What a seasonal tasting evening includes
Our seasonal tasting evenings are hosted events built around what people actually want to drink and eat at that time of year. In summer, that may mean crisp whites, dry rosé and lively sparkling wines served chilled. In winter, we lean toward fuller-bodied wines, richer aromas and tasting notes that sit well alongside warm food and slower evenings. Every event is planned from our Franschhoek village base and delivered across Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Johannesburg, Durban, Paarl, Somerset West and Constantia.
Each evening is set up to feel relaxed but properly run. We provide a tasting structure, serving guidance and a seasonal selection that works for the group size and venue. If the event is held at home, in a private venue or at a business premises, we adjust the format to suit the space, the table layout and the number of guests. We also factor in practical matters like load-shedding, cooler storage and serving order so the tasting still runs well when the conditions are not ideal.
- Curated wine and bubbly flight for the season
- Hosted tasting guidance and guest introductions
- Serving notes for aroma, colour, acidity and finish
- Food pairing suggestions matched to the menu
- Setup advice for temperature, glassware and pacing
How we plan the tasting from enquiry to event night
We keep the process simple and clear. Clients reach us through the enquiry form on our contact page and we take it from there. Once we know the location, expected guest count and preferred date, we confirm the event style and advise on the best seasonal route. Some groups want a lighter social evening with sparkling wines and canapés. Others want a more structured tasting with a learning focus and a deeper look at regional styles, grape varieties and serving temperatures.
After confirmation, our team prepares the tasting plan. Megan Jacobs handles the wine selection, Siyabonga Dlamini coordinates the event flow, and Thabo Nkosi manages delivery timing and any practical requirements for the venue. If the event needs chilled stock, alternate timing for traffic or a staggered delivery window, we build that in before the day. This helps avoid last-minute issues, especially for weekend events in busy areas like Cape Town or Johannesburg where timing matters.
- Step 1: Send an enquiry with date, town and guest count
- Step 2: Choose the event style and seasonal tasting direction
- Step 3: Confirm the wine list, food pairing and format
- Step 4: Receive delivery and setup guidance before the evening
- Step 5: Host the tasting with our team or with guided notes supplied
Seasonal wine choices and pairing specs
Seasonal tastings are not just about the wines changing with the calendar, they are also about what pairs well with local menus and the climate. In warmer months, guests usually appreciate brighter acidity, fresh fruit notes and lower alcohol styles that hold up well in heat. In cooler months, we can include richer whites, textured blends and sparkling options with more depth for food pairing dinners and indoor gatherings. For bubbly-focused evenings, we use smaller pours and tighter serving intervals so the wine stays lively from first glass to last.
We also think about the practical side of service. A tasting in coastal humidity may need faster chilling and shorter exposure on the table. An evening in winter may need bottles brought to serving temperature gradually so the aromas open properly. Glassware counts too, as does space for decanting where needed. If there is a food component, we match the flavour profile carefully so the wine is not overwhelmed by smoke, spice or creamy sauces. That makes a clear diference to the guest experience.
- Serving temperature range: 6 to 10 degrees for sparkling, 8 to 12 degrees for white and rosé, 14 to 18 degrees for red
- Typical pour size: 60 ml to 75 ml per wine in a guided tasting
- Group size: intimate sessions from 8 guests up to larger private groups of 40 plus
- Venue fit: homes, estates, restaurants, offices and private hire spaces
- Optional pairing style: cheese plates, canapés, plated dinners or themed snacks
Turnaround times and delivery planning
Turnaround depends on the type of event and the season. For standard seasonal tasting evenings, we prefer at least 7 to 10 working days’ notice so we can secure the right selection and plan delivery properly. For larger corporate or mixed guest events, 2 to 3 weeks is better, especially if there are special pairing requests or a specific town schedule. During busy months such as December, harvest time and long weekends, early booking is strongly advised.
Delivery times are arranged to suit the venue and the event start time. In most cases, stock is delivered ahead of the evening so there is enough time for chilling, table set-up and any last checks. Where needed, we can adjust the drop-off window to avoid traffic in central Cape Town, school-run congestion in Somerset West or late-afternoon delays in Johannesburg. If the evening is in a private home, we can also advise on fridge space and ice management before the first guests arrive.
Pricing approach for seasonal tasting evenings
Our pricing is based on the format, guest numbers, wine selection and travel requirements. We quote according to what the evening needs, rather than forcing every event into one package. A small home tasting with a simple seasonal flight will be priced differently from a corporate event with pairings, extra staffing and bespoke bubbly selections. This approach keeps things fair and transparent, and it lets us tailor the evening properly instead of overloading it with extras nobody asked for.
We can quote for wine only, full hosting, or a more complete package with pairing guidance and event coordination. If the event involves multiple stops, out-of-town logistics or special glassware needs, those details are included upfront. Payment terms are confirmed when the booking is secured. For clubs and repeat seasonal clients, we can discuss rolling event schedules and preferred booking windows so planning stays easy from one season to the next.
Ongoing care for repeat seasonal events
Many of our clients book seasonal tasting evenings more than once a year because the format works well for birthdays, business gatherings and private social groups. For repeat events, we keep notes on guest preferences, preferred wine styles and any food sensitivities or serving needs. That means the next booking starts with a better brief and a sharper selection. It also helps us avoid repeating the same tasting profile too often, which keeps each evening fresh.
For venues that host regular events, we suggest reviewing the format every 3 to 4 months. That allows us to update the wine list for the new season, adjust the sparkling selection if warmer weather is coming, and keep pairings in line with menu changes. If a venue hosts tasting evenings around the year, we can recommend a maintenance rhythm that follows the local calendar, school holiday periods and the best months for indoor versus outdoor entertaining.
- Quarterly refresh for regular tasting venues
- Seasonal review of wine styles and food pairings
- Guest preference notes kept for repeat bookings
- Adjustments for weather, humidity and event timing
- Support for private, social and corporate schedules
Key facts
| Service area | Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Paarl, Somerset West and Constantia |
|---|---|
| Typical lead time | 7 to 10 working days for standard bookings |
| Group size | 8 to 40 plus guests depending on format |
| Event styles | Private homes, corporate venues, restaurants and private hire spaces |
| Service focus | Seasonal wine and bubbly tastings with pairing guidance |
| Booking method | Enquiry form on the contact page |
