Free State hosts inland wine tasting festival during World Cup
The Vaal River Meander Wine Route will take place from 5 June to 25 July 2010 and involves a variety of hotels, lodges and venues in this scenic region of the Free State. This year's event is expected to be the area's biggest attraction of the year, drawing an estimated 2000 visitors.
The meander gives hotels and restaurants in the area an opportunity to showcase their food and beverage offering. It kicks off with a wine and food show hosted by Emerald Casino Resort from 20 to 22 May.
Some 400 local wines from 50 vineyards and estates will be on offer. Local chefs will produce a range of gourmet appetizers, with a variety of other foods such as artisan cheeses, fresh strawberries and chocolates also featured.
The inland wine route that runs from Meyerton to Vanderbijlpark will take place on every Saturday and Sunday from midday until 6pm. Over 20 different venues on and around the banks of the Vaal River have been selected to showcase the wines.
Venues range from casual pubs and country inns to five-star hotels. The cost is R20 for eight wine tastings. Bottles of wine at special prices can also be purchased at participating venues.
Emerald Casino Resort chief executive Martin Rice says: "The annual Vaal River Meander Wine Route has experienced sustained growth during the past half decade. Last year the added cheese and wine show at the Emerald marked the first step in testing innovations in the marketplace and last year's success secured the event again as this year's launch pad for the annual Vaal River Meander Wine Route."
"It is encouraging that this initiative has seen such significant growth with participation by some of the country's finest wineries and vineyards growing in tandem with the event's popularity."
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