EVENTS IN THE CAPE

WHATS ON THIS MONTH IN THE CAPE - CHECK OUT THE CAPE TOWN TOURISM WEBSITE.  

JAZZ AT HARVEYS AT THE WINCHESTER MANSIONS HOTEL ON A SUNDAY. 

This is an awfully fabulous way to start your Sunday.  Head over to the Winchester mansions where you will be seated in the courtyard with your Sunday newspaper.  The cost is R125 per person and booking is essential as this is very popular.  Tel 021-434-2351. Address: Winchester Mansions Hotel, Beach Rd Seapoint.  Tip: Combine a visit to Harveys for breakfast with a long walk along the Seapoint promenade to work it off afterwards!  This walk is very popular with the locals - so you can watch the people and the ocean while you walk.  Note this is on in winter too - they just give you blankets!

MORESON WINE ESTATE - BLESSING OF THE HARVEST 2007

The history of wine goes back to approximately 8000 years BC in ancient Persia.  From there it spread to Egypt where this was passed on by seafarers to the Mediterranean shores.  By 2000 BC the Ancient Greeks were producing wines and they were followed by the Romans, who with all the conquering and colonising took this where ever they went, making them the bearers of this God given gift.

With the collapse of the Roman Empire and the Dark Ages in Europe the development of the wine making process practically came to a stand still.  Fortunately the monasteries kept this process alive and as Christianity spread, the Church became the principal producer of wine, which was needed for both sacrament and sustenance.

At Moreson we salute these brave patrons by annually blessing the harvest on the second Saturday in February.  The blessing of the 2007 harvest is usually on the second Saturday and Sunday of February.  Visit their website closer to the time to get the exact dates. Moreson website.

Moreson boasts a state of the art cellar celebrating the Old World romantic charm of wine making.  Clients, friends and family alike all join the celebrations by hand picking selected grapes, followed by the traditional method of pressing the grapes with their feet.  To complete this unforgettable experience, the "wine making" team then set off to feast further on a delectable Mediterranean fair at Bread & Wine Restaurant.

FEBRUARY 2005 BLESSING OF THE HARVEST PROGRAMME (2007 should be similar)

10.30 - 11.00       A glass of sparkling wine on arrival

11.00 - 11.45 Hand picking

12.00 - 12.30 Foot stomping

13.00       Label design competition and lunch

A label design competition for the aspirant "wine makers of the day" will be held and the best design used as the official label of the 2005 Blessing of the Harvest Wine.  Limited space available.  Cost per person is R195.00.  Confirmation of booking by pre-payment only.  Please notify us should there be any special requirements (Halaal/Vegetarian/Diabetic).  Accommodation can be organised at various Franschhoek Guest Houses.  Should you require further information, or be interested in attending, please contact Tina, Restaurant Manager at tel. no. 021-876 3692 or by fax no. 021-8762348 or by email breadandwine@moreson.co.za.  Regrettably no pets.

Visit www.moreson.co.za for more information.  Also note that they run bread making courses - so check before you come whether the dates for the course fit in with your visit.