So you're heading to the Cape but just don't have the time to indulge in its renowned Winelands region? Then plan your trip to coincide with the Victoria & Alfred Wine Affair and get it all in one go.

You'll get to combine fine wine, food and fashion. The V&A waterfront, world-famous for its breathtaking views of Table Bay, is always vibrant and festive - but this annual food and wine pairing event certainly takes it up a notch.

Various vines
Taste wines from popular and respected wineries such as Fairview, Flagstone, Middelvlei, Moreson, Raka, Steenberg, The House of Krone, Villiera, Bilton, Boekenhoutskloof, and Warwick. You’ll be spoiled for choice with a showcase of over 300 wines.

Gastronomy factor
 Not to mention the likes of Bread and Wine (voted one of SA's top ten restaurants), Rode Confectionary, Fairview Cheese, Feast-de-Renaissance, Fromage de France, Pesto Princess, So! Go, The Original Rooibos Jam Company and Wild Peacock Oysters. Delicacies on offer include local and imported cheeses, oysters, charcuterie, olives and olive oils, pesto, preserves, chocolates and nougat.

Group effort
 A large number of Waterfront restaurants will be participating this year. These include Balducci’s, Belthazar, City Grill, The Greek Fisherman, and Jewel of India. Also included are newcomers Meloncino, Sevruga and Haagen-Dazs.

They'll be whipping up delicious canapés to accompany the wines on show. Many other Waterfront eateries will also be offering special Wine Affair menus.

Event highlights
Haagen-Dazs will be showcasing their ice-cream and holding a wine pairing competition. Neil Jewell of Bread and Wine at Moreson wine farm is a hit with the people. He will showcase his charcuterie and combine it with cured meats and select Moreson wines. On the other side, his wife Tina offers tastings of her artisan breads.

Warwick estate will launch a new wine at this event, The First Lady named after Norma Radcliffe. In case you’re wondering, she’s the owner of this prestigious wine estate. Fairview wine and cheese will be one of the exhibitors. Don’t forget to visit Balducci’s gourmet stand complete with de Wetshof wines.

Once you’ve had your fair share of the dizzying selection of food and wine then take the short walk across to the new fashion mall. You’ll step into retail heaven courtesy of Jimmy Choo, Pringle, Democratic Republic, Replay, Lulu Tan, Women’s Secret, Max Mara, and many more.

A portion of this year’s event will one again got to The Pebbles Project. This is a charity dedicated to supporting children with special needs education in the Cape Winelands.

Important details
Dates: Tuesday 6 May to Friday 9 May 2008
Times: 5pm to 9pm
www.waterfront.co.za

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