Robertson Valley festivals for August

The Valley in Gauteng

The Robertson Wine Valley winemakers are heading north again for the 2013 Robertson Wine Valley Festival. The line-up includes key exhibitors such as Excelsior, Major's Hill, Rietvallei, Robertson Winery, Rooiberg Winery, Springfield, Van Loveren, Weltevrede and Zandvliet. The venue was voted best Luxury Country Hotel in Africa at the 2012 World Luxury Hotel Awards.

In addition to excellent wines, there will be food, fun and entertainment for the whole family. The estate's 'no children under 14' policy will be relaxed for the weekend to permit entry to children of all ages.

Tickets cost R180 per person per day or R320 for a weekend pass (includes a tasting glass, a bottle of water and a 'goodie' bag) - children under 18 enter free of charge with an Early Bird Special of R150 per person per day or R280 for a weekend pass.

Tickets are available online at Webtickets.co.za or sold at the gate.

Slow down in winter

At Robertson Slow, one can sample honest, old-fashioned, rural hospitality synonymous with the Valley's wine-making community. Relish the slow food and wine and experience the charm of country life in intimate settings characterised by each farm's unique personal touch. While enjoying time-honoured activities, visitors will be afforded the opportunity to interact with wine-makers and wine-farmers, in an informal ambience, getting to know them and their respective families.

Activities:

• Indulge in traditional cuisine, using local ingredients from the Valley;
  
• Experience wine-tastings and dinners in the homes of the local wine-making families, savouring family recipes;
  
• Revel in the beauty of biodiversity with fynbos and Renosterveld drives;
  
• Have fun horseback riding or enjoy a cruise on the Breede River
  
• Be daring and complete the 4x4 challenge, or the 8, 30 or 70 km mountain bike challenge;
  
• Try your hand at making pasta or gnocchi;
  
• Enjoy Spanish cuisine;
  
• Attend a food, wine and olive oil pairing;
  
• Browse and shop at leisure on Sunday 11 August at the Robertson Valley Regional Food Market

To avoid disappointment, events must be booked before Wednesday 7 August. For more information, go to www.robertsonslow.com.