Savour wine tasting in the scenic Elgin Valley

AND just like that, the annual grape harvest has come to an end. Autumn, with its beautifully crisp mornings and evenings, is settling in and the vineyards and orchards are slowly turning golden. To celebrate the change of season, the producers in the Elgin Valley invite guests to join them for the Elgin Cool Wine & Country Food Festival over the weekend of April 30 and May 1, from 9am till 7pm on both days.

Each of the participating wineries will offer a special programme allowing patrons to tailor-make their experience according to their preferences. Award-winning wines, a delectable culinary experience, outdoor activities, live entertainment and natural scenic beauty will make sure you have a wonderful time in this gorgeous valley. It is a long weekend, so why not plan to stay overnight?

Elgin, with its altitude and climate, is one of the coolest winegrowing regions in South Africa. Grapes therefore ripen slowly, which requires patience but results in wines with character defined by purity, distinct minerality, density of fruit and elegance.

Tickets to the festival cost R120 (over 18s) and can be bought online from www.webtickets.co.za. They include a tasting glass, festival programme, access to participating farms, live entertainment and tasting of a selection of three wines of your choice at any of the participating wine estates.

Online ticket sales will close on April 29, after which tickets can be bought on the day at the Elgin Cool Wine & Country festival office at the Peregrine Farm Stall. These tickets are R140.

Tasting glasses and tickets must be collected at the festival office at Peregrine Farm Stall before heading off to your selected farms. All children under 18 and accompanied by an adult may enter free, but obviously they will not be allowed to drink. Guests are advised to book activities and meals as space is limited.

● For information on the festival, participating wine farms, scheduled activities, bookings and costs, go to www.elginwine.co.za. For information on where to stay and what else to do in the valley, go to www.elginvalley.co.za.

CHEERS: Win tickets to the Elgin Cool Wine & Country Food Festival which is to be held over the weekend of April 30 to May 1.