One of the Swartland’s most enjoyable wineland experiences returns on October 28 when the second c returns. A festival of wholesome country hospitality and enjoyment, this must-do bon vivant affair takes place at renowned organic wine pioneer Org de Rac, just 90 minutes’ drive from Cape Town.
“Swartland Sosiaal is back with a bang,” declares founder and organiser Carien Hugo-Waring. “The event launched last year to a wonderful response and we’re very happy to be back, this time at one of our region’s most famous wineries.
“And before anyone asks, the event will be over long before the final kick-off of this year’s Rugby World Cup at 21:00. In fact, Swartland Sosiaal will be the perfect place to warm-up and stock-up!”
Org de Rac’s grand manor, lawns and veranda will be where activities will take place. There will be pop-up food stalls, picnics, live music and of course, the opportunity to taste the wares of the Swartland’s notoriously rip-roaring wineries with a few extras too.
Once again, tickets are limited, with just 400 available via Quicket. Only adults are permitted and tickets sell for R350pp. These include a safari-style tasting of Swartland wines, a R50 voucher towards your first wine purchase of the day as well as live entertainment by the full band of Newton & Co.
Accommodating designated drivers, Quicket also has 30 special Designated Driver Tickets for sale at R200pp. These include a R50 voucher towards food and a bottle of water. These ticket holders will be issued with identifying wristbands to whom no alcohol will be served.
In addition, shuttle services will be available from Cape Town, putting a real cherry on top that encourages wine and food lovers to taste, shop and relax the day away. Apart from building your own picnic basket options, Swartland Sosiaal will offer a cellar tour and barrel tasting experience; a Serious Sipper’s Lounge that includes three tutored masterclass tastings; and, a Cap Classique-and-oysters bar.
The event will take place from noon to 17:00.
In addition to Org de Rac, participating wineries include Swartland establishments Riebeek Wine Co, Pulpit Rock Wine, Huis van Chevallerie, Leeuwenkuil Family Vineyards, Arbeidsgenot Wines, Winkelshoek Wynkelder and Wildehurst Wines Koringberg; as well as Brookdale Estate in Paarl and Deetlefs Wine Estate near Worcester.
No chance of going hungry
For the foodies, tables and picnic-style seating will be set up and ready-made meals as well as picnic basket items, with blankets, will be sold by pop-up stalls operated by Die Moorrees and the Hopefield Market. At the Cap Classique-and-oyster bar a glass of bubbly and four West Coast oysters will sell for just R110.
Die Moorrees will sell freshly baked breads and ready-made meals such as slow smoked pulled beef rolls, vegetarian quiche and sweet treats. The Hopefield Market with sell local produce and picnic basket items such as cheeses by the Velddrif cheesemaker Kokerboom Kaas as well as patés, preserves and seasonal fruit.
Now’s your chance to learn more about wine
Tours of the Org de Rac cellar will be presented by well-known winemaker Lizelle Gerber. Participants will get the opportunity to hear first-hand about the winery’s sustainable way of farming and winemaking, and taste new release vintages from barrels and tanks.
Org de Rac’s wines that will be on offer include its flagship Die Waghuis Red 2021 and Die Waghuis White 2022 as well as the rebranded, limited release Org de Rac Roussanne 2022. The latter is otherwise available to wine club members only.
This festival add-on tour is available to 30 visitors only and tickets, at R150pp, are available for purchase from Org de Rac’s website.
For the serious sippers
More fun learning opportunities at Swartland Sosiaal include a trio of tutored masterclasses. These Serious Sipper lounge slots can be booked on the day but are limited to 20 people per slot. Each slot will be one hour long and be presented by winemakers from the festival’s participating farms.
The sessions will take place at 13:00, 14:00 and 15:00. Details will be published on Swartland Sosiaal’s social media platforms (see below).
Getting around and staying over
If you’re interested in using a shuttle service from Cape Town, this information will automatically be sent when tickets for Swartland Sosiaal are issued by Quicket. A confirmation email will include a list of shuttle services and accommodation venues.
For more information about Swartland Sosiaal Wynfees, follow @SwartlandSosiaal on Facebook and Instagram. Alternatively, email info@moorrees.co.za.
https://www.facebook.com/swartlandsosiaal/ 
