It is no secret that Cape Town has some of the best markets and we are really spoilt for choice. On top of that you can attend wine festivals all over the Western Cape throughout the year. You can even attend a mini festival (or is it mega tasting), walking through the streets of Cape Town, once a month on a Thursday evening. I’ve attended quite a few festivals over the years throughout the province but Constantia Fresh stood out above the rest.

As per usual, festival tickets were sold out more than a month in advance. Protected against the wind by the surrounding trees, the venue is the perfect setting for intimate summer celebration of local wines and first-class food.  The Constantia Wine Valley took centre stage, with some of the best wineries, from as far as the Hemel-and-Aarde valley, surrounding them on the lush green lawns of Buitenverwachting. 

 

In contrast with the norm of wine festivals, with mass food stalls, local chefs (from extremely popular local fine dining restaurants) were hand-picked to attend the festival. Beautifully prepared bite-size meals were served on recycled paper plates. It was almost sad to devour the delicious food-art, carefully prepared and specially served to each individual. It was like fine dining finger food.

 

Music was provided by the Stone Jets. This Cape Town band entertained the crowds with their Afro Pop Rock music throughout the day. Their energy is infectious and even those with their picnic blankets spread out under the shade got up and danced until the shade was gone.

 

In short, this was a festival of smiling, beautiful people, celebrating summer with wine, MCC, food and music. Follow Constantia Fresh on Facebook and book your tickets for next year, as soon as they are available.

 

Blogpost and pictures by Alfred Thorpe, on behalf of Destinate.