Elgin Winter Festival 9-11th August 2019 – Winter, Wine and Words!

There’s something quite magical and authentic about winter in Elgin. The chill brings with it a unique beauty of its own. Crisp mornings start the day with a heavy mist sunken within the dips of the rolling hills and a winter sun that shines stark over the many vineyards and fruit orchards amidst their off-season slumber. Locals greet the mornings with dragon breath and steaming cups of coffee, then wrap themselves up in the mandatory winter woollies.

They are known to embrace the chill as they appreciate that the cold temperatures are good for next seasons fruit. As the last of the moody afternoon light filters through the tips of the Groenlandberg mountain, muddy boots are hung up to dry, stoves get lit, the red wine is opened as wafts of wood burning fires and homecooked meals fill the air.
For those not already tempted – Elgin Grabouw Tourism are inviting you to come and experience the very first Elgin Winter Festival – Winter, Wine and Words over the long weekend from 9 – 11 August 2019. It will be a festival to celebrate all that we love about winter, fireplaces, red wine, world class entertainment, books and deliciously warm comfort food! There will also be a special focus on the ladies in honour of National Woman’s Day on 9 August 2019.

A great excuse to escape your hibernation and come to experience Elgin’s warmth in the cold!

The Elgin Valley will be pulling out all the stops over the weekend to impress and entertain visitors, from a first of its kind indoor Elgin Wine Festival at the Railway Market on the Friday evening, to wine master classes hosted at various wine estates throughout the weekend.

Fitness enthusiasts of all levels are invited to take part in a Saturday morning Parkrun event and Sunday morning Mountain Bike Rides from Trails End Bike Hotel, which alongside South Hill Vineyards, will host Elgin Valleys very first Literary Book Festival for fans of crime writing.

Women’s Day bubbly specials will be running all weekend long for the ladies at the charming Rojaal Restaurant, as well as a unique and very exciting “The Wine, The Women and The Wardrobe” market at Galileo Farm.

The highlight of the weekend is most definitely the live entertainment at the Elgin Railway Market on the Saturday night, where multi-instrumentalist folk-rock duo Bottomless Coffee Band will be joining us to add to the festivities. Elgin River Lodge will be offering River cruises on their open air barge. There is plenty for the whole family to come and enjoy, including horse outrides and kids pony rides at Long Shadows Farm.

For more information on the schedule of events visit www.winesofelgin.co.za