I love summer sunset concerts, and I especially like the ones out in the rambling winelands, where the place is a little slower than it is in the big city.

One particular series of concerts I am very much looking forward to is the Solms-Delta Summer Concert Series, which kicked off last weekend at the Franschhoek-based estate.

Here’s what’s on the cards, according to organisers:

Enjoy a feast of rural Cape food, music and dance each Saturday evening from 14 January to 10 March 2012. Enjoy our wine, a hearty Fyndraai Kaapse Braai Buffet and the best live music you could hope to hear in this magical setting.
 
Listen to the Solms-Delta Music van de Caab’s homegrown bands and the Delta Soetstemme and Delta Valley Entertainers perform alongside some of South Africa’s favourites, such as much loved Hannes Coetzee, Les Javan, Hot Water, Tribal Echo, House of Davids, Kaapse Affodille and Pieter van der Westhuizen.
 
Summer Concerts 2012 – Line-up

Don’t know about you, but I’m thinking… day out in the winelands, checking out a bunch of food markets in the area, followed by a picnic and concert at Solms-Delta sounds like a pretty good way to spend some downtime.

Yep, definitely sold on that one.

Solms-Delta Summer Concerts 2012: Event Details

Dates & Times: 14, 21, 28 January; 4, 11, 18, 25 February, 3, 10 March.
From 7.00pm to 9.30pm.
Cost: R195pp (food and music). Kids U 12yrs R95.
More info/bookings:
To book call Henry 021 874 3937 or email: restaurant@solms-delta.co.za and follow them on Twitter @solms_delta and Facebook.com/solmsdelta, for updates.

A very promising looking market will be held at Gabrielskloof Estate this weekend, starting this evening at 5pm. The wine (and olives and lavender!) estate is located off the N2 not far from the Houw Hoek Pass (after the Hermanus turnoff, but before the Greyton/Genadendal exit) – just over an hour’s drive from Cape Town central.

Gabrielskloof is hosting the ‘Our Favourite Things’ market today and tomorrow, and here’s what is apparently in store for visitors:

On Friday 16 December, the “opening” night of the market will be celebrated with a super talented live gypsy jazz band from Stellenbosch – Manouche. The evening kicks of at 5pm and stallholders will be ready to welcome friends and guests with their crafts, delicacies, and fresh produce.
 
We’ve selected the very best in (as much as possible) local talent and passion – handmade chocolate by von Geuseau chocs from Greyton, amazing charcuterie from Luddite in Botriver, Genevieve MCC, oysters, ‘Food from the Karoo’, french crepes, goat’s milk cheeses from neighbouring farm “Anysbos” (and much more, and of course a fantastic selection of stylish crafts from as far as trendy design capital Cape Town.
 
We repeat all the magic on Saturday 17 December, when the market starts at 12pm and finishes around 5pm. We will have a play area for the kids with a jumping castle (and supervision, of course), so bring the whole family – including dogs

Sounds awesome – and if you’re in Hermanus, as so many Capetonians seem to be at this time of year, it’s only half an hour away!

Our Favourite Things Market – Event Details

Location: Gabrielskloof, Bot River (directions and map here)
Dates & Times: 16 December 2011, 5pm onwards; 17 December 2011, 12pm to 5pm
More info: www.gabrielskloof.co.za

The new summer season of Paul Cluver concerts kicks off this weekend and the lineup looks very tempting indeed.

It’s not something I’ve experienced myself, yet, but is apparently an awesome way to spend a Saturday evening, relaxing under the beautiful canopy of trees surrounding the amphitheatre. Tickets are strictly limited to 600 per concert, making for an uncrowded, tranquil environment that appeals to me very much.

It is the most unique and awe inspiring setting for performances and it is only 45 minutes drive from Cape Town International. A towering Eucalyptus forest circles the intimate open-air arena which has been hewn from farm timber in its entirety. Performances are specifically chosen to match the natural acoustics of the venue.

Picnic hampers are available and the estate’s wine can be purchased at the concert (no BYO wine allowed).

Here’s that lineup:

Gates open at 5pm (seating is unreserved), and concerts start at 7pm.  For more info, visit Paul Cluver’s website.

Cherry picking season has begun! Klondyke Farm in Ceres has just announced that they are now open for day visitors to come and pick-your-own-cherries.

I’m a sucker for foraging of any kind, and the sight of cherries of all kinds and shapes and sizes was almost too much for me last year… Wandering through the cherry orchards at Klondyke is great fun – as I quickly discovered there are quite a few different varieties to be found, and it becomes quite an adventure matching the colour-coded trees with the provided list.

This year the entry fee is again only R15-00 per person, and children under 5 years are free. The price for the cherries you pick is R45-00 per kg. Klondyke does provide PVC punnets for pickers to use, but you might prefer to bring your own containers instead (get them weighed at the office before you start to pick). Cash only – no credit card facilities are available.

The farm is open every day during the season (that’s 7 days a week – except for Christmas Day when they will be closed). Klondyke’s trading hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. The season is likely to run through until New Year’s Day.

There’s a shady picnic/braai area available for visitors, so once you’ve picked your fill of cherries, you can relax with friends before heading home (or back to a guest house, if you’re staying nearby).

Klondyke Farm – Directions

From Cape Town and the N1:
Travel through the Huguenot tunnel and just before Worcester, turn left onto the R43 to Ceres.
The R43 joins the R46 at Michells Pass. Drive straight through Ceres, and after 12km turn right onto the Bo-Swaarmoed Pass road.
Travel a further 18km until you come to our line of pine trees.
Klondyke Cherry Farm is on the right hand side.

GPS:
S 33°18’55.51
E 19°34’53.76

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Apart from all the regular exhibitors there will be many additional food, craft and gift stalls.

The annual steak dinner will again be held at the night market and tickets are already for sale at: 082 301 8561. Tickets are only available in advance. The cost per steak dinner will be the same as previous years (R125 per person). This includes a 300g rump steak, sauce, chips, two salads and a bottle of Eagles’ Cliff wine.

There are also a couple of special add ons to the market this year:

• Trevor Daly will do an outdoor movie screening free of charge, bring your own picnic blanket or camping chair. Only food and drinks bought at the market will be allowed.
• The South Roots group will be performing their dance routines, this show will also be free of charge. South Roots is an upliftment project – donations will be welcome.

Visit the website for more information, or contact Tharina via email – tharina@realevents.co.za

For more festive season market info, visit our Guide to Cape Town’s Christmas Markets for 2011.

Every year the Kamers Vol Geskenke team screens creatives from around the country, and selects 200 of the best to showcase their work at their annual fair. From what I hear, it really is quite spectacular, and very well worth the trip to Somerset West.

I’m headed that way tomorrow, and look forward to seeing what beautiful creations are to be found in the ‘Carousel of Creativity’.

The event officially runs from Tuesday 25th to Saturday 29th October 2011, with its preview opening night tonight (5pm-8pm – R150). Day tickets costs R45 and are best bought in advance via Computicket, especially if you hope to avoid queues (weekend in particular!).

Kamers Vol Geskenke : Event Details

The ninth Kamers Vol Geskenke 2011 promises to be a colourful celebration of local creativity, innovation and talent. This year the Carousel of Creativity will showcase some 200 stall holders over six inspiration-filled days with the popular event taking place from 25-29 October 2011 at Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West.

With its emphasis on handcrafted wares, from jewellery to gourmet products, ceramics, soft furnishings, tableware, décor accessories, designer garden gear and clothing, Kamers is not into the perfectly made or the mass produced – it’s about high end true craft, slightly imperfect, timeless and originally designed… that special something that is only found at the show.

Location: Lourensford Estate, Somerset West
Dates & Times: 25-29 OCTOBER 2011 – 9am to 6pm daily. Opening night: 24 October 2011 5pm-8pm
Cost:   R45 – day tickets (R150 for opening night)
More info: www.kamersvol.com

The Festive Fair at Hathersage is a 3-day exhibition of specialised gifts, décor items, clothing and accessories, jewellery and all things gorgeous!  Around 80 exhibitors will showcase their wares to the local and surrounding communities on the stunning Hathersage Farm in Somerset West. Some of the goods on offer include edible treats, art, stationery, linens, décor items, ceramics, furniture, toys, plants & flowers and more!

Hathersage House – exclusive wedding and function venue and home to Hathersage wines – will be hosting an exhibition including one select company in each field related to the hospitality industry.  A jeweller, events coordinator, florist, make-up artist, dress-maker, photographer and stationer will showcase their services and offer direct advice for anyone planning an important event.

Attractions at this year’s event include Nia and interactive demonstrations, a small vintage car display, live late-afternoon music, wine tastings, crafts and pony rides for the kiddies.

Entry is FREE!

Festive Fair Event details:

Location: Hathersage Farm, Gordon Road, Somerset West
Dates & Times: 7-9 October 2011. Friday & Saturday 10am-6pm. Sunday 10am-4pm.
More info: www.tomarketwithlove.co.za

A new market has popped up on the radar, this time in Stellenbosch.

The Woodmill Lifestyle Market launched earlier this month, and will be held every Saturday morning from 9am to 2pm, as well as every first Friday evening of the month, from 5.30pm to 10pm. The location: The Woodmill, Vredenburg Road, Stellenbosch (off Adam Tas).

I haven’t yet had a chance to go and check it out for myself, but here is what organisers had to say about what would be on offer:

The Woodmill market will focus mainly on lifestyle products, we have everything from clothing designers, ceramics, artists, jewellers etc. There will be wine farms and a micro brewery. Yummy things to eat from Lebanese to Italian to Indian, breads and pesto’s etc.
All this while being entertained by live music.

I’ll be interested to see the ratio of food to ‘craft’ (I’m almost always more interested in food markets, but if the quality of goods is exceptional, I can be swayed), and keen to find out whether the market can offer something unique in this now rather competitive arena!

To find out more, visit www.woodmill.co.za, or call Betty on 082 828 3944.

From N2: From the N2 take exit 33 for Baden Powell Drive/Stellenbosch turn-off. Turn left onto Baden Powell Drive. Turn right at the traffic light on the R310 becomes Adam Tas heading towards Stellenbosch. Take the first left onto Vredenburg Road, The Woodmill is on your right.

From N1: From N1 take the Stellenbosch turn-off and drive into town along Bird street. Turn right onto Adam Tas and bear right at the third set of traffic lights onto the R310 heading towards Kuilsriver/ Cape Town. Take your third right onto Vredenburg Road, The Woodmill is on your right.

Spring has sprung, and the whales are making their way back to our beautiful oceans. Coming up, the annual Hermanus Whale Festival celebrates the return of these awesome creatures of the deep with a 5-day ‘enviro-arts festival’.

Details:
Hermanus, known as the best land-based whale watching destination in the world, plays host to thousands of visitors (2010 we welcomed 130 000 visitors) who flock to the seaside resort to exhilarate in the unique natural environment, watch the whales and revel in music, and African rhythms during the festival

The 2010 Festival spread its wings to include ten venues around Hermanus and we plan to further extend this in 2011 to include Mount Pleasant, Zwelihle and Gateway Shopping Centre amongst others. The variety of events planned will keep the whole family entertained throughout the festival which includes a street parade on Saturday 1 October.

The full programme of events is available at the office or click here for the schedule
Enquires: 028 313 0928 or email: festival@hermanus.co.za

Sandford Farm, Kleinmond

The Cheese Festival is almost upon us (starts on Friday) – and I’m getting rather excited by the return of small producers to the event. This year, perhaps in celebration of the festival’s 10th year, Agri-Expo is bringing the 10 small producers below to the event (by this, I assume they mean they are sponsoring their entry, as they’ve done in the past).

Having had a brief look at the overall layout of the festival, these are not the only small producers who’ll be there – so it looks promising for an all-day artisan cheese hunt… Below, I’ve included whatever information I could glean on these producers, as well as relevant contact details, for anyone interested in finding out more.

Anysbos Cheese (Botrivier, WESTERN CAPE)
e: info@anysbos.co.za

Only a year ago Sue and Johan Heyns retired on a farm in the Botrivier area.  Today they run a boutique cheese business that’s producing a variety of cheeses, including the unique Goat Milk Camembert.

Camphill farm (Hermanus, WESTERN CAPE)
w: www.camphill-hermanus.org.za | t: 028 – 313 8200

A community project where some of the beneficiaries makes the most wonderful cheeses (Gouda, Feta, Fresh Cheese, Labneh) and speciality bread.

GoatPeter (Magaliesburg, GAUTENG)
w: www.goatpeter.com | e: info@goatpeter.com

Goat Peter is a cheesery situated in Hekpoort, near Magaliesburg, in the heart of the Cradle of Human Kind. The owners Alastair and Marianne specialise in Goat Milk Products.

Green Goose Organics – Ficksburg, FREE STATE –
w: www.greengoose.co.za | e: anneke@greengoose.co.za

“With over 1000 hectares under organic management, primarily in pastures, we are committed to a system of farming which produces health enhancing, nutrient dense food whilst always being mindful of nurturing and continually improving the land. In addition to being organic, the cows are 100% grass fed – meaning they get no grain or other concentrate whatsoever. No animals receive any routine hormone or antibiotic treatments.”

Grootplaas De Rust Cheese Academy (Broederstroom, GAUTENG)
w: www.cheeseacademy.co.za | e: barbie@cheeseacademy.co.za

The academy was originally started with the aim to make a considerable contribution to the knowledge and skills associated with the production of Dairy Products.

Kimilili Farm (Tulbagh, WESTERN CAPE)
w: www.kimililifarm.co.za e: info@kimililifarm.co.za

Hand crafted farmhouse cheeses made in the French and Swiss cheesemaking tradition, using only their own milk.  Animals are cared for employing only natural farming practices with no chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides or any commercial dairy feed used on the farm.

Sandford farm (Hemel & Aarde valley, WESTERN CAPE)
e: contactpea@gmail.com

Pauline Leppan recently employed a young man from Zwelihle, Siyabulela, who now does the majority of the cheesemaking.  They produce Gouda, Pecorino, Probiotic Yoghurt, Feta, and Mozzarella – all handmade according to organic principles.

Taaibosch Kaas - (?)
e: jfb@vodamail.co.za

Not much information to be found, other than that they produce pressed Cottage Cheese, covered with spice, Cheddar, Gouda.

Udderly Delicious Darling (Darling, WESTERN CAPE)
e: candash@mweb.co.za

Homemade Cheese, Salami, Brandy, Apple and Nut Jelly.

Petite Chevre (Pretoria, GAUTENG)
w: www.petitechevre.co.za | e: goatsmilk@petitechevre.co.za

Produce a variety of goatsmilk products including plain goats milk, chevre, yoghurt, halloumi and a series of cheeses they call ‘bietjies’ – Bietjie Brand (chilli), Bietjie Lekker (Rosemary & peppercorsn), Bietjie Pong (garlic!). Looks like they’re not currently available in the Cape, so this is a good opportunity to get a taste.

Event details:
The 2011 SA Cheese Festival runs from Friday 29 April to Monday 2 May 2011. Tickets are the same price as last year: R110 for Saturday and Sunday and R90 for Friday and Monday. Senior citizens pay R70 and children 12 years and younger enter free.  The festival runs from 10:00 to 18:00 each day and 17:00 on the last day.  A limited number of tickets are available at Computicket and Checkers stores (no tickets at the gates).

The SA Cheese Festival turns ten this year, celebrating a decade of showcasing cheeses of all sorts, shapes and sizes from around the country.

It’s always been a favourite of mine, even last year when I felt that it had lost its focus a bit, and was filling up the gaps of a rapidly expanding event with far too much commercially produced cheese, and not nearly enough of the more interesting artisan creations.

That said, I’m not sure a festival of its current size (over 31,600 visitors last year) is necessarily the right place for the artisans, simply because of the sheer quantities they would need to produce to have not only tasters for 4 solid days, but also a stockpile of cheeses to sell.  Artisans and small producers are generally about small-scale specialist production, so I’m guessing the monumental task of catering for so many people at once will often outweigh the promise of potential exposure.

With that in mind, this year I plan to go simply to have fun, and enjoy the atmosphere and generous tastings.  There is always something different, and this time around the event takes place in a brand new venue, Sandringham, located half way between Cape Town and Paarl on the N1.

Here’s what’s in store for cheese-fans:

A shared passion for cheese brings together food lovers, artisan producers and other food champions in a single extraordinary event.  The Checkers Cheese Emporium, the main attraction in the Dairy Square, offers you the country’s largest selection of cheese under one roof, and the celebs of the Checkers Theatre will wow you with their daring use of cheese.  Saunter on to the Carnival Park where roaming artists will set the pace, and shop for an electric mix of delectable delicacies and prime wines; or simply relax while professional entertainers of the Wilde Fruit Juice Kiddies Corner keep the little ones amused for hours on end.

Take a journey of discovery along the Meander route and let doe-eyed cows, sheep and goats “tell” their story of milk; or sample sumptuous handmade products at the earthy country market.  Then enjoy the perfect end to a perfect day at the Cheese Festival: a memorable sunset over Table Mountain with good food and live music at Sandringham’s very own Waterfront.

According to organisers, the grounds are substantially larger than at Bien Donne (the festival’s former home) and boast expansive lawns and dams – all in all promising “a more pleasant experience with enough room to move around and to just sit-back-and-enjoy”.

It was getting a bit cramped before, so I definitely like the sound of that!

Event details: Tickets are the same price as last year: R110 for Saturday and Sunday and R90 for Friday and Monday. Senior citizens pay R70 and children 12 years and younger enter free.  The festival runs from 10:00 to 18:00 each day and 17:00 on the last day.  A limited number of tickets are available at Computicket and Checkers stores (no tickets at the gates).

Festival hamper and ticket giveaway

This year, we’re giving away an awesome food hamper plus 5 double tickets to the Cheese Festival!  In the hamper: Willow Creek goodies and 6 bottles of Overhex sparkling wine.

SORRY - THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED!

I love figs. LOVE figs.  Until this summer, though, I had no idea there were so many different types of figs. I thought a fig was a fig, was a fig.

Then, two friends and I started something called The Harvest Share, hoping to connect city dwellers with local farmers around Cape Town. We met Charles Ochse, who grows figs and peaches on Hoogwater Farm, near Wolseley, and persuaded him to set aside a portion of his export quality produce for fifty Harvest Share members.

Over the period of about two months, we received four batches of fruit – a different combination each time. It was seasonal eating at its best: each kind of fig ripened at a different time, so one week we’d have White Genoa figs, the next, red Evitas and Adam figs. We even got to try King figs, which were absolutely superb.

Anyway, long story short – it was great fun, and the figs from Hoogwater Farm are gobsmackingly delicious. The season is just about over, but if you missed out on Harvest Share, and are fig-crazy, there’s now an opportunity to go and gather your own:

This week we have seen a great number of figs ripening in our orchard. right now ALL the cultivars are carrying fruit and would be a great opportunity for the public to taste the different varieties side by side in the orchard. We are not harvesting so the trees are laden with ripe figs!

We will be open to the public during the week as well as Saturday from 07:00 till 10:00, until the season ends in mid April.

Entry costs R40/person, eat as much as you like and take home 1kg figs per person (that equates to two Very full punnets). Thereafter R3/punnet.   Children in primary school enter/eat free (although no takeaways).

Anyone interested should arrive at the farm office to make payment, collect punnets and directions. Figs are sprayed only with organic pesticides.

Hoogwater Farm is located about an hour and a half from Cape Town (Google Map) – and if you’re a fig fan, definitely worth the trip.  Full directions are posted here.