Wine, food and fun

THE Melck family will once again host their annual Harvest Festival at Muratie Estate in Stellenbosch today. The festival, which takes place under the ancient oaks that guard this historic wine estate, is a celebratory family event featuring good food, fine wine, great company, live music and lots of fun stomping the newly harvested grapes.

Mountain bikers will have been up early already for the tour this morning, but the rest of us who prefer to sleep in a bit on the weekend can aim for the more civilised hour of 11.30am.

After a welcoming drink, visitors can join in the fun and laughter “stomping” grapes, and taste Muratie’s wines, either at leisure in the tasting room, or with a private tasting conducted by winemaker Hattingh de Villiers at noon. Tractor rides through the vineyards will take place at set times throughout the day.

A long, lazy, alfresco lunch will follow, accompanied by Muratie wines. Prepared by Muratie’s Farm Kitchen, this will include gour- met burgers, salmon sandwiches, samoosas, spring rolls and cheese platters. Then relax and savour a memorable afternoon of live music performed by the Kitchen Jammin Blues Band.

There are enchanting places where one can escape life’s hustle and bustle, and Muratie is one of those magical treasures. Tucked away in the exquisite Knorhoek valley, it has a perfect view of Table Mountain; it’s often surprising from where in the winelands you can see our famous landmark, or even the ocean, for that matter.

The passion for preserving the estate’s rich centuries-old heritage is captured in every nook and cranny of this family farm.

Beautiful old Cape Dutch buildings, crumbling statues, antique wine-making equipment, and the quaint tasting room with its cobwebs, stained glass windows and art, are all set in a secret garden, a lush green haven of peace and tranquillity.

Entrance R75 a person, including a welcoming drink. The private wine tasting by De Villiers is R50 a person. Tractor rides can be booked when you get there. For more information and bookings call Jean-Mari Reyneke at Muratie at 021 865 2330/ 2336 or email taste@muratie.co.za