Franschhoek Uncorked

This annual, family-friendly wine-tasting festival is a springtime favourite

Celebrate the arrival of spring and bid winter woes adieu by spending a weekend at the annual Franschhoek Uncorked festival in the magical Franschhoek Wine Valley. Prepare for two days of mouth-watering fare, fresh food markets, divine wine-tastings and breathtaking scenery. Not to mention, the festival coincides with the first weekend of spring, on Saturday, 1 September and Sunday, 2 September 2012; thus, visitors can look forward to a scenic Winelands drive of note.

This festival offers something for everyone, with a wide assortment of events taking place at various venues and wine farms throughout the town, including cellar and vineyard tours, food and wine pairings, art exhibitions, fresh food markets and live entertainment. From talented jazz musicians and blues bands to French-inspired music, local artists throw in home-brewed flavour. Furthermore, car enthusiasts can take in classic favourites, such as Aston Martin, Porsche, Maserati and Ferrari at a rare exhibition of luxury cars at Anthonij Rupert Wines, L’Ormarins Estate.

For a more detailed overview of what entertainment to expect at each farm visit the Franschhoek Uncorked website provided in the details below.

Wineries Showcasing at Franschhoek Uncorked

• Anthonij Rupert Wines 
• Boekenhoutskloof
• Dieu Donne
• Franschhoek Cellar
• Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate
• Haute Cabriere
• Holden Manz
• And many more.

As a special bonus, this year’s festival has the added attraction of bespoke tastings at an additional cost at select wineries. Bookings are essential, as space is limited and can be done directly through the listed wineries.

Bespoke Tastings at Franschhoek Uncorked

• Anthonij Rupert Wines

• Backsberg

• Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate

• La Bri

• La Vigne – Home of four Paws Wines

• Solms-Delta

Tickets at Franschhoek Uncorked

Tickets are available online at Webtickets, through Franschhoek Wine Valley offices, or through the wineries directly. Tickets are priced at R100p/p for a Weekend Pass, which includes a tasting glass and entitles you to visit all participating farms for a variety of different entertainment offerings and free tastings. Do note (ATTENTION!), that tickets purchased via Webtickets must be exchanged for ‘Uncorked Access Passes’ at either Vrede en Lust or at Allee Bleue Estate before partaking in any of the festival activities. Children under 18 will be allowed free entry, and unfortunately pets are not allowed.

Win FREE tickets to Franschhoek Uncorked (enter before Tuesday 28 August 2012)

WIN: two tickets (a weekend pass) to the Franschhoek Uncorked festival on 1 & 2 September 2012

To enter all you need to do is either:

• Visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Franschhoekwinevalley, “like” the page and then answer the following question on our wall: “Tell us which of the 20 farms taking part in Franschhoek Uncorked you’ll be visiting during the festival and why!” 
  
  Or
  
  
• Follow Franschhoek Wine Valley on twitter at @franschhoek_sa and retweet the following: 
  “Win 2 tickets to the Franschhoek Uncorked Festival 1 & 2 Sep #fhkuncorked www.frnschhoekuncorked.co.za" 
  Follow us & retweet to enter #fhkuncorked”.

 Don’t drink and drive at Franschhoek Uncorked

The festival organisers encourage responsible drinking and as a result a list of reliable shuttle service companies can be found on the festival website provided. This would be an additional fee at the patron’s discretion and is not included in the festival cost.

Fancy a weekend away in Franschhoek?

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By Aisling Holmes