The time is ripe for a weekend of sparkling Karoo air, country hospitality and traditional fare. Add to the pleasure with robust wines, world-class port and a gem of a town in festive mood, and you describe the 2012 Calitzdorp Port & Wine festival to a T.
It takes place next weekend when producers Axe Hill, Boplaas, Calitzdorp Cellar, De Krans Du’SwaRoo, Peter Bayly, TTT and Withoek gather at the old village railway station to present tastes of their products, although visitors are as welcome at the individual cellars. The latter will also draw barrel samples of a new and unique Calitzdorp Blend, made from Portuguese cultivars.
Along with themed menus at most restaurants, a cooking demo using port wine, a cheese and wine pairing and a chocolate and port event will add gastronomic variety.
Visitors can blend their own wines at a workshop and take home the result, and local experts will unravel the mysteries of port while a geologist elaborates on the red hills and soils of the region. Add diversity to your weekend with an organ recital, art expo, historic village meander and finish with the Mediterranean Long Table brunch.
It’s also an ideal chance to stock up with affordable quality as both the fortified warmers for which Calitzdorp is famous and the range of wine, both red and white, are offered at palatable prices.
l For more information, visit www.portwinefestival.co.za and book tickets through Computicket or when you arrive. For accommodation, contact Calitzdorp Tourism on 044 213 3775 or e-mail [email protected] - Weekend Argus