Events

DIEMERSFONTEIN PINOTAGE-ON-TAP: NOW MORE ‘POT’ABLE THAN EVER BEFORE

Published

11 years ago

4 August 2014

Durbanite

The ever-growing legions of devotees who attend Diemersfontein’s ‘POT Parties’(dedicated to the pursuit of pleasure and playtime, augmented by volumes of the now-legendary Coffee-Chocolate Pinotage) know that these festivals are the ultimate jols on the South African social calendar, so it may come as no surprise to fans that Pinotage-on-Tap was officially rated ‘Best Wine Event in the World’, at the 2014 Drinks International Tourism Awards in London.

This accolade – supplemented by Diemersfontein’s Carpe Diem Pinotage 2012’s recent win of the Novare SA Terroir Award for Best Pinotage – represents yet another notch in the belt for delighted owner of the Wellington-based wine estate, David Sonnenberg, who fondly describes his two flagship Pinotage brands as gifted sisters with different personalities; Carpé Diem being “a demure, classically-trained musician”, while the Coffee-Chocolate is a “vivacious, rebellious rock star”.

Created 14 years ago, this more unorthodox ‘sibling’ is the only South African wine to boast its own dedicated events (the first of which was a modest affair held at Diemersfontein in 2004). Since then, the enormously popular POT Parties have acquired cult status, luring lovers of the original Coffee-Chocolate Pinotage to massive festivals in Cape Town, Jo’burg and Durban (with an inaugural bash held in the UK, in 2012).

“Pinotage-on-Tap turns 10 this year, and to celebrate, we’re pulling out all the stops, making this year’s events bigger, better and more fun than ever before,” says Diemersfontein PRO and Events Manager, Rene Reece.

According to Rene, “The new Joeys venue promises to be absolutely superb, with Gauteng fans now also being offered the opportunity to buy a ‘VIP’ POT ticket (featuring exclusive deck-seating at the festival , private waiters, bubbly, oysters, a case of Pinotage, and a special mystery gift), plus an invite to the celebrity after-party, to mingle with David & Sue Sonnenberg, winemaker, Francois Roode, and the Pinotage-on-Tap event coordinators.

The lovely KZN venue – now enlarged, with a permanent stage – will once again wow guests with authentic Durban curries, along with some ‘exciting surprises’, while Capetonians will have the special privilege of letting their hair down and partying at the birthplace of POT: the beautiful Diemersfontein Wine and Country Estate in the Boland.

“As always, folks at all three venues can expect an endless flow of delicious Coffee Chocolate Pinotage (literally ‘on tap’), as well as an abundance of delectable food – with the arrival goodie bag, snacks, lunch and desserts all included in the ticket price. Then, naturally there will be fantastic live music from some of SA’s most awesome acts, exciting entertainment and games, and an all-round cool social vibe. Plus, to coincide with POT’s 10^th Birthday, there’s the additional fun and cachet of partying at the best wine event in the world!”

With D-day approaching, social networks are apparently buzzing, while Computicket has reported lively ticket sales since bookings for Pinotage-on-Tap opened.

“A word of caution,” adds Rene: “POT Fests are always sold out, and Diemersfontein is even contemplating a counselling hotline for those who miss out … so best drop what you’re doing right now and make sure you’re at the birthday bash of the year!”

POT 2014 dates and venues:

Johannesburg – September 13^th at Val Bonne Estate, Modderfontein Reserve (online.computicket.com/web/event/pinotage_on_tap…/809972069)

Durban – October 4^th at The Litchi Orchard, Salt Rock

(online.computicket.com/web/event/pinotage_on_tap…/809935606)

Cape Town – October 11^th at Diemersfontein Wine Estate, Wellington

(online.computicket.com/web/event/pinotage_on_tap…/809899257)

For more information, visit:www.diemersfontein.co.za, or follow the fun on Facebook.

Author: Durbanite

Related Topics:DIEMERSFONTEIN PINOTAGE-ON-TAP Salt Rock The Litchi Orchard

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Entertainment

BUMP & GRIND at Talloula

Published

1 week ago

13 January 2026

Carla Wynne

Durban comedy favourites Aaron McIlroy and Lisa Bobbert-McIlroy return to Talloula with their new musical comedy – BUMP & GRIND, a high-energy musical sketch comedy that delivers a riotous mix of song, dance, quick-fire character comedy and heart. Created under the direction and choreography of Daisy Spencer, the show has already delighted audiences this festive season with its trademark MacBob mayhem and polish.

Described by Billy Suter as “a sparkly cracker of song, dance and off-the-wall humour,” BUMP & GRIND is a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud theatrical experience. The show tumbles through a helter-skelter parade of characters — from fan favourites Bruce and Charmaine, as Elvis impersonators, pensioners Beatrice and Max, and super-sage Dr Veejay, to bold new creations including AI androids, Latin dance sensations and an Irish preacher with stand-up ambitions.

The music includes numbers from Talking Heads, Lady Gaga, Elvis, The Beatles, Whitney Houston and a climactic medley of ’80s chart hits.

“It’s a vibe… Aaron and Lisa’s talent and skill lie in their seemingly effortless transformations from one character to another — and making every dance hit and ballad that character’s own!” Shannon Kenny (ArtSmart)

With broad family appeal, high energy and a proven track record of sold-out runs, don’t miss BUMP & GRIND at Talloula at the end of January!

Duration of Show: 2 Acts of 40 minutes each with a 20 minute interval
Food and Drink on sale at the venue.
Full bar available
Picnic baskets welcome

Venue: Talloula, Bothas Hill
Dates: Friday 30 Jan & Saturday 31 Jan – 7pm (doors open 6pm) | Sunday 1 Feb 2026 – 2pm (doors open 12.30pm)
Tickets: R220pp
Bookings: Webtickets or Rowena on 082 304 6495 (for meal options and orders)

WIN A TABLE OF 10 TICKETS HERE!!

Author: Carla Wynne

Just a 30something plant mom, nature enthusiast and happy wife, adventuring through Durbs and life!🌻🌿🤍✨

Events

Summerdaze NYE 2025

Published

4 weeks ago

22 December 2025

mrjoelmagic

Safari Disco Theme for This Year’s Summerdaze NYE Beach Party!

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, 31 December 2025 (New Year’s Eve)
Venue: Beachwood Beach, Durban North
Time: From 4pm until late
Age Restriction: Strictly over 18
Tickets: utickets.app/events/summerdaze

GA Phase 1: R250 (Limited)
GA Early Bird: SOLD OUT

VVIP Ocean View Deck: R2200
Limited to 200 tickets

VVIP includes:
~ Access to the Ocean View VIP Deck
~ Unlimited free beer, wine, ciders, house spirits & mixers (shooters excluded)
~ Complimentary bubbly during the midnight countdown
~ Private fully stocked bar
~ VIP cocktail seating
~ Snack platters served hourly

Line-Up

Tim Lewis x Matt Davies
Craig Rude
Mat OD
Jay Jabbs
Kritik
Ty Stoltz
JDV

What to Expect

NYE Summerdaze returns to Beachwood Beach for another end-of-year blowout, and if past editions are anything to go by, this one will sell out fast. Set right on the shoreline in Durban North, the event combines top-tier local DJs, a large-scale production setup and the unbeatable energy of a New Year’s Eve beach crowd.

Expect SA’s leading DJs and artists soundtracking the sunset and carrying the party straight through to midnight and beyond. The venue setup includes over 2000m² of tenting, multiple bars spread across the site, a dedicated food court and plenty of seating for when your legs need a break but the music refuses to.

For those looking to level things up, the VVIP Ocean View Deck offers a premium NYE experience with uninterrupted views, all-inclusive drinks, exclusive seating and a private bar — the kind of setup that makes waiting for midnight feel effortless.

Tickets are limited and have sold out every year, so booking early is strongly advised. If you’re planning to welcome the new year with your feet in the sand, good music in the air and Durban doing what Durban does best, this is where you want to be.

See you on the beach.

Entertainment

Secret Sunset at Westown Square

Published

2 months ago

1 December 2025

Shelley

Get ready for an experience like no other! Secret Sunset is coming to Westown Square on 13 December at 5PM, and you’re invited to join us for an evening filled with movement, music, and pure golden-hour magic.

This immersive guided dance session is all about joy, connection, and feel-good energy—and it’s suitable for all ages. Whether you’re coming with friends, family, or flying solo, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the festive season.

Event Details

Date: 13 December 2025
Time: 5PM
Venue: Westown Square, The Bowl, On The Lawn
Entrance Fee: Kids: R75 | Adults: R120

Important

LIMITED PRE-ENTRIES ONLY
No tickets will be sold at the door, so make sure you
book early to secure your spot!

BOOK HERE