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Wine enthusiasts, oenophiles, and food connoisseurs – grab a glass and head to the Pick n Pay Wine & Food Festival Johannesburg next month for a day of award-winning wine tasting and cuisine to take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey.

The event will be held at The Wanderers Club in Illovo, Johannesburg, on Saturday, November 4, and Sunday, November 5.

Indulge in the finest selection of some of South Africa’s top wine varietals, from full-bodied reds to crisp and fruity whites and everything in between. “The Pick n Pay Wine and Food Festival offers an array of wines to suit every palate, with winemakers and expert sommeliers on hand to guide visitors through tastings to appreciate the unique flavours and aromas of each wine fully,” says Katie Bailie, Pick n Pay Senior Wine Buyer.

The festival will have a dedicated Sparkling Wine area, celebrating both locally-produced Cap Classique and French Champagne. In keeping with the trend for no-and-low alcohol wines, a smattering of stands will offer tastings in these wine categories. The Valpre water station will ensure guests stay hydrated with ample fresh water.

Over 30 of the wines available for tasting at the event can be purchased at the on-site Pick n Pay Wine Shop. These can be enjoyed at the Festival or taken home. Those who don’t feel like lugging their purchases around can order it on Pick n Pay asap! for same-day delivery.

In the popular Pick n Pay Tasting Room, chefs and winemakers will share their picks from their estates and pair them with mouth-watering canapés in a tasting masterclass that will leave you wanting more. Each session is 30 minutes, and booking is essential as they fill up quickly.

“With these sessions, we aim to equip festivalgoers with the knowledge and skills to host unforgettable dinner parties for friends and family,” says Bailie.

But what’s wine without food?  The Festival's Pick n Pay Fresh Food Market will offer diverse culinary delights, from burgers and pizzas to fish and chips, salads, oysters, and sushi. Meanwhile, the Pick n Pay Crafted Collection Deli will delight you with Cheese and Charcuterie Boards, which can be enjoyed while listening to live music.

For those who prefer to avoid the challenging task of choosing from these tempting options, consider upgrading your ticket to include a picnic hamper. The lavish Pick n Pay picnic basket brims with a curated selection of the grocer's finest offerings. This includes carefully chosen cheeses, artisanal cured hams, freshly baked bread, biltong, hummus, and other delightful treats.

“Pick n Pay is proud to bring the Winelands to wine and food lovers in Gauteng, so don’t miss this opportunity to discover your new favourite wine,” says Bailie.

The event starts at 12pm with exclusive early access for Pick n Pay Wine Club Members (booking essential as numbers are limited) and will open to the general public at 1pm. The event closes at 6pm.

Tickets are available from Webtickets, and more information about the festival can be found here: www.pnpwineandfoodfestival.co.za/events/pick-n-pay-wine-food-festival-johannesburg/

Ticket options and pricing:

• General Access tickets (R295) include a day pass, wine glass, the opportunity to taste and buy wines from about 50 of SA’s top wine producers, live music, and delicious food for purchase.
• The Pick n Pay Tasting Room ticket (R395) includes all the above and an entry into the Pick n Pay Tasting Room for a 30-minute wine and canapé pairing masterclass.
• A General Access & Picnic Bag for one person is R590, while a double General Access Ticket & Picnic Bag is R885.
• NEW VIP Hospitality ticket – this VIP experience includes access to a dedicated Guest Hospitality area with luxurious shaded seating and a complimentary full-service bar (including wine, beer, MCC, soft drinks and water) and food service, featuring mouth-watering canapés and sophisticated eats. This is available for Saturday only and is R2,875 per person.  Tickets are available on Webtickets, but for larger group bookings (10 or more tickets), email info@pnpwineandfoodfestival.co.za to book.