Wine, food, live music and a relaxed spring atmosphere are coming together in Ballito, as the Pick n Pay Wine & Food Festival makes Sugar Rush Park its new home on Saturday, 3 October 2026. The festival promises an afternoon of good food, wine tasting and entertainment, with nearly 50 tasting stands giving visitors the opportunity to discover new wines and meet the people behind them.
But organisers say you don’t have to be a wine expert to enjoy the experience. The festival is designed to make wine more approachable, whether you’re a regular wine drinker or tasting it for the first time. Guests can sample different wines, chat to winemakers and discover what they enjoy without worrying about knowing complicated wine terminology.
“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.” The festival will run from 12h00 to 18h00 and will offer visitors plenty to explore beyond the tasting stands.
The Pick n Pay Tasting Room, flavoured by Robertsons, will offer tutored wine-and-food pairing sessions hosted by a winemaker and chef. Guests will be able to discover how different wines complement food and pick up ideas they can try at home. At the Gourmet Deli Experience, visitors can explore cheeses, charcuterie and other Pick n Pay products, while the Pick n Pay Mixology Theatre, presented by Diageo, will showcase cocktails through live demonstrations and tastings.
Those who discover a new favourite wine can also visit the Pick n Pay Wine Shop to purchase their selections.Food lovers will have plenty of options, including lamb souvlaki flatbreads, chicken tacos, loaded fries, grilled chicken bowls, burgers, prego rolls and pizzas. Seafood lovers can enjoy sushi and West Coast oysters, while traditional South African favourites will include boerewors rolls and spit-roasted lamb rolls.
New festival MC Dave Guselli will keep the afternoon moving, with live music throughout the event. The headline act, Stones & Bones, will take to the stage after wine tastings end at 16h30. With Sugar Rush Park’s open spaces, play areas, walking trails and public seating, visitors can also take a break from the festival activities and enjoy the surroundings.
For those looking for a more relaxed experience, picnic bags for two can be pre-purchased and will include a selection of Pick n Pay cheese, charcuterie and snacks to enjoy on the lawns. “We’re looking forward to sharing the festival with KwaZulu-Natal,” says Ievers. “Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a foodie or simply looking for a wonderful afternoon with friends and family, there is something for everyone.” Each ticket includes a branded festival glass and 20 tasting tokens.
Ticket prices:
- General Access / Pick n Pay Wine Club Early Access: R350
- Tasting Room add-on: R150
- Mixology Theatre add-on: R150
- Picnic Bag for two: R350
- Designated Driver ticket: R200, including a voucher redeemable for cooldrinks
Whether you’re already familiar with Pinotage and Cabernet Sauvignon or simply curious to try something new, the Pick n Pay Wine & Food Festival is inviting KwaZulu-Natal residents to come and enjoy wine, food, music and a day out at Sugar Rush Park this spring.
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