On Saturday, 14 November 2026, the Midlands Meander will launch The Maker's Route: Food and Drink Edition, a unique self-drive experience that allows visitors to explore the region's best-loved food and drink producers. This event, running from 10:00 to 15:00, offers an insider's guide to the Midlands, led by the makers themselves. Visitors will have the opportunity to attend one or multiple stops, each providing a once-off experience that showcases the production process of various food and drink products.
The event features five artisans across four stops, with each stop offering a distinct experience. The first stop is the Bluebird Coffee Roastery, which will host an immersive roastery tour, a cupping table with world-class coffees, and an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at this multi-award-winning café and roastery. This session is a one-time event at 10:00. Visitors can also head to Highgate Wine Estate, which will offer a 30-minute guided tour of the vineyards and cellar, covering grape cultivation in the KZN climate and wine production.
At Highgate Wine Estate, visitors will have the opportunity to taste the Highgate Rosé and participate in a Chardonnay tasting. Abingdon Wine Estate and Indezi River Creamery will also be part of the event, offering a tasting of five award-winning Abingdon estate wines paired with an Indezi cheese board curated to complement them. Both of these stops will be open from 11:00 to 15:00, on the hour. This allows visitors to plan their itinerary according to their interests and preferences.
Another stop on The Maker's Route is the Nottingham Road Brewery, which will host a brewery and distillery tour, followed by tasters of Nottingham Road beers and gin and tonics. This event will take place from 10:00 to 14:00, on the hour. According to Della Rosenberg, Digital Marketing and Brand Coordinator of the Midlands Meander, this event aims to recreate the old Midlands Meander experience, where visitors could meet the makers and go behind the scenes.
The self-drive experience is designed to cater to various types of travelers, including friends, couples, and solo travelers looking to meet new people. Visitors can build a custom itinerary by adding individual experiences to their cart and paying once. This flexibility allows attendees to create a personalized schedule that suits their interests and availability.
Tickets for The Maker's Route: Food and Drink Edition start from R200 and are available on Quicket. However, the event is not open to under-18s, and spots are limited. This ensures an intimate and engaging experience for all attendees. The Midlands Meander Association is hosting this event, which promises to be a unique and memorable experience for food and drink enthusiasts.
The Maker's Route: Food and Drink Edition offers a rare opportunity for visitors to engage with local artisans and learn about their production processes. By attending this event, visitors will not only get to sample various food and drink products but also gain a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into creating them.
Key points
- The event features four stops with distinct experiences, including Bluebird Coffee Roastery and Highgate Wine Estate.
- Visitors can build a custom itinerary and pay once for their chosen experiences.
- Tickets start from R200 and are available on Quicket, with limited spots available.
