Popular street soirees returns to Stellenbosch

January's event will celebrate the start of the 2014 harvest when everything that Stellenbosch offers - including its natural beauty, winemaking culture and vibrant agricultural industries - is at its best and brightest. Perfect summer weather, the buzz of a new University year, music entertainment and the bustling start of the harvest season will all add excitement and colour to the Street Soiree.

Until March 2014, these monthly gatherings will transform the oak-lined streets of Stellenbosch into a colourful hub of food, wine and live music where strangers become friends over a glass of vino stemming from the country's oldest and foremost wine route.

The lower part of Church Street is where all the action is at, with wine tastings offered by various Stellenbosch estates and gourmet bites by participating restaurants beckoning enthusiasts to revel in a slice of the Stellenbosch lifestyle - right there on this makeshift 'pavement playground'.

"Our quaint town really lends itself to street 'kuiers' and these after-work get-togethers allow one to bask in a wonderful Winelands atmosphere and forget about the day's hassles and hullabaloos. Stellenbosch has always been celebrated for its high quality wines, but these days we are also known as the Gourmet Capital of South African as recently attested at the prestigious 2013 Eat Out Awards. Four of the Top Ten restaurants hail from the Stellenbosch Wine Routes," adds Elmarie Rabe, events manager for Stellenbosch Wine Routes.

The Stellenbosch Street Soirees take place from 6-8PM (between Bird Street and Andringa Street) and each gathering features a different selection of cellars and eateries. For R30, one gets a wine glass and a ticket to taste as many wines on the evening and delicious street food will be on sale.

Stellenbosch Street Soirees dates to diarise for 2014:
15 January, 12 February and 12 March 2014 - weather permitting.

For more, go to www.wineroute.co.za/streetsoiree.asp