A cherished Tradition since 2006

Join us as we welcome old friends and new at the South African Food & Wine Festival

September 27th & 28th, 2025

Meet Visiting Winemakers

South African winemakers,

winery owners, importers and experts

share their knowledge and stories

The Taste of South Africa

From Chenin Blanc to Chardonnay

Shiraz to Pinotage

Sample wine from South Africa's

premier wine regions

Live Music

The legendary Sharon Katz & Peace Train

lead a weekend of traditional & contemporary

South African music

One of a Kind

Arts & Crafts, spices & gourmet goods sourced by our Marketplace maven, Dumisile Nxumalo Martin

and the chefs at Grayhaven

Family & Friends

Music * Dance * Food * Arts & Crafts

Spend a day of Relaxation, Exploration & Connection

who'll be here in '25

Bryce Gillespie Marquee Selections - Backsberg Winery

Ryan Puttick Old Road Wine Co. & Franschhoek Cellar

Bryce Gillespie South African expat, executive at wine importer Marquee Selections, and brand evangelist for Backsberg, Bryce has a true insider’s perspective on both Backsberg and South Africa.

Ryan Puttick Old Road Wine Co. & Franschhoek Cellar

Ryan Puttick, head Winemaker for Old Road Wine Co., grew up on a crop farm near Hartswater, Northern Cape. Raised just about as far away as possible from the Cape Winelands, it seemed unlikely that he would choose winemaker as a career.

Ryan Puttick Old Road Wine Co. & Franschhoek Cellar

Max & Deon Abrams Grayhaven Winery

Festival veteran Olivier Lotterie, Vice President Mid Atlantic Sales Manager for Vineyard Brands, will be on site, dishing up his vast knowledge of South African wine paired with his signature wit, charm and sexy French accent.

Alyssa & Ian Wolf Red Wolf Imports

Max & Deon Abrams Grayhaven Winery

Deon Abrams & Max Pepe-Abrams, owners and winemakers at Grayhaven Winery in Gum Spring, Virginia share a passion for adventure that's evident in everything from their wine to their unusual approach to crafting winery culture for visitors and staff.

Alyssa & Ian Wolf Red Wolf Imports

Fueled by passions for travel, great food and exceptional wine, the owners of Red Wolf Imports, Alyssa and Ian Wolf, set out to discover the hidden treasures of the wine world.

Staff & Volunteers

Our people make it work, and without them the festival, and all of the joy it brings visitors, wouldn't be possible. Working together under flaming batons and runaway lions in the 'circus' of the festival has forged enduring friendships behind the scenes - and that is the magic sauce, that fabulous ingredient you can't quite name that makes the dish.

The Venue

Staff & Volunteers

Out of the ordinary and off the beaten path, Grayhaven Winery began as a small vineyard in the 1970's and went on to become the 22nd licensed winery in Virginia. The beautiful, rustic farm is nestled in the rolling hills of central VA, surrounded by forests and horse pastures.

The personalities and passions of the 3-generation family of

The personalities and passions of the 3-generation family of owners can be seen in the craftsman details of the wood & iron work, the koi pond and gardens, as well as the gracious and gregarious staff culture, exceptional food and, of course, the estate wine.

The winery is located just a few minutes off Rt 64 in the small town of Gum Spring, about 30 minutes west of Richmond, 35 minutes east of Charlottesville and 2.5 hrs south of Washington D.C./NOVA.

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Visit Grayhaven

The Experience

Staff & Volunteers

The Experience

2025 - Celebrating 20 Years!

This groundbreaking event that began in 2006 brings wine lovers, families, entertainers, chefs, artists, importers and winemakers together for a weekend celebrating the wine, music, art, cuisine and culture of South Africa.

From all of us at Grayhaven Winery, we're excited to welcome everyone back for the 2

2025 - Celebrating 20 Years!

From all of us at Grayhaven Winery, we're excited to welcome everyone back for the 2025 South African Food & Wine Festival, a joyful tradition we're honored to host and grateful to be part of.

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A cherished Tradition since 2006

Meet Visiting Winemakers

The Taste of South Africa

Live Music

One of a Kind

Family & Friends

2025 South African Food & Wine Festival September 27th & 28th 11 am to 6 pm

2025 South African Food & Wine Festival September 27th & 28th 11 am to 6 pm

2025 South African Food & Wine Festival September 27th & 28th 11 am to 6 pm

2025 South African Food & Wine Festival September 27th & 28th 11 am to 6 pm

2025 South African Food & Wine Festival September 27th & 28th 11 am to 6 pm

2025 South African Food & Wine Festival September 27th & 28th 11 am to 6 pm

September 27th & 28th, 2025 We'll see you there!

who'll be here in '25

Bryce Gillespie Marquee Selections - Backsberg Winery

Ryan Puttick Old Road Wine Co. & Franschhoek Cellar

Ryan Puttick Old Road Wine Co. & Franschhoek Cellar

Ryan Puttick Old Road Wine Co. & Franschhoek Cellar

Ryan Puttick Old Road Wine Co. & Franschhoek Cellar

Ryan Puttick Old Road Wine Co. & Franschhoek Cellar

Olivier Lotterie Vineyard Brands

Ryan Puttick Old Road Wine Co. & Franschhoek Cellar

Max & Deon Abrams Grayhaven Winery

Max & Deon Abrams Grayhaven Winery

Alyssa & Ian Wolf Red Wolf Imports

Max & Deon Abrams Grayhaven Winery

Alyssa & Ian Wolf Red Wolf Imports

Alyssa & Ian Wolf Red Wolf Imports

Alyssa & Ian Wolf Red Wolf Imports

About Us

Staff & Volunteers

Staff & Volunteers

Staff & Volunteers

The Venue

Staff & Volunteers

Staff & Volunteers

The Experience

Staff & Volunteers

The Experience

A cherished Tradition since 2006

Meet Visiting Winemakers

The Taste of South Africa

*Live Music*

One of a Kind

Family & Friends

2025 South African Food & Wine Festival September 27th & 28th 11 am to 6 pm

September 27th & 28th, 2025 We'll see you there!

who'll be here in '25

Bryce Gillespie Marquee Selections - Backsberg Winery

Ryan Puttick Old Road Wine Co. & Franschhoek Cellar

Ryan Puttick Old Road Wine Co. & Franschhoek Cellar

Ryan Puttick Old Road Wine Co. & Franschhoek Cellar

Ryan Puttick Old Road Wine Co. & Franschhoek Cellar

Ryan Puttick Old Road Wine Co. & Franschhoek Cellar

Olivier Lotterie Vineyard Brands

Ryan Puttick Old Road Wine Co. & Franschhoek Cellar

Max & Deon Abrams Grayhaven Winery

Max & Deon Abrams Grayhaven Winery

Alyssa & Ian Wolf Red Wolf Imports

Max & Deon Abrams Grayhaven Winery

Alyssa & Ian Wolf Red Wolf Imports

Alyssa & Ian Wolf Red Wolf Imports

Alyssa & Ian Wolf Red Wolf Imports

About Us

Staff & Volunteers

Staff & Volunteers

Staff & Volunteers

The Venue

Staff & Volunteers

Staff & Volunteers

The Experience

Staff & Volunteers

The Experience

Live Music