Summer may be over, but there is no need to go into hibernation. The Western Cape is as busy as ever with fantastic festival fun taking place throughout the month of June. Whether you enjoy food, wine, port, or poetry, there’s something to keep a spring in your step this winter!
Wacky Wine Weekend
If you love wine and a bit of wackiness, join thousands of like-minded South Africans for a weekend of fun and festivities at the Wacky Wine Weekend in Robertson, from 6 – 9 June 2013. Showcasing the wines and key attractions of 48 wine estates, this well-loved event is the Robertson Wine Valley’s biggest annual wine festival and a ‘must-do’ on the social calendar. This year marks the festival’s 10th anniversary, and in celebration thereof, festival-goers can look forward to some pleasant surprises, vouchers, and special offers in their “goodie bags”. Each day of the festival boasts a unique signature wine theme to cater for all palates. The Wacky Wine Weekend will embrace the usual line-up of fun-filled activities, including ‘meet-the-winemaker’ tastings, brandy tours, and tastings. There will also be river cruises, tractor trips, fun wine competitions, cheese and olive tastings, a simulated rodeo bull, a mountain bike challenge, a fresh goods market, local performing artists, and more. As part of the Robertson Wine Valley’s commitment to ensure a safe festival, a Zero Tolerance Policy is implemented towards drinking and driving.
So come along, purchase a passport (R100) at your first port of call, and raise a glass to wine, fun, and phenomenal success. Contact 023 626 3167 or email [email protected] for more info.
Where to stay: GuBas de Hoek is a warm and inviting 4-star guest house in the heart of Robertson. Enjoy old world charm in a modern luxurious setting, granting you easy access to the festival and a most relaxing stay.
Cook Franschhoek
“A meal without wine is like a day without sunshine.” I thoroughly agree with Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin’s declaration from ‘The Physiology of Taste’ (1825), and that’s why I’m completely envious of anyone going to this year’s Cook Franschhoek, from 14 – 16 June 2013. Regarded as South Africa’s culinary capital, the award-winning Franschhoek Wine Valley will be hosting this interactive feast for the senses. Participants can look forward to various hands on demonstrations throughout the weekend, presented by highly acclaimed local chefs and winemakers. The exclusive sessions cater for 8 – 30 people and comprise either a stand-alone demonstration or a prepared meal paired with the region’s finest wines. Some of the chefs and winemakers you can look forward to meeting include Reuben Riffle from Reuben’s Restaurant; Neil Jewell from Bread & Wine; Shaun Schoeman from Fyndraai Restaurant; Edmund Terblanche from La Motte; Eugene van Zyl from Leopard’s Leap Winery, and many more!
Tickets are available via Webtickets. Contact 021 876 2861 or email [email protected] for more info.
Where to stay: Rickety Bridge Manor House offers 4-star guest house accommodation in stylishly renovated 19th century rooms. The manor house is situated on the Rickety Bridge Wine Estate, an enchanting Franschhoek venue that offers a new delight with every visit.
Calitzdorp Port and Wine Festival
Journey along Route 62 to the beautiful town of Calitzdorp for the annual Calitzdorp Port and Wine Festival; taking place from 14 – 17 June 2013 at the Calitzdorp Railway Station. The jam packed festival promises a weekend of fun for the whole family with an open-ended list of spectacular events taking place at the various cellars and village venue. Enjoy Port and Port cultivar wine tastings, chocolate and Port/ wine pairings, cooking demonstrations, live music, a Biodiversity Expo, an Arts Meander, tractor rides, jukskei competitions, quality food and lifestyle stalls, and more! Join other festival-goers for the Mediterranean-style Long Table Brunch at Calitzdorp Wine Cellar on Sunday.
Tickets are available via Computicket or at the entrance to the station venue. Tickets can be exchanged for a “Port Pack” which will include a programme of events, a map of the town, a wine tasting glass, and a tasting card allowing 10 tastings. Contact 073 388 8612 for more info.
Where to stay: Soeterus Guest Farm in Calitzdorp offers cosy B&B accommodation in elegantly decorated rooms. Enjoy luxury amenities, heart breakfasts, and tranquil surrounds.
McGregor Poetry Festival
A number of South Africa’s top poets will be making an appearance at the McGregor Poetry Festival, which will be happening from 21 – 23 June 2013. Along with poetry readings, dramas, lectures, performances, workshops, and movies, the picturesque town of McGregor will also be taking the opportunity to showcase all that it has to offer. So take a road trip along Route 62 to this beautiful village in the Breede River Valley and enjoy the starry skies, cosy log fires, excellent wines, and warm hospitality that are so abundant.
Individual performances can be booked via Computicket. Contact 023 625 1871 for more info.
Where to stay: Kingsriver Estate Country House is an exquisite 4-star guest house situated on a rural property surrounded by vineyards. Located near the Langeberg Mountains, between the historical villages of McGregor and Robertson, it offers beautiful modern rooms, a restaurant, and a magical country setting.
Do you know of any other festivals happening in the Western Cape this month?
