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Elgin Cool Wine and Country Food Festival 2019
Fine wine, delicious food and family-friendly entertainment make this country fair your one-stop destination.
By Sharon Kariwo • 28 March 2019
Surrounded by beautiful mountains, Elgin’s high altitude makes it the coolest – temperature-wise – grape-growing region in South Africa (The cooler climes mean the grapes hang on the vines for longer, giving the wines a unique character.) But that’s not the only reason we think it’s cool… Each year, wine enthusiasts flock to the region for the Elgin Cool Wine and Country Food Festival to discover the gems produced in this fertile valley.
This year’s participating wineries each have their own programmes, which include wine tastings, blending sessions, chocolate-and-wine pairings, and more. Visitors are free to wander between estates, allowing you to enjoy what appeals to you most.
The participating farms are Almenkerk Wine Estate, Charles Fox Wines, Elgin Ridge Biodynamic Wine Estate, Elgin Vintners, Highlands Road Estate, Iona, Lothian Vineyards, Oak Valley Wine Estate, Oneiric Wines, Paul Cluver Wines, Paul Wallace Wines, Shannon Vineyards, South Hill Cool Climate Vineyards.
More than wine
Pop-up kitchens and food trucks dotted around the participating farms will be offering an array of delicious meals, such as pulled-pork rolls, cheese platters, farm-style picnics, tapas and sushi. And there’ll be live music – ranging from country-rock, blues, 60s swing, jazz, and a live DJ – to complete the festive atmosphere.
Those in search of some cultural exploration amid the beauty of the wine farms should take advantage of the nature walks, art exhibitions, and cellar tours and before enjoying a vertical tasting to round off the afternoon.
A kiddies’ playground and tractor rides will keep the little ones entertained, while pizza, popcorn, candy floss and slush puppies will keep their tummies satisfied.
Good to know
- Collect your wristband, festival map and special-edition festival glass at the Elgin Railway Market.
- The market is also the destination for Ceres Rail’s weekend steam-train trips from Cape Town so, if you’re feeling adventurous start your weekend with a train ride.
- Complimentary shuttles are available from the Elgin Railway Market to the wineries.
- Designated drivers will receive a special stamp entitling them to a complimentary soft drink at each winery.
- Many of the farms are dog-friendly.
Are you ready to chill? See you there!
Jacques •
Thanks I see it now
Jacques •
Where can we find out where these things are happening? For example who is doing the chocolate pairings? Where is the music? I mean these farms aren’t exactly walking distance from each other and I would like to plan a bit before we go.
Regards
Jacques
The Inside Guide •
Hi Jacques. Good point. If you click on the “programmes” link, you’ll be able to see what each farm has planned, then you can organise your trip accordingly. Enjoy!