Tulbagh Wine Garden goes wild
Tuesday, 24 June, 2008
ML Communications
The annual Kirkwood Wildlife Festival has shown enormous growth in the
past years with 35,000 visitors in 2007. One of the sponsors, Tulbagh
Wine Cellars, will present their own Wine garden (400 square metres)
this year. Tulbagh Wine Cellars was the first supplier of wine at the
festival four years ago and in 2008 will again demonstrate their
loyalty towards the Festival and the visitors.
According to Marketing Manager, Quintus Basson, dessert wines were the top selling wines to all the venison lovers who attended the Festival last year. Because most hunting trips take place in the cold winter months, it has become a ritual to enjoy something sweet with the venison as it warms you from the inside.
"The huge success of the Kirkwood Wildlife Festival can be seen as evidence of a big market. The demand for dessert wine is a clear indication of a trend among people who enjoy nature as part of their lifestyle. Tulbagh Wine Cellars supports it, many of the dessert wines complement various venison dishes. In 2008 we have vinified additional fortified wines in various styles," says Quintus.
Besides the range of red and white wines, Tulbagh Wine Cellars will this year present three port wines, the Directors Port, Brulpadda Port and Klein Tulbagh Reserve Port, as well as the special festival item, the Disa Jerepigo "Sopkoppie". The name "sopkoppie" is the term used by hunters when someone wrongly shoots a small buck. The "Sopkoppie" Jerepigo will be festively dressed.
"The Tulbagh Wine Garden is conveniently situated for the walk weary festival visitors who can sit and take in the crowds while sipping Tulbagh wines. A good vantage point to listen to the live entertainment and relax in cosy comfort. Tulbagh Wine Cellars is a proud sponsor of this comfortable social venue," says Quintus.
The Eastern Cape's game industry also benefits from the festival, as it hosts what now officially is South Africa's second biggest wildlife sale. In 2007 the total amount sold at the Kirkwood Wildlife Auction was R9,2 million.
The Absa Kirkwood Wildlife Festival is a community initiative run by a Section 21 Company. Surplus funds are invested in community projects and in promoting the Sunday's River Valley as an all-year-round tourism destination.