What are your plans to celebrate Spring?
The Spring Weekend in Bot River (only an hours drive from Cape Town) promises great wine, food and nature at its best. There are 11 farms to visit and only R100 per ticket which includes a wine glass and informative booklet. All farms will be open from 10am until 4pm on all days 2, 3 & 4 September 2016. Tickets are available at www.quicket.co.za
WHEN: 2, 3 and 4 September 2016
WHERE: Bot River wine route, Overburg, 1 hour’s drive from Cape Town
PRICE: R100 per adult
TICKETS: www.quicket.co.za
ACCOMMODATION: www.botriverwines.com.
TRANSPORT: R100 per person per day, will take you round to the farms of your choice.
Most of the wine farms in Bot River are family-owned and run and each of them will share something unique to their ‘farm cupboard’. Albeit olive oils, fresh produce, deli offerings, honest wines, farm fare, indigenous greenery or local talent, it will be a sumptuous showcase of Bot River’s brimming ‘pantry of delights’.
“The scenic drive to our Botriviera, especially this time of year when it features rolling green pastures and vivid canola fields, guarantees to put the spring back into any jaded city dweller’s step,” shares Kobie Viljoen of Villion Wines and current Bot River Vineyards Chairperson.
FRIDAY 2 SEPTEMBER:
The Bot River Spring Weekend kicks off in high spirits with a sommelier lead Bot River Magnum Magnificence at Beaumont Wine Estate, one of the oldest wine establishments in the area, on Friday, 2 September. Local producers will haul out their ‘big boys’ from the cupboards, for some of South Africa’s top sommeliers to match them with delectable pairings. Top end stuff!
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY 3 & 4 SEPTEMBER:
Enjoy a sausage making course at Luddite, famous for its technology-resistant winemaking philosophy. Here Genevieve MCC will also treat enthusiasts to Oysters & Bubbles all weekend long and have magnums of its newly released 2012 vintage on sale.
Early birds can rise to a hearty breakfast at Goedvertrouw and avid outdoors fans can lace up for a guided fynbos hike amongst the Nguni Stud at Paardenkloof Estate where family picnics prevail.
Nature lovers will also have a blast at the Ecology Lifestyle Farm, with specials on fynbos plants at their nursery and Paardenkloof wine tastings and pairings to coax the senses. Or why not fill your own picnic basket, with fresh farm goodies, all served up with live music and a petting zoo for the kids.
Delicious lunch destinations en route include Gabriëlskloof, nestle atop a hill with awe-inspiring views of the Overberg – a must-visit during your spring-capades. They are famous for hearty, slow-cooked meals Gran would be proud of. During the Spring Weekend they will also be experimenting with tasty pickles and preserves in their kitchen, sell it in their deli and pair it with their elegant wines in the tasting room. #yumbucket.
Villion Family Wines will light the fires for a laidback Spitbraai and ‘langarm sokkie’ on the farm on Saturday evening. Or swing by Rivendell Estate where a special Sunday Roast indulgence will end your weekend on a wholesome high. Wildekrans is another popular destination where one can while away the hours with glee.
Child-friendly hosts for the weekend include Beaumont Estate, where a pink sweet stall, pink kiddies bowling action, a playground and tractor rides will keep the little ones entertained whilst adults can feast on gorgeous jewellery, plant and produce boxes, delicious food and stellar wines. Barton Estate, all decked out with a jumping castle and tractor rides, will tempt passersby with complimentary canapé and wine or beer pairings and a wine blending competition.
A highlight event of the Spring Weekend will take place at Maramanna Polo Estate on the Saturday evening where a Pink Gin and Bubble Polo affair will end off the day’s entertainment with fun-loving action, locally made gin and a bubbly bar.
“We will have some bubble soccer on the go for those who are up for a quick game of ‘inflated’ action. You know those big bubbles kids usually play with on water. Imaging those… but with adults in them, trying to kick a goal through the posts. It should make for some hilarious viewing while we all sip on flutes of bubbly and G&T’s,” chuckles Penny Verburg of Luddite Wines.
Limited tickets for the exclusive Magnum Tasting & Dinner at Beaumont cost R450 per person and include rare cellar releases, fabulous food and sheer sommelier excellence. Tickets for the Pink Gin and Bubble Polo sunset party which starts at 5pm cost R150 per head and include a welcome drink, a happy box of spring snacks and the bubble soccer action. The Spitbraai with Villion Family Wines costs R350 per person.
I also came across this Facebook page which will give you a good idea of the area:
https://www.facebook.com/BotRiverWines/
Tried to book the transport but turns out that’s a no go??????? Very disappointed
Tried to book the transport for bot river spring festival but turns out that’s a no go??????? Very disappointed
Oh no Lisa! Who did you contact? What did they say? I will investigate to see if I can help
Hi Lisa. I chatted to Bot River tourism and transport between the farms can be arranged at their offices today.