South Africa Blog

It seems that Cape Town’s favourite destination on a Saturday morning these days, is to Stellenbosch to visit the Fresh Goods Market, situated at Oude Libertas. This amphitheatre style, outdoor and indoor market comprises of an energetic frenzy of food, beverage and craft sellers pedaling their wares and feeding hordes of hungry market goers, every Saturday between 9am-2pm.

The food is fresh, gourmet, trendy and delicious and one is easily swayed to partner brunch with a ‘real’ beer or even a margarita before the Boeing has even flown over! The ample space and rolling lawns on the outskirts of the market give it a feeling of space, allowing for relaxing with friends, while enjoying a smorgasbord of delicious offerings from the market. The ‘slow food’ philosophy at the market, as opposed to fast food, ensures that all the food on offer is independently and ethically produced.

Wafting slowly around the market, we were impressed with the incredibly diverse selection of gourmet food and goods, ranging from beautiful icing sugar dusted cherry pies and handmade chocolate through to artisan breads and cured meats. Some of our favourite goodies on offer included; breakfast wraps and steak sarmies from Jean Nel’s Flamed Weber stand; Arnim & Elke’s German waffles with cream; mushroom skewers from Sheilagh’s Shrooms; Everson’s Cider; Darling beer; Forest Hill cheeses; Chrisna’s Organic Olives; Rushda’s Famous Curry Stand and the impressive gypsy tea caravan run by Lady Bonin!

Carefully procured goods from independent producers in the Cape Winelands means that food is not only fresh and healthy, but is preservative, anti-biotic and chemical free. According to the Stellenbosch Slow Food website, “Slow Food is a non-profit, eco-gastronomic member-supported organization that was founded in 1989 to counteract fast food and fast life, the disappearance of local food traditions and people’s dwindling interest in the food they eat, where it comes from, how it tastes and how our food choices affect the rest of the world. To do that, Slow Food brings together pleasure and responsibility, and makes them inseparable.”

We highly recommend heading out to the Stellenbosch Fresh Goods Market, by bicycle, car, bus or horse and carriage – just get there – you’ll leave with wonderful memories and basket loads of delicious, fresh goods. Or better still, why not make a weekend of it? Find a great place to stay at Accommodation in Cape Winelands and spend the weekend exploring this wonderful region.

Cape Agulhas is known for many things, not least of all the geographical extremes that it presents. It represents the southernmost tip of Africa, as well as the point at which the cool Atlantic Ocean and warmer Indian Ocean meet. Due to its location on the continent, Cape Agulhas was frequently the first piece of land encountered by the seamen of centuries ago.

It has been noted as one of the most dangerous capes along the traditional clipper route (between Europe and the East or Australia). As such, there have been a number of shipwrecks on this coast over the centuries. This resulted in the Cape Aghulhas Lighthouse being built in 1848, which is now home to a restaurant and museum. This museum showcases a number of fascinating relics, not least of which are stone traps that were once used by the Khoisan people.

The Agulhas Municipality has several towns under its jurisdiction. These are Arniston (or Waenshuiskrans), Bredasdorp, Elim (a Moravian mission station and UNESCO World Heritage Site), L’Agulhas (the southernmost town on the African continent), Napier, Struisbaai (known for its gorgeous beaches), Suiderstrand (a holiday town with a rustic feel), Klipdale and Protem.

Cape Agulhas is known for its temperate, pleasant weather conditions. Summers are warm and winters are cool, with rainfall mainly during the winter months. This makes it ideal for year-round tourism.

Cape Agulhas is situated in the Overberg Region, 170 kilometres (or just over 100 miles) southeast of the city of Cape Town in the Western Cape. It is home to the Andrew’s Field Airport, which is Africa’s southernmost aerodrome.

This area has its place among the myths and legends of sailors all over the world. The Cape of Storms was a notorious myth, which saw numerous vessels being reduced to timber as they attempted to travel to the East for trading purposes. Some interesting remnants of these wrecks can be seen at the Bredasdorp Shipwreck Museum.

The Agulhas National Park was established in 1999 and covers a total area of just less than 21 000 hectares. This park has, as its focus, the conservation and sustainability of its breath-taking biodiversity and the unique culture of this area. It boasts some magnificent wildlife (including the Southern Right Whale and African Black Oyster Catcher), ensuring that it is a haven for nature-lovers. Bird-watching is particularly popular here.  This park also showcases some of the country’s most beautiful fynbos, which is not found naturally anywhere else in the world. The best time to see the fynbos is between May and September. There are a number of trails through the national park, which allow visitors to be a part of this splendour and enjoy it in a more personal way – smelling the fresh breeze and the aroma of the vegetation; touching flowers, leaves and bark; hearing the crunch of twigs underfoot.

Fishing is especially popular in Cape Agulhas. The shallow waters off the Agulhas bank have been known to be the natural habitat of a number of species, including red steenbras, yellowtail, red stump, cob, santer, musselcracker and red roman. Deep-sea fishing and rock fishing are both popular pastimes and livelihoods in this area.

Napier Breweries was established in 2007 by a group of friends that wanted to enjoy unique, interesting beers of a superior quality. They envisioned full-bodied ales that reflected their Overberg origin.  Only the best hand-selected ingredients are used and Napier Breweries supplies to a number of bottle stores, pubs and restaurants, as well as to tourist accommodation and dining establishments. Their range comprises Old Charlie Stout, Overberg Ale, and Blue Crane Lager.

The culture and history of Cape Agulhas is infused into almost every element of this destination, making it a very special experience. Although fairly remote, it continues to welcome many visitors who want to experience the marvels of its natural diversity every year.

For more info see Cape Agulhas attractions or book a place to stay at Cape Agulhas accommodation. The region provides great Western Cape accommodation options often with activities such as whale watching included in the deal.

The Endler Concert Series will continue its full 2011 programme with concerts on both 13 and 14 August. The first concert on 13 August takes place at 20:00 and features the South African born duo of Dawid Venter (flute) and Ben Schoeman (piano). Praised for his “colourful tone, brilliance and delicacy”, Venter, an alumni of Stellenbosch University, now lives in London and holds the position of Principal Flautist in the Band of Her Majesty’s Grenadier Guards. Schoeman, also living in London, won the UNISA International piano competition last year and has recently released his first solo piano CD internationally. The concert on 14 August is a violin and piano recital and takes place at 16:30. Well known South African violinist, Piet Koornhof will be accompanied by pianist Cara Kleynhans. Koornhof is a member of the Potch Trio, founder of South African Chamber Music Society and associate professor of violin at North West University. Kleynhans, a former student at Stellenbosch University has recently obtained her doctorate from the North West University in Potchefstroom.

The programme on 13 August will include the well known sonata in E minor for flute and keyboard, BWV 1034, by Bach. This will be followed by a sonata by Hendrik Hofmeyr, regarded by many to be South Africa’s finest living composer. These two sonatas will be complimented by other interesting works for flute and piano by Henri Dutilleux, Charles-Marie Widor (most well known for his famous organ toccata) and André Jolivet. On 14 August, Koonhof and Kleynhans will deliver a delightful programme of rareties for violin and piano. These will include Eduardo Toldra’s Six Sonnets, Three Nocturns Op. 16, by Nikolai Medtner and excerpts from Sergei Prokofieff’s powerful ballet, Romeo and Juliet.ay: R110 / R85, Sunday R99  / R75. Box office at the Endler Hall will open one hour before the concert for ticket sales. For further enquiries, please call the Endler Hall Concert Series on 021 808 2343 during office hours.

To find a place to stay for the duration of the concert see Stellenbosch accommodation or visit Cape Winelands accommodation for options in the region.

Wineries of Bot River celebrate together from 9 to 11 September 2011:  A fabulous weekend celebrating the advent of Spring for wine lovers, nature lovers and families to get together for the good-time event of the year with gastronomy, tastings, entertaining activities , local artists and so much more. Our line up this year kicks off with the Winemakers Selection on the 9th September 2011 to be held at  Kol Kol Mountain Lodge, Botrivier, tranquil with sweeping views of fynbos. Winemakers will be showcasing their wines revealing unique perspective on vine-to-glass progression and the personality of Bot River terroir complemented by culinary delights.  (Tickets cost R100.00).

Throughout the weekend participating Wine Estates and restaurants will announce their involvement by placing pink barrels at their entrances. Entertainment varies from horse riding, fly fishing, wine and olive oil tastings and blending, sumptuous meals, live music, pottery and art exhibitions. Entry Free. Saturday 10:00 -18:00 / Sunday 10:00 -15:00

Partygoers can shunt their cabooses over to the Bot River Station on Saturday 10th September for the Botriviera Spectacle. The theme is ‘carnival’, an excuse for guests to puff up their feathers and pimp their style for an evening of other-worldly and downright surreal entertainment. The party will be fuelled by DJ Charl who returns this year to rock the rails and steam up the venue. The loco-motion starts at 7 pm and the party will go on till late.  Tickets cost R100 and includes entry to the lucky draw and amazing giveaways.

Tickets available at Shuntin’ Shed.  Bot River is only 1.15 hours from Cape Town so whether one is visiting for a day or spending the weekend on one of the participating estates the Botriviera Spring Weekend provides an opportunity to discover and explore this fascinating area, meet the merry winemakers and enjoy their wines!

Join us and explore something out of the ordinary!
Find a place to stay at Botrivier Accommodation or see Cape Overberg accommodation for lodges nearby.

The 2008 La Motte Méthode Cape Classique has just been acknowledged as one of the National Winners for cultivar wines by the 2011 Novare SA Terroir Wine Awards.

“With the 2008 MCC Brut being only the second vintage of sparkling wine to have been released from La Motte, we are delighted by this performance”, says Hein Koegelenberg, CEO of La Motte. “Not only do we mature the wine on the lease for 29 months, but we also released just 3300 bottles, so we hold this sparkling wine very dear.” (more…)

The his­toric Cape Winelands town of Tulbagh is host­ing a Spring Arts Festival over the week­end of 26–28 August 2011, cel­eb­rat­ing the arts in all their var­ied forms. The fest­ival also coin­cides with the spring wild­flowers, which include sev­eral vari­et­ies of rare endemic bulbs that only flower in the Tulbagh val­ley. It is aimed at rais­ing funds for the Tulbagh Community Gardens and Galgeheuwel Reserve ini­ti­at­ive, which will cre­ate a pub­lic pleas­ure garden for the enjoy­ment of all in his­toric Church Street.

The Tulbagh Spring Arts Festival is head­lining with the open­ing of the Christo Coetzee House Museum and Gallery (post renov­a­tion of the dilap­id­ated barn, where Coetzee painted from 1973 until his death in 2000, and the Rhenish mis­sion­ary house where he lived behind the stu­dio.) For the dur­a­tion of the fest­ival the work of past, present and future mas­ters of the val­ley will be on display.

Christo Coetzee is obvi­ously our past mas­ter. The South African Encyclopedia says about Coetzee’s work: “He has broadened art in the sense that he con­trib­uted to the fad­ing of the tra­di­tional bound­ar­ies between paint­ing and sculp­ture and because he insisted on viewer par­ti­cip­a­tion in the cre­at­ive pro­cess. (more…)

From 19 – 21 March 2011 Wellington dons its festive costume when this quaint Boland town which was named 2010 SA Terroir Top Wine Area celebrates the bounty of the harvest at the 5th Wine Harvest Festival. Spend the day or make sure you don’t miss any of the action and book in for the weekend for an extraordinary array of fun-filled activities for the whole family.

Big names like Steve Hofmeyr, Adam Tas and the newly crowned Idols winner Elvis Blue will get your hands clapping, while opera lovers can experience a cultural evening around a piece of Wellington history, the Black Countess. Live music will follow you wherever you go throughout the day.

Treat your taste buds with the region’s premium wines, out of the box food parings such as vodka and sushi, and brandy and chocolate, or oysters and bubbly on a topless bus. Buy slow food from the country market; or show your prowess with the potjie in the international potjiekos competition.

The adrenalin junkies will be spoilt for choice with the quad bike trail, the Bain’s trail run or even just a messy round of grape stomping. Take it a bit slower while still breathing the fresh autumn air – join the Wine-on-foot@Blouvlei 5km long vineyard walk in the Bovlei area. Make sure to bring the kids for the tractor and pony rides, and an endless supply of ice-cream.

Only R60 (kids under 13 enter free) promises a full weekend of fun and laughter and lip-smacking taste experiences for the whole family. Festival armbands, your entry ticket, are available from all participating farms and the Wellington Information Office. Special Monday armbands are available at R30 per person.

For more information, the full programme and a list of participating farms contact Emma at tel 021 873 4604, email info@wellington.co.za or visit www.harvestfestival.co.za

Emma Follett-Botha
Tourism Officer
Wellington Tourism
(021) 873 4604

Taste, eat, drink and play to your heart’s desire at the SA Cheese Festival, taking place from Saturday 24 until Tuesday 27 April at Bien Donné on the R45 between Paarl and Franschhoek. This fabulous foodie event sets the scene for an intimate yet festive get-together between cheesemakers, food artisans and those who simply adore the good life. Bring the whole family for a fun-filled day in the countryside surrounded by the most sumptuous eats and treats.

Cheese to choose
The Checkers Cheese Emporium houses the country’s largest selection of cheese under one air cooled 2 400 m2 roof. Strong and bold or familiar and mild – your choice of cheese will be there. The Checkers Food Theatre will come alive with Nataniël’s razor-sharp wit, while the Giggling Gourmet Jenny Morris and YOU magazine’s food editor Carmen Niehaus will captivate you with their imaginative cheese recipes. Free tickets to the Nataniël sessions can be obtained daily on a first-come-first-served basis from outside the Cheese Emporium.

Choose your cheese and top up your bag or basket with some sweet seducers such as handmade chocolate, Turkish delight, nougat, and sweet or sparkling wines, and you’re set for a taste celebration.

Cooking Pot action
Several of your favourite entertainment, food and other icons will be stirring up a storm in the Cooking Pot. Enjoy the antics of the uproariously funny Soli Philander, or let Sarie and Sarie Kos’s food fundis Herman Lensing and Barbara Joubert, who was recently lauded as the Galliova Food Writer of the Year, share with you the what’s hot of creating with cheese. The Pinotage icon, Beyers Truter, and Johan Badenhorst, presenter of the travel TV programme Voetspore, team up for an adventurous outdoor food and Pinotage demonstration. A combination of quirks and canapés brings RSG presenter Johan Rademan, TV presenter and comedian Nico Nel and outstanding chef Alet Erasmus together. Aperitivo dishes, paired with Peroni will be the speciality of chef Craig Hounsman. Whether you’re a gourmet guru or a closet cook you are sure to enjoy the energy of the Cooking Pot which is by now a legendary hotspot for cheese innovation.

Cool options for busy kids
Kids 12 years and younger enter for free and then the fun and games begin! Expert entertainers will encourage kids of all ages to safely shed some of their energy in the Wilde Fruit Juices Kiddies Corner run by the professional party people, Crazy Chameleon. Life-size cartoon characters of the Boomerang Channel will be sharing hugs and a magician and balloon artists will intrigue the young ones with their tricks. Also bring your kids for an experience of the udderly amazing journey of milk from the cow, goat or sheep to the table while they enjoy being near these peaceful big eyed, four-legged friends in the Renault & Kia Milk Factory.

Shop till you drop
Cheese on its own is a treat but with the right partners it provides for a feast. The new SA Olive Experience in The Mall will allow olive enthusiasts to enjoy this ancient fruit in surprisingly innovative ways – taste the purest olive oils and gleaming black and green table olives, tapenades and even olive jams. Some ten olive producers from as far as Beaufort West, Montagu and Porterville bring you their delicacies, by one producer described as the wonderful gifts of good earth and captured sunshine.

Wine is of course the other constant companion of cheese – taste your way through the many cultivars and then stock your home cellar with your favourites. Make sure you buy enough delectable goodies including nuts, homemade preserves, bread and pesto’s to cater for the rest of your autumn picnics or for chilly winter evenings.

Meet at the Market
Artisan cheese makers who craft superb cheeses using age old methods and lots of patience share this space with special deli products which bring new dimensions to tasting pleasure. Savour the flavours that abound in this laidback country market, do not miss the products in the snail trail and then make your choice: what will you take home? Or unpack your purchases there and then and enjoy them on the shady market square.

Do lunch in the Gourmet Lane
The marvellous variety of tastes and aroma’s emanating from the Gourmet Lane will entice you to settle down and enjoy a bite with the music from the band BRAWOU! accompanying your appetite on this exciting journey. Don’t forget to browse in the herb nursery and buy some to take home for your cheese cooking and pairing adventures.

Festival goes green
The organisers of the Cheese Festival are also committed to the ‘greening’ of the event. To this purpose the contracted stand builders are strongly associated with the green movement in their industry and annually recycle their products. Furthermore a group from previously disadvantaged community in Franschhoek was invited to sort and recycle all waste from the festival and then benefit from the profits derived from the effort.

Buy your tickets now
A limited number of tickets are available from Computicket or Checkers stores (no tickets at the gate) at R110 for Saturday and Sunday, and R90 for Monday and Tuesday. Senior citizens pay R70 and children 12 years and younger enter for free. The festival runs each day from 10:00 to 18:00 and closes the last day at 17:00. For more information contact Agri-Expo on tel 021 975 4440 or cheese@agriexpo.co.za or visit www.cheesefestival.co.za.

If you plan to stay overnight for the festival check Paarl Accommodation and Franschhoek Accommodation to find the perfect place to stay.

Other articles about this event: South Africa’s Cheese Festivewl – its not just for turophiles.

THE CONSTANTIA VALLEY ASSOCIATION PRESENTS
CRUSH ON CONSTANTIA
18TH APRIL 2010
11.30AM TO 6.30PM
THE CRICKET OVAL, CONSTANTIA UITSIG WINE ESTATE

If spending a Sunday afternoon in the company of good friends, sipping fine wine and sampling dishes prepared by Constantia’s highly acclaimed Chefs’ then The Crush on Constantia is definitely an event for you!

Now in its third year, this grand garden party with live entertainment and a lifestyle market to browse through is truly a celebration of all things Constantia.

One of the highlights of the day will be the hotly contested competition for the best dressed couple title that will see the winners and runners-up walk away with sensational prizes. These prizes will only be awarded to those who have truly embraced the Grand Garden Glamour Theme!

TICKET PRICES: R130.00 PER PERSON (INCLUDES 8 WINE TASTINGS)
For more information:
Tel: 021 794 0542

Earth Hour Romantico – Famous SA Author inspired – Stanford’s 2010 Earth Hour Picnic on the Village Green and mini Jazz Festival.

Stanford is an hour and a half up from Cape Town, it lies on the beautiful Kleinrivier just past Hermanus

For a truly special non-commercial country experience, you have just got to make it the heart of historical Stanford’s Village Green for the Great Earth Hour switch-off. 28th March 6pm. Pack in a picnic and a blanket and head to the central village green to await the moment when all the old stone church’s ring their bells across the valley in count-down to the great global Earth Hour lights switch off moment. It’s truly incredible! The Green and all the picnickers are suddenly plunged into magnificent star light, galaxies and milky ways. Its safe, peaceful and sociable and just the thing for city dwellers missing some astronomical astronomy and the awesomeness of raw nature for the sheer enjoyment.

How refreshing that this event is noise and coca-cola free! But after 10:30pm, delicious Jazz will start up in the local restaurants and pubs all in strolling distance from the Green. They will be open late hosting jazz artists in aid of fund-raising towards the Overberg Conservation Foundation’s Eco schools project. Rumour has it that Abdullah Abrahim ( Dollor Brand) was so taken by the ethos of the event that he donated a performance, sadly his German agent had other plans… so the town is waiting excitedly to hear if another big jazz name can donate his time. There is a great local line-up but you might just find yourself in a cozy intimate little spot having hit ‘once in a life-time’ Jazz gold..with the Cape Town jazz fest kicking off three days later, everything’s possible. And its for a great cause too.

But jazz lover or not, just coming to hear the all the church bells ringing togethor across the valley, having a glass of wine with the locals and the night sky is magical on its own. And it being Valentines today and all, I should add, certainly the most romantic, happening and unforgettable surprise outing there is. So facebook a friend with a holiday home in Hermanus or book a holiday cottage in Stanford under the Willow trees, pack a picnic blanket and whisk your loved one away for one of those truly awesome and unforgettable experiences. Chances are you will leave with a lighter soul after having made new friends and viewing the enormity of the cosmos.

Durbanville Wine Valley Feast of the Grape on Sunday, 21 March 2010: Harvesting the bounty of the vineyards is one of the most important moments in the making of good wine. The Durbanville Wine Valley celebrates ‘Feast of the Grape’, its annual Harvest Festival on Sunday, 21 March, signaling the end of the grape season and the beginning of autumn. Delight your senses with our complete package of wine, great food, fine music and other vendange activities.

SEE … natural beauty of the countryside, breathtaking views of the ocean and rolling hills

HEAR …you are spoilt for choice with stirring rhythms and soulful jazz as well as Jakkie Louw’s biggest festival hit “Drie pikkewyne”

TOUCH …get your hands dirty and join in the grape picking and traditional stomping of grapes

TASTE …the finest regional produce, grape inspired dishes, grape must and award winning wines

SMELL …the wonderful aromas and flavours wafting from the various food stalls, to nose the concentrated aromas of the magnificent range of intense, fruit driven yet elegant wines as different from each other as the slopes that create them.

From the vineyards to the Altydgedacht Cellar. Bring friends and the whole family along for a fun-filled day on this historic working farm in the green heart of Durbanville. Go on a vineyard tour, taste grape must (a rare treat only available at harvest time); enjoy wine tastings and indulge in delicious vintner’s picnic baskets available to order or harvest platters served from the restaurant.

Bloemendal Wine Estate once again shows its legendary knack for hosting fun-filled festivities under the famed poplar trees and calming lily pond. Join in the grape picking, traditional stomping of the grapes and making of wine in the cellar. Then linger for the wine tastings and fabulous lunch.

Toast the turn of the seasons with the world’s nr. 1 celebratory drink at De Grendel Estate. Join their festive harvest table for a decadent bubbly brunch. And have you ever wondered why they call their De Grendel Pinot Noir OP DIE BERG? Experience a vertical tasting with 4 De Grendel Pinot Noir vintages, paired with a Burgundy inspired dish. Boules can be played on their lawns around the cellar and platters will be available.

Diemersdal Estate is an idyllic spot for the whole family to get together and celebrate the wine valley’s harvest heritage. Bring your own picnic basket, blanket and enjoy a leisurely day under the shade trees of the farm. Drink in the natural beauty of the countryside; take a stroll through the vineyards, enjoy wine tastings or stomp grapes.

Catch the glorious aromas of a Sunday lunch spitbraai at D’Aria; enjoy the exhilarating experience of grape stomping, followed by a taste of wines from D’Aria Winery.Bookings are essential as space is limited and in high demand. Price includes lunch and grape stomping, but wines are excluded.

Celebrate the harvest at Durbanville Hills with its breathtaking views on the ocean and rolling hills. Moms, Dads, Grandma and Grandpa will be delighted with the amazing entertainment for the kids, from a jumping castle and water slide to sand art, piñatas and more. Drink in the fiesta atmosphere and flavours wafting from the various food stalls where delicious food can be bought. All this to the rhythms and sounds of the dj.

Be carried away by the live music on the sprawling lawns in our stunning quarry at Hillcrest Estate Suitable for the whole family with grape stomping, winemaking kits to take home, wine tasting and Jakkie Louw to end the day’s festivities. Concert goers can bring their picnic blankets and baskets along for an epic afternoon of Hillcrest Wines, Music and Dance. Wine and food will be on sale.

Meerendal is looking forward to spoil 50 energetic amateur wine makers with a fun day of grape picking, grape stomping – like in the old days by feet – and learning all the secrets of wine making with their cellar master Liza Goodwin. Included in the package is a sumptuous breakfast (you cannot work on an empty stomach!), all the grape picking and wine making activities and a vintner’s lunch platter with lots of Meerendal wine to enjoy! This activity is ideal for the whole family or a group of friends.

Spend the day in the company of the Vellers – owners of Nitida Cellars & enjoy award winning wines & carnival style foods. You pick & pay for what you feel like eating!

Deatails:
No entrance fee – plenty to do for the little’ies…sand art, candle making & a jumping castle. Rene van Reenen will entertain you with her repertoire of jazz & many other styles of live music. This will add the special touch to a relaxing day in our company.

Durbanville Wine Valley’s Feast of the Grape will be held at participating wine farms on Sunday, 21March 2010.

Bookings are essential! Contact the following participating farms directly: Altydgedacht, Bloemendal, D’Aria, De Grendel, Diemersdal, Durbanville Hills, Hillcrest, Meerendal and Nitida.

Contact details:
Altydgedacht: 021 975 7815
Bloemendal: 021 976 2682
D’Aria: 021 801 6772
De Grendel: 021 558 6280
Diemersdal: 021 976 3361
Durbanville Hills: 021 558 1300
Hillcrest: 021 975 2346 / 021 976 1110
Meerendal: 021 975 1655
Nitida: 021 976 1110

This coming Harvest Festival, Wellington cannot wait to treat you to all the delicacies on offer at its 26-member compact wine route which is a mere 45 minutes from Cape Town, and within spitting distance of Stellenbosch and Franschoek. Come and celebrate the harvest with remarkable and award-winning wines, wine walks, mountain biking, wholesome family fun, footstomping music and lip-smacking food.

Dates: 20, 21, 22 March 2010
Entry for the 3-day festival is R60.
Armbands will be available at the information office for participating farms.
Kids under 12 are free.
Contact Wellington Tourism on Tel: 021 873 4604
To find a place to stay see Wellington Accommodation

CAPE TOWN: WEEKEND 26 – 28 FEBRUARY AT NEKKIES HOLIDAY RESORT IN WORCESTER.
JOHANNESBURG: SATURDAY 6 MARCH, EMMERENTIA DAM.

RAMfest has grown over the past three years to be a highlight on the annual Music Festival calendar in the Western Cape. An unforgettable experience with a collective of like minded music- and fun lovers, mark those calendars and join us for a mind blowing adventure into the realm of RAMfest 1V.

After what was certainly one of the most memorable events in Cape Town in 2009, 2010 is set to be the Year of the Spectacular. Audiomatik Events has secured a phenomenal line up, including international acts Pendulum from Australia and Johnny Foreigner from the UK and top SA acts Fokofpolisiekar, Taxi Violence, Jack Parow The Dirty Skirts and many more. RAMfest is also proud to present performances by much loved bands that have not performed in SA for a while: BOO!; Lark and The Narrow.

Thanks to all the dedicated followers, RAMfest is Cape Town’s number 1 alternative music festival and is now also teaming up with Oppikoppi SA to bring RAMfest to Johannesburg.

RAMFEST 1V CAPE TOWN:
WEEKEND 26 – 28 FEBRUARY AT NEKKIES HOLIDAY RESORT IN WORCESTER.

The line up on the MAIN STAGE includes:
Pendulum (Dj set) & Verse(UK/AUS), Johnny Foreigner(UK), BOO!, The Narrow, Lark, Fokofpolisiekar, Taxi Violence,Isochronous, Desmond & the Tutu’s, Kidofdoom, 7th Son, The Rudimentals,Tidal Waves, Red Five Point Star,Half Price, The Monroes, 3rd World Spectator , Cutout Collective, The Ragdolls, Stereo Zen, The Sleepers, Heldervue, The Realist , Jack Parow , The Dirty Skirts, Yesterday`s Pupil, Checked Zebra.

For die hard Metal fans, presents the METAL 4 AFRICA STAGE with performances by:
A B Turbo,Betray the Emissary,Cold Hand Chemistry, Day Turns Night, Enmity, Facing The Gallows, Guns Go Bang, Mind Assault, Moment Of Clarity, New Altum, Pestroy,Reverse The Sands, SacriFist, Strident, Symphonic Schitzophrenia ,The Warinsane. Also featuring: The Untamed Dj’s – Brad & Chris from SA’s biggest alternative clubs Zepplins & The Doors, DJ Zuul (Mordor & Eye Of Horus)

ELECTRONIC STAGE: Dynamo Robo Disco”, Pretoria’s most advanced audio-visual dance-floor-destroying experience is charging it’s batteries and gearing up to bring the fun to Cape Town. GRIET presents ‘ROBO-RAM!’ RAMFEST’s first official dress up after party! When the band stages close down at night, go back to your tent and transform into the cyborgs we all know you are and come back to rock out to, Sassquatch, Niskerone, Richard The Third, Haezer, Moe Joe, Mr Sakitumi, Markus Wormstorm, Codec, Bruce Willis and many more.

Do pack that Hawaiian shirt because on Saturday morning we will be throwing a beach theme party down by the river starting at 11:00am.

TICKETS CAPE TOWN: Tickets are available from Computicket nationwide:
STRICTLY NO: Under18′s. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult, Glass bottles (please decant your drinks into plastic bottles).
Contact: 021 8833607.

RAMFEST JOHANNESBURG: SATURDAY 6 MARCH, EMMERENTIA DAM.
RAMfest is proud to present it`s very first one day Festival at Emmerentia Dam. Put your boots on and make sure to join us for a celebration of top SA Rock Talent, as well as a chance to see an exclusive SA performance by Pendulum (DJ set) & Verse from Australia and UK.

The line up: Pendulum (Djset) & Verse, aKING, BOO!, The Narrow, Lark, Die Heuwels Fantasties, Isochronous, Wrestlerish and The Sick Leaves. Stalls, arts and crafts market and water sports, this is one Saturday of the year not to be missed.

TICKETS: Available from Computicket nationwide.
Gates open: 12h00.

Calling all wine connoisseurs and organic food fundis! Some of the town’s most award-winning farms will be offering wine tasting at their cellars, wine walks, live music, food stalls & markets, quad & mountain biking, etc. R60 gives you access to all the farms, plus a complimentary tasting glass and map. Kids u12 are free. You can purchase your armband at the Tourism Bureau.

Venue: Wellington’s surrounding wine farms
Dates: 20-22 March 2010
Please contact 021 873 4604 for more details.
Where To Stay: Wellington Accommodation

After an extremely successful year, idols dynamite Pixie and her band will kick off 2010 with a show in Cape Town. Catch them at the V&A Waterfront on Sunday, January 10th at 5pm in the amphitheatre. Albums and merchandise will be available and all ages are welcome!

Their new single SO SPUN has experienced huge success on nationwide and KZN radio stations and they are set to release a further single in January. Both songs, as well as their EP album were produced by Tree 63’s John Ellis. The band have performed alongside some of SA’s top artists: Prime Circle, Zebra and Giraffe, Stealing Love Jones, Wondeboom and Loyiso to name a few.

Recently, the Durban based musicians had the opportunity to perform at a concert that headlined international artist Busta Rhymes as well as local TV stations. Securing an endorsement from Mr Price and further sponsors is a testament to the support that they are receiving throughout SA.

Please contact Pixie on 079 439 8915 should you require further information!