Calitzdorp Winter Festival 2016

This annual wine and lifestyle festival happens in the picturesque Klein Karoo – the ideal winter destination, with mild, sunny days and evenings made cosy with a glass of port and a crackling fire. Visitors can enjoy award-winning ports at a leisurely pace, while gaining a rare glimpse into how this ancient spirit is produced.

Local cellars such as Axehill, Boplaas, Calitzdorp Cellar, De Krans, Du’SwaRoo, Peter Bayly, TTT and Withoek will offer winemaker-led tastings at each of their individual cellars. In addition, intriguing food-and-wine (and food-and-port) pairings will be on offer.

Winter Festival 16 – 19 June 2016

As part of the opening weekend, the winter festival centres around the historic Calitzdorp Railway Station. The best ports and wines in the area will, obviously, be on display and there are a host of exciting new events to participate in and experience. This is what the weekend lineup looks like:

Thursday, 16 June

• Medieval-style dinner and movie at The Calitzdorp Railway Station with live music, dinner and an outdoor movie if the weather permits (6pm – late)

Friday, 17 June

• A full day of activities at the station that includes food stalls, kids’ activities, wine tastings and cellar activities (9am – 6pm)
• A ’60s-themed Rock’nRoll party (6.30pm – 10.30pm)

Saturday, 18 June

• Station gates open for a day of live music, food stalls, an art exhibition, and more activities for the kids (10am – 6pm)
• Calitzdorp Winter Festival Street Party with food stalls and live music (6pm – late)
• Queen of Calitzdorp and Axe Hill – a four-course food-and-port pairing (7pm – late)

Sunday, 19 June

• A traditional brunch and picnic at the Calitzdorp Railway Station rounds off the weekend’s entertainment (11.30am)

Check out the full festival programme here.

Did you know: Age-old tradition calls for port served at a formal dinner to be passed to the left (“pass the port to port”) and for the bottle or decanter not to touch the table on its way around.