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Hidden Gems Wine Festival 2025: Showcasing Hidden Gems Uncorked

The festive season in Hermanus is synonymous with warm coastal days, lively summer energy and the unmistakable charm of the Hemel-en-Aarde region. On 21 December 2025, the area will once again host a refined seasonal highlight: the Hidden Gems Wine Festival, a boutique celebration dedicated to small-scale, high-craft producers from in and around the valley.

Created to highlight independent winemakers and personal passion projects, the festival brings together a curated group of artisans whose limited releases, experimental styles and distinctive philosophies offer something truly special. This is where visitors can meet the makers, hear their stories and experience wines shaped by dedication, creativity and meticulous attention to detail.

An Intimate Festival Focused on Craft

From 11am to 5pm, guests can explore a selection of 15 boutique wine producers, each known for small-batch craftsmanship and unique expressions of South African wine. While their grapes and influences come from various regions, each producer brings a signature style and thoughtful approach to winemaking.

Meet the 2025 Hidden Gems Producers

• Alinea Wine
•  Ampersand Wines
•  Bartho Eksteen Wine Estate
•  Hearth Wines
•  Albrecht from Earth
•  Die Kat se Snor Wine
•  McFarlane Wines
•  Renosterveld Wines
•  Sketch Cru Wines
•  Terra Loci
•  Thiart Wines
•  The Unicorn Wine
•  Yerden Eksteen Wines

Each producer’s presence adds to the diversity of the tasting experience from refined Pinot Noirs and crisp whites to innovative blends and personal winemaker projects.

The Origin of a Festival Designed for Discovery

The festival was created after organisers noticed a significant demand for a high-quality wine event at the start of the festive season, something intimate, authentic and tailored to serious wine appreciators.

Equally important was the desire to give micro-producers and independent winemakers a meaningful platform. Many of the winemakers behind well-known cellars also produce limited-volume personal labels, often unavailable at mainstream events.

The Hidden Gems Festival allows them to:

• Showcase their personal projects
• Tell the stories behind their craft
• Engage directly with the public
• Offer wines that reflect their own philosophies and creative freedom

The result is a festival built on authenticity rather than scale, with a strong emphasis on quality over quantity.

A Premium Summer Experience in Hermanus

The event takes place in a picturesque outdoor setting framed by mountains, natural forest and the cooling influence of the nearby ocean.

Guests can expect:

• Live acoustic music throughout the day
• Quality food trucks and stands offering gourmet pairings
• Shaded seating areas and a relaxed atmosphere
• Engaging conversations with every winemaker
• A curated, uncrowded environment limited to 200 guests

Dress is smart casual, and comfortable shoes are recommended for moving between producers and exploring the estate grounds.

Event Details

Date: 21 December 2025

 Time: 11:00 – 17:00

 Location: Hemel-en-Aarde region, Hermanus

 Tickets: Limited to 200

 Bookings: Exclusively via Quicket

Early booking is advised due to the limited capacity.

The Hidden Gems Wine Festival is more than a tasting, it is a celebration of the dedicated winemakers shaping the boutique and micro-production landscape of South African wine. For holiday visitors, wine enthusiasts, collectors and locals alike, the festival offers a rare chance to explore exceptional small-batch wines in a setting that reflects the soul of the region.

Discover the artisans. Experience the craftsmanship. Celebrate summer in the heart of Hermanus.

--HOWL.co.za