The South African Cheese Festival at Bien Donné
This long weekend, Bien Donné Farm hosted the oh so very famous Cheese & Wine Festival. And come lets face it…there are few things that are as nice as the combination of cheese and wine. It seems completely logical to dedicate
an entire four day festival to the dynamic duo. It was ‘that’ passion and dedication that got one journalist out of bed on this very cold and grey morning in Cape Town.
The ZestCulture team was being accompanied by one of the strapping managers from Salt Restaurant and Bar. Out to experience the festival and at the same time do some research for their new wine menu at Salt.
We arrived early, but the crowds of thirsty enthusiast quickly grew. Everyone seemed to be sporting a smile and designer Wellies. The weather definitely wasn’t damping anyone’s spirit. There were so many stalls it made us dizzy. Not sure it was the low blood sugar problem we were both having from a very serious condition known as LOBS. (Lack of breakfast syndrome) Or just the fact that we added wine to the equation.
Variety is DEFINITELY the spice of life. And she was beautifully showcased at the C&WF. I have been a food and wine fanatic ever since I can remember. And today I got to experience one of the best food wine pairings I have tasted in a long time at Feast-de-Renaissance.
The owner, Mervyn, introduced me to all his lovely ladies in berets and an amazing canapé created from their mouth watering Pears (that are poached in red wine, raspberry and cinnamon) and a creamy Gorgonzola from Cremona. This he paired with the Syrah Malbec blend from the Elberti Wine Estate. IT WAS ABSOLUTELY DE-LICK-TABLE! And I am proud to say I am a tough customer to please. Seriously something to go check out.
All and all it was an amazing day. I came home with a shopping bag full of gourmet goodies, a few awesome bottles of wine and a basil plant I have dubbed Henry.
Some words of advice guys…get there early. Parking close to the gates fill up reeeeally quickly. Secondly, if the weather is anything like it was today, please don’t forget to take an umbrella and designer Wellies.
Lastly…It’s maybe a good idea to appoint a designated driver and then…Enjoy!
Our next festival stop is the Good Food and Wine Show, Hitting Cape Town from the 28th to the 31st of May. See you there!
[...] with the Cheese & Wine Festival at Bien Donné, once again we came home with bags and bags full of goodies. Well i guess that is [...]