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More than 3,000 visitors poured in to participating farms at Ommiberg ‘Round the Rock’ wine festival 2010 – double the number of the previous year and far surpassing the hoped-for 2,000 guests. With its focus on pairing unfiltered wines of vintage 2010 with local variations of the traditional onion tart, Ommiberg’s relaxed vibe saw patrons converge on lawns for picnics to the tunes of live bands, and around cellar doors for samples poured directly from the tanks. Perfect weather conditions made for extended stays, with guests snacking on fresh baguettes, pastramis, home made jams and spreads, olives, cheese platters and of course Paarl Vintners’ wines. Some well known faces were spotted in the crowd - actor Ivan Zimmerman and singer Pieter Smith stomping Cabernet Sauvignon with throngs of children at Rhebokskloof, CODA entertaining fans at KWV and Zinkplaat playing to crowds of the young and energetic at Windmeul Cellar. The young wine samples were a compelling demonstration of the changing profile of wine throughout the phases of fermentation, with some cellars offering educational glimpses into pressing and blending wines. The hardest thing about the day was knowing where to start, with a large array of activities on offer throughout the route. Candy striped road poles and well placed signs were clear indicators to farm-hopping guests, while many simply chose to lie on a lawn and relax for the day. Seidelberg’s harvest platters, and oysters and bubbly with jazz saw many patrons choose to end their stay enjoying sweeping mountain views from the lawns of the estate. |
