GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Amid the coronavirus outbreak and lockdown regulations, this year's Stoep Tasting Wine Weekend has been postponed until further notice.

Tickets
All tickets purchased for the popular Graaff-Reinet event, which would've taken place in May, will remain valid for the new date. 

Should ticket holders be unable to attend, their 2020 ticket will be valid for the 2021 event, scheduled for 28 to 30 May next year, at no extra cost. No ticket refunds will be issued.

Vendors and suppliers
Organisers of the event said in a press release that the Stoep Tasting Wine Weekend was at an advanced stage of planning when lockdown was implemented, thus most vendors, facilitators and suppliers have already been contracted or paid in full.
 
"The organising committee is acutely aware of the catastrophic effect that the cancellation and postponement of every mass event across the globe has and will have on the millions of small businesses that rely on such events to earn a living," the statement read.

For this reason, suppliers to Stoep Tasting 2020 will be paid in full for their products supplied, services rendered and work done, to the best of the organiser's ability. "So that when the event does proceed, they will, hopefully, still be in business."

Accommodation
Organisers of the event also appealed to accommodation establishments to waive any cancellation fees and credit all Stoep Tasters for any accommodation or deposits already paid, towards the new date or one that suits them for a visit to Graaff-Reinet.
 
"This way, the very minimal number of people will be negatively affected by the postponement forced upon us by this pandemic," the organisers added.
 
"These are unprecedented and extremely difficult times for us all and many families and businesses across South Africa are in dire straits. In this difficult situation, the organisers feel this to be the only and proper way forward. Stay safe and we shall advise the new dates as soon as possible."
 
New date
Organisers are hopeful that early September will be suitable for the event, but this can only be confirmed once more clarity is received from government.

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