There’s something unforgettable about the first glimpse of Cape Town from the air. As our plane descended, Table Mountain rose like a giant out of a watercolour, its flat top crowned by clouds. Below, the turquoise ocean curled along the coast in dramatic sweeps — a spectacular welcome to my very first trip to South Africa, the Motherland.

But this was no ordinary visit. I had come for the Cape Wine Festival, the country’s premier wine exhibition and a grand stage for South Africa’s finest producers to meet the global wine community. Often dubbed the “World Cup of Wines,” the festival happens only once every three years and is a must-attend for anyone serious about wine, trade or tourism.

This year’s edition opened in style with South Africa’s Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, cutting the ribbon to welcome guests and exhibitors from across the globe. Inside the venue, over 400 exhibitors poured more than 1,000 wines, transforming the hall into a tapestry of vineyards, stories and aromas. Every stand was an invitation into a new world.

A Thousand Stories in a Thousand Sips

At the festival, wine wasn’t just a drink — it was storytelling in a glass. Among my personal standouts: the soft bubbles of Pierre Jourdan Cap Classique Silk Nectar, the bold Aslina Cabernet Sauvignon, the lusciously sweet Spier 1692 Noble Late Harvest and the fresh, sunshine-bright Baba Yetu Rosé. My favourite, though, was the Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut — crisp, elegant and everything a sparkling wine should be.

Meeting the people behind the bottles brought the exhibition to life. Helene Joubert, owner of Skilpadvlei Wine Farm, poured me her Oddo wine and shared how she built her business. Encounters like this reminded me that the Cape Wine Festival isn’t just about what’s poured; it’s about the craft, the passion and the connection between makers and drinkers.

Capturing the Festival

I documented the exhibition the way I know best: through my lens. From candid shots of tastings to portraits of passionate vintners, every click told a story of South African wine at its most vibrant. What struck me most was how global the event felt. I met fellow creators from Japan, the U.S. and Germany — content makers, buyers and sommeliers — all converging to experience the Cape Wine Festival firsthand.

Beyond the Glass: Cape Town Unfolds

While the vineyards beckoned, time in the city revealed another layer of the festival experience. Cape Town itself felt like an extension of the exhibition: the historic Castle of Good Hope, the colourful houses of Bo-Kaap, the bustling V&A Waterfront, and the neon nightlife of Long Street. Even the Uber drivers carried a piece of home — many were Kenyan, a comforting surprise in a new land.

Reflections of the Motherland

This trip was more than a work assignment. It was my introduction to South Africa’s wine culture at its source — a place proud of its heritage, fearless in its innovation and breathtaking at every turn. I came for the wine, but left with new friends, new stories and a renewed sense of how connected we all are.

As I boarded my flight back, a bottle or two carefully tucked into my bag, I realised the Cape Wine Festival isn’t just an event. It’s a celebration of land, people and craft — a taste of the Motherland that lingers long after the last sip.

Insider Tips: How to Experience the Cape Wine Festival

• Plan Ahead: The festival happens once every three years. Book early — it’s the “World Cup of Wines.”
• Arrive for the Opening: Don’t miss the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
• Go Early & Pace Yourself: With over 1,000 wines, start early and sip slowly.
• Highlight the Sparkling: Seek out South Africa’s Cap Classique sparklings like Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut.
• Meet the Makers: Conversations with winemakers add richness to every pour.
• Bring a Camera: The people, pours and backdrops are incredibly photogenic.
• Explore Cape Town Beyond the Festival: From Bo-Kaap’s colours to Long Street’s nightlife, the city itself is part of the experience.
• Look for Familiar Faces: A strong East African community works in Cape Town — sometimes a little piece of home finds you.