Forget the typical weekend of wine tasting—Hazendal Wine Estate in Stellenbosch is taking things to a new level with the Hazendal Festival, an art and cultural event that the whole family can enjoy. Taking place from Friday, 4 October to Sunday, 6 October 2024, this inaugural festival will celebrate the theme of soil, exploring its significance as life-sustaining organic material.

Curator Khanyisile Mbongwa will lead the festival, which takes inspiration from the Nguni proverb, “Belele nje, Abathulunga” (They may be asleep, but they are not quiet). Artists, scientists, spiritual healers, and cultural innovators will present site-specific work engaging with the land and soil.

Here are ten events not to miss at the Hazendal Festival | Soil Edition:

1. Where the Art Is

The festival will feature commissioned art pieces from South African artists, including sculptures by Thania Petersen and live interventions by Sethembile Msezane. Sisonke Papu’s installation "ISIKHUMBUZ: Pillar of Remembrance" will explore the relationship between humanity, nature, and the cosmos through indigenous knowledge and spirituality. Art lovers can also visit the gallery exhibition featuring works by Lady Skollie, Inga Somdyala, Warren Maroon, and Stephané E. Conradie.

2. Soil, Symposium, and Science

A three-day symposium will bring together artists, academics, and scientists to discuss land, heritage, and shared responsibility. Facilitated by curator Lungi Morrison, the symposium will feature thought leaders like Professor Sechaba Bareetseng and Simeon Materechera, exploring our emotional and intellectual connection to land.

3. Storytelling Through Dance

Choreographer Luke de Kock will bring the Camissa Heritage Tour to the festival, narrating the story of indigenous Cape communities through dance. De Kock will also lead a short Camissa Dance workshop during the symposium.

4. For the Littlest Members of the Family

The festival offers an exciting children’s programme with workshops led by visual artist Faatimah Mohamed-Luke, fostering creativity and environmental connection. Activities will run alongside the main festival events at Wonderdal, Hazendal's interactive children’s edutainment centre.

5. Food and Wine

Hazendal’s long tradition of crafting wines will take centre stage with a special home-grown dinner by Chef Vusi Ndlovu and Chef Michelle Theron. A wine and vodka tasting with artist Queezy Babaz will add a playful element to the festival, bridging fine art, fashion, and performance.

6. Hands-On Workshops

Interactive workshops will give attendees the chance to learn by doing. Tapiwa Guzha, founder of Tapi Tapi Ice Cream, will host a food workshop engaging participants on Afro-identities, colonial legacies, and the power of storytelling through cuisine.

7. Film Screenings

A weekend lineup of short film screenings will showcase unique storytelling through film. Highlights include Lerato Shadi’s Motlhaba Wa Re Ke Namile, which combines elements of South Africa’s cultural landscape with animation and magical realism.

8. A Special Edition Hazendal MCC Label

For wine enthusiasts, a special edition Hazendal MCC label designed by artist Athi-Patra Ruga will be launched. Ruga’s colourful, dreamlike imagery will grace the bottles, turning them into collectable art pieces.

9. Hazendal Picnic Baskets

Relax and enjoy a Hazendal picnic basket while taking in the outdoor art and live music. Filled with artisan breads, fresh salads, cheeses, and snacks, these picnics are the perfect complement to a day of art and culture.

10. Into the Night

As the sun sets, the festival continues with live music and DJs Daddy, Gontse, and Ghost Bunny playing afro and deep house beats. Food and drink pairings will reflect the rich connection between soil and sustenance, creating a perfect end to the festival.

The Hazendal Festival | Soil Edition promises to be a unique blend of art, culture, and community, set against the stunning backdrop of the Stellenbosch wine region.

For tickets and more information, visit Hazendal’s official website.

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