At the heart of this cultural moment, Tuanni Price, founder of Zuri Wine Tasting and Afro Wine Week - is curating a high-impact “Sips with Soul” residency designed to keep South African wine at the forefront of the celebration.
The "Sips with Soul" residency (March 24–29, 2026) brings a traveling delegation of international jazz enthusiasts and cultural tastemakers to the Cape. Featuring Marcus Johnson, an NAACP Image Award nominee and Billboard-charting artist, the program is designed to spotlight the intersection of heritage winemaking and global jazz culture.
"This week was born the moment we realized two iconic jazz festivals were sharing the same weekend. It created a unique opportunity to curate a 'Sips with Soul' experience that moves between the city and the vines," says Price. "Our goal is to deepen the visitor experience by connecting the vibrations of the music with the legacy of South African wine."
The Grand Kickoff: A Celebration of Mzansi Flavor
The residency officially launches on Tuesday, March 24, at Seven Colours Eatery at the V&A Waterfront, headlined by a special appearance and live performance by Marcus Johnson. The evening opens with The Winemaker’s Trio, an intimate tasting showcase featuring three premier South African wine brands, offering guests a sensory introduction to the diversity of the local landscape.
The night then transitions into a "Seven Colours" storytelling dinner, where the culinary artistry of Chef Nolu Dube-Cele meets the rhythmic genius of Johnson. As guests indulge in a three-course feast inspired by Chef Nolu’s Xhosa roots, Marcus Johnson will take center stage, providing a live, melodic narrative that sets the tone for what Price calls her "Unofficial Official Jazz Week." This intimate fusion of world-class jazz and traditional Mzansi soul food marks the heartbeat of the week’s immersion
A Curated Map of Excellence
Following the kickoff, the residency moves into the heart of the Winelands to highlight the "New Wave" of industry trailblazers:
- Stellenbosch Site-Specifics: The delegation will engage with Mahalia Kotjane (Three Quarters) and Ntsiki Biyela (Aslina). The day concludes at Hazendal with a masterclass led by world-renowned sommelier and Blind Ambition star, Joseph Dhafana.
- Franschhoek Heritage: In the heart of the Franschhoek valley, the group will celebrate at Klein Goederust, the region’s first 100% Black-owned wine farm. Host Paul Siguqa will facilitate a traditional heritage lunch, emphasizing the farm’s journey from a laborer-owned dream to a premier wine destination.
The Unplugged Connection
Between the grand-scale festival stages, Marcus Johnson will lead a series of intimate performances at Therapy Restaurant in Gardens and a private Sunset Beach session. These events are designed to foster authentic connections between the international delegation, local expats, and the Cape Town community.
Contact Tuanni Price on tuanni@zuriwine.com for more information.