If you needed a reason to escape to Kenton on Sea for a long weekend, we’ve got one—the Great Kenton Wine Festival. Sun, sea, sand, and some of the best wines South Africa has to offer!
Kenton on Sea, lovingly known as the Barefoot Capital, is where time slows down, conversations flow easily, and every sunset feels like a masterpiece. It’s where nature and good living meet—and for one special weekend in March, it’s where wine lovers gather to sip, savour, and celebrate.
Wine Tasting in The Barefoot Capital
Some places have a way of slowing you down—in the best possible way. Kenton on Sea is one of them. Tucked between the Bushmans and Kariega Rivers on South Africa’s Sunshine Coast, this little coastal gem is where long beach walks, river adventures, and lazy afternoons are pretty much a way of life.
They call it the Barefoot Capital, and for good reason. Here, shoes are optional, but a sense of adventure is a must. Whether kayaking through winding estuaries, spotting wildlife in a nearby game reserve, or just sinking your toes into soft golden sand, Kenton makes it easy to forget the rest of the world exists.
It’s where mornings start with a swim, afternoons are for sundowners by the river, and every sunset feels like a scene from a postcard.
Add in a friendly local vibe, great food, and events like the Great Kenton Wine Festival, and you’ve got all the makings of a trip you’ll want to repeat—again and again.
The Great Kenton Wine Festival Weekend
For three days in March, Kenton on Sea becomes a wine lover’s paradise. From March 20–22, 2025, 35 of South Africa’s top wineries will pour their best, giving you the perfect excuse to sip, swirl, and stock up on new favourites.
Your festival ticket gets you into the daily tastings (14:00–17:00) at the Kenton Bowls, Tennis, and Deep Sea clubs, where you can sample incredible wines and chat with the people behind them.
But that’s just the start—fringe events bring even more to the table, from food and wine pairings to scenic river cruises with a wine twist. Whether you’re here to learn, taste, or just soak up the good vibes, this is a weekend worth raising a glass to!
A Taste of What Awaits
With so much happening at The Great Kenton Wine Festival, it’s hard to choose just a few highlights—but here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store. And remember, this is just a taste—there’s plenty more waiting for you in Kenton on Sea!
Stellekaya Wine & Cheese Pairing – Sip, Savour, and Support
Start your day with great wine, delicious cheese, and a good cause. The Stellekaya Wine Journey is more than just a pairing—it’s a chance to explore bold, beautiful wines alongside handpicked South African cheeses, each one chosen to bring out the best in every sip.
Set in the heart of Kenton on Sea, this intimate fringe event is the perfect way to treat your taste buds while making a difference. All proceeds go to Eku Paws, supporting animal welfare in the community. So, grab a ticket, enjoy a morning of indulgence, and raise a glass to good wine and even better company!
Date: Friday, 21 March 2025
Time: 10:30 – 12.30 PM
Venue: 6 Butt Street, Kenton on Sea
Tickets: R250 per person
Book now—wine, cheese, and a little kindness make the perfect pairing!
100 Years of Pinotage – A Tasting to Remember
Pinotage turns 100 this year, and what better way to celebrate than with a special ABSA Top Ten Pinotage Tasting? Hosted by Beyers Truter, Chairman of the Pinotage Association, this session is about great wine, good stories, and exploring South Africa’s most iconic varietal.
You’ll get to taste some of the country’s finest Pinotage wines in luxury Riedel glassware—because great wine deserves the right glass. With limited seats available, this is a must for anyone who loves Pinotage (or just loves a good glass of red).
Date: Friday, 21 March 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Venue: Alex/Kenton Round Table Club House, Middle Beach
Tickets: R350 per person
Book your spot, sip some history, and enjoy a morning of top-tier Pinotage
Winemaker’s Lunch – Wine & Dine
Great wine deserves great food, and this Winemaker’s Lunch brings them together in the best way. Settle in for a sensational pairing experience, where each dish is thoughtfully matched with a hand-selected glass of Rust en Vrede or Donkiesbaai wine.
With two delicious options to choose from, plus a vegetarian alternative available on request, this is the perfect way to slow down, savour, and celebrate the flavours of the festival.
This event is hosted at the Alex/Kenton 210 Clubhouse and it’s the perfect way to wrap up your festival weekend–with good company, top-tier wines, and incredible flavours.
Date: Sunday, 23 March 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Venue: Alex/Kenton 210 Clubhouse
Tickets: R380 per person
Book your seat, bring your appetite, and toast to a weekend well spent!
Where to Stay in Kenton on Sea
At The Oyster Collection, we offer a selection of beautifully appointed homes, each designed for comfort, style, and a touch of luxury. Whether you’re here for a quick getaway or a long, lazy stay, we’ve taken care of the details so you don’t have to.
Enjoy daily housekeeping, fresh coffee and teas, and a stocked supply of firewood—because slow mornings and cosy evenings are what holidays are all about. Prefer to cook? Our fully equipped kitchens have everything you need, from a gas hob and oven to a dishwasher and laundry facilities, so you can settle in like it’s home—only better.
When it’s time to unwind, sink into soft percale cotton linen, wrap up in a bathrobe, and wake up refreshed. Stay connected with Wi-Fi, feel secure with off-street parking and an alarm system, and rest easy knowing little ones are covered with a cot, high chair, and optional pool net.
Just pack your bags—we’ve got the rest sorted. The only thing left to do is relax. Here’s a glimpse of what the Oyster Collection offers.
The Oyster Box Beach House – Bold, Beautiful, and Unforgettable
For a wine festival weekend with a view, The Oyster Box Beach House is hard to beat. Perched above the Bushman’s River Mouth, this luxurious villa offers breathtaking panoramas of the Indian Ocean, Kwaaihoek, and the river winding inland—the perfect backdrop for morning coffee or an evening glass of wine.
With four stylish bedrooms, there’s space for up to eight guests to unwind between festival events. The spacious living areas, heated plunge pool, and boma set the scene for relaxed downtime, whether you’re recapping the day’s best wines or enjoying a long, lazy dinner under the stars.
Renting the full villa gives you complete privacy and exclusivity, making it the perfect retreat after a festival-filled day of sipping, swirling, and exploring.
The Oyster Shack – A Seaside Escape for the Wine Festival
Just a short stroll from the beach and Bushman’s River, The Oyster Shack is the ideal home base for a weekend of wine, food, and coastal relaxation. Tucked away in a quiet, tree-filled setting, this beautifully decorated beach house blends vintage charm with modern comfort, creating a warm and inviting space to unwind.
With room for eight guests, it’s perfect for families or groups of friends looking to stay close to the festival while enjoying a private retreat. Spend your mornings on the sun-drenched patio, your afternoons exploring festival events, and your evenings gathered around the fireplace or outdoor entertainment area—glass of wine in hand, of course.
Inverell Station – Unwind Between Tastings
After a day of sipping and swirling at the Great Kenton Wine Festival, Inverell Station offers the perfect place to kick back and relax. Just minutes from the festival venues, beaches, and Bushman’s River, this stylish yet laid-back retreat is designed for easy living and good company.
With four spacious bedrooms, it comfortably hosts up to eight guests, making it ideal for friend groups or family getaways. The open-plan living area, complete with plush sofas, a wood-burning fireplace, and a bar, is made for winding down after a day of tastings.
Outside, the sheltered courtyard with a braai is perfect for al fresco dinners, while the front patio, swimming pool, and fire pit let you soak in the best of Kenton on Sea.
