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Welcome to the Wacky Wine Weekend at Zandvliet
Last week, my friends and I went on a trip to the beautiful Zandvliet Wine Estate, located near Robertson. It was a fun-filled day as we relaxed under the shady trees, sipped on the farm’s finest wines, and excitedly chatted about the upcoming Wacky Wine Weekend happening from 2-5 June 2011. We even got to enjoy some mouthwatering smoked salmon and perfectly grilled springbok sirloin. The peaceful and laid-back atmosphere at the farm made me realize that this experience was just a teaser of the amazing time I would have during the Wacky Wine Weekend at Zandvliet. Let me share with you why this event is not to be missed:
1. Zandvliet is full of charm and character.
When I visited Zandvliet, I was immediately struck by the charm and uniqueness of the winery. The stories told by co-owner Dan de Wet were larger than life, and the staff was genuinely friendly and welcoming. It felt like I was visiting an old friend, and I knew I would have to come back soon.
2. The Chardonnay, oh how I loved it!
My relationship with Chardonnay has always been a bit distant. I never quite connected with it and always seemed to prefer other wines. But when I tasted Zandvliet’s Chardonnay (2010), everything changed. It was absolutely delicious, even before I found out it had won medals in France. I couldn’t get enough of it.
When I visited Zandvliet, I had the pleasure of meeting the winemaker, Etienne Malan. He was kind enough to give us a tasting of all the amazing wines produced at Zandvliet Estate, including their famous Shiraz. Now, I’m not an expert in wines, but I have to say, I absolutely loved every sip. It was a delightful experience that I won’t forget.
You know what’s even better? During the Wacky Wine Weekend, you can enjoy similar tasting sessions. Imagine yourself surrounded by the charming and rustic wooden stables of Zandvliet while savoring the different wines they have to offer.
3. Get ready for a barn full of lively music.
After enjoying the tasting in the sunny outdoors, my friends and I devoured our delicious lunch in one of Zandvliet’s unique barn-style buildings. The atmosphere inside was enchanting, with warm lighting and the sun streaming through the rustic barn doors. With Dan de Wet’s lively explanations, we could easily picture the lively ambience of the upcoming Wacky Wine Weekend. I could envision a lively barn with a high ceiling, filled with the sounds of a live band and the joyful chatter of wine-loving friends. This is definitely my kind of scene.
4. A fantastic South African barbecue.
I’m thrilled to tell you about my incredible day at Zandvliet. I devoured generous portions of mouth-watering meat, and let me tell you, the saddle of beef stole the show. It was truly a massive T-bone steak, as Dan de Wet called it. The beef was cooked to perfection, topped with a delicious red wine reduction, and served with a glass of Zandvliet’s Kalkveld Shiraz. It was an absolute delight, and I’m excited to share that this mouthwatering dish will be available on Thursday evening during the Wacky Wine Weekend. All you meat lovers better get ready!
But the indulgence didn’t stop there. Dan de Wet also prepared a whole fresh salmon, cooked in a giant foil package on the grill. The salmon was incredibly flavorful and juicy, making it a satisfying yet light meal. This delightful dish will be served on Friday night of the Wacky Wine Weekend, so mark your calendars!
Just when we thought we couldn’t eat another bite, we made room for a heavenly sweet treat – the koeksister. Paired with a warm cup of coffee, it was the perfect ending to an unforgettable feast.
So, I’ve tried and tasted all I could at Wacky Wine evenings, and let me tell you, you won’t go hungry.
5. Wacky… and it’s all about the kids too.
Don’t worry about feeling guilty for enjoying your wine when your kids are guaranteed to have a blast as well. Zandvliet has a supervised kid’s play area for the entire weekend, and there are wacky games in store for everyone!
So go ahead, relax, drink wine, and have a wacky time at Zandvliet.
The Wacky Wine Weekend will take place from June 2nd to 5th at various wineries in and around Robertson. Antoinette Events will be organizing the events at Zandvliet, and you can find more information about them at their website: http://www.zandvliet.co.za/