Chefs & Chenin uncorks an exciting wine line-up led by Pick n Pay on Nicol
From Swartland old vines and Stellenbosch Chenin to fine French wines and international discoveries, the inaugural festival brings an exciting wine line-up to Johannesburg…
From Swartland old vines and Stellenbosch Chenin to fine French wines and international discoveries, the inaugural festival brings an exciting wine line-up to Johannesburg
JOHANNESBURG. 14 SEPTEMBER: Johannesburg is getting ready for a weekend of fire, food, and wine as Chefs & Chenin confirms an exciting selection of wine exhibitors and distributors for its inaugural festival at Crawford International Sandton College on 26 and 27 September 2026.
At the heart of the wine experience will be Pick n Pay on Nicol, which will host the festival’s main Chenin Cellar Experience, giving guests the opportunity to explore the versatility of one of South Africa’s most celebrated grape varieties.
The festival’s wine offering will extend beyond Chenin, with boutique South African producers, historic estates, Black-owned wine brands, international imports, Champagne and fine French wines adding depth to the experience.
Pick n Pay on Nicol brings the main Chenin experience
Pick n Pay on Nicol will be the main Chenin partner at Chefs & Chenin, anchoring the festival’s dedicated Chenin Cellar Experience.
The experience will celebrate Chenin Blanc in all its versatility – from fresh, vibrant expressions to more complex wines shaped by vineyard location, age and winemaking approach.
With Chenin Blanc firmly established as one of South Africa’s signature varieties, the Cellar Experience will give festival-goers an opportunity to taste, discover and compare different expressions while enjoying the food and live-fire cooking taking place across the festival.
A taste of Wellington and the Piekenierskloof
Wine Theatre, represented by Jenny Pritchard, will bring a taste of Wellington to Chefs & Chenin, including wines from Piekenierskloof.
Piekenierskloof is particularly known for its old-vine Grenache, while its Chenin Blanc benefits from vineyards planted at high altitudes. The wines offer another perspective on the diversity of South African wine country and the way elevation and terroir can influence the character of a wine.
Swartland family wines
Blake’s Family Wines will showcase its boutique, family-produced wines from the Swartland.
Represented by Marinda Blake, the producer focuses on quality-driven wines that reflect the character and terroir of the Swartland, one of South Africa’s most distinctive wine regions.
For festival-goers, the presence of Blake’s Family Wines adds another opportunity to explore the personality of smaller, family-led wine producers.
A world of wines
Wines of the World will broaden the festival’s wine journey beyond South Africa.
Represented by Bronwyn, the specialist importer brings exclusive international wines to the local market through a selection that changes regularly. Its presence at Chefs & Chenin will give guests the opportunity to explore wines from outside the country’s traditional wine regions and discover international styles alongside South African favourites.
From the Franschhoek Valley
Allée Bleue Wine Estate will bring the heritage and character of the Franschhoek Valley to the festival.
The historic estate produces a broad portfolio ranging from fresh white wines to robust red blends, with its wines having received international recognition.
Representatives Juliana Bernardo, Frits Brune and Edmund Taljard will represent Allée Bleue at Chefs & Chenin.
Black-owned wine on the table
Imvula Wines will add another important voice to the festival’s wine offering.
The 100% Black-owned wine brand was established by Siyabonga Mvula and offers approachable wines from its base between Robertson and KwaZulu-Natal.
Its participation reflects the growing diversity of South Africa’s wine industry and the importance of creating platforms where emerging and established wine brands can meet new audiences.
A taste of France
For guests looking to explore beyond South African wines, Premier Cru Wines will bring a selection of fine French wines to Chefs & Chenin.
Represented by Hervé Delabesse, the specialist importer focuses on exclusive Champagne houses and fine French wine, adding an international luxury dimension to the festival’s wine programme.
Stellenbosch Chenin meets sustainability
Cavalli Estate will bring its premium boutique wines from Stellenbosch to the festival.
Represented by Monet Janse van Rensburg, Cavalli Estate is a member of the Chenin Blanc Association and is known for its focus on premium wines and sustainable practices.
Its presence further strengthens the festival’s focus on Chenin Blanc while showcasing the diversity of wines coming out of the Stellenbosch region.
More to discover
Math and Co, represented by Given Moreke, will also form part of the confirmed wine offering at Chefs & Chenin, adding another layer to the festival’s selection of wine and beverage experiences.
Together, the exhibitors create a wine programme designed to encourage discovery – from the main Chenin Cellar Experience at Pick n Pay on Nicol to boutique producers, historic estates, Black-owned brands and international imports.
Where fire, food and wine meet
The wine programme forms part of a larger festival experience built around the connection between open-fire cooking, wine, music and community.
Chefs & Chenin will bring renowned chefs into a live festival environment where guests can watch culinary talent work over open flames while exploring a curated selection of wines.
The festival will also feature a Harvest Market, live entertainment and a dedicated kids entertainment zone, making it an experience designed for food and wine lovers as well as groups and families.
With Pick n Pay on Nicol leading the main Chenin Cellar Experience and an increasingly diverse selection of producers and importers joining the line-up, Chefs & Chenin is set to give Johannesburg a weekend of serious wine discovery alongside the spectacle of live-fire cooking.
Chefs & Chenin is a two-day culinary and wine experience celebrating two of South Africa’s great food traditions – cooking over fire and Chenin Blanc. Taking place on 26 and 27 September 2026 at Crawford International Sandton College, the festival brings together acclaimed chefs, live-fire cooking, wine experiences, music, local producers and family entertainment.
The chef line-up includes Chef Tebogo Morgan of CRAVINGS, Gourmet Rainbow Cuisine; Executive Chef Mahalia Jackson of Added Touch Catering & Events; Jacques Venter of Pick n Pay on Nicol / Thyme; Saviour Moyo; and Argentine-born chef Juan Andres Vais of African Gaucho, who brings more than two decades of experience cooking over fire and the traditions of Argentine gaucho cuisine to the festival.
CHEFS & CHENIN
Event: Chefs & Chenin Festival
Dates: 26 -27 September 2026
Venue: Crawford International Sandton College
Presented in partnership with: Kaya 959
Experience includes: Live-fire cooking, tasting meals, pop-up restaurants, curated Chenin Blanc tastings, Harvest Market, live music,and a kids’ entertainment zone.
Kids admission includes a meal.
Tickets are available through Webtickets:
https://www.webtickets.co.za/
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