out for more details in the coming weeks:
Entries open: 1–30 June
Sample deliveries: 1– 20 July
Judging: 29 - 31 July
OCTOBER
TECHNICAL REGIONAL TASTINGS & WORKSHOPS
Dates to be confirmed
CHENIN SAFARI
01 OCTOBER 2026
R350 to enter and gives entry to the Drink Chenin Day Festival
Details to follow! We will post on our socials and here.