IN case the grapevine news hasn’t reached you, here’s what you missed. Franschhoek’s Bastille Festival is still on the cards, but instead of the traditional format, the festival will be coming to you.
A first of its kind for Franschhoek, the organisers have called on the support of its members to showcase the valley through the lens of locals. Your virtual journey through Franschhoek starts on July 1 as they showcase some of the region’s finest offerings. Each day until July 10, you get to “encounter” something new. Experience Franschhoek as locals do – foraging for mushrooms, horse riding amongst the vineyards, a sunrise sabrage, art and sipping superb wines are just some of the highlights you can expect to see.
You don’t want to miss out on the countdown days as there are some amazing offers which will only be revealed on the relevant day. These include wine, restaurant, accommodation and retail offers only available for this event.
The countdown culminates with Saturday, July 11, which would have been the day for the actual festival. A jam-packed day of Franschhoek festivities have been planned to celebrate Franschhoek’s French heritage. The programme is as follows:
12pm: Keeping it French and Franschhoek inspired with Topiary Wines.
12.30pm: Mixing it up with Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards’ wine cocktails.
1pm: Lunch in Franschhoek – lunch prepared by one of Franschhoek’s well known chefs.
2pm: Taking things up a notch with Black Elephant Vintner’s music and wine pairing.
3pm: Get the party started with Newton & Co for a live music concert.
4pm: Join local band Uncorked as they entertain you at Franschhoek Pass Winery where owner, Nick Davies will sabrage his Morena MCC, with guest appearance by Carol Thorns.
The setting for both musical acts is magical and the perfect ending to the day. The venue is the home of local and Uncorked band member, Nick Davies, which boasts spectacular 360-degree views of the valley.
With the relaxation of Level 3 regulations, and weather permitting, a drive out to Franschhoek on the 11th would be the pièce de résistance in celebrating what has become our new normal. As a safe and trusted destination, a visit to Franschhoek would certainly be a highlight. Dress up in your red, white and blue and keep things French.
For those viewing from the comfort of their homes there is an opportunity for you to win 12 bottles of wines from the Franschhoek Wine Valley. Simply post a picture of you in your red, white and blue outfit, publish to your social media platforms and tag Franschhoek Wine Valley to stand the chance of winning this awesome prize.
For the detailed programme, click here, and follow on Instagram (franschhoeksa), Twitter (@Franschhoek_SA) and Facebook (Franschhoek Wine Valley).
- NOTE: PHOTOS SUPPLIED FROM PREVIOUS EVENTS
