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Cape Town, Events, Food, Lifestyle, Markets, Out & About

Swartland Wine and Olive Farmers Market

Poured, plated and produced – Swartland Wine and Olive Route comes to town.

Calling all foodies and wine lovers! Saturday October 6 is the date to remember, for a deliciously different Farmers Market, when the Santam Swartland Wine and Olive Route brings its bounty to the Kirstenbosch Stone Cottages. Enjoy the robust tastes of this celebrated route and the choice of more than 60 stalls, representing the produce of this unique region.

Meet the winemakers and savour the wines, taste the breads, olives and preserves and gear up for a country day in town. A tasty and leisurely day is in store with activities for the whole family. What can be poured, plated or produced is on sale so join us as we discover this unspoilt area which offers lots of surprises and a rich selection of food and wine.

Details for the Swartland Wine and Olive Farmers Market:

When: Saturday October 6 2012 Where: at Kirstenbosch Stone Cottages Time: 10am until 4pm
Entry: R30 per person (includes a wine glass and tasting vouchers)
Enquiries:Tel: 022 487 1133 or e-mail: [email protected]

Cape Town, Exploring the Cape, FAR Photography, Lifestyle, Travel

Bot River

A few weeks ago we spent a long weekend in the small town of Bot River in the Overberg, which is just outside Hermanus. The town is nestled at the bottom of the Houw Hoek Mountains. The Bot River, where the town gets is name, meanders its way through a fertile valley surrounded by mountains covered in fynbos, historical wine farms and fields of wheat. The landscape it very pretty and a tapestry of colour to behold.

Hermanus is a mere 10 minute drive from Barton Vineyards where we were staying, so you are not too far away from civilisation if you need to pop out to the shops. If you are keen on a bit of wine tasting the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley is a must.

The farm we stayed on was very private and perfect for an escape from the city and long walks in the vineyards. We even had the pleasure of a rather curious Peacock walking on our front lawn! {photo’s of the Peacock courtesy of my youngest – Jessica}

Images: ©FAR Photography

Cape Town, FAR Photography

Photography In the Vineyards

Recently after a rather lazy lunch at Jonkershuis at Groot Constantia, we decided to strolled around the magnificent gardens. What a great opportunity for a mini shoot “photography in the vineyards” with my special models! [Read more…]

Cape Town, FAR Photography, Pic of the Week

Pic of the Week

My pic of the week this week is of chilli peppers from my veggie garden – I love the vibrant red colour! I always feel so proud when I am able to pick produce from my garden and cook with it!

Photography: ©FAR Photography

Cape Town, Cape Town Lifestyle, Exploring the Cape, FAR Photography, Lifestyle, Travel

Groot Constantia Cape Town

Yesterday we enjoyed a lazy lunch at Jonkershuis at Groot Constantia, eating delicious food and drinking great Cape wine! Jonkershuis Constantia is nestled in the historic core of the Groot Constantia Wine Estate, next to the historic Homestead and surrounded by ancient oak trees.

Groot Constantia

Following lunch we decided on a strolled around the magnificent estate gardens. A chance to soak up the sun and take in the glorious surroundings.

Groot Constantia is not only the oldest wine estate in South Africa but also a historical monument. The estate is home to two great restaurants and world renowned for producing great wine.

A bit of history on the farm“Groot Constantia was established in 1685 by the VOC Governor of the Cape of Good Hope Simon van der Stel, and was used to produce wine as well as other fruit and vegetables and cattle farming. Following Van der Stel’s death in 1712 the estate was broken up and sold in three parts: Groot Constantia; Klein Constantia; and Bergvliet. In 1778 the portion of the estate surrounding Van der Stel’s Cape Dutch-style manor house was sold to the Cloete family, who planted extensive vineyards and extended and improved the mansion by commissioning the architect Louis Michel Thibault. The house remained in the possession of the Cloete family until 1885, during which period the estate became famous for its production of Constantia dessert wine.

In 1885 the farm was purchased by the government of the Cape of Good Hope and was used as an experimental wine and agricultural estate. Following a disastrous fire in 1925 the house was extensively restored.”

The Groot Constantia trademark is one of the oldest surviving trademarks in the world today. It serves as a testimony of continuous high quality wine production and has won medals and awards since 1855.