Nine members of the media experienced some of the wineries on Thursday 23 August, sampling their wines and the tasks awaiting the 100 teams which can be accommodated for this year’s version of the Amazing Race taking place on Saturday, 20 October and Sunday, 21 October.

Starting at Avontuur Estate with its green paddocks filled with the race horses which this winery is also known for, the group had to fine tune their throwing skills in a game of equine-themed “Jukskei”. Following this task, the group was rushed off to Eikendal Vineyards in three professionally driven luxury BMW vehicles, courtesy of Helderview BMW, Strand. 

At Eikendal the barrel counting in their huge maturation cellar proved a task too hard for most of the teams, but the wine tasting and varietal identification game at Ken Forrester Vineyards made up for some of the stress! 

The final stop for the day was the historic home of the Faure family - Vergenoegd Wine Estate where everything revolves around ducks! Owner John Faure, introduced the first ducklings of the year, as well as Vergenoegd’s fun and funky Runner Duck range. After searching for 24 beautiful pastel-coloured duck eggs, and ending off with an absolutely sinful dessert and strong coffee courtesy of Pomegranate Restaurant, this trial run for the 2012 Amazing Race was voted a resounding success by the participants. 

Bookings are now open. The fee is R1600 per team of four people, which includes all the tastings and entertainment for the day, the prizes and the prize-giving dinner at NH The Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West. Profits raised will be donated to Operation Smile. 

Although perfect for a corporate or team-building exercise, a group of friends can have a lot of fun competing informally against each other! Participants have to be over 18 years of age to enter and we promote responsible drinking with drivers being provided with non-alcoholic drinks. 

Teams can book their places by contacting Björn van Oort at bjorn@cvomarketing.co.za or +27.219810216.