Robertson Wine on the River

The wine farm stands inside the marquee

Tasting some MCC on the Weltevrede stand and talking to Elzette

A great warm welcome from Paul de Wet of Zandvliet

Not that you would have wanted to with the river rising after the heavy rains

We could not resist the food sold on the Zandvliet stand. John had the crisp battered yellowtail with onion rings and chips and Lynne the tenderest lamb chops cooked to perfection with a very good marinade, also with crisp onion rings and chips. Only R45 a serving.

The muddy entrance to the festival: Lots of us wore wellies

Heading for the Chardonnays of the valley tasting where they pair all the wines with food

A bit wet for a boat trip. Next year!

The tasting in full swing Lourens van der Westhuizen chats to Bernhard Hess of Mimosa Lodge in Montagu

Fanus Bruwer of Quando making some notes

These wines were on the Tropical flavour table

These wines are on the Complex flavours table. In front is a list of the food pairing

These wines were classified Creamy. We don’t always agree!
Two bubblies for tasting

Lourens talks us through the tasting

Some “wrapt” attendees

A good crowd attends the tasting for each session, which is completely free. 

You just need to book your place

These are the food pairings

Zandi Beetge, the chef who made them

Elegant style indeed

Clark Truter from Siris Vintners, who represent some of the farms

Ivan Oertle, Wine Selector for Woolworths, and his wife talking to Lourens

A boat trip begins for a few hardy souls

Fanus Bruwer of Quando

How we ended the day. Those wines all dwindled as it wore on towards evening

The rain pouring down and the Hess children really enjoying it

The clouds begin to part and the river is suddenly calm

Fida Hess from Mimosa Lodge in Montagu and friend

Fashionable footwear this year was... wellies

We are discussing the next festival – Hands on Harvest in February. See you there?

No-one really wants to go home

Photographs © John Ford, Adamastor & Bacchus 2012