I was compiling a list of events in the Western Cape and trying to decide which event I should attend and blog about. With so many great choices, the decision was a difficult one to make. However, after winning four free tickets to the Franschhoek Uncorked festival via a Facebook competition, the decision was made. So, together with three other aspiring wine connoisseurs, we set off for Franschhoek Uncorked on a sunny Sunday afternoon to put the tickets to good use.

Our scenic drive into Franschhoek took us past rows of mountains and stretching green fields, peppered with colourful flowers and shady trees. We entered our first vineyard, number fourteen on the list – Rickety Bridge. There we were given our engraved wine glasses which we were to use at all the venues and a map labelling the 20 wine farms participating in the festival. First sample of wine in hand, we joined other vino lovers outside, where chairs and umbrellas were set up in the sun, and decided on our plan of action for the afternoon.

With only a few hours in the beautiful Franchhoek Wine Valley and 20 vineyards waiting to be discovered, we continued to our next destination. Rickety Bridge’s neighbour, we arrived at Maison within minutes. We stepped out of the car and were immediately greeted by the smooth sounds of jazz. Turning the corner, we entered this smaller, homely wine farm’s wine tasting area. Set up outside were hay bales, benches and charming wooden stools. Wine tasters lounged outside, soaking in the sun, sipping on wine and freshly made lemonade, and snacking on delicious homemade snacks, while a band led by a John Mayer look- and soundalike entertained.

At this point, our stomachs were beginning to grumble and, with more wine tasting ahead of us, we decided that some picnic food items would definitely fit the bill. So after making our purchase, we made our way up a winding hill, the Klein Drakenstein mountains ahead of us, and reached our third wine farm, Cabrière. Here, a festive crowd enjoyed fresh oysters, fantastic views of Franschhoek and, of course, a wide selection of wines up for taste. Pretty French music played in the background as we mused over which wine to sample first. Having been told that one must try Cabrière’s champagne, we got ourselves a glass of bubbly and went off exploring, wanting to learn more about what happens behind the scenes. The cool cellar was home to rows upon rows of large wine barrels, containing wine of all ages. Pictures and information told more of Cabrière’s story and one could feel the history permeating this underground place.  Soon enough, our stomachs got the best of us, and we returned upstairs and found a sunny bench outside. Ahead of us, we enjoyed a fantastic view of rolling hills, imposing mountains, lush green fields and gracious vineyard villas while we munched on a wonderful combination of cheese and crackers and first-rate wine.

Our tummies and taste buds satisfied, we made our way back to the car. At this point, my friend took notice of the Pierre Jourdan Ratafia Ball Throwing Competition, where R10 buys one a shot of Ratafia and three chances to throw a tennis ball into a ring in the dam. A poor judgement of distance and some weak throws landed three balls rather far from the target. At this, my friend decided that no other woman could have been successful in this task, to which she was told that several women, had in fact, been successful, one of whom was ten years old.

With our fourth and final wine farm set in our sights, we made our way to Boekenhoutskloof, home of the famous Chocolate Block, of which we were instantly made aware. Standing proudly in front of a bright red tent was an enormous bottle of this particular red blend. As Boekenhoutskloof is a further distance from the other wine farms and subsequently number 20 on the list, wine lovers who plan their route according to numbers might have been very enthusiastic at this point, mistaking the inflatable bottle for something of a more solid nature.

Again we were treated to a beautiful mountainous backdrop and a lively atmosphere. Happy, chattering crowds sat with their obligatory wine glass (or bottle!) in hand and enjoyed the entertaining jazz band. Realising that our exciting adventure was sadly coming to an end, we took time to sip on delicious wine and enjoy the gorgeous scenery and atmosphere before heading back to Cape Town.

Thanks to Franschhoek Wine Valley and Tourist Association for the free tickets. Franschhoek Uncorked 2010 was a wonderful experience. Next time, a full weekend is in order with sixteen other fabulous wine farms still left to discover!