Cape Town - This year, Namaqua West Coast tourism is pulling out all the stops to attract visitors to their unique and wild stretch of coastline, inland farms and towns.
They have compiled a heritage programme designed to appeal to all ages and tastes, so whether it’s traditional fare, affordable wine, succulent plants, lively folk dancing or early military forts, you will be spoilt for choice.
The region is known for its warm hospitality and is home to a host of fascinating characters , many of whom are ready to entertain you.
For energetic souls, the area offers hiking in the Matzikamma, Koebee and Gifberg mountains, and off-road biking along the wild coast from Strandfontein to Jurg-se-Kaya.
The festivities take place from September 24 to 27, and families and friends should design their own daily itineraries and book as soon as possible.
Here are a few weekend highlights:
l Festival fare comes in many delectable shapes and flavours but little can beat the meaty treat of a whole beef fillet, stuffed with bone marrow, caul-wrapped and cooked on the braai. Vredendal butchers Stoffel Coetzee and Kobus “Dassie” Nieuwoudt will demonstrate how to prepare this delicacy and visitors can savour the end result at food and wine-tasting with tapas at Teubes Family Wines.
l The intriguing hamlet of Doringbaai is an essential destination for visitors yearning to join the locals on a fishing trip. The bounty of the catch, likely to be snoek, will be prepared in various ways, and diners will settle on the jetty at sunset to relish their fishy feast.
l This is also the home of the fine wines of Fryer’s Cove, while others can go birding in the marshes or take the Strandfontein Wandering Whale route. An optional weekend programme is available.
l The striking quiver tree symbolises the arid region, and at Vanrhynsdorp travellers will find the oldest nursery cultivating this amazing tree, while a local fundi will give a talk on its medicinal uses and those of other unique plants.
l Birding is another option, with a four-day weekend organised , while there is plenty to discover in the town itself.
l Among the many cellars offering heritage food with their wines is Lutzville Vineyards on the Olifants River banks. After sampling their range, adventurous palates are invited to feast on skaapkop, a local heritage favourite, prepared by the Skaapkop Gilde. More conservative diners can stay with lamb chops.
As gourmets know, pickling has returned to favour, with top chefs experimenting with preserving both traditional and unusual ingredients.
l At the Lutzville cellar, visitors will take part in the venerable art of pickling onions and gherkins before enjoying wine and a picnic lunch.
l A Heritage highlight not to be missed is the Sunday demo of the fascinating riel dance by local youngsters. It takes place at Die Keldery, home of Namaqua Wines on Spuitdrift farm near Vredendal, and will be followed by a lunch featuring local specialities. Children will be well catered for.
l Other culinary options include a steak braai at Houmoed farm, along with Teubes family wines, cheesecake made by Blue Bulls rugby player Danie Thiart at Thi Art coffee shop in Vredendal, and Heritage rural favourites on the menu of the Bagdad Café in Nieuwoudtville.
l For more information and to book your accommodation and activities, e-mail [email protected] or phone them on 027 201 3376. Visit www.namaquawestcoast.com
Cape Argus