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 10th 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 date and venue:
Johannesburg – September 13th at Val Bonne Estate, Modderfontein Reserve (online.computicket.com/web/event/pinotage_on_tap…/809972069)
For more information, visit:www.diemersfontein.co.za, or follow the fun on Facebook.
