I’ve lived in Gauteng and the Cape Winelands, so I can testify that as wealthy as the Gauteng Province may be, its residents are horribly underprivileged when it comes to the joy of a wine tasting experience. Of course people can buy and drink wine, but that’s pretty much where it ends. For too long they have been deprived of the delight that comes with discovering new award-winning wines, lovingly poured by the producers themselves, in a picture-perfect country setting.
But all that is about to change…
The Robertson Wine Valley winemakers are heading north for the 2013 Robertson Wine Valley Festival, taking place from 3 – 4 August 2013 at Kievits Kroon Country Estate outside Pretoria. I know what you Jozi peeps are like. You’ve probably had your schedule booked up for months, but take my advice and cancel whatever it is you had planned, because you do not want to miss this opportunity to experience the Winelands in Gauteng!
What better way to escape the rodent marathon that by joining some laid-back winemakers for a fun-filled outing at this beautiful country estate. A quick 10 minutes from central Pretoria and a 45 minute drive from Joburg (the way you guys drive, you’ll also probably make it there in 10 minutes!) will have you in one of the most tranquil locations imaginable. With its lush manicured lawns, beautiful rose beds, landscaped gardens, and Cape Dutch-style Manor House, Kievits Kroon is reminiscent of the Cape wine estates and has become affectionately referred to as “the Winelands in Gauteng”. And with dozens of estates from the Robertson Wine Valley offering you their finest wines, it won’t take you long before you’re completely relaxed and planning your next trip to the Cape.
The line-up of Robertson Wine Valley wineries will include Excelsior, Graham Beck Wines, Rietvallei, Robertson Winery, Rooiberg Winery, Springfield, Van Loveren, Weltevrede, and Zandvliet to name but a few. And with wines being sold on site at fantastic prices, this event provides the perfect opportunity to stock up on your favourite Robertson wines, renowned for their great value, from easy-drinking to top-of-the-range.
In addition to excellent wines, there will be food, fun, and entertainment for the whole family. The estate’s “no children under 14” policy will be relaxed for the weekend to allow children of all ages to join in the fun. So bring your friends and family and enjoy the exceptionally warm hospitality of the Robertson Wine Valley and Kievits Kroon.
Where: Kievits Kroon, Plot 41, Reier Road, Kameeldrift East, Pretoria
When: 3 – 4 August 2013, 10h00 – 17h00
Tickets: R150 (early bird) – R180 per person per day or R280 (early bird) – R320 for a weekend pass. Tickets include a tasting glass, bottle of water, and goodie bag. Children under 18 enter free of charge. Tickets are available online at Webtickets or at the gate.
Contact: Robertson Wine Valley on 023 626 3167 / manager@robertsonwinevalley.com
7 Tips from an ex-Gauteng-Winelands girl:
- Make note of your favourite wines as soon as you taste them, because by the end of the day you’ll most likely forget.
- The “spit buckets” are for polite wine tasting etiquette, especially for people who are planning on tasting a lot of different wines without getting sloshed. You can also use them to dump a wine you don’t like or rinse your glass between tastings. To avoid looking like a distressed camel, check out Wine Folly’s tutorial: How to Spit Wine.
- Avoid the pain of drawing straws for designated driver and book an overnight stay at one of the beautiful accommodations in Kammeldrift East.
- Even then, make sure your driver has had plenty of water to drink and enough time to sober up.
- Eat! I crave savoury and cheesy treats, but listen to the desires of your taste buds, because good food paired with great wine is unbeatable.
- Avoid unwelcome morning-after headaches with nature’s best remedy: water. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and a glass before bed.
- Do not miss this opportunity to experience the Winelands in Gauteng!
Which Robertson Wine Valley winery gets your raised glass of approval?
