Events

An Unforgettable Day of Music and Wine at Bach Reloaded 2023

September 5, 2023

1 min read

Renowned South African cellist, Peter Martens, will captivate audiences on September 24th, 2023 with his performance of Johann Sebastian Bach’s Six Suites for Solo Cello at the picturesque Montpellier Wine Estate in Tulbagh. This one-of-a-kind event, known as ‘Bach Reloaded 2023,’ will merge the sophistication of classical music with the indulgence of premium wines from Montpellier de Tulbagh.

Peter Martens, a recipient of the SAMA, Fiësta, and Woordtrofee awards, is the only South African cellist to have commercially recorded all of Bach’s Cello Suites. This performance will be his fourth appearance at the esteemed Montpellier Wine Estate, with previous events dating back to 2017.

A Day of Music and Wine

The day-long musical event will begin at noon with the first suite, accompanied by bubbly. Each subsequent hour until 5 pm will showcase another captivating Bach suite, skillfully paired with a wine at a different location on the estate. The performance will culminate at 6 pm, after which attendees can enjoy a selection of canapés and mingle with old and new friends.

Inspiration Behind Bach Reloaded 2023

The innovative concept for Bach Reloaded 2023 was inspired by musicologist and Montpellier wines brand ambassador Ritte Eggink’s experiences at two notable events. The first was the annual Pablo Casals Festival, set in the historic Abbey of Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa, surrounded by vineyards at the base of Canigou. The second was the Cello Biennale at the Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ concert hall in Amsterdam, Netherlands, where the ‘Bach & Breakfast’ series features different cellists performing Bach Cello Suites every morning.

The Montpellier Wine Estate

Lucas van Tonder, proprietor of Montpellier Wine Estate, was inspired to collaborate with Peter Martens to bring the concept of Bach Cello Suites to the iconic Montpellier de Tulbagh chapel. The chapel is one of six locations on the estate that will host performances throughout the day.

Founded in 1714 by two Frenchmen from the city of Montpellier, the Montpellier Wine Estate is known for its exceptional wines that embody the Tulbagh Valley terroir. With its elegant hillside chapel, Cape Dutch homestead, reception facilities, and sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, the wine estate is a serene retreat and an exquisite event venue.

Tips for Attendees

While all venues will be easily accessible, some performances may occur outdoors, weather permitting. Attendees are advised to dress comfortably and consider bringing warm clothing, sunscreen, and a hat.

Event Details

To attend Bach Reloaded 2023, tickets are priced at R600 per person, inclusive of wine and canapés. Reservations can be made by contacting 082 334 4334. Accommodation, dinner, and breakfast packages are also available by emailing [email protected]

Quick Info:

Date: 24 September 2023 | 12 pm
Location: Montpellier Wine Estate | 2 Jonge Gezellen Road, Tulbagh, Western Cape
Cost: R600
Tickets: 082 334 4334
Contact: [email protected]

On the Margins: The Pursuit of Dignity and Water in Cape Town’s Forgotten Communities

In Cape Town’s forgotten communities, people face harsh daily struggles without clean water, toilets, or basic services. Women carry heavy water containers long distances, and unsafe sanitation puts their safety and dignity at risk. Tired of empty promises, residents protest fiercely by blocking roads and burning tyres to be heard. Despite flooding, pollution, and official neglect, the community stays strong, sharing what little they have and demanding to be included in the city’s plans. Their fight is a powerful call for respect, safety, and the simple right to live with dignity.

cape town property auction urban development

Cape Town’s Urban Auction: A New Chapter in City Progress

On 29 May 2025, Cape Town will hold a big property auction with 13 sites across many neighborhoods, from Khayelitsha to Woodstock and Kraaifontein. This auction is special because it helps firsttime homebuyers, encourages new businesses, and supports the city’s growth by putting money into roads and services. It’s a chance for families, entrepreneurs, and investors to bring fresh energy and hope to the city’s streets. With both live and online bidding, Cape Town is opening doors for everyone to be part of its exciting future.

Latest from Blog

On the Margins: The Pursuit of Dignity and Water in Cape Town’s Forgotten Communities

cape town cruise season themed cruises south africa

Cape Town on the Horizon: South Africa’s Thrilling Cruise Season 2025–2026

Cape Town’s 2025–2026 cruise season promises exciting adventures on stylish ships like Sirena and Crystal Symphony. Travelers can enjoy fun themed cruises full of music, art, and local culture while exploring the stunning coastline with Table Mountain as a backdrop. The city’s lively waterfront buzzes with events, markets, and warm welcomes, making every cruise arrival feel like a grand celebration. With easy travel packages and ecofriendly ships, this season offers a perfect blend of luxury, discovery, and relaxation by the sea.

The Gathering Storms: Winter’s Challenge Approaches the Cape

The Cape is bracing for two strong winter storms bringing heavy rain, fierce winds up to 75 km/h, flooding, and even snow in the mountains. The wild weather will challenge roads, farms, and coastal communities, as people prepare to protect homes, livestock, and boats. Despite the danger, there’s a deep respect and shared spirit among locals who have weathered such storms for generations. These fierce cold fronts remind everyone of nature’s power and the strength of community in tough times.

South Africa’s Budget Tightrope: Tax Strategies, Fuel Levies, and the Cost of Policy Choices

South Africa’s budget faces tough challenges like high debt and slow growth, forcing the government to find smart ways to raise money without upsetting people too much. Instead of raising VAT, it leans on higher taxes on alcohol, tobacco, and fuel to bring in cash. These moves help fill the budget gap but also make life harder for many ordinary South Africans, who feel the pinch in daily costs. The government also uses “bracket creep,” quietly taxing more as incomes rise with inflation. Balancing the budget while keeping the country stable and fair is a delicate and ongoing struggle.

sustainable fashion upcycling creativity

Reinventing Runway: How a Montagu Dress Redefined Sustainable Style in the Cape

A Montagu dress made from recycled plastic bags stunned the Cape’s runway, turning trash into a shining symbol of style and sustainability. Created by a creative mother and worn by a young model, the gown showed how everyday waste can become beautiful fashion with heart and purpose. This powerful dress sparked cheers and hope, proving that caring for the planet and looking amazing can go hand in hand. It was a bold reminder that with creativity and community, we can rethink waste and build a brighter, greener future.

the ultimate mother city guide