Salut! It’s time to celebrate the arrival of a new wine

Every November, France celebrates Beaujolais Nouveau – the first wine release of the year – with a tradition built around good company and enjoying the moment.

This year, Durban gets its own taste of the festivities when the Alliance Française de Durban joins forces with the French South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FSACCI) to host Beaujolais Nouveau 2026 at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Umhlanga.

Beaujolais Nouveau
Alliance FrancaiseBeaujolais Nouveau

READ: These Durban restaurants made Dineplan’s Top 100 for 2026

What you can expect

The celebration has grown into an important date on the local French cultural calendar. Last year’s event welcomed 120 guests – and for the 2026 edition, organisers are taking things up a notch with an elegant cocktail reception overlooking the coast.

Guests will enjoy Beaujolais Nouveau wine (while stocks last), alongside other French wines with live music setting the scene. A raffle will add to the evening’s entertainment, with all proceeds going towards funding French-language certifications for university students studying French in Durban.

The evening is also an opportunity to connect with Durban’s French and Francophone community, wine enthusiasts, business leaders, and friends of France.

READ: The best Carols by Candlelight events in Durban 2026

What you need to know

What: Beaujolais Nouveau 2026 – a French-inspired cocktail reception celebrating the year’s first Beaujolais wine release.
When: Thursday, 26 November 2026.
Where: Beverly Hills Hotel, 1 Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga.
Tickets: R650 per person via Webtickets
What’s included: French wines, a cocktail reception, live music, a DJ and a raffle. Beaujolais Nouveau is available until stocks last.

Book early to avoid disappointment!

À bientôt!

TIME OUT DURBAN RECOMMENDS:

📍 The best things to do in Durban
🍽  The best restaurants in Durban
🏨 The best hotels in Durban
🛏️ Where to stay in Durban
📢 Latest news from Durban

Follow Time Out Durban on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok! To get the coolest news, features, and things to do straight to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.

Dining and Cooking