Embrace country life at Robertson festival
Uncorking the fun and great Boland outdoors top the menu at Wacky Wine Weekend, writes Nathan Adams
THE Wacky Wine Weekend in Robertson is more than about food and wine; it’s about experiencing the outdoors in its winter glory. This annual festival, one that is high on the to-do list of wine aficionados because, for a few days, the wine farms in the region open their doors to the public and winemakers allow you behind the scenes and let you bend their ears.
The festival, now in its 14th year, takes place from June 1-4. There are more than than 40 wine estates and boutique wineries from the Ashton, Bonnievale, McGregor and Robertson region participating this year.
The activities and events that comprise the Wacky Wine Weekend take place at the wine farms around Robertson.
You can book a cellar tour, a tour of the vineyards or a spot at one of the many pairing and tasting sessions, but it’s important you visit the Wacky Wine website and plan and book your way through the festival.
Mira Weiner, one of the organisers, says: “Get down to earth with an intimate braai fondue and embrace country life with farm tours and tractor rides.
“Set your inner winemaker free and be a winemaker for a day by blending and bottling your own creation or enjoy a vertical wine tasting to compare the same cultivar across different vintages.”
One of the highlights is the Cape Wine Academy teaming up with De Wetshof Estate to offer a series of tastings.
The King of the Reds event, on June 3 at the estate, is billed as an opportunity to “experience different styles of Cabernet Sauvignon in a special comparative tasting”.
Among the other activities to enjoy is a tour (and a tasting) at the Klipdrift Distillery. The distillery will be pairing its range of spirits with handmade treats such as macadamia nut brittle, chocolate, caramel, mallow bite and cranberry and pistachio nougat.
Weiner says: “Wine enthusiasts will get the opportunity to engage directly with winemakers in interactive wine tastings, experience the intricate winemaking process and discover the story behind the bottle.
“A diverse variety of wine pairings will be on offer and festival-goers can explore historic underground cellars, boutique wine farms and family-owned estates.”
This festival is family-friendly, and there is much to see and do around Robertson that the little ones won’t be left out.
Many of the wine farms have 4x4 routes and you can take in the sights of Route 62, which is something Weiner suggests.
“Head out to the country and enjoy the simple pleasures in life with a road trip along Route 62. Recently hitting the top spot on the World’s best Road Trip list, the Wacky Wine Weekend is the perfect excuse for a road trip with friends.”
Remember to be prepared for any kind of weather – carry your umbrella and sun hat.
Tickets are R180 per person and available from Webtickets. For inquiries, contact the Robertson Wine Valley office at www.robertsonwinevalley.com. Send an e-mail to events@robertsonwinevalley.com or call 023 626 3167.