When Wine Becomes Story – First Wine Tasting Of 2026 with TOPS at SUPERSPAR St Francis Bay

by SFT | Feb 4, 2026 | St Francis

Some evenings linger long after the last glass is poured. Not because of what was drunk, but because of what was shared, stories of place, people and purpose. The first wine tasting hosted by SUPERSPAR TOPS St Francis Bay was one of those evenings, where wine became more than a label and every pour carried a sense of origin.

A STORY ROOTED IN PLACE

There’s something quietly special about walking into a wine tasting where you don’t feel rushed, sold to or overwhelmed. The first wine tasting for 2026 set the tone from the start, relaxed, considered and with the focus not just on the wine, but the stories that contributed to making it what it is today.

The tasting showcased Weltevrede, a family-owned estate rooted in Robertson and guided by generations of the Jonker family. It’s the kind of wine farm where history isn’t framed on walls but poured into glasses. Weltevrede’s story stretches back to the early days of South African wine, with a philosophy that respects tradition while remaining quietly curious about place, soil and time.

As the tasting unfolded, it became clear that this was not about rushing through labels or ticking boxes. Each wine carried its own narrative, from Chardonnay shaped by Robertson’s distinctive limestone-rich soils to reds allowed the patience of proper ageing. There was talk of underground cellars, amphorae and wines made to evolve rather than impress immediately. These are wines that reward attention.

One of the most compelling moments centred on Calcrete, a wine named not after a style or varietal trend, but after the calcrete-rich soils of the Robertson region itself. Calcrete refers to the calcium-rich limestone formations that define the area and play a significant role in the structure, freshness and longevity of the wines. Linking the wine to after a key ingredient supplied by the region’s geology sets it aside. Wine producers in the calcrete rich soils of Robertson have agreed to highlight this distinguishing factor and feature their products by identifying selected wines with “Calcrete” in the same font on their labels.

PEOPLE BEHIND THE LABEL

The culture of care that permeates through the estate is further demonstrated by the back label on the Place of Rocks bottle, where every employee’s name on the Estate is listed. The quiet gesture of appreciation from the Jonker family was a detail that resonated with the wine tasters. This is an acknowledgment of appreciation from the Jonker family for the long-term commitment and hard work in creating great wines.

Each wine tasting hosted by TOPS at SUPERSPAR St Francis Bay is deliberately different. All of the wine tastings that are scheduled for the year will be from estates that have not presented before. This way the Tasters are continuously being introduced to something different

Known for its wines, TOPS at SUPERSPAR St Francis Bay, has curated a significant collection of leading South African wines from estates recognised at both South African and international wine awards.  It has quietly become a destination for wine lovers who value depth, provenance and discovery.

AN EVENING DESIGNED TO LINGER

Later in the evening, a snack menu prepared by SUPERSPAR St Francis Bay complemented the tasting. Small plates were designed to pair easily with the wines, generous without distracting from what was in the glass and perfectly suited to an evening of conversation and discovery.

To be part of the TOPS wine tasting evenings, customers can sign up in-store at TOPS at SUPERSPAR St Francis Bay and keep an eye on in-store notices and social media for upcoming events and booking details.

The standout on the calendar is the Calamari Classic Wine Tasting event on 24 September, where wine, local flavour and one of St Francis Bay’s most celebrated events come together in a way that feels grounded, generous and distinctly local.

If the Weltevrede evening was anything to go by, these tastings are not about trends or theatrics. They’re about good wine, carefully chosen, shared in good company — and about giving wine lovers access to bottles and stories they may not encounter anywhere else.

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Wine on Water – St Francis Bay 27-28 February. Saturday is sold out, so time to move.

by SFT | Feb 4, 2026 | St Francis

Friday tickets are still available, and if you know this event, you know that means move quickly.

Wine on Water is one of those St Francis Bay weekends that gathers momentum early and never really slows down. The canals stay busy, the decks stay full, and the conversations roll from boat to boat until sunset. It is social, fast-moving, and properly fun in a way that does not need dressing up.

This is not a sit-and-sip affair. You are on the water, on your feet, and in the mix. Every stop feels different, every crossing resets the energy, and by mid-afternoon, the whole system is humming.

Friday tickets are R600. Saturday, as always, went first.

Registration is at the Small Boat Harbour, 15 La Digue Place on the Canals. Wristbands and tasting kits are collected there before heading out. Water taxis operate from 11 am through to sunset, with pick-ups at the Small Boat Harbour, The Cove on Shore Road, and participating decks.

Over 18s only. Pets stay at home.

Wine on Water is run by the Rotary Club of St Francis, and the town shows up for it every time. If Friday is your option, grab it.

Tickets on Quicket