AS the calendar inches closer to the Heritage Day long weekend, excitement is building for the eagerly anticipated 20th edition of the South African Cheese Festival.
As usual, Sandringham Estate outside Stellenbosch plays host to this festival, which this year will be held from Saturday 23 September to Monday 25 September. The 2023 SA Cheese Festival promises to immerse food lovers of all ages in a world of gourmet delights.
With less than two weeks to go until the festival gates swing open, the organisers of the SA Cheese Festival are excited to reveal more details about all the exciting offerings on this year’s festival programme sure to encourage adventurous foodies to buy their tickets in time for this annual, often sold-out, culinary festival.
“The SA Cheese Festival is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of over two decades of culinary goodness,” says Jacques Fourie, speaking on behalf of the festival organisers.
“This festival offers a remarkable fusion of gourmet experiences, music, and fun entertainment,” he adds. “This year, we’re excited to introduce an exclusive VIP Hospitality offering at The Pavilion, designed for discerning food enthusiasts seeking an unparalleled exclusive experience.”
The Pavilion, a permanent double-storey facility on the festival grounds, will provide VIP guests with a curated culinary journey, including pairing workshops, luxurious surroundings, and private catering. Tickets for this premium experience are available online, and guests are encouraged to secure their preferred dates in advance.
The SA Cheese Festival prides itself on the wide variety of attractions, be it with cheese and wine tastings to live music entertainment and many other exciting offers. While the festival ticket gives visitors access to all the free cheese tastings, a wine tasting glass can be purchased for R35 at the festival to sample the diverse range of unlimited wine offerings.
In addition, well-known chefs will be leading interesting food demonstrations, sharing their insights on the art of culinary craft as well as on cheese varieties and the art of pairing food and wine.
“We’re thrilled to showcase an extraordinary line-up of musical talent, with Prime Circle, Watershed, Gerhard Steyn, Elvis Blue, Tasché, Juan Boucher, Mark Haze and other renowned artists whose performances will create a vibrant atmosphere on the SA Cheese Festival grounds,” says Fourie.
“Along with our new carnival-style theme park, we are also launching helicopter flips from the festival grounds. Visitors will have the choice of either a two-minute flip or a longer 10 minute flight over the Cape Winelands. We believe that this will add an element of family-friendly fun and excitement to the festival.”
Another addition to this year’s SA Cheese Festival programme is the Culinary Marketplace, which promises a treasure trove of artisanal creations, gourmet treats, wines, and more from local exhibitors showcasing their exceptional products to festival-goers.
“Come and discover unique products, support local businesses, and bring home quality cheese and related products to enjoy long after the festival ends,” says Fourie.
The SA Cheese Festival extends gratitude to its partners and supporters, including Simonsvlei, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Stella Artois, Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages, Kfm, UCOOK, LIFT Airline, Protea Hotel Marriott Stellenbosch, and Tekco Packaging Solutions.
Tickets to the festival can be purchased directly from Howler. For more information, including the full line-up of performances, visit the official SA Cheese Festival website.
