Reportback: Stellenbosch Wine Festival (2008)

Where do I start? I think I shall start by saying that I will definitely not be going back to this event... Yes, it is unfortunate. The event was well organized and planned, parking was provided, security was catered for... BUT they let too many people in! I can best describe this event as a 'student mob'! I should have realized that going on Saturday would not be such a good idea... and I should never have taken my 9 year old daughter with either! You live and learn, they say.
I squeezed my way through the droves of people to reach only a few of the tasting desks, before giving up entirely.

My wife and I don't often share the same taste in wine. We did however agree on these wines:

Neethlingshof Shiraz (2003)
Neethingshof Cabernet Sauvignon (2003)
Mooiplaas Rosalind
Long Ridge Merlot
Long Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon
Le Riche Cabernet Sauvignon

The plan was to buy a bottle or two at the wine shop, just before leaving. I spent 10 minutes in the wine shop, trying to find the above selection and eventually just gave up. You could not move around and the queues to pay were just ludacris! I ended up putting down the wine I had already selected and walking out. Yes, the experience was horrendous! It reminded me of my younger days, partying at Comic Strip or Illusions...

For me, the best two things about this festival:
- The Eye Candy ('twas wonderous!)
- Aloe Pickle spread by Totally Wild

Totally Wild focuses entirely on the development and manufacture of food and beverage products made from aloe Ferox plants which grow wild in the southern and eastern Cape regions, in their natural habitat.

It is truly AMAZING! Look out for this in your supermarkets and give it a try. A great serving suggestion: It would make a chicken breast much more interesting. Or maybe even served with steamed fish? Mmmm... I think I'll give that a go.

In summation: Great concept, too many people. But don't take my word for it - take a trip through to next year's Stellenbosch Wine Festival and experience it for yourself.