One could not have asked for a better that day than Saturday for the annual Shiraz & Charcuterie festival held on the Anthonij Rupert Wine Estate in the picturesque Franschhoek.

Arriving at the farm you are welcomed by uber professional security that ushers you to the nearest parking bay.
Driving past the Terra Del Capo tasting room, (which I still definitely want to visit) your drive takes you to a glorious grass lawn with the tasting room overlooking the Franchhoek mountains.

All the stalls were neatly tucked under the protective tarp of a Bedouin tent in front of the tasting room (which was unfortunately closed for the day), food on the outer edges with the wine taking centre stage.

All the wines I tasted were of an exceptional quality, all different styles and expressions. If you like Shiraz…where were you?! The variety was endless, Rose from Keermont, Syrah, Shiraz, cool climate expressions and don’t forget the crown cap on Luddite’s Saboteur!

Some standout ones were the Masala Chai choc and shiraz pairing from Waterford, Boschkloof, Hartenberg’s Gravel Hill & Thelema’s Sutherland Syrah.

The food also did not have to stand back, you had options to have charcuterie platters, charcuterie meat to take home, pickled onions, peppadews, and let’s not forget the treats on offer from the kitchen of Anthonij Rupert, delectable French Onion soup with a slice of rye topped with grilled greyer and the Toulouse sausage with lentils were delicious, such a creamy texture on the perfectly flavoured sausage, something I would love to eat again.

This festival has grown to become a “must-do” for all Shiraz lovers, but I would urge anyone that has a love for wine to attend this festival, you may just start loving this purple grape more than what you ever would’ve imagined.