The Absa Du Champ event is returning to the Cape Winelands, offering guests a unique combination of polo, contemporary African art, culinary experiences, wine, fashion, and design. Following its debut in 2026, the second edition is scheduled for February 6, 2027, and will take place at Val de Vie Estate.
The Du Champ concept goes beyond just a polo day, as it is built around the entire spectrum of elements surrounding this sport. The event program is divided into four parts: Art, Style, Taste, and Polo.
The Art Section
Under the 'Art' section, the event showcases works of contemporary African art and collectible pieces in partnership with the MOMO gallery, thereby integrating the gallery experience directly into Winelands. This collaboration lends the event a cultural dimension distinct from traditional polo days.
Gallery MOMO has been working for over two decades to create a platform for African artists, with branches in Johannesburg and Cape Town, focusing on creativity from Africa and the diaspora. At the first Du Champ event in 2026, the 'Art' section featured works by artists such as Blessing Ngobeni, Vivien Kohler, Phoka Nyokong, Ayobola Kekere-Ekun, and Bevan de Wet. The exhibition was curated by Gallery MOMO Director Monna Mokoena and Absa Art Museum Curator Dr. Paul Bayliss. Details and artists for the 2027 exhibition have not yet been announced, but the 'Art' section is returning with a new creative direction.
Naturally, horses remain the central focus. The 'Polo' section is the core of the day at Val de Vie, where the sport unfolds against the backdrop of the Paarl-Franschhoek mountains. The first event featured matches for both men and women; the women's match was won by the Royal Reins team with a score of 6-5, and in the men's final, Inland Lakers won with a score of 7-6.
Even if one is not a devoted polo fan, the appeal of the game becomes evident after the match begins. The silence of the field almost instantly disappears as horses and riders gallop at full speed chasing the ball, before everything settles down again.
Furthermore, numerous events take place around the field. In 2026, the event included a 12-course gastronomic experience by Chef Johnny Hamman, wine and champagne tastings, as well as displays of luxury items and contemporary art.
For the 2027 edition, organizers have confirmed the return of the four sections—Art, Style, Taste, and Polo—although the full program has not yet been revealed. A distinguishing feature of Du Champ is how it combines various ways to spend a day in the Cape Winelands. Arriving for the second edition in February 2027, Absa Du Champ transforms into something more than just an annual polo event; it becomes an occasion to slow down, dress up, and view the Winelands from a slightly different perspective.