May
The Wine Show, Joburg, 4-6 May
The Wine Show takes place at the Coca-Cola Dome in Northgate and this year patrons can taste wines and spirits that have been awarded with Gold Medal Status at the 2011 International Wine and Spirits Competition. These will be showcased in the WineExtra and IWSC Gold Lounge throughout the weekend.
Tickets for the show are available from Computicket for R100 per person and an extra R20 can be paid at the door for access into the WineExtra and IWSC Gold Lounge.
Weekend passes are available at R180 per person and special group rates of R90 p/p for groups over 10 people. Go to wineshow.co.za for more information.

Riebeek Valley Olive Festival, 5-6 May
Be sure to head on down to the annual Riebeek Valley Olive Festival and see how the little towns in the area come alive as they showoff all their best in foods, olives and wines.
The festival focuses mostly on the diversity of all that olives provide, including olives, olive oils, tapenades, preserves and even beauty products.
This year features an Olive Emporium, a country fair, a fresh goods market and for the first time, an Olive Martini Bar.
For R80 you get a passport for the entire weekend and will allow you entry to wine farms, marquees in the town, a complimentary tasting glass and free tastings of olives and wine. Passports can be purchased at webtickets.co.za or on the day.

The Calitzdorp Port and Wine Festival, 18-20 May
The festival promises a bigger and better event for this year. Some of the most renowned port producers are set to be there, including, Axe Hill, Boplaas, Calitzdorp Cellar and De Krans.
The festival is set to take place at the historic Calitzdorp Railway Station as well as at various cellars and venues throughout the village.
Events taking place throughout the weekend will include the launch of a new and unique Calitzdorp Blend made from traditional local cultivars. There are cooking demonstrations, presented by Emile Joubert and Lise Beyers, where they will be using local ports and wines in the cooking. One of the sensational and most interesting events will be an Ostrich spit braai, so be sure to have a taste of that! The Annual Port Dance will take place on the Saturday night where you can enjoy various ports and wines as well as fine fare from local restaurants as they put together the finest Mediterranean themed menus.
For more information please check out the official website.

The Jozi Craft Beer Fest – 26 May
The Jozi Craft Beer Fest has finally arrived! It will be taking place in the heart of Johannesburg at the Pirates Rugby Club, Greenside, on the 26th of May.
They promise only to be serving the best in Craft Beers from around the country, 100% Natural and completely locally produced and sold.
Kicking off at 10am there will be live music, good food and sunny skies (we hope!) to help fill the gaps the incredible beers miss.
R100 gets you in and tickets are available at the door or at webtickets.co.za

June

National Arts Festival, Grahamstown, 28 June – 8 July
This annual festival features the very best in all that is art. This is the oldest festival in South Africa and this 10 day affair continues to offer the finest productions and events. From music to theatre to film to song to comedy and more than you could possibly imagine. Grahamstown, the host city since inception, is a fine host at that and you are sure to enjoy all of it’s charms. Be sure to visit the official website for information, programs and pricing of shows.

Knysna Oyster Festival
This festival takes place early in July and has everything possible going throughout it’s run. Traditionally it’s about the oytsers with oyster braais, oyster tastings and competitions, but there are also fringe events including runs and mountain bike rides, live entertainment and other events. Have a look at the festival website for more information!