PORT FESTIVAL 2009

1 - 3 May 2009

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 diarise 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 programme is planned and will be centred 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 (54?) and Best Port (5?) 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 ½ 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!!

AFRIKAANS

VEILING BLADSY

AUCTION PAGE

Feeskaart

Festival Map

Jukskei Competition

Entry Form

A six course degustation menu pared with Port or Port wine cultivars will be prepared by the students of Eden School of Culinary Art under the guidance of Francois Ferreira and Caro Wicht.

Sit back and relax with good music, food and of course the best Ports and wines from the Calitzdorp area. Francois and his guest Winemaker will regale you with interesting facts about the classic dishes given a Klein Karoo twist and the wines. . a taste adventure that will leave you wanting more!

Saturday, 2 May 2009, 14:30 to 16:00 in the DR Church Hall - Seats are filling up quickly so book now to avoid disappointment - only R60 per person !!!

Print the Pre-Booking form & fax together with your proof of payment ASAP to secure your booking.