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Since the first Port Festival in 1992, Calitzdorp's fame as
the Port Capital of South Africa has continued to grow in leaps and
bounds both locally and internationally. This historic Klein Karoo
village, embraced by the Swartberg, Rooiberg and Gamkaberg mountains, is
already abuzz with activity for the 2009 Port Festival so diarize the
first weekend in May for what promises to be the region's festival of
festivals.
The renowned Port producers, Boplaas, De Krans,
Calitzdorp Wine Cellar, Axe Hill, Peter Bayly, Withoek Cellar and TTT
Cellars will once again host the Port Festival and visitors will be
treated to a showcase of the finest Ports these cellars produce, ranging
from value-for money Ruby and Tawny Ports, to the multiple award winning
Vintage Reserve Ports - the finest Ports outside the wine's original
home in the Douro in Portugal.
A full and diverse Festival program is planned and
will be centered around the new venue at the historic Calitzdorp Station
as well as the various wine cellars and village venues. The highly
successful 2007 Port Festival innovation of the on-line auction of the
Largest Bottle of Port (54L) and Best Port (5L) will be a highlight once
again, with a portion of the funds raised going to the Calitzdorp Fund
for the Needy.
Friday, the 1st of May will be a full day with the
SAPPA AGM, a symposium on Generic marketing of Port and Portuguese red
wine cultivars, Port and Wine tasting at all the cellars and a
traditional grape tramping competition (so get those feet ready!). Other
activities include the SA Boulle competition warm-up, an Arts, Antiques
& Port Meander competition, a Cultural/Historical Treasure Hunt and a
Fishing competition. End your day off at the fabulous Port Dance with
excellent food, Port, wine, music and dancing late into the night.
Saturday, the 2nd of May promises to be a busy day
highlighted by the formal tasting of Ports and Portuguese red wine
cultivars, a Vineyard Meander, the grape tramping competition and a
reading on Wine Stories by Paul Eihlers. Get to know the region at the
lecture on the Leopards of the area, take a Succulent and Birding tour
or visit the Biodiversity exhibition and presentation. The ever popular
Cycling and ˝ Marathon competitions as well as the final of the Boulle
Competition take place. Learn more about Food and Wine pairing at
renowned chef Francois Ferreira's presentation on Ostrich & Wine, or the
talk on Chocolate & Wine/Port combinations. Children's entertainment,
Candlelight Meander, Organ recitals, Cork Spitting, Fishing and other
competitions - and so much more to keep you on the go all day.
Satisfy your appetite at the wide variety of food and
lifestyle stalls at the Calitzdorp Station and wine cellars or treat
yourself to a lazy, relaxed meal at the superb restaurants throughout
the village. The day ends with our local restaurants and guest houses
hosting a Portuguese themed dinner and, for those who still have energy
to spare, the local
Bosvarkie Bush Pub promises a party to remember late into the
night.
On Sunday, the 3rd of May the Festival winds down with
an inter-denominational Church Service followed by an organ recital at
the NG Church, a long table brunch, and a last opportunity to buy your
Port and Wine from some of the cellars who will be open for business.
Jam-packed and something for everyone, so remember the
date 1 to 3 May 2009 and expect the warmest welcome to the best little
village in the Klein Karoo - Calitzdorp!!
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