May’s Wine Delights: Great Wine Weekends, Live Music & Festivals in Africa and Europe

May is a glorious month for wine lovers—whether you’re savoring bold reds in South Africa’s crisp autumn air or clinking glasses of refreshing Rosé in a sunlit European piazza. The season calls for great wine weekends, live music at wine farms, and vibrant wine festivals celebrating the best vintages.

So, what are people sipping across Africa and Europe in May?

Africa’s May Wine Favorites

As temperatures cool in the Southern Hemisphere, South Africans lean toward Pinotage and Shiraz, embracing their full-bodied warmth. In North Africa, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah remain go-to choices, pairing beautifully with rich Moroccan dishes. Kenya and Nigeria, relying heavily on imports, see Chardonnay and Merlot dominating wine lists.

Spotlight: Where to Wine & Dine in May

Cape Winelands, South Africa – The autumn air sets the perfect mood for wine farms with live music. Stellenbosch’s Spier Wine Farm regularly hosts intimate jazz evenings, blending wine and rhythm under the stars.
Durban’s Cooler Nights – Look out for weekend specials at vineyards like Abingdon Wine Estate, where great wine weekends feature cheese platters and hand-crafted vintages.
Moroccan Vineyard Tours – May is prime time for visiting Morocco’s growing wine scene, where wineries like Domaine Zouina offer tastings with scenic backdrops.

Europe’s May Wine Scene

May is all about Rosé season in France, with Provence leading the way in crisp, fruity selections perfect for springtime picnics. Italy brings forth Chianti and Vermentino, balancing warmth and refreshing acidity, while Spain sees Albariño and Tempranillo dominating local celebrations.

Where to Sip & Celebrate in Europe

Provence, France – May is peak Rosé season! Celebrate at the Festival de Rosé, where local wineries showcase the best pink pours.
Tuscany, Italy – The Chianti wine route bursts to life with vineyard events blending history, tastings, and countryside adventures.
Spain’s Albariño Festivities – Galicia is buzzing with wine weekends featuring seafood feasts perfectly matched with Albariño’s crisp freshness.

Wine Festivals You Can’t Miss

Whether you’re in Africa or Europe, May’s wine festivals are buzzing with tastings, music, and cultural flair:

Stoep Tasting Festival (South Africa) – Held in Graaff-Reinet, this festival brings together top wineries for a laid-back sipping experience.
London Wine Week (UK) – A must-visit for those exploring global wines, pairing events with city elegance.
La Fête du Vin (France) – Bordeaux hosts one of the biggest wine festivals, where legendary labels meet eager enthusiasts.

May is truly the month of seasonal wine joy, whether you're basking in vineyard sunsets or exploring the latest wine trends. So, where’s your next glass coming from? 🍷

Comments

Best Red Wines for Beginners

Starting your red wine journey can feel intimidating. I’ll be honest: my first sip of red wine was like bitter medicine . I remember thinking, “What on earth do people have to go through this bitterness for?” The truth is, that wine wasn’t well made—it was cheap, harsh, and exactly what most new wine drinkers encounter at first. But here’s the good news: red wine doesn’t have to taste like punishment. With the right bottles, you’ll discover flavors that are smooth, juicy, and downright delightful. Let’s dive into the best beginner-friendly reds, why they work, and how to approach them with curiosity and confidence. Why Beginners Struggle at First Before we get into the wines themselves, let’s talk about why so many people are turned off by their first glass of red: Price shock: If you’re coming from beer, soda, or non-alcoholic drinks, wine prices can feel steep. Accept that good wine often costs more, but it’s worth it. Tannins & bitterness: Many reds are dry and tannic, ...

Uzbekistan: The Wine Heart of Central Asia

When one thinks of wine destinations, Uzbekistan is unlikely to be the first country that comes to mind. Yet, nestled in the heart of Central Asia, this nation boasts a rich winemaking tradition that dates back thousands of years. While South Africa has long been recognized for its world-class wines, Uzbekistan is quietly emerging as a fascinating wine attraction, offering unique flavors shaped by its distinct climate and history. A Legacy of Winemaking Uzbekistan’s winemaking history stretches back to ancient times, with evidence of viticulture found in the Avesta , the sacred Zoroastrian text from the 1st century B.C.. The fertile lands of the Fergana Valley and Samarkand have long been home to grape cultivation, though the arrival of Islam in the 7th century led to a decline in wine production. However, the Russian Empire’s influence in the 19th century revived Uzbekistan’s wine industry, and during the Soviet era, the country became a significant producer of fortified and swe...

The Wine Trophies: Savoring the Memory, One Empty Bottle at a Time

There’s something quietly triumphant about an empty wine bottle. It’s not just glass and label—it’s a monument to a moment, a celebration of taste, and a silent witness to laughter, conversation, and reflection. For me, keeping the bottles of the best wines I’ve drunk is more than a habit. It’s a ritual. A personal museum of sensory victories. Each bottle stands as a trophy, a testament to greatness uncorked and savored. 🍷 The Bottle as Memory Wine is ephemeral. It’s poured, swirled, sipped, and gone. But the bottle remains. And in that vessel lies the power to evoke memory. I can glance at a dusty Bordeaux with its faded label and recall the rainy evening I first tasted it—how its earthy notes matched the mood, how the tannins lingered like the conversation that followed. A crisp Albariño might remind me of a coastal trip, the salt air mingling with citrus on the palate. These bottles are bookmarks in my life’s story. Unlike photographs or souvenirs, wine bottles carry the essence of...

TheBradWineTravel

Search This Blog