If you’re a fan of hard cheese, soft cheese, stinky cheese, or sweet cheese, then you probably already know that this year’s South African Cheese Festival is set to take place from 26 – 28 April, at Sandringham Estate, between Paarl and Stellenbosch.
The stakes have been raised, and artisans from around the country will be showcasing their newest offerings – giving visitors the chance to sample a wide variety of types and flavours as per usual. There will also be a few new vendors showcasing products, so don’t miss out on never-before tried offerings.
On the opening night, Friday 26 April, there will be extended festival hours, to allow those working late to get in on the action. There will be a moonlight picnic happening on the lush lawn at Sandringham Estate, and it just so happens to be the perfect place to sample all the new items you’ve purchased (so don’t forget your picnic blanket!). As your senses are consumed by the various flavours of sharp and soft cheeses, ensure you’ve correctly paired them with a suitable wine, and then allow the music of local bands to wash over you and carry your stresses away.
Families can rejoice as there will once again be a Kiddies Corner, supervised by professional entertainers who dress as clowns and face painters, and there’ll also be plenty of games. The Milk Factory is also suitable for children, who can pet cows, goats, and sheep, as well as watch them get milked.
Apart from the numerous stalls and vendors along Gourmet Lane, there will also be a Food Theatre Programme, which will provide just what its name suggests. Foodies from around the country will be sharing their cooking finesse with the masses, as well as keeping you up to date with the latest kitchen trends. There are already some big names signed up to appear, like Andrea du Plessis from VITAL Health Foods, Vicky de Beer, food editor from Rooi Rose, and Hilary Biller from the Sunday Times Food Weekly.
There are some great prizes up for grabs, so check out their competition page and enter before the 21st of February 2013 to stand a chance to win. The current prize up for grabs is a Ladismith Cheese, and Creative Cuisine Pantry, worth R200, as well as double tickets to the festival.
If this has got you salivating and wistfully remembering last year’s event, tide yourself over until this year’s one by trying some of the delightful cheese-orientated recipes that are on the Cheese Festivals website. Items like broccoli and cheese soup, blue cheese and biltong paté and cream cheese and citrus frozen lollies, are certain to keep you satisfied, as they’re the top picks from the Cheese Festival staff following a cheese recipe competition held on their Facebook Page. Like them and add them to your Interests Lists to stay informed about new prizes and competitions.
Please note: No tickets will be sold at the gate, so book your place early through Computicket to avoid disappointment. The tickets will be R115 per person, while children under 13 can enter free of charge.
If you want to make a long weekend out of this event, check out some of the wonderful accommodations in relatively close proximity to the Cheese Festival.
A’Queenslin – a tasteful guesthouse set within the suburbs of Paarl, and in walking distance to shops and restaurants.
Ladera Vista – this self-catering accommodation in Paarl is cost effective, and offers beautiful views of the valley and mountains.
Ons Genot Lodge – friends and families will enjoy the homey atmosphere offered at this Stellenbosch Guest House, along with the tastefully decorated rooms.
All images credited to the SA Cheese Festival and Charlene Niewoudt Communications.
