The population and culture of South Africa is one of the most diverse and complex in the world. Not only are there 11 official languages (compared to the United State's one) but the 30 to 45 other unofficial languages result in countless traditions, foods, styles of music and backgrounds.

However, no matter where you come from, which language you speak or which music you prefer, this weekend we'll all have the chance to experience a little taste of South African culture.

For the third year in a row, Grayhaven Winery invites Richmonders to travel a mere 30 minutes outside of the city into Gum Spring, Va. for the annual South African Food and Wine Festival, an event that is sure to leave you saying "Gesondheid" or "Amandla" in celebration (if you can figure out how to pronounce them.)

While the Embassy of South Africa's last census states that well over 40,000 South African's reside in the U.S., how does a family winery come to host a South African festival?

"My husband [Dion Abrams] was born in South Africa and spent most of his whole life there," said Max Peple-Abrams of Grayhaven.

"My first trip to South Africa was in 1999 and I got to experience firsthand all the wonderful things that my husband had told me about and I absolutely fell in love with it -- the people, the food, the culture, the music, the wine -- and I felt like what I experienced there was so far removed from what I thought it was going to be like."

Peple-Abrams recalls her experiences growing up having only heard about South Africa in regard to politics. And after Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela's rise to presidency, she also remembers South Africa almost vanishing from news coverage.

But because most may not have the opportunity to travel and experience the rich culture, food, wine and music of South Africa themselves, Grayhaven took on the task of bringing all those flavors back home to Richmond.

And oh the flavors they will have.

Festival Chef Leslie will not only be cooking up traditional South African dishes, including the savory ground meat dish bobotie, traditional bunny chow and delicious spiced prawns peri peri, but Chef David Jacobson, who hails from Cape Town and has been sponsored on the Food Network, will be flying in from Miami with his family to prepare his Lamb-On-the-Spit.

Alongside delicious cuisine, Grayhaven will be offering another specialty of South Africa -- the wine. Although the winery has chosen to keep most what attendees will have the opportunity to taste, Peple-Abrams assures festival-goers that favorites and a few surprises will all be there.

"I can tell you two of the star [wines we'll have] that represent some very interesting things about South Africa. One is Meerlust Roubicon," said Peple-Abrams. "Meerlust is kind of the icon of South African wine and is highly repected premium wine."

Meerlust, although not available at the tasting table, will be available for purchase. Another wine available for purchase is Cape Point Vineyards' Isliedh.

"Isliedh is a Sauvignon Blanc blend and we chose that because we think it is one of the best Sauvignon Blancs coming out of South Africa and the other is because the grape is so prevalent in South Africa."

And for you after-dinner sweet-drink lovers, refreshing mango and litchi fruit sangria will be available as well.

The cultural beauty of South Africa not only rests in the food and wine, but also in the market place that festival-goers will be able to experience. Imports from South Africa will be there for purchase including art and crafts as well as food products including chutney, curry and much more.

As far as entertainment is concerned, the Richmond Lions Rugby team will be on site offering tips and pictures with the ruggers, and performance artists from JuxtaPower will perform excerpts from the production "GotZulu!" as well traditional South African music, song and dance.

Peple-Abrams also assures parents that the festival is family friendly, complete with a "bouncy castle" and an on-site playground.

After the festival, while most of us will return to the American way of life, two lucky attendees will have won their chance to experience South Africa firsthand. Anyone 18 years of age or older will be able to enter the chance to win two round-trip tickets to South Africa courtesy of South African Airways.

"I really want to tell the good story about South Africa," Peple-Abrams said. "This is really a unique cultural event. Like the folks who put on the Greek Festival, they're really trying to show you the flavor of their country and that's enriching to everyone's lives to celebrate cultural diversity, when so much of the world is up in arms."

• The third annual South African Food and Wine Festival will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, July 11 and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 12 and Sunday, July 13. Tickets are $15 for adult wine drinkers, $10 for adult non-drinkers, $7 for children over 12-years old and free for children 12 and under. Tickets may be purchased by calling (804) 556-3917 or online at southafricanfoodfest.com.