Winter and red wine have always gone hand in hand.

As Johannesburg settles into crisp mornings and cool evenings, many people naturally reach for a bottle to share around the dinner table or enjoy beside a fire. This weekend offers the perfect excuse to discover something new while supporting the people who make South African wine possible.

From Friday, 24 July to Sunday, 26 July, the fourth Proudly South African Local Wine Expo returns to Prison Break Market in Glenferness. Entry is free, although visitors need to register in advance.

But this isn't just another wine tasting.

A Chance to Meet the People Behind the Bottle

Instead of browsing supermarket shelves, visitors will be able to speak directly with winemakers, learn about their craft and discover wines they may never have encountered before.

Around 30 South African wine brands will be showcasing their products, ranging from established producers to smaller boutique labels looking to reach new customers.

Over the previous three editions, 74% of participating wine brands were black-owned and women-owned businesses, reflecting Proudly South African's focus on creating opportunities for emerging producers.

Why Supporting Local Matters

South Africa's wine industry is about far more than what ends up in your glass.

According to South Africa Wine, the industry contributes R19.26 billion in tax revenue and supports thousands of jobs across farming, production, tourism, hospitality and logistics. South Africa also remains the world's seventh largest wine producer, supplying about 4% of global wine production.

Like many industries, local wine producers continue to face rising production costs and challenging export conditions. Events such as the Local Wine Expo give smaller producers an opportunity to connect directly with consumers, retailers, restaurants and hospitality buyers.

More Than Wine

The weekend isn't only about tastings.

Visitors can enjoy food pairings from Proudly South African food producers, browse Prison Break Market, meet exhibitors and take part in entertainment, including the locally themed Shesha general knowledge game with prizes throughout the weekend.

Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply curious to try something different, the relaxed market setting makes it easy to spend an afternoon discovering new favourites.

Planning Your Visit

• When: Friday, 24 July to Sunday, 26 July 2026
• Where: Prison Break Market, 10 MacMillan Road, Glenferness AH, Johannesburg

Entry: Free, but registration is required through Tixsa.

Age restriction: Strictly 18 years and older.

If you plan to enjoy the tastings, organisers encourage visitors to arrange a designated driver or use an e-hailing service.

The Bottom Line

Wine has always been about bringing people together, but this weekend it's also about supporting South African businesses.

Every bottle has a story that starts long before it reaches a restaurant table or shop shelf. The Proudly South African Local Wine Expo offers a rare opportunity to meet the people behind those stories, discover new local labels and celebrate one of the country's most important industries, all without paying an entrance fee.