2018 is the year for change, and what better way to embrace this than a magnificent partnership between two of South Africa’s favourite pastimes – beer and mountain biking. Cape Brewing Company (CBC) one of the country’s leading independent craft zbreweries will be partnering with FNB Wines2Whales for their 10th anniversary to ensure an iconic MTB event and possibly make it even more popular than it already is.
FNB Wines2Whales, for those who are unfamiliar with it, is a mountain biking event in which MTB riders will start in the Winelands of Somerset West and, will over 3 days, cross through (and over) 13 wineries, 26 private farms, six mountains, historic roads and mountain passes, nature conservation areas – including the Kogelberg Biosphere, before finishing within sight of the famous whales of Walker Bay in Hermanus. The event consists of three individual three-day stage races, as well as one category which comprises all three events, which will take place near the end of 2018. The individual events are aptly named after wines produced in the area where the first race, Chardonnay, will take place from 26 – 28 October; the second race, Pinotage, from 29 – 30 October; and the third and final race, Shiraz, from 2 – 4 November. There is also the Jeroboam, a new experience where the same team can compete in all three events, which is not for the faint at heart as each stage is between 60 and 80 km in total.
“We believe that the FNB Wines2Whales is held in the best location in South Africa, and want to celebrate the wonderful wines that make up our name,” said Kriegler. “The Chardonnay is golden and velvety, like our single-track, the Pinotage, being so uniquely South African, and the Shiraz is dark and full-bodied, and has hints of sweet and savoury, and the perfect way to end a wonderful week of riding.”
Although wine might be front and centre in FNB W2W, there’s nothing a mountain biker enjoys more than an ice cold, exquisitely brewed craft beer after a gruelling day in the sun.
Priding ourselves in being “Independent By Choice”, the partnership between CBC and FNB W2W fits the bill perfectly – the perfect way to promote and celebrate independent craft brewing in South Africa.
