One of the highlights of the event is the exclusive tutored tastings of the six winners of the inaugural Cab Franc Challenge at 11h30, 13h30 and 15h30. With only 20 seats available for each tasting, Cab Franc fans are urged to book their tickets soon.
The Top Six are in alphabetical order: Hermanuspietersfontein Swartskaap 2012, Holden Manz Cabernet Franc Reserve 2014, Jacob’s Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2012, KWV The Mentors Cabernet Franc 2012, KWV The Mentors Cabernet Franc 2013 and Whalehaven Cabernet Franc 2010.
At the Awards ceremony, the Judging Panel Chairperson Christine Rudman (CWM) had only good things to say about the entries. “It was a privilege to taste the 32 wines entered. They are made with care and are not formulaic in any way. Partly I believe this is due to it being a niche varietal, where passion for the grape drives the winemaker to produce a wine of outstanding quality. No-one is going to get rich out of Cab Franc, so you have to love it to make it and it is this respect for the varietal which came through in the entries,” she concluded.
The very popular public “vote” will once again take place at the Carnival and will give an interesting perspective on the differences between expert and amateur palates. Food trucks, live music and the Avontuur Restaurant will make sure visitors have an entertaining day.
The participating wineries are: Avontuur Estate, Cape Chamonix, CK Wines, Doolhof Wine Estate, Druk-My-Niet Estate, Hannay Wines, Hermanuspietersfontein, KWV, Lynx Wines, Mitre’s Edge, Oldenburg Vineyards, Ormonde Vineyards, Raats Family Wines, Romond Wines, Whalehaven and Warwick Wines.
Tickets are R120 pp (R170 pp if you want to include a seat in one of the tutored tastings), which includes the tastings and a tasting glass. Tickets must be pre-booked at winery@avontuurestate.co.za or at +27 21 855-3450. For more information, visit www.avontuurestate.co.za .
Visit www.wine.co.za to purchase a mixed pack of the Top 6 wines if you can’t make it to the event on 21 May.