Two days in Wädenswil, 1,400 guests, and 572 opened bottles. But above all: thank you.
On Friday, August 28, and Saturday, August 29, 2026, South Africa was with us in Wädenswil for two days. Around 1,400 guests dropped by, tasted their way through the tasting tables, queued at the grill, spoke with winemakers who were still at the Cape the day before, and stayed longer in the evening than they originally planned. That is exactly how an event should go. And that is exactly why we are sharing this recap, which wouldn't be a story without our guests.
Two days that went by faster than expected
Friday started off quietly and transitioned towards the evening into that bustle you want at a good wine event: full tables, loud conversations, and people walking around with three glasses at once. Saturday was fully packed from noon onwards and lasted until late in the evening.
147 wines, 46 producers, 572 open bottles
The tasting was the heart of the event, and it was bigger than it appeared from the outside. 147 different wines from 46 producers were ready for tasting at the tables, ranging from MCC to Chenin Blanc and Pinotage, all the way to the great Bordeaux blends. We opened 572 bottles for this over the two days.
The strongest showing came from Constantia Glen. There were four wines on the table, no more, yet 609 bottles were sold. That is over 150 bottles per wine, more than twice as much as any other producer. The Constantia Glen Three 2021 alone accounted for 280 bottles, making it the most purchased wine of the entire weekend.
The largest total quantity was achieved by Cederberg together with Ghost Corner, spread across nine wines: 666 bottles, led by the Cederberg Shiraz 2021, which barely stood still on either day. Closely following were the tables featuring the Bordeaux blends.
Twelve winemakers who made the long journey
Twelve producers traveled from South Africa to present their wines in person. That is the difference between a tasting and an event: anyone who wanted to know why a Chenin Blanc from Swartland tastes different from one from Stellenbosch could ask the person who made it. These conversations were the reason some guests lingered at a single table for an hour.
Braai, rock lobster, and chakalaka
Meanwhile, the kitchen was in full swing outside. The grill served zebra fillet and zebra entrecôte, accompanied by boerewors, rock lobster, wedges, and a chakalaka that was at times gone faster than it could be replenished. Anyone needing something substantial between two Cabernets found it here. And those who only came for the food usually ended up going home with some wine anyway.
Event statistics
- 1,400 visitors over two days
- 12 producers traveled from South Africa
- 147 different wines at the tasting
- 46 wineries represented
- 572 bottles opened for the tasting
- 7,458 bottles sold from the tasting list
- 55 staff members on duty
The ten wines that impressed the most
Based on what the guests actually took home with them:
- Constantia Glen Three 2021, 280 bottles
- Cederberg Shiraz 2021, 229 bottles
- The Chocolate Block 2024, 208 bottles
- Constantia Glen Five 2021, 171 bottles
- Swartland Chenin Blanc Bushvine 2024, 140 bottles
- Barista Black Pinotage 2024, 126 bottles
- Anthonij Rupert Optima 2020, 114 bottles
- Waterkloof Circle of Life White 2025, 112 bottles
- Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, 111 bottles
- Constantia Glen Sauvignon Blanc 2025, 109 bottles
Thank you
An event of this size only works because many people give it their all for two days. 55 staff members were on duty—our own team and the Cape Angels—who washed glasses, looked after tables, turned meat, manned registers, and directed traffic. Thank you for that.
Thank you to the twelve winemakers who flew halfway around the world for two days. And thank you to our partners who expanded the event to include everything that, alongside wine, is part of South Africa.
Most of all, we thank the 1,400 guests who came, tasted, asked questions, and celebrated with us. If you would like to taste the wines from these two days again, you will find most of them in our shop. And if you don't want to miss anything next time, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter.
Our partners at the South African Days 2026
Dreamtime |
RE/MAX Living |
Grand Golf Tour |
Biltong House |
Shoho Art |
