South Africa’s 367th Wine Birthday: One&Only Cape Town hosts bold celebration of local wine culture
The celebration of South Africa’s 367th Wine Birthday is heading to One&Only Cape Town, where guests will move through a curated wine route featuring leading estates, food pairings and immersive tasting experiences guided by the resort’s head sommelier, Luvo Ntezo.
Taking place on Friday, 30 January 2026, the event transforms the resort into an open-flow tasting experience that honours the country’s wine heritage while showcasing the energy of its modern wine culture.
Where the South Africa’s 367th Wine Birthday celebration is happening
The event unfolds across Vista Deck and the surrounding canal areas at One&Only Cape Town.
Guests will receive a Wine Route Map guiding them between tasting stations hosted by more than 20 wine estates, allowing them to explore the experience at their own pace.
What to expect at South Africa’s 367th Wine Birthday
The afternoon is designed as a roaming tasting celebration combining wine, food and entertainment.
Participating estates include names such as Waterford, Graham Beck, Vergelegen, Steenberg and Hidden Valley.
Guests can expect a focus on orange wine styles, curated culinary pairings including a lamb spit-braai, and live entertainment throughout the afternoon.
Demonstrations such as ceremonial sabrage are also planned.
The format encourages interaction between guests and producers, creating an atmosphere that blends education, heritage and celebration.
Who is Luvo Ntezo?
At the centre of the experience is Luvo Ntezo, head sommelier at One&Only Cape Town and one of South Africa’s most recognised young wine professionals.
Ntezo has been celebrated as Best Young Sommelier in South Africa and is known for his passion for sharing the country’s wine heritage with both local and international audiences.
His work focuses on storytelling, accessibility and uplifting the broader wine community.
Speaking about wine’s ability to bring people together, Ntezo says:
“As water divides nations, we celebrate that wine unites us all.”
He is particularly committed to championing emerging South African talent and creating platforms for female winemakers to showcase their work.
His approach to tastings is designed to break down barriers and make wine more approachable to newcomers while still engaging seasoned enthusiasts.
What does a sommelier do?
A sommelier is a trained wine professional who specialises in wine selection, service and pairing.
At events like South Africa’s 367th Wine Birthday, the sommelier helps shape the guest journey — guiding tastings, explaining flavour profiles and connecting wines to their regions and stories.
Ntezo describes his tasting philosophy as one that moves away from rigid, formal methods.
Instead, he encourages guests to start with familiar wines and then explore South African alternatives, helping them discover new favourites in an accessible way.
Why South Africa’s Wine Birthday is celebrated
South Africa’s Wine Birthday commemorates the first recorded production of wine at the Cape on 2 February 1659.
Since then, the industry has grown into one of the country’s defining cultural and agricultural sectors.
Today, the occasion celebrates both the deep-rooted history of Cape winemaking and the innovation driving its global reputation forward.
How to book for South Africa’s 367th Wine Birthday
The celebration takes place on Friday, 30 January 2026 at One&Only Cape Town, with doors opening from 16:00 SAST.
Bookings and enquiries can be made via: