Robertson Wine Valley's 2010 Wacky Wine Weekend an unprecedented success
Friday, 2 July, 2010
Robertson Wine Valley
Robertson Wine Valley's ever-popular Wacky Wine Weekend took place over
the weekend (3-6 June) and was a rip-roaring success all round, boasting
a record number of festival-goers, just short of 20 000, who descended
on the wineries in their droves!
Apart from the obvious increase in numbers, the festival was successful in all facets: the 50 wineries who showcased their wares recorded a significant increase in wine sales; most of the key attractions witnessed unparalleled attendance; all accommodation was fully booked, including all the camp sites. And the Valley could not have asked for more glorious weather! Indeed, the inimitable Wacky Wine Weekend proved 'wackier' and more festive than ever!
Aside from the obvious draw-card of fine wine - particularly the Valley's Chardonnay and Shiraz wines about which there were glowing reports; the live performances were a sell-out and the whole spectrum of South African talent was represented and all tastes were catered for. Artists included the likes of heart-throb Arno Carstens, the graceful, Louise Carver, and another favourite, currently in the spotlight for their stance against crime, Prime Circle. Other local flavours included Kurt Darren, Bed on Bricks, Emo Adams, Jakkie Louw, Valiant Swart, Hot Water and a myriad of vibrant African groups - fitting indeed, as South Africa stood on the crescent of the wave of hosting our inaugural 2010 World Cup.
In fact, festival-goers expressed their delight at the overall quality of the 2010 festival: from delicious culinary offerings to parking, to cleanliness and neatness of the sites and bathroom facilities, to the notable efficiency and friendliness of hosts. An ebullient Elizma Spangenberg, Manager of the Robertson Wine Valley, said how proud she was that the whole town just took 'ownership' of this festival. Elizma went on to add that, as the first Wacky she had the privilege of running, she was 'blown away' by the Valley's solidarity, communal buy-in and dedication that is synonymous with the Robertson Wine Valley, and was extremely grateful to the visitors and sponsors for making this festival the inimitable success it invariably is year after year.
Rolandi Senekal, Aniska Marais, Michelle Broens, Naomi Jordaan
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