The earth has finished its dance around the sun for the Tuning the Vine #InnerCityWineRoute, whose inception was in October last year. The event occurs on the second Wednesday of every month (or the first Wednesday after every First Thursday, if you want to nitpick), so this coming Wednesday will mark this birthday celebration.
For those of you who don’t know, Tuning the Vine is a wine extravaganza held in the CBD across various eateries that are in relatively close proximity to one another. This means a fun, indulgent, wine-filled walk around the City Centre. For those, like me (he confessed reluctantly), who are new to this vinous feature of Cape Town’s monthly schedule, here is what will go down on Wednesday, aside from all the wine of course.
The wine route consists of 19 spots, three of which are stations where ‘wine tuners’ can buy tickets and are given a tasting glass, a wristband, and a route map. These are 91 Loop Boutique Hostel on Loop Street, La Parada on Bree Street, and Orphanage Cocktail Emporium, also on Bree. Do note that ticket sales end at 7 pm. To be safe, buy your tickets beforehand on Quicket.
If you’ve already bought your tickets online, you can look out for a helpful ‘wine fairy’ at The Gin Bar, The Odyssey Gastropub, or Weinhaus + Biergarten. They will take your ticket and present you with all the essentials for your tour. You can also buy wine directly from your favourite producer at Weinhaus + Biergarten.
If you begin to feel peckish at any point, each venue prepares a menu to pair with the wines put on show. Many also stay open after 8.30 pm, so you are welcome to grab dinner after the event. Food is not included in the ticket price, but you’ll have had enough fabulous wine to compensate for the cost. Besides, it would be wise to fill your belly with something other than wine during the evening.
Prices for entry into Tuning to Vine do vary according to how many people are in your party. There is also the option of taking an hour-long Sommelier Tour, either from 6 pm to 7 pm, or from 7 pm to 8 pm. In a group of six to eight people, you are guided by a wine expert between venues, and learn a bit more about the goods on show.
Opening time for Tuning the Vine is 5.30 pm, and you have three hours to sample as much wine as you can handle at any or all of the venues designated on the route map.
OF NOTE
When Wednesday 12 October at 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Where Various Venues in Cape Town’s City Centre
Cost R170 online, R190 at the door
Contact +27 83 357 4069, [email protected], www.tuningthevine.co.za
Photography courtesy Tuning the Vine