Pinotage on Tap saw 2,000 fans descend on the Wellington wine farm, to celebrate the launch of vintage 2009 at the annual Pinotage pilgrimage. Despite an increase in the number of tickets issued this year, the weeks leading up to the big event saw ever-increasing pleas for ticket exchanges via Twitter, Facebook pages and blogs.

The response follows on the heels of a ‘best on show’ win at WineX Cape Town, as decided by popular vote, for the third year in a row. A double gold medal won by the Diemersfontein Carpe Diem Pinotage; the ‘big sister’ to the wine, at the Veritas Awards; along with a place in the ABSA Top 20 Pinotage competition, served as a reminder to fans of the pedigree of the Pinotage in the weeks leading up to the party.

Intended as a means of thanking loyal fans, Pinotage on Tap offers a unique combination of enticing elements: chocolate seductions filled with the coffee Pinotage; hay bales placed invitingly on the lawns and in the marquee; Pinotage games and chocolate fountains surrounded by strawberries; a relaxed atmosphere infused with the music of top local bands of the likes of aKing – and of course Pinotage served liberally from barrels positioned throughout the estate.

Pinotage on Tap in 2010 promises even more as a celebration of the tenth anniversary of the launch of the original coffee Pinotage. A top headline act is amongst the line up for what will surely be the biggest party the winelands have seen in many years.