New School Grand Cru Festival

Môreson farm in fabulous Franschhoek celebrates the underappreciated Chardonnay grape with a fun autumn fiesta

Those who were old enough to drink wine in the 80s may have turned up their noses at the common Chardonnay grape, but the white cultivar is in the midst of a revival, and in a bid to showcase and celebrate this versatile vino, Môreson Wine Estate in Franschhoek is hosting the first ever New School Grand Cru Festival on Saturday, 26 April 2014.

From its perch  on this unbelievable scenic and serene farm in the majestic valley, the fest is making a point to only feature varieties of Chardonnay from 22 top Cape Winelands producers; there will be everything from wooded and unwoodeds to dessert wines, white blends and MCCs. But since no wine is created equal, guests can expect to put their palates to the test and discover the differences between vintages from Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Constantia and estates like Glen Carlou, La Motte and Groot Constantia.

Môreson Wine Estate Managing Director Nikki Friedman describes the event as a geeky, fun and pretention-free way to appreciate Chardonnay as a key cultivar in South Africa, and this perfect autumnal afternoon is bound to leave even the most discerning of tasters floating in a fuzzy bubble of delight.

Along with the barrel-loads of white wine for tasting and buying, visitors will get to feast on resident renowned chef Neil Jewell’s famously scrumptious charcuterie and sinful sandwiches from the Bacon of the Month Club, both of which incidentally pair excellently with Chardonnay. Not to mention, Môreson’s on-site restaurant, Bread & Wine, will be open for dinner (it’s usually only open for lunch) and will feature Chardonnays from visiting vineyards. Live music completes the idyllic afternoon, and listeners are invited to soak up the tunes while sprawled out on the lawns, sipping on their new (or old) favourite vino.   

In short, you can expect a chilled-out, rustic festival filled with all the region’s top-notch Chardonnay-based offerings in one supreme setting, and though you probably don’t need one, the outdoor fiesta is a great excuse to spend the afternoon at the lovely Môreson Wine Estate. 

TICKETS FOR THE NEW SCHOOL GRAND CRU FESTIVAL

Tickets for the Chardonnay festival are available online via Webtickets.co.za and cost R150p/p, which includes a wine glass and 10 tasting coupons. Tickets will only be available at the door on the day if they are not sold out; though, more tasting coupons can be purchased at patrons’ own account on the day.

The good times start at 1pm and run until 6pm.

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While you’re in the area, check out what else you can get up to in the fabulous Franschhoek.

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