The Pick 'n Pay Wine & Food Festival Heads to Ballito for a Spring Refresh
- Pick 'n Pay Wine & Food Festival moves to Sugar Rush Park in Ballito on 3 October 2026
- Nearly 50 tasting stands, interactive food and wine experiences, gourmet street food and live music await visitors
- Tickets start at R200 for designated drivers, with general access priced at R350 including a glass and 20 tasting tokens
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Source: UGC
DURBAN - On Saturday, 3 October 2026, the hugely popular Pick 'n Pay Wine & Food Festival moves to its brand-new home at Sugar Rush Park in Ballito. Running from 12:00 to 18:00, the event promises a vibrant afternoon of local wines, gourmet street food, and live music, anchored by a simple message: wine is meant to be enjoyed by everyone.
A New Era for Wine Enthusiasts
Driven by a younger, more curious generation of consumers discovering varietals through social connections and hands-on events, the festival prioritiSes curiosity over expertise.
With nearly 50 tasting stands pouring South African wines, wine-based cocktails, and craft beers, visitors are encouraged to sample styles, ask questions, and chat directly with winemakers without the fear of using the wrong terminology.
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"Wine is at its most approachable when it is part of a shared experience," says Gavin Ievers from Pick 'n Pay. "As a food retailer, we see wine as one element of a much bigger occasion that brings people together around food, conversation, and celebration."
Interactive Tastings & Gourmet Bites
Beyond the tasting stands, the event features immersive experiences designed to build culinary confidence:
- The Pick 'n Pay Tasting Room (Flavoured by Robertsons): Interactive, tutored sessions hosted by a chef and winemaker team, pairing favorite wines with practical dishes you can recreate using store-bought ingredients.
- Gourmet Deli & Mixology: Build your own custom cheese and charcuterie boards at the Gourmet Deli, or catch live cocktail demonstrations at the Pick n Pay Mixology Theatre presented by Diageo.
- The Food Lane & Local Eats: An expansive menu catering to every craving; from lamb souvlaki, crispy chicken tacos, and fresh West Coast oysters to Bomb Squad boerewors rolls, spit-roasted lamb, wood-fired pizzas, and gourmet burgers.
Source: UGC
Live Music and Sun-Drenched Lawns
Framed by the natural beauty of Sugar Rush Park, guests can relax on the lawns with pre-ordered picnic bags packed with cheeses and snacks. MC Dave Guselli will keep the energy high throughout the afternoon, leading up to a headlining live performance by Stones & Bones once wine tastings conclude at 16:30.
Whether you're a seasoned foodie, a casual sip-and-socialise weekend warrior, or looking for a family-friendly spring outing, Ballito’s newest event offers a laid-back way to toast the new season.
Event Snapshot
- Where: Sugar Rush Park, Ballito
- When: Saturday, 3 October 2026
- Times: 12:00 (Wine Club Early Access) | 13:00 (General Access) | 16:30 (Tastings close) | 18:00 (Event concludes)
- Tickets: General Access is R350 (includes a branded glass and 20 tasting tokens). Designated Driver tickets are available for R200 (includes soft drink vouchers). Interactive add-ons like the Tasting Room, Mixology Theatre, or Pre-Sold Picnic Bags (serves two) can be added to your booking.
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Source: Briefly News
