The Gauteng Tourism Authority provides an impressive list of events for agents to package in 2017. By Max Marx.

There are a host of exciting events taking place in Gauteng in 2017:

Vaal River Meander Wine Route

The Vaal Meander Wine Route takes place from June 24 - July 30 (Saturdays and Sundays from 12h00 to 18h00). Dozens of wine estates are represented along the route – made up of 17 different venues in the vicinity – with more than 200 wines to sample. Each venue offers a minimum of eight wines, with some venues having 20 different wines to taste. There are options of wine tastings on a luxury river cruise, aboard a houseboat, in a wine cellar, a pub, an upmarket hotel and even a township. Other options include a wine tasting lunch on a luxury cruiser, spa treatments and wine and food pairing. Visitors can make use of different modes of transport to get to the different venues, including a water taxi, vintage car, or chauffeur-drive.

For info and packages email info@vaalwineroute.co.za.

Good Food & Wine Show

The Good Food & Wine Show takes place from October 27-29 at the Ticketpro Dome in Johannesburg. Visitors can expect innovative culinary experiences, cooking demonstrations by top local and international chefs and culinary master classes. Also on offer are baking classes, talks on healthy eating, a baking theatre where guests can learn to bake, a cake decoration lab and a wine theatre where guests can sample wines and learn about wine and food pairing.

Details around bookings will be revealed at a later stage.

Soweto Wine & Lifestyle Festival

The Soweto Wine & Lifestyle Festival takes place from March 3-5 at the Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication in Kliptown, Soweto. The festival has become one of Africa’s premium wine, food, music and lifestyle events. The event showcases wines from some of South Africa’s most exciting vineyards and offers a platform for new producers trying to penetrate the market. Visitors can enjoy a variety of foods and shop for funky lifestyle products.

Tickets will be made available to the public on December 1 through Nu Tickets. 

BMW South African Open Championship (Golf)

The 2017 BMW South African Open Championship will be held at the Glendower Golf Club in Ekurhuleni from January 12-15. This is the third event on the European Tour’s 2017 schedule. The field is open to 156 competitors, who will fight it out for the winner’s trophy over four rounds of 18 holes each. Rory McIlroy and Ernie Els will be among those playing for the R15m prize money.

Tickets to the event can be booked through Ticketpro.

Tshwane Open golf tournament

The Tshwane Open takes place at the Pretoria Country Club in Waterkloof from March 2-5. This highly anticipated 72-hole stroke play championship will see 156 professional golfers participating. The Tshwane Open forms part of the 2016 Sunshine Tour and is co-sanctioned with the European Tour. Some of the best local and international players will compete for the R18,5m prize money. Tickets for the tournament will be available through Ticketpro.

DStv Delicious International Food & Music Festival

The DStv Delicious International Food & Music Festival, a festival for food and music lovers, takes place during the last weekend of September 2017 at a venue still to be confirmed. Attendees can expect delicious food, street chefs and an excellent music line-up of international and local acts.

RMB Winex 2017

South Africa’s premier wine show, RMB Winex takes place at the Sandton Convention Centre from October 25-27. Visitors can sample wines from more than 100 local and international wine producers, learn about wine pairing and viniculture, and order bottles of their favourite wines to enjoy at home. There is also the Table Talk pop-up tasting programme where exhibitors talk about their wines and other topics.

To book visit here.

SANSUI Summer Cup

The SANSUI Summer Cup is one of South Africa’s premier horse racing events. It takes place at the Turffontein Racecourse in Johannesburg towards the end of November 2017 (date to be confirmed). Race goers can expect thrilling horse race action throughout the day. There are several hospitality and ticketing options available with the emphasis on family, food, fun and entertainment. Many of South Africa’s well-known musicians will entertain the crowd.

Bookings can be made through Computicket.