FOOLS & FANS FESTIVAL is set to once again delight all those who enjoy some of the finest creations that South Africa’s most innovative breweries have to offer, together with delicious food and other beverages.
Some of SA’s finest brewers will converge in Greyton this weekend to serve up their usual brews together with once-off special brews which will be making their debut. The event, a mere hour and a half’s drive from Cape Town, promises to be a unique experience for all beer lovers.
In addition, this all inclusive, quirky country festival will see the much anticipated debut of a food and beverage pairing hosted by fermented.co.za – Piet “Gees” Marais (Ultimate Braai Master winner and Laat Die Potte Prut presenter) and Murray “The Beer Whisperer” Slater (former co-owner of popular franchise, Beerhouse, and founder of the “Meet The Brewers” events).
Not JUST about beer…
Although the festival celebrates South African beer culture, there will also be an enormous range of treats for fans of good food and beverages, such as Six Dog’s Gin Distillery’s gin lounge. There will be a sourdough and home brewing competition, as well as a traditional cask ale tent, which will provide the festival with a real old country feel, while live bands will keep the feet tapping and souls fed.
And best of all? Yes, the event is family-friendly with a dedicated kids area.
“We love beer and its community, but realise festivals need to be more inclusive and cater for people who are not super beer fans…yet! So this year, we’re diversifying our offering and welcoming all people to join in as whatever their taste buds crave for, they’re sure to find a suitable palate pleaser,” says Trevor Gerntholtz, founder of the festival.
OK…but back to the beer
Gerntholtz, who despite being a grand master nephrologist (kidney medical specialist), is also the founder and owner of the Old Potter’s Country Inn and Brewpub located in this beautiful village, which is nestled in a hollow in the Riviersonderend mountain range in the Overberg.
Gerntholtz reminisces: “It actually all began with my 50th birthday. I invited 10 of my favourite brewers to host a mini-festival in Greyton. Well, everyone had such an amazing time that we had no choice but turn it into an annual event.”
Festival enthusiasts can look forward to Mad Giant and Frontier Beer Co. coming all the way from Johannesburg, while Clockwork Beer Company will be joining from the KZN Midlands, as well as the Richmond Hill Brewing Company from Port Elizabeth. They will be joined by some of the Western Cape’s finest, including Little Wolf, Drifter Brewing Co., Stellenbosch Brewing Co. and Franschhoek Co, among others.
“There will be beer for everyone who enjoys all tastes – from traditional old world styles to newly world fruity hop bursts and even wild beers,” enthuses Gerntholtz, adding: “Expect to taste innovative beers like fermented barrel aged red wine and aged Sémillon wine beer hybrid, and even bourbon oak aged imperial stout with figs and berry porters.
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Robin Auld
“We will also have a host of talented musicians in attendance, including local favourites, and the reggae band Country Conquerors. As this will be their third appearance, they’re part of the folklore of Fools & Fans now. Ben and Bro will appear from the first time with their fun mix of keyboards and horns. Then the old time favourite and legend himself, Robin Auld, will be playing his uniquely South African music, which spans back over almost four decades now. And last, but by no means the least, the Dan Homesy quartet will entertain with a mix of covers and their own very fine creations.”
So what will fermented.co.za be offering?
The Fools & Fans Festival is partnering with fermented.co.za (Piet Marais and Murray Slater) to host a South African fermented food and beverage pairing, exploring the wondrous world of fermentation from mead to natural wine to kimchi and even kombucha.
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Murray Slater and Piet Marais
Says Slater: “Five canapé style pairings designed to highlight the delicious complexity that only nature can provide and that has until recently been resigned to the history books of the old world, are only some of the charms we’ll be presenting. If you love food pairing and want to explore new frontiers, you simply cannot miss this event!”
While Greyton is known for its quaint accommodation, the festival will also have camping facilities available for those wild and adventurous at heart. A variety of package options are available.
Ticket prices are R120 a person and can be purchased through ticketrush.co.za
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