The Stellenbosch Wine Festival celebrates one of the most important products (both for tourism and taste buds) of the winelands region. The new timing of the festival – Friday 25 January to Sunday 3 February 2013 – incorporates the celebration of the grape harvest and capitalises on the unique summertime attractions of the historic town.

Visitors can look forward to world-class wine and food, a charity gala, award-winning restaurant promotions, special cultivar evenings, and tours of some of the 150-plus Stellenbosch wineries. Sporting events, art exhibitions and musical concerts throughout the town will give festival guests a colourful taste of the Stellies lifestyle.

A highlight will be the Blessing of the Harvest and a Harvest Parade on Saturday 26 January, for which winemakers, farm workers and visitors are invited to take to the streets in celebration. The Pick n Pay official launch party on Wednesday 30 January on the grassy town square (Die Braak) will promote local restaurants, culinary artisans and wines, featuring live music and entertainment for the public from 5pm.

The Stellenbosch Wine Festival culminates in a three-day expo at Die Braak in the heart of Stellies, featuring interactive stands and tasting programmes from over 130 wine and gourmet food producers. From 1 to 3 February, rustic tables, green décor and Bedouin tents will offset the natural surroundings. A central stage will play host to Sundowner Concerts, which will keep festivalgoers entertained as they enjoy the vintages on offer. At the expo the Pick n Pay Small Producers Market will offer a delicious range of fresh produce. One of the aims of this new feature of the festival is to identify producers with entrepreneurial talent in the region who could ultimately go on to become Pick n Pay suppliers.

In addition, Stellenbosch Wine Festival and Pick n Pay have established the Stellenbosch Wine Festival Foundation, to which a percentage of profits from activities during the festival will be donated. The funds will be used for the development of young people who have a passion for winemaking, but are unable to afford to further their studies in the field.

A full festival guide will be published in early January. For more information visit www.stellenboschwinefestival.co.za.