Six fabulous food and wine festivals are coming to the Western Cape in April and May, showcasing the crème-da-la-crème of each area’s bounty. Here’s a little teaser of what to expect from each.
Tasting the 40-plus wines is not compulsory. Nor is tasting the mouthwatering food from Constantia’s award-winning restaurants. However, you would be missing out on the best the valley has to offer in all things gastronomy. Go in a group (the more the merrier) and be sure to visit for a couple of hours at least. The Constantia Food and Wine Festival takes place from the 19-21 April at the Constantia Uitsig Cricket Oval and is is one festival that is best enjoyed with a large appetite.
Tickets: from R150 a person a day
Contact constantiafoodandwine.co.za, info@constantiafoodandwine.co.za, tel 083-679-4495
We’re suckers for cheese. There’s almost nothing in the world that compliments wine drinking better than cheese. If cheese could be our staple diet we wouldn’t bat an eyelid for a moment. Since it can’t, we intend to reserve a day between the 26-28 April for the SA Cheese Festival, an unprecedented amount of cheese and slow food indulgence that is sure to quell the craving for a while. There will be docile cows, sheep and goats on display for children to see, a food theatre that will spur you into the kitchen with new cheese recipes and plenty of stalls that you can mosey around. The festival will be held at Sandringham, just 16 kms outside of Stellenbosch.
Contact: www.cheesefestival.co.za, cheese@agriexpo.co.za, tel (021) 975-4440.
The small Karoo town of Prince Albert once again opens its doors to guests looking to put a sizeable dent into the olive harvest. You won’t have to hold back as there will be more than enough olives of every variety to taste. The famed Karoo lamb, Guernsey cheeses, freshly baked breads and of course the mandatory wine and olives will be waiting your approval. To ensure that theatrics play along, local storytellers will keep you on the edge of you seat with entertaining stories, a ghost walk of the town will thrill and folk music and rock ‘n roll ensure that you practice your ‘langarm’ moves on the dance floor. The Prince Albert Olive Festival takes place from the 26-27 April.
Contacts: princealbertolivefestival.yolasite.com, tel (023) 541-1366.
Now in its 12th year, the Riebeek Valley Olive Festival is expected to once again serve up lively olive oils, zesty tapenades and juicy olives combined with tasty food and local wines. Taking place from the 3-5 May in over eight different venues, you’ll want to make a point of stopping by the olive emporium, country fair, fresh foods market and even the olive Martini bar for a new taste bud experience.
Tickets: from R100 a person
Contacts: www.riebeekolivefestival.com, olivefestival@gmail.com, Tel 082-209-1116.
Worcester opens its doors from 10 – 11 May 2013 to put on a feast for the senses that has everything from tasting yummy homegrown fare to getting outdoors on a vineyard walking trail. Spread over four venues, the Nuy Valley Feast has something for everyone. Kick off with a bird watching tour, take part in an olive-pip spitting competition, watch a food demonstration by Herman Lensing or enjoy live music by one of the many bands.
Tickets: R40 a person and wine glass for tastings R20 a person.
Contacts: info@nuyvalleyfeast.co.za, tel 084-585-5557.
Once again a line up of top chefs will be descending upon the Mother City to whip their culinary flair into decadent dishes, sharing their passion for food and a few secrets tips along the way. Taking place from the 23-26 May at the CTICC, chef extraordinaire, Gordon Ramsey is among an impressive list of chefs that will be making an appearance. Guests can also expect an SA bar show, a little chefs kitchen theatre and a myriad of culinary exhibitors showcasing wine, delicatessens and beverages.
Tickets: R110 for adults and R55 for children
Contacts: www.goodfoodandwineshow.co.za, info@fieramilano.co.za, tel 021-702-2280
For accommodation options near these festivals, visit Getaway Accommodation here.
When I am not blogging, writing, photographing, travelling or marketing awesome travel destinations to Getaway readers, you’ll find me hanging out somewhere between a row of vineyards and a mountain range. I live in Cape Town after all and nosing the latest Viognier or Merlot is a prerequisite in my opinion.
Let’s explore the world of South African wine together. We will keep you informed and up to date with the latest news and events happening in the South African wine industry. We will entertain you through blogs and opinion pieces, advise you about the latest and greatest wines, inform you about the places you can’t afford to miss visiting and the restaurants and recipes you have to try. We bring to life the connection between what’s in the glass, what’s on the plate and the magic that happens in the winelands.
© Copyright 2012 All Rights Reserved - RamsayMedia, Digital Publishing division.
