The Stellenbosçh Wine Festival is about to get the juices flowing at Coetzenburg Sports Grounds this afternoon, in the capital of the wine industry, and runs until Sunday.

A jam-packed program promises:

#   Wine tasting from the Bottelary Hills, Greater Simonsberg, Helderberg, Stellenbosch Valley, and Stellenbosch Berg sub-routes of the Stellenbosch Wine Routes. Sunday has been designated for a focus on Boutique wineries such as Audacia Wines, Bartinney Private Cellar, Deux Frères Wines, Keermont Vineyards, Kings Kloof Vineyards, Mostertsdrift Noble Wines, Post House Vineyards, Rudera Wines, The High Road, and Usana Wines.

#  Gourmet Lane treats from Beyerskloof, Eaglevlei Wines, Vagabond Kitchen, Big Steve Charcuterie, Wild Peacock Food Emporium, and Bistro 13 will be available

#   Food and wine pairings will be offered in The Tasting Room, under the guidance of Chef Tiaan Langenegger, pairing his canapés with wines from Blaauwklippen, Ernie Els Wines, Kaapzicht, Kleine Zalze, L’Avenir, Mooiplaas, Spier, Villiera, Waterford Estate, and Waterkloof.

#.  Music performances, by Kurt Darren and Karen Zoid this evening; by Blackbyrd, #Twee, and Luna Page on Saturday; as well as Ard Matthews, and Don Veno & Friends on Sunday.

#   Pick ‘n Pay Wine Shop, offering wines at cellar door prices. For the first time a Stellenbosch Wine Library will offer red wines from 2005, and white wines from 2010, and older.

Uber is offering its services, and first-time users receive a free ride up to R150. Shuttles to and from Cape Town are also available.

Stellenbosch Wine Festival, 5 – 7 February. Tel (021) 886-4330. www.stellenboschwinefestival.co.za Twitter: @StellWineFest Entrance R180, and includes a tasting glass. Book at www.webtickets.co.za. Friday 15h00 – 21h00, Saturday and Sunday 10h00 – 18h00.

Chris von Ulmenstein, WhaleTales Blog: www.whalecottage.com/blog  Tel 082 55 11 323 Twitter:@WhaleCottage  Facebook:  click here