First Blossom Festival to be held in Western Cape

The purpose of the route is to nurture the natural environment, while, at the same time, allowing for the social upliftment and sustainable development of the resident communities and businesses and the cultivation of eco-tourism, which now flourishes in the area.

It embraces mountains, green hills, rivers and dams, fynbos, orchards, vineyards and olive groves, and its 25 members hail from different niches and providing diverse offerings, include family-owned wineries and fruit farms, quaint country restaurants and accommodation, farm stalls, delis and B&Bs, arts and craft centres and an events company specialising in outdoor adventure.

Unique events

During the Blossom Festival each of the members will be hosting its own unique event for visitors to enjoy. Popular events will include:

• The Apple Blossom MTB Classic and Trail-Run (8km) at Oak Valley Estate on Sunday, 9 October, for both novice- and experienced mountain-bikers and trail-runners. For further details and bookings, go to www.entrytime.co.za or contact Theresa Bridgman on +27 (0)82 658 0112 or az.oc.tenisx@snoitomorptnt.
  
• An Amazing Race following clues and performing fun tasks at the different Green Mountain Eco Route members along the way - with a big prize for the winners - will be a highlight on both days of the Festival. For further information, contact Cany Bugler on +27 (0)83 456 2181 or az.oc.evitcairt@ofni. Bookings can be made in advance or on the day.

At the Blossom Festival visitors will also be able to enjoy:

• Cool-climate wines from award-winning wine producers
  
• Off-road wine route
  
• Apple cider and brandy tasting
  
• Country cuisine and picnics
  
• Milling and bread-making at an historic mill
  
• Fresh organic produce and products including olives and olive oil, honey, dried fruit etc
  
• Farming with olives, including pruning, preserving, bottling and cooking with olives
  
• Hikes and tours amidst the blossoming orchards and fynbos
  
• Fynbos and Black Eagle Trail. This hike will offer visitors a snapshot of the four-day slack-packing Green Mountain Trail and you may see some of the 87 red data floral species and the resident black eagles caring for their fledgling chicks
  
• Outdoor adventures, sports and activities
  
• Yoga in the orchards amongst the blossoms, at sunrise and sunset
  
• Greenhouse cut-flower tours
  
• Arts and crafts
  
• Tractor museum
  
• Kiddies' activities including a survival course, jumping castle, and climbing wall
  
• Live music
  
• Big-screen TV for rugby lovers
  
• Accommodation in the Green Mountain Eco Route

Full details from www.greenmountain.co.za.