On 31 October and 1 November 2026, wine lovers, food enthusiasts, and travellers will gather in the Western Cape for Sip & Savour @ the River, which will be hosted this year at the historic Rietvallei Wine Estate in the heart of the Robertson Wine Valley. The beloved annual festival returns with a renewed sense of purpose, bringing together award-winning wines, local flavours, live entertainment, and community spirit in celebration of one of the country’s most distinctive wine regions.
This year’s event carries particular significance for the valley. Following the devastating floods that impacted parts of the region earlier this year, including Viljoensdrift, the traditional home of Sip & Savour, the festival has temporarily moved to Rietvallei Wine Estate as flood recovery efforts continue. While the setting may be different, the essence of the experience remains unchanged: a celebration of the people, businesses and wines that continue to define the Robertson Wine Valley.
Against a backdrop of rolling vineyards and mountain views, visitors can explore wines from participating Robertson producers, meet the people behind the labels, enjoy a curated selection of local food offerings, and experience the warmth and hospitality that have made the valley a sought-after destination for generations. The festival will also feature live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and complimentary shuttle services in and around Robertson, creating an accessible and memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
Johann de Wet, Chairperson of the Robertson Wine Valley Board, says the festival reflects the essence of the region. ‘Sip & Savour is about bringing people together to experience the warmth, beauty and diversity of the Robertson Wine Valley. From our award-winning wines and culinary offerings to the people and businesses that make this destination so special, the festival is a celebration of everything that continues to make Robertson a place worth visiting and returning to.’
For businesses in the region, the festival represents an opportunity to connect with visitors, showcase their offerings, and contribute to a thriving local economy driven by wine tourism, agriculture and hospitality.
Anthony Usmar, Executive of Payments at Nedbank Business and Commercial Banking, says supporting these businesses is central to the partnership. ‘Behind every memorable visitor experience is a network of entrepreneurs, hospitality providers, and local businesses working hard to create it. As partners to many of these businesses, we are committed to helping them grow through financial and payment solutions that enable them to serve their customers seamlessly and participate fully in the opportunities created by tourism. Sip & Savour is a celebration of entrepreneurship, resilience and community – values that are deeply embedded in the Robertson Wine Valley.’
Through their partnership with the festival, Nedbank and iKhokha will help create seamless payment experiences for merchants and visitors, supporting local businesses while enhancing the overall festival experience.
Experience Sip & Savour @ the River
Join them at Rietvallei Wine Estate on 31 October and 1 November 2026 for a weekend of wine tastings, local cuisine, live music, family entertainment, and breathtaking views in the heart of the Robertson Wine Valley. Tickets are available through Webtickets, with single-day and weekend options available. Complimentary shuttle services will operate in and around Robertson throughout the festival.
For more information and tickets, visit robertsonwinevalley.com