The Craft Beer Project to be held at Groot Constantia
A winter craft beer, craft wine and food festival is to be held on the oldest wine estate in South Africa, Groot Constantia, in Cape Town. Featuring hand-crafted, warming ales and wines, the festival will be intimate, with the emphasis on craft beer and craft wine food pairing appreciation.
"People in the Western Cape are well acquainted with wine," said co-organiser and beer enthusiast Greg Casey. "We want to show people that beer should also be sipped and savoured, rather than chugged." Enthusiasts can enjoy a market vibe in a cosy indoor area for savouring and comparing beer and wine styles. The event celebrates the craft of brewing in a friendly atmosphere that will allow interaction with the brewers and winemakers about the processes, the tasting regime and, of course, about which beers and wines to pair with the foods available at the fest. "Beer pairing is quite a new thing, it's really taken off in Europe and the US and, with the Western Cape's fanatical foodie culture, it seems only right that people start exploring beer pairings and realising that it's not just a boerie roll that goes with a pint," Casey added.
Gauteng breweries' debut
Over 15 of the finest brewers from around the country - including Gauteng breweries making their debut in the Cape as well as six of the top Garagistes - will unite with Cape chefs cooking cuisine designed to pair perfectly with the wide range of beers and wines on show. Between sips enjoy some local live music and browse craft stalls or simply chat to the experts to learn more about the amber nectar as well as the concept of Garagistes.
The Hop 'n Vine Festival will be held at Simon's at Groot Constantia, on 20 and 21 July, 2012, (Friday, 20 July from 5pm to 10pm, Saturday, 21 July from 11am to 11pm). Tickets are R120 and include a beer/wine glass (Kids free with dedicated kids play area). Tickets from www.quicket.co.za
For more information go to www.thecraftbeerproject.co.za or contact Greg Casey on +27 (0)82 339 1119.
