What a lovely festival this is. It showcases the Franschhoek wines you
might want to drink in the summer: their bubblies, white wines and some rosés.
It was held at under marquees on the lawn at Leopard’s Leap, where the farms set
up their stalls to showcase the one wine that each was allowed, appropriate to
the day. 26 Franschhoek farms were represented; the wines were chilled, so were
the visitors and much happiness ensued. We tasted, chatted to the farms’
representatives, had a light lunch and bought some wine to take home
White was the cooling theme and a white tented world
welcomed us. If you bought water from the water stand on the left, you will be
happy to know that all the money is used to support children who would not be
able to study ballet without this funding
Taking time off from harvesting, a happy, smiling winemaker,
Dawie Botha of Antonij Rupert wines with his Cape of Good Hope Riebeeksriver
Caroline 2013 which John really liked. It is made from Chenin from 30-year-old vines,
plus Roussanne and Viognier. Oaked, tangerine citrus and classy
Always fun to chat to Nick Davis of Morena and taste his
lovely Cap Classique Brut Rosé, made from 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay; zesty and
lively
Peter Kampmeinert, our friend who visits every year at this
time from Holland, with Lynne enjoying the chat and the Morena MCC
Taking a day off from her own harvest is KWV winemaker Anneke du Plessis
Looking rosy with health, Irene Waller, General Manager and
winemaker at La Bri. The Cellar Door Rosé at R65 was a steal, so summery and so
refreshing
Guess what we drank with our lunch? A gift from winemaker DP
Burger who refused to let us pay for it, a bottle of Glenwood's just released white
Bordeaux bland of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. It is a lovely, satisfying blend
with nice depth and richness from the Semillon. It is a food wine and went
really well with the Pork Belly tortillas produced in the Leopard’s Leap
kitchen
John was allowed into the kitchen to photograph the preparation of the simple
but good food on offer. A cheese platter with fresh figs and chutney
The kitchen was very organised and there was no waiting for
lunch. The girls behind the counter
The tortilla was packed full of good pork, vegetables and a
spicy sauce
Sitting inside for lunch on the terrace with the cooling
misters going
Girls having fun and enjoying a bottle of La Couronne Chenin
blanc
Good music played all through the event
Magic 828 AM Broadcaster Guy MacDonald and Bronwen, enjoying the magic!
Oh no, up on the mountain behind us, a horrible fire broke
out and raced up the mountain. They did eventually get it under control, but it
was frightening to watch
Some enthusiastic tasters at the Bellingham stand, tasting
the very good Old Vines Chenin Blanc with Marguerite Nel. Once you had your generous tasting
portion, they crossed it off the list. There was plenty of wine to enjoy and
lots to buy.
Boschendal winemaker Tammy Jaftha blowing a kiss!
Franschhoek Cellar showed their 2015 Chardonnay to a happy
imbiber
Relaxing under the umbrellas. So much shade was provided
this year and very much appreciated it was
too
Who has had a super day! And a large chocolate ice cream.
This is the daughter of Pippa Pringle, who looks after public relations for the
Franschhoek Valley and invited us. Lynne was also happy as she bought a case of
La Chataigne's Kastanje 2014 Chenin Blanc. It is caramel toffee on the nose,
crisp and full on the palate, a lovely Chenin with some age, just how she likes
them
© John & Lynne Ford, Adamastor & Bacchus 2017
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