GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - The Karoo Wine Club's annual Stoep Tasting Wine Weekend has grown into one of the most important annual events for some of South Africa's top winemakers - and one of the best for wine and food lovers to attend.
The event takes advantage of the slow winter tourism season in Graaff-Reinet to give gourmands and oenophiles a reason to visit, and it's a very good reason.
For three days visitors can indulge themselves in excellent wine and gourmet food.
Visitors from all over South Africa as well as locals won't just find a buzzing atmosphere here, but a community of people who share two major things in common - their love for good food and wine. And, of course, quality time to relax and enjoy the healthy Karoo environment with family and friends.
The Stoep Tasting kicks off on Thursday 27 May until Sunday 30 May in both Graaff Reinet and Nieu Bethesda and will have the themes: #saveSAwine and #visitthekaroo.
Rose Wright, Chair of the Karoo Wine Club, told Graaff-Reinet Advertiser the organisers expect between 4 000 and 6 000 people in and around Graaff Reinet and Nieu Bethesda - "all nicely spread out, naturally."
"This year is a tricky one as we had many ticket holders for 2020 rolling over to this year. People also come with added extras; the producers bring their families and friends."
She said there will be close to 70 of SA's top producers showcasing their wines with at least 20 wineries stationed in Nieu-Bethesda. "Not all of them make wine; some are craft distillers of gin, rum, liqueurs, beer and all sorts of interesting things to try."
Close to 70 of SA's top producers will be showcasing their wines at the annual Stoep Tasting Wine Weekend in Graaff-Reinet and Nieu-Besthesda, which starts on Thursday.
Wright said the extra day added to the program is to keep people spread out and give them time to visit the producers in Nieu Bethesda.
"The special thing is the added time to dawdle around and meet the producers in both towns, there are too many to meet them all in two days. Most of our ticket holders are real wine connoisseurs and they like to take their time and plan their route around their wine palates.
"There is so much to offer with business owners going out of their way to do special food and wine add-ons to their menus and the weekend. Food and wine pairings, master classes, champagne breakfasts, mountain bike rides in the mornings, markets, all with a local Karoo theme. I am especially delighted that the 'Coming Home' art exhibition has been planned around Stoep Tasting dates.
"This is such an exciting project and so close to so many Karoo resident's hearts. The re-introduction of vultures in the Karoo and keeping it a 'Karoo Vulture Safe Zone,' everyone who visits Graaffies must pop into the Imibala gallery and have a look at what our local talented artists have come up with for this exhibition."
There will be around 45 stoeps being occupied in Graaff Reinet and Nieu Bethesda. Tasting hours are between 14:00 - 18:00 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Restaurants will be limited in the numbers they may seat due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
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