Article: Lonwabo Mtyeku – GP News Media, Community Newsroom | 29 October 2025
In the golden heart of Johannesburg, as the city’s skyline begins to shimmer at dusk, connoisseurs and dreamers alike gather for an affair where sophistication meets indulgence — the Standard Bank Private WineX. Returning to the Sandton Convention Centre from 29 to 31 October 2025, this annual celebration isn’t merely a wine show; it’s a sensory journey through the vineyards of South Africa and beyond, where passion, prestige, and craftsmanship pour together in one exquisite glass.
A celebration of taste and timelessness
WineX has long held its crown as Africa’s leading wine showcase, but its charm lies in how it transforms tasting into an experience. This year’s edition promises over 700 wines from more than 120 celebrated producers, offering guests the opportunity to explore everything from the bold elegance of Stellenbosch reds to the crisp finesse of coastal whites and Cap Classiques that sparkle like starlight.
Guests will be treated to curated tasting experiences, gourmet food pairings, and the rare privilege of meeting the vintners and artisans who breathe life into each bottle. The ambiance — a blend of fine conversation, ambient lighting, and the gentle clink of crystal glasses — turns the event into something more profound than indulgence: a celebration of connection, craft, and culture.
Where banking meets brilliance
The partnership between Standard Bank Private and WineX represents an inspired synergy between financial excellence and lifestyle refinement. As Bridgette Kruger, Head of Private Banking Clients at Standard Bank, eloquently notes:
“WineX reflects the values we share with our clients — sophistication, growth, and the appreciation of life’s finer details.”
More than a sponsorship, the collaboration is a commitment to the future of South Africa’s wine industry. Through initiatives such as sommelier training with the Cape Wine Academy, Standard Bank Private supports emerging talent and fosters a deeper appreciation for the artistry of wine. Their clients, meanwhile, enjoy exclusive access, private tastings, and up to 30% off tickets — an invitation to experience luxury not just as ownership, but as discovery.
The art of experience
At WineX, every detail is designed to delight. The Tasting Theatre offers intimate guided sessions for those seeking to refine their palate, while the Shop@Show lounge — powered by Norman Goodfellows — allows guests to purchase their newfound favorites and have them elegantly delivered to their doorsteps.
From velvety Cabernet Sauvignons to delicate rosés and daring new blends, the selection is a masterclass in diversity. And yet, beyond the wines themselves, it’s the atmosphere — sophisticated yet unpretentious, vibrant yet graceful — that keeps patrons returning year after year.
A stage for South African excellence
Gauteng may be the economic capital of the country, but for these three nights, it becomes the epicentre of African wine culture. With nearly 9,000 guests expected, WineX unites producers, collectors, and enthusiasts in a grand toast to South African innovation and resilience. It also serves a greater purpose — strengthening local appreciation, expanding markets, and giving voice to the small estates that define the soul of South African viticulture.
The final note
The Standard Bank Private WineX 2025 is more than a festival — it’s a lifestyle moment. A place where passion meets prestige, where every pour tells a story of legacy, and where elegance finds its truest expression in simplicity.
As glasses rise under the Johannesburg lights, one thing is clear: WineX isn’t just about wine. It’s about living beautifully, intentionally, and with a taste for excellence.