Join our annual celebration, the #ElginCoolFest, a weekend-long festival at the end of April 2017 for exceptional cool climate wine, delicious country fare and outdoor entertainment. Soak up the last of the summer sunshine as autumn begins to transform the vines with her technicolour paint brush as serious oenophiles and social wine enthusiasts come together to appreciate the natural beauty of the picturesque Elgin Valley, meet the winemakers and discover the distinctive personality of the vineyard.
Heralded as the coolest wine growing region in South Africa with its high altitude and climate conditions which allow grapes to ripen slowly - requiring a little more patience - but resulting in wines with character defined by excellent purity, distinct minerality, density of fruit and an elegance which can best be described as bottled poetry.
Each participating winery offers a unique programme, allowing visitors to ‘choose their own adventure’ and find their favourite spot. Entertainment includes performances by live bands, art exhibitions, kid’s activities, and a smorgasbord of dining options to tantalise the taste buds for lunch: from a la carte menu’s, farm style picnic’s, American style smoke house BBQ, artisanal food trucks and much more. There’s something for everyone! Guests are advised to pre-book activities and meals as space is limited and payable separately.
Participating wine farms this year are:
Almenkerk Wine Estate
Arumdale Cool Climate Wines
Belfield Wines
Charles Fox Cap Classique Wine Estate
Corder Wines
Elgin Ridge Wines
Elgin Vintners
Hannay Wines and Custom Crush Winery
Highlands Road Wines
Iona Wines Elgin
Oak Valley
Oneiric Wines
Paul Cluver Wines
Paul Wallace Wines and Guest Cottages
Shannon Vineyards & Wine
South Hill Vineyards
Tickets cost R140pp for a weekend pass and go on sale via Webtickets on Monday, April 3rd. This includes a stylish tasting glass, festival programme, access to participating farms, live entertainment and a wine tasting of a selection of three wines from any of the estates involved - tasting glasses and festival programmes are to be collected at Peregrine Farm Stall prior to visiting any of the farms. Online ticket sales will close on 28 April 2017 – but tickets can be purchased on the day at the Elgin Cool Wine & Country Food Festival office at the Peregrine Farm Stall for R160pp. Children younger than 18 and accompanied by an adult may enter for free.
Selected wines will be available for purchase at cellar door prices on the day.
Please note that the festival promotes designated drivers and the responsible use of alcohol. No alcohol will be served to children under the age of 18 years.