The 14th Wacky Wine Weekend will take place from 1 to 4 June in the Robertson Wine Valley. Over 40 wine estates are now involved in the festival, making it the perfect opportunity to celebrate the mighty grape. Non-drinkers will be entertained too, with everything from biking through the vineyards to a comedy night and couples massages on offer over the weekend. The kids can even come along for a picnic or a boat cruise down the Breede River. Of course, wherever there’s wine, there must be something delicious to pair with it, so here are 12 unique eating experiences to look forward to at this year’s Wacky Wine Weekend.

Bring your bike and cycle through the vineyards at the Wacky Wine Weekend. Photo supplied.

1. Arendsig is offering a wine tasting with delectable options available from its food truck. Also take advantage of the Steak, Shiraz and Cigars evening, which promises a Friday night of good food, wine and cigars. Tickets are R400 per person and booking is required.

2. Keen to know whether you were born to blend wine? Find out at Bemind Wyne on Friday evening, where garagiste Ilse Schutte will discuss blending with guests who, after tasting three different cultivars, will get to blend their own wine. Ilse will pick a winner, who will receive a complimentary case of Bemind Wyne wine. Tickets are R300 per person for adults, including food and wine; R100 for tweens (aged 12 to 17 years old); and children under the age of 12 get in free. Bookings essential.

One of the wines that will be available at the Wacky Wine Weekend. Photo supplied.

3. At Kleinhoekkloof, winemaker and charcutier Theunis De Jongh will pair exotic herbs and spices with Kleinhoekkloof’s single vineyard wines. This experience is available from Thursday to Sunday between 12pm and 12.45pm. Tickets are R150 per person and bookings are necessary.

4. Marbrin Olive Farm is offering tastings of olives and olive oil, along with locally made cheese and various Mediterranean snacks like tapas, homemade pita breads and oven-baked pizza. Head there from Thursday to Saturday between 9am and 10pm or Sunday between 10am and 5pm.

Partake in the MCC tasting event at Paul Rene MCC. Photo supplied.

5. If Methode Cap Classique is your tipple of choice, opt for the tasting at Paul Rene MCC, where you will be taken through the various stages of the journey from grape to bottle, a process that spans three years. R200 per person, with snacks and tapas included. Book a spot on either Friday (7.30pm to 11pm) or Saturday (11am to 1.30pm).

6. Rietvallei is offering a twist on the classic braai with a fondue-style dinner. Each table is equipped with a mini braai in the centre, upon which guests will be able to braai their own selected meat and pair it with a glass of Rietvallei wine. With several meats and sides available to your preference, the cost will vary. Go for this fantastic lunch on Friday or Saturday, when it will go from 12pm.

The braai fondue at Rietvallei. Photo supplied.

7. Zandvliet is offering a wine-and-citrus pairing, which will feature Zandvliet wines, panforte, biscotti and dark chocolate. Each will contain elements of citrus, in addition to Clemengold marmalade. The cost is R65 per person and bookings are required.

8. Experience Greek-inspired cuisine at Ashton Winery from the Square Tomato Food Truck. The food truck will be serving food on Friday (10am to 3pm), Saturday (10am to 4pm) and Sunday (10am to 4pm).

One of the cellar tours at the Wacky Wine Weekend. Photo supplied.

9. Try the seasonal menu at Mimosa Restaurant at De Wetshof Estate. Designed by chef Bernard Hess, this menu is available exclusively for the Wacky Wine Weekend, so be sure to get a taste of its diverse flavours on Friday (12pm to 5pm), Saturday (10.30am to 5pm) or Sunday (10.30am to 3pm). Bookings are required.

10. Head to the food stalls at Jan Harmsgat for honey, olives, pecan nuts and cheese. The market will be open Friday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Also check out the food-and-wine pairing evenings on Thursday and Friday from 7pm. The cost is R500 per person and bookings are required.

Live entertainment like The Renegades will amplify the experience. Photo supplied.

11. On Friday evening, enjoy a five-course food-and-wine pairing at Excelsior Estate with owner Peter de Wet and chef Deon le Roux. Tickets are R390 each, with all wine included, and bookings are required.

12. McGregor Winery and Springfield Estate will both have live entertainment with delicious food on offer. McGregor Winery will be doing gourmet burgers and sweet-potato fries with toppings on Friday night from 6.30pm to 11pm. Tickets are R250 each and bookings are required. Springfield Estate’s luncheon consists of braaied chicken with homemade peri-peri sauce, fries and a green salad. Go on Saturday (12pm to 3pm) or Sunday (11.30am to 2.30pm) for R90 per person.

Wacky Wine Weekend festival-goers. Photo supplied.

For a full program visit Wacky Wine Weekend’s website, wackywineweekend.com.

Wacky Wine Weekend tickets are R180 per person and are available through WebTickets.