Tuning the Vine - a Cape Town MUST DO!
Ask me, I would know! Getting to all 800 wine farms in Cape Town is super difficult. Not only does it require lots of travel but also takes quite a bit of time. Luckily Tuning the Vine is an inner city wine route that allows Capetonians to taste some of the best wines that Cape Town has to offer, all within walking distance.It happens every 2nd Wednesday of the month from 5.30pm to 8.30pm mainly in Bree Street. In just three hours, you can experience so many different wines across 13 inner city venues. You are walking off the calories, so it's “guilt free” tasting!Keen to try it?
Here are my top 10 tips:
1. Buy your tickets online
via Quicket (R200) - BUT, if you are quick on the button, get the early bird tickets for the next event, it will save you 50 bucks. Alternatively, just buy on the day, it is R220 though at the venue.
2. Get your glass, wrist band and map
Make your first stop Orphanage in Bree Street to collect your goodies. That way, you can quickly get into the wine drinking mode because so many locations are next door to eachother. (see map below). You will be able to do 13, 12, 11, 10, 9 and 8 all within the space of less than an hour. If you can get through all 13 stops, I salute you!
3. Arrive on time
Get your money's worth. Arrive slightly earlier at 17h15, you will thank me later. But if you are running late, do not fret. Ticket sales are open on the day until 19h00.
4. Book a Sommelier
If you want to learn more and need some help navigating the many wines on show, or if you are a wine fundi wanting to dive deeper into the world of wine, a sommelier tour for groups of 6 to 8 people could add some magic to your wine tuning experience. A 45-minute sommelier tour costs an extra R150 per person. Tickets for this service are limited on Quicket so again, be first in line.
5. Keep track!
Take photos of the bottles to keep track of wines you enjoyed on the night for when you want to shop or head out to one of the farms. You’ll be able to order straight from the event via Cybercellar. You will also need to keep a close eye on the map to decide which venue is next.
6. Be curious.
Each person pouring wine is passionate about it, so ask questions and fall in love with new wines.
7. Be social
Check out Instagram and Twitter for any updates and specials using #InnerCityWineRoute. Also, don't be afraid to talk to total strangers. Everyone is in a "happy hour" mood so take full advantage and make new friends! P.S. The Station serves not only wine!
8. Stay for supper
Food on the go is on sale at each venue, and it’s a good idea to grab a quick bite to eat between tastings. Tastings close at 8.30pm but venues will remain open and will be selling delicious food. They also sell wine by the bottle (or glass) as well as other drinks.
9. Get an Uber
Because parking is difficult (literally jam packed) and who wants to drink and drive anyway!
10. Get clued up on all the info
All information and a map for each month is available on Tuningthevine.co.za and on Facebook.com/TuningtheVine. Chat to them on Instagram and Twitter using #InnerCityWineRoute.See you there!x