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Expect More at the 3rd Winelands Autumn Expo!

This Winelands Autumn Expo promises bold celebration of flavour, culture and craft.

Take a bold step into the adventure of the Winelands Autumn Expo, where visitors can taste, explore, experience and celebrate the magic of the Cape Winelands in one vibrant space. The highly anticipated Expo, now in its third year, will take place in Worcester on 29 and 30 May 2026.

Launched in 2024, the event has quickly established itself as a highlight on the rural events calendar. During its inaugural year, the Expo welcomed 3 500 visitors and 68 stalls, including outdoor exhibitors. In 2025, the event grew significantly, attracting 5 000 guests and 120 stalls and outdoor exhibits.

For 2026, the organisers are refining the concept to further enhance the visitor experience. Plans include additional seating areas, a refreshed entertainment programme and improved, safer child-minding and children’s entertainment facilities, ensuring that families can comfortably enjoy the event while exploring everything the Expo has to offer.

The Winelands Autumn Expo is supported through a collaboration between the Cape Winelands District and Breede Valley Municipalities and continues to build on its vision of creating a welcoming platform where local crafters, businesses, producers and entertainers can showcase their talents while celebrating the region’s flavours, culture and craftsmanship.

The Cape Winelands District Municipality invests R2.8 million in subsidising the event, helping to keep participation costs low for vendors while also supporting the infrastructure, marketing and overall visitor experience.

“The Winelands Autumn Expo is an important platform for local economic development and rural tourism,” says the Executive Mayor of the Cape Winelands, Ald (Dr) Elna von Schlicht.

Ticket prices have been kept as accessible as possible, with free entry for children under 12 and only R100 for adults, making it one of the most affordable large-scale events in the country.

Alongside top-class entertainment, visitors can enjoy quirky highlights such as a pancake-eating competition, exciting prize giveaways and, while stocks last, a commemorative stemless wine glass.

The Expo offers a true 360° showcase of the Winelands and its produce. From award-winning wines and craft spirits to artisan bakes, bold sauces and broody olives, visitors can also browse a diverse selection of handcrafted goods — including baby clothing, jewellery, art, braai accessories and much more.

Visitors are encouraged to follow Winelands Autumn Expo on social media and visit the website at AutumnExpo.co.za for the latest programme updates, announcements and event information.

A word from the Mayor Uit die Burgemeester se pen

Executive

Dear Expo Visitors,

It gives me great pleasure to invite you to the 3rd Annual Winelands Autumn Expo.

When we first dreamed of creating a uniquely Cape Winelands Expo, we never imagined how quickly it would grow into such a highly anticipated event on our regional calendar. Today, the Expo is not only a celebration of our people, products and talent, but also a reflection of the resilience and spirit of the Cape Winelands.

As we prepare for this year’s event, we also pause to acknowledge the devastating weather that affected our district earlier this month. Every corner of the Cape Winelands felt the impact in some way, and many families, businesses and tourism establishments continue to face difficult challenges in the aftermath. Our thoughts remain with everyone affected. Yet, even in difficult times, communities need moments of hope, connection and celebration.

And that is exactly what awaits on 29 and 30 May 2026, when Worcester once again comes alive with the excitement, energy and atmosphere that the Expo brings. This year promises to be bigger, better and more enjoyable than ever before.

The upcoming Winelands Autumn Expo is set to bring more than flavour, culture and craft to Worcester this year - it also brings a message of hope, resilience and community spirit for the people of the Cape Winelands.

Following the devastating floods that affected many families, farms and businesses across the Winelands recently, the Expo arrives at an important moment for the region. While communities continue to recover and rebuild, the event offers an opportunity for residents to come together, support local businesses and celebrate the strength that defines the Cape Winelands.

Mayor, Ald. (Dr) Elna von Schlicht

Uitvoerende Burgemeester, Ald. Antoinette Steyn c

ht

We have carefully refined the layout and programme to ensure there is truly something for everyone. I am especially looking forward to visiting the more than 100 stalls showcasing some of the very best products, flavours and experiences from across the Cape Winelands — and even a few from beyond our borders! I cannot wait to reconnect with returning exhibitors and discover the exciting new stalls joining us this year.

Families and children are also in for a treat, with five dedicated kids’ tents offering everything from supervised, age-appropriate play areas to glitter tattoos, candy floss and engaging sensory play experiences.

And of course, our entertainment line-up is absolutely top-class and guaranteed to keep toes tapping throughout the weekend. I am particularly excited to see what our guest chef will be creating!

We look forward to welcoming you to the 3rd Winelands Autumn Expo as we celebrate the people, creativity and community spirit that make our district so special.

See you there!

Elna

Executive Mayor, Ald. (Dr) Elna von Schlicht

Dit is vir my ’n besondere voorreg om, namens die mense van die Breedevallei Munisipaliteit, al die uitstallers, wynliefhebbers, bedryfsleiers, toeriste en gaste hartlik welkom te heet by die 3de Winelands Autumn Expo hier in die hart van die pragtige Breedevallei.

Vanjaar se ekspo vind plaas enkele weke nadat ons hele Breedevalleigemeenskap een van die mees verwoestende vloede in ons geskiedenis beleef het, ’n tragedie wat sommige van ons inwoners haweloos gelaat het, terwyl ander tragies hul lewens verloor het.

Ten spyte hiervan staan ons as die Breedevallei-gemeenskap saam, vasbeslote om ons gemeenskappe te herbou en sterker as ooit tevore terug te keer, sodat ons steeds internasionaal erken kan word vir ons asemrowende landskappe, ryk landbou-erfenis en wêreldklas wyne.

Geleenthede soos die Winelands Autumn Expo bied nie net ’n platform om die uitsonderlike vakmanskap van ons plaaslike wynprodusente ten toon te stel nie, maar vier ook die passie,

innovasie en toewyding wat ons streek as een van Suid-Afrika se voorste wynbestemmings onderskei. Hierdie ekspo is veel meer as net ’n viering van uitstekende wyne, dit is ’n platform wat ekonomiese groei stimuleer, toerisme bevorder, geleenthede vir plaaslike besighede skep en die bande binne ons gemeenskap versterk.

Dit is deur vennootskappe tussen regering, die bedryf en ons inwoners dat ons voortgaan om die Breedevallei as ’n bestemming van uitnemendheid te posisioneer.

Aan al ons besoekers moedig ek u aan om te ontdek, te proe, kontak te maak en die unieke gasvryheid te ervaar wat ons vallei definieer.

Aan ons uitstallers en organiseerders, baie dankie vir u toewyding om die beste van ons streek ten toon te stel. Mag hierdie geleentheid gevul wees met onvergeetlike ervarings, betekenisvolle verbintenisse en voortgesette sukses vir ons wynbedryf.

Welkom in die Breedevallei, waar uitnemendheid gekweek word en elke glas ’n storie vertel.

Uitvoerende Burgemeester, Ald. Antoinette Steyn

Rising Strong: The Cape Winelands Spirit

From farmers and entrepreneurs to local artists and families, the people of the valley continue to stand together through difficult times.

The Winelands Autumn Expo aims to honour that spirit by creating a space filled with warmth, connection and local pride. Every ticket purchased and every stall visited helps support local businesses, producers and creators from the region.

Organisers say this year’s Expo is not only about showcasing the best of the Winelands, but also about reminding the community of what can be achieved when people stand together. As Worcester and the greater Cape Winelands recover from the recent floods, the Expo serves as a celebration of perseverance, unity and the enduring spirit of the people who call this region home.

EVEN MORE TO EXPLORE Smell. Touch.

The Expo showcases the very best of the Cape Winelands, and this year’s vendors are set to be bigger, bolder and better than ever before. Expect more flavour, more fun, more shopping and more experiences around every corner.

Our dedicated food court will feature more than 20 food vendors, ready to take your tastebuds on a journey around the world. From tangy Thai and irresistible Italian favourites to smashing burgers and delicious donuts, there’s something for every craving. Maybe you’re in the mood for something spicy from India, authentic Chinese flavours from Hong Kong, or a fluffy bao bun that melts in your mouth. Add chips on a stick, colourful candy floss and sweet treats galore, and your tummy will definitely be spoiled for choice!

Inside the giant expo tent, one hundred stalls will keep you browsing for hours. Sample wines, red, white and rosé discover handcrafted gins, and stock up on chilli sauces, chimichurris, jams and honey-based products. There’ll be beautiful handmade décor for the home, unique gifts, handcrafted pans and braai tongs for Dad, and plenty of surprises in between.

Feeling adventurous? Maybe this is the year you finally get that tattoo you’ve been thinking about! Browse fancy baked goods, try something called “Fodge”, hunt for retro records and cassette tapes, or grab a fresh cup of coffee while you explore.

And when it’s time to rest your feet, the entertainment continues all around you. Keep an eye out for ladies on stilts, shaggy disco suits and plenty of quirky characters roaming the grounds. The popular 360º camera is back, so come ready to laugh, dance and strike a pose!

Join the pancake-eating competition, watch a live demonstration and learn to cook something new; there truly is something happening everywhere you turn. The kids haven’t been forgotten either! With five dedicated kids’ tents and food trucks packed with all their favourites, the little ones will have plenty to keep them smiling.

Explore caravans, test a drone, discover outdoor exhibits and enjoy even more surprises beyond the main tents. And remember, rain or shine, we’ve got you covered. Bring your bank card, as no cash will be accepted, and enjoy free parking on the grounds this year.

Satisfy your senses and discover more at the 3rd Winelands Autumn Expo!

Hear. Taste. See.

JAFFE’S

GOURMET SALT

INERY W R ERY Y IN

LOCAL TOURISM ASSOCIATIONS

WE ARE THE CAPE WINELANDS

Nestled among dramatic mountain ranges and fertile valleys, the Cape Winelands is one of South Africa’s most celebrated regions, famous for its wines, hospitality, fresh produce and picturesque countryside.

Abracadabra!

Families can also expect magical moments for younger visitors with a special children’s magic show packed with interactive tricks, surprises and comedy. The show promises to keep children entertained while parents take time to explore the many stalls and exhibits on offer.

Flippin’ Fantastic Fun with Pancakes

One of the brand-new attractions this year is the Expo’s first-ever pancake-eating competition, where brave contestants will race against the clock to finish towering stacks of pancakes. The light-hearted challenge is expected to bring plenty of laughter, excitement and friendly rivalry for both participants and spectators.

Elevating the Everyday

Visitors to this year’s Expo can look forward to an exciting live food demonstration by Chef Matthew Dreyden, who is known for turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. With his creative flair and passion for bold flavours, Chef Matthew will showcase how simple, everyday ingredients can be transformed into unforgettable dishes. Food lovers can expect an inspiring culinary experience filled with practical tips, delicious ideas and plenty of flavour-packed inspiration.

FRIDAY PROGRAMME

MAY 30 29

MAY

SATURDAY PROGRAMME

15:00 Opening

15:20 TBC (watch our socials)

16:00 The Fantastics

17:00 Just Friends

18:00 Millennium

19:00 Jakkals Vibes

20:00 Spoegwolf

10:00 Gates Open

10:30 First Step Ballet Group

11:00 Regardt the Magician

11:30 Robbie Wessels

12:30 Food Demo - Matthew Dreyden

13:15 Pancake Eating Contest

14:00 Belinda Davids

15:00 New Strings Band

16:00 Klipwerf Orkes

17:00 Major 5

18:00 Jeodhouse

19:00 TBC

20:00 Juan Boucher

EXPECT MORE ENTERTAINMENT

’n Makietie soos min, rock ’n roll, soul, and plenty of gees for all ages!

This year, we’ve gone all out to bring you one of the best entertainment line-ups the Winelands has ever seen. From feelgood family fun to dance-floor favourites and proudly South African legends, the 3rd Winelands Autumn Expo promises a weekend where the whole town can sing along, clap hands and celebrate together.

Friday afternoon kicks off with local artist, setting the tone before The Fantastics take to the stage. Grab a sundowner, settle in with friends and sing Pancake-eating Competition

along to the ever-popular Just Friends and Millennium Band as the Expo comes alive with music, laughter and excitement. As the evening rolls in, DJ sensation Jakkals Vibes gets the crowd moving before the famous crew from Spoegwolf storms the stage to bring the first day to a rocking close.

Saturday morning belongs to the families and little ones, with a softer start filled with smiles and excitement. The stage comes alive with the graceful ballet dancers from McGregor, followed by a magical performance from magician Regardt Laubscher that is sure to amaze young and old alike.

Then it’s time for pure South African fun as Robbie Wessels takes to the stage to entertain crowds of all ages before brave pancake eaters go head-to-head against the clock!

We slow things down a little with celebrated chef Matt Dreyden of Wolfgat fame, who will demonstrate how to turn ordinary ingredients into something truly extraordinary. After lunch, the energy rises once more when South Africa’s own Whitney Houston, Belinda Davids, takes to the stage and gets everybody “dancing with somebody”! While the excitement is still high, the dance floor opens for the New Strings Langarm Band

before the much-loved Klipwerf Orkes brings their unmistakable sound and infectious energy to the Expo grounds. Late afternoon cools down with relaxed rhythms before the party starts building again with Jeodhouse. As night falls, the wildly popular Juan Boucher takes us to the spectacular close of the 3rd Winelands Autumn Expo — in true Winelands style!

So gather your family, call your friends and come experience the music, memories and magic that make this Expo unforgettable. Don’t miss a thing, get your tickets from Webtickets. A weekend pass at just R180 gives you access to the entire entertainment experience!

the Magician First Step First Ballet Group Food Demo Demo with Chef Matt