Need a break? The Winelands Autumn Expo is calling your name!
Take the road to Worcester and breathe in the crisp country air, as you head to the 2nd Winelands Autumn Expo, happening 30-31 May – the ultimate feel-good outing for everyone!
Whether you’re a bunch of friends, flying solo, falling in love, madly in love, or just trying to steal a moment away from the kids – there’s something here for every heart. From newlyweds to golden oldies, from foodies to wine lovers, campers to crafters – this is where the platteland comes alive with flavour, laughter, and lekker vibes.
We’re talking over 100 amazing stalls to taste, sip, browse and buy from. Think craft gin and boutique wines, delicious local treats, outdoor gear, travel inspo, and handmade everything.
While you take your time, the under-12s can be entertained in the free safe ‘drop and play’ area, managed by professional and trained minders. So yes, Parents, you finally get to chill.
And the music? Next level! Enjoy live entertainment it’s all about good sounds and great vibes that’ll get your feet tapping and your soul smiling. On Friday we kick off with some smooth Marimba, then we step up beat up until Early B shuts the house down.
As shadows get longer and the light becomes golden, we’ll head into some jazzy rhythm, before shaking off the night chill with Fagrie Isaacs and Bok van Blerk.
The venue? The beautiful sport fields of Montana High School, right off the N1 in Worcester. Secure on-site parking costs just R10. And as for tickets, visit all weekend long for R160, or R100 for either day. Teens get in for 40 and the under-12s are free. (Did we mention the dedicated child minders?). Your ticket includes a special wine glass and shopping bag – while stocks last, of course. Oh, and yes – there’s free Wi-Fi too!
For everyone’s safety, the event is aiming to be as cashless, as possible, so remember your cards and tap to pay options.
Snag your tickets now at Webtickets, and visit www. autumnexpo.co.za to check out all the action and book a cosy (and budget-friendly) overnight stay nearby.
Don’t forget to like and follow the Winelands Autumn Expo Facebook page to stay in the loop with live updates, competitions, giveaways and who’s on stage!
Don’t miss out – round up your crew and come enjoy a countryside adventure full of taste, tunes and total weekend bliss!
30 – 31 May 2025
Venue
Montana High Sports Grounds, Worcester
R10 per car
Available for those staying over at one of the many nearby accommodation options. See pg 3
TICKETS
Weekend Pass: R160
Fri /Sat: R100
Teens (13-18): R40
Kids u/12: FREE
Saturday morning brings Lollos, Regardt the Magician and the kiddos can get really going with Kurt Darren’s Hop Hop Spinnekop!
A word from the Mayor Uit die Burgemeester se pen
Executive Mayor,
Ald. (Dr) Elna von Schlicht
Dear Readers, Residents, and Visitors,
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the 2nd Annual Autumn Expo, taking place on 30 and 31 May 2025 on the scenic sports grounds of Montana High School, just off the N1 in Worcester.
This year’s Expo promises to be a truly memorable event — the perfect place to make new memories! With over 100 stalls showcasing the very best that the Cape Winelands has to offer, visitors can look forward to an experience filled with beauty, quality, and the warmth and hospitality our region is known for.
Following the overwhelming success of last year’s inaugural event, we listened carefully to your feedback — and we acted on it!
Parents asked for a more engaging space for young children, and we’re proud to introduce an improved free “drop and play” area, complete with professionally managed child-minding and fun activities. Now, parents can relax while their under-12s play safely.
You asked for more seating near the entertainment and food areas — and we’ve delivered! Expect plenty of comfortable seating, enhanced lighting, and an expanded covered area where you can sit back and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Some guests wanted even more to see and explore outdoors — and we’re excited to say: it’s all here! From camping gear and rugged vehicles to
trucks and outdoor equipment, there’s something for every adventurer and enthusiast.
Of course, no Cape Winelands event would be complete without delicious food, award-winning wines, and unique handcrafted goods — including perfect gift ideas for Father’s Day.
All of this is set to the soundtrack of an incredible line-up of local talent. I’m especially looking forward to the live entertainment — I know I’ll be tapping my toes along with many of you!
The Cape Winelands District Municipality is proud to host this event, which not only celebrates our vibrant district but also creates meaningful opportunities for local SMMEs. Through subsidised ticket prices and affordable exhibition space, we aim to ensure that the Expo is accessible and beneficial for all.
It is with great pride and joy that I invite you to join us! Don’t miss out — book your tickets now via Webtickets, and stand the chance of winning some great prizes! Or simply purchase them at the gate. Visit our website, www.autumnexpo.co.za, and click on Worcester Tourism to find budgetfriendly accommodation options and make a weekend of it.
You’ll find the programme, ticket details, and plenty of useful information throughout the pages of this special Expo edition.
See you there!
Executive Mayor, Ald. (Dr) Elna von Schlicht
Uitvoerende Burgemeester, Ald. Antoinette Steyn
The Breede River’s Lifeline Coldest Wine Area in South Africa cht
Welkom in die warm hart van die Wes-Kaap –Worcester!
Dit is vir ons heerlik om jou te verwelkom by die Wynland se Herfs-ekspo 2025, 'n viering van kultuur, avontuur en die natuurlike skoonheid wat ons streek werklik onvergeetlik maak.
Ons pragtige dorp, Worcester, geleë in die asemrowende Breedevallei en omring deur majestueuse berge en florerende wingerde, bied 'n unieke poort na die Kaapse Wynlande en verder.
Of jy nou hier is om te sien wat is alles hier beskikbaar, of jy hier is om te netwerk of om jou besigheid ten toon te stel, hierdie ekspo is jou geleentheid om kontak te maak met passievolle besigheidsmense, plaaslike ambagsmanne en medereisigers van regoor die land en ja, selfs die wêreld! Vanjaar se ekspo beloof 'n ryk vertoonvenster van toerisme-ervarings – van eko-avonture en kulinêre
lekkernye tot kulturele erfenis en gemeenskapsgebaseerde toerisme. Dan het ons nog nie eens gepraat oor die wonderlike klomp kunstenaars wat ons die voorreg sal hê om te aanskou nie ... Ons moedig jou aan om jouself aan die uitstallings te vergaap, ons hartlike plaaslike gasvryheid te beleef en die outentieke sjarme van Worcester te ontdek.
Terwyl ons hier bymekaarkom om stories, idees en innovasies te deel, laat ons herinner word aan die krag van toerisme om gemeenskappe op te hef, werk te skep en wedersydse begrip oor kulture heen te bevorder.
Dankie dat jy deel word van hierdie reis. Ek hoop jou tyd hier is inspirerend, produktief en gevul met onvergeetlike ervarings.
Welkom by Worcester – waar jou volgende avontuur begin!
Uitvoerende Burgemeester, Ald. Antoinette Steyn
5 Facts about the Breede Valley
1 2 4 3 5
The Breede Valley is part of the Cape Winelands District, making it one of South Africa’s most fertile and productive wine regions. It’s famous for Chenin Blanc, Colombar, and Chardonnay, as well as sweet fortified wines.
Wine Heartland of the Cape Where Mountains Meet Valleys
The valley is dramatically framed by the Hex River Mountains and Slanghoek Mountains, creating a picturesque landscape of vineyards, orchards, and rugged peaks.
The Hex River Valley, part of Breede Valley, is one of the coldest wine-producing areas in the country, perfect for growing table grapes and crisp wines with vibrant acidity.
Rich in Culture & Heritage he
The Breede River, one of the longest rivers in the Western Cape, runs through the valley and is vital for irrigation, agriculture, and eco-tourism, offering activities like river rafting and fishing.
The area is home to historic towns like Worcester, Rawsonville, and De Doorns, with Cape Dutch architecture, museums, and thriving local arts scenes that celebrate both the agricultural and indigenous heritage.
Something for Everyone / Iets vir Almal
The Winelands Autumn Expo has so much to offer — from boba tea, milkshakes, coffee, and cappuccinos to soft drinks, new, old, and sparkly wines in red, white, and rosé! Gins, a whiskey or two, and some limoncello too. Of sommer net ’n lekker koue biertjie! Als is hier, kom proe gerus!
Vir die wat dit verkies om buite te wees, is daar nogal ‘n klompie spesiale goedjies… For the campers and adventurers: outdoor and camping gear, tools, handmade pans, and knives. There are cars and SUVs, bicycles, and all kinds of wheels.
In the tent, one hundred stalls await! Leather bags in all shapes and sizes, and destinations to explore. Art in every form. Bespoke handmade baby clothes and gorgeously restored “slightly worn” wear, even jackets and coats to make up a pair. Stunning earrings and a couple of gifts for later this year. Van kuns tot klere, geskenke en unieke goed kom pronk by die Winelands Autumn Expo!
For things to see and do, we’ve got you covered too! Show some muscle and take on a firefighter at the high striker or climb into the back of a campervan. Snap a selfie on the 360° cam or strike a pose in the photo booth.
Bring the kids! There are plenty of things for them to shop for too — candyfloss, toys, and treats galore. And when their pocket money runs out and the parents need a break, the free kids’ entertainment and activity ‘drop-and-play’ zone includes professional childminders and lots of exciting things to play on, in, and around.
Wees maar net gewarsku, kom tog honger, daar is 20 kosstalletjies van biltong tot sptibraai en samosas, pies en tjips tot fyn proewers kerrie,oorgenoeg vir ‘n tong tippie toets! Vir die tieners is die wifi gratis en die vermaak is reg!
Get your tickets at Webtickets today, fill the car up with the family and friends and make your way to the most epic of expos!
Supporting our planet, supporting our charity
The Winelands Autumn Expo is not only about sales, business and the promotion of destinations! The Steering Committee also has a strong belief in developing sustainable and environmentally supported programmes.
Firstly, we host this event at the beautiful sports grounds of the Montana High School. Through this partnership the school raises much needed funding that is directly ploughed back into the support of our future leaders, sports stars, academics, business owners and parents. The school-governing body runs the bar, manages parking and sells ice and water to further boost this funding opportunity.
We extend a big thank you to APL Cartons for the sponsorship of our cardboard waste paper bins, these are not only eco-friendly but are lightweight enough to be moved around so that there is no litter at all!
We take the waste management of the event very seriously, and are happy to share that this year all the recyclable waste, tins and glass will go toward the recycling project run by the Worcester
PARKING AREA
Noord NG Kerk. The contribution from this waste project will go a long way in boosting the income at the church so that they can continue with their projects that support people in need.
And, just a step further, there are a number of exhibitors and vendors who manufacture their products from things others throw away, glasses from recycled glass, art from old laptops and furniture from pallets. Visit the Expo to see even more!
On a smaller but as important factor is the sponsorship of the stand for the Guide Dog Association of South Africa. Worcester is known as the care capital of South Africa, and as such we are very happy to offer this association the opportunity to promote the work that they do at our Expo. Of course, we did insist that they need to bring along a basket of puppies, everybody loves puppies!
There are many ways in which an event like the Winelands Autumn Expo benefits a town, area, district, but we are exceptionally proud that we are going that extra mile and supporting long term projects that define legends far into the future.
We hope you join us!
WAE Steering Committee
Performers Who Bring the Wowto the Winelands
In Afrikaans, there is a wellknown poem, Sproeireën The poet, D.J. Opperman, equates lovely aromas to the women in his life — naartjie reminds him of his girlfriend, while cinnamon evokes his grandmother.
Terwyl ons nie 100% seker kan wees wat hierdie bekroonde digter sou sê van Bok van Blerk se “wys my jou lemoene” nie, is ons wel 100% seker dat elke persoon wat die musiek en opvoerings by die Winelands Autumn Expo 2025 ervaar, dit ten volle gaan geniet — met stof wat opskop en hande wat klap!
The performances kick off just after the official opening at 12:00 on Friday, 30 May, with an energetic marimba band — and it doesn’t stop until 21:00 that evening! We have a remarkable line-up, from newcomer JP Zeelie, all the way through to the experienced and wellknown performer Early B!
Then there are the ones providing something a little bit different: Die Piesangskille, Aletta Francina, and Dodo Nyoka will definitely have you dancing up a storm!
On Saturday morning, the entertainment is focused on the under-12s. Lollos will be joined by a whole bunch of friends to enjoy a dance performance by the McGregor School of Dance. Kids will be thrilled by Regardt the Magician, who will be followed by one of the current favourites — Kurt Darren and his Hop, hop, spinnekop!
Kom kuier saam met Rudi Page en Juan de Jong terwyl ons die Saterdagmiddag geniet, met klanke van Just Friends, Jeodhouse, Fagrie Isaacs, Tino Siege en meer — voordat ons onsself wipwarm dans saam met Bok van Blerk!
All of the above is included in your ticket price! So, get your tickets now and stand a chance to win! Weekend tickets are R160, day tickets R100, and teens R40. Kiddos under 12 enter for free.
Lollos
Melissa Jane Music
Ronnie Apollis Ronnie
Regardt the Magician the
Die Piesangskille
Rudi Page Rudi Page Juan de Jong Juan de Jong
Just Friends Just Drum Café Drum
Marimba Band
First Step First Ballet Group Ballet Group Siyaphambili
Aletta Francina
Tino Singe Tino
Jeodhouse ESP
DJ Mshira DJ
Fagrie Isaacs Isaacs
Ruan Theron Ruan
Early B B
Dodo Nyoka Dodo
Kurt Darren
Bok van Blerk van