DA CAPO VINEYARDS HARVEST FESTIVAL
SUNDAY, 7th MARCH 2010 - from 09h30
The Bottega Family and the Fogolar Furlan (or Friuli society) are hosting a picnic day in the vineyards. This is the 4th annual Da Capo Vineyards’ Harvest Celebration which will take place on Sunday 7th March 2010 (the weekend before the Argus Cycle Tour).
GRAPE PICKING AND STOMPING FROM 09H30
The morning’s activities will commence with grape picking at around 10h00. This year we hope that the merlot vineyards right next to the picnic site will be ready for harvesting. Tractors and trailers will be on hand to transport people around the farm if we need to pick grapes from other vineyards that are a bit further away. We have invited our viticulturalist to share some interesting facts about grapes and vines so this should be a very informative and interactive session.
The ceremonial grape stomping in open barrels will take place later in the day, accompanied by traditional Italian songs. Our winemaker will also be on hand to answer any questions about the wine making process. Please remember to bring a change of clothing and a towel, or even better a swimming costume, for stomping on the grapes! Hand held showering facilities will be provided as usual.
ITALIAN STYLE BARBECUE AT 13H00 – BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL
An Italian-style barbecue will be served from 13h00. This will be jointly prepared on site by members of the Fogolar and the Sandri family of La Perla and Wijnhuis.
The lunch will cost R120 a head for adults and R60 for children (R100 adults/R50 children for Fogolar members). Italian salame and olives from Da Capo will be available as a starter.
Wine and refreshments (cold drinks, mineral water) will be available for sale this year.
Proceeds from the sale of refreshments will go to the Fogolar. Please feel free to bring your own cooler boxes with drinks if you prefer.
PLEASE NOTE:
DUE TO THE LOCATION OF THE PICNIC AND THE SENSITIVITY OF THE ENVIRONMENT, THERE IS A LIMIT TO THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE THAT WE CAN HOST.
THIS MEANS IT IS ESSENTIAL TO BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT.
NEW FOR 2010…
MORE SHADE…
After the heat of 2009, we are erecting more thatched gazebos around the picnic site and will be placing lunch tables right in the vineyards. The row of shady merlot vines closest to the pine trees has been ripped out, so that guests can enjoy the afternoon sitting under the trees taking in the views of the mountains and vineyards. We will provide tables for the lunch as usual but if you prefer to bring your own picnic blankets/ground sheets or extra picnic tables and chairs to put under the pine trees, please feel free to do so. In case we get some wind, please bring along a sweater or wind breaker, and of course plenty of sun block and hats or caps for the grape picking!! We will send an update on the expected weather conditions in the reminder the week of the picnic.
ITALIAN THEMED STALLS
To create more of a festival feel, we will be setting up a few Italian themed stalls with some interesting goodies for sale. More details in the reminder.
5-A-SIDE SOCCER FIELD…11H00 EXHIBITION MATCH
With World Cup 2010 a few months away, it seemed a great time to prepare our own mini calcetto field so that the up-and-coming Pirlo’s and Buffon’s can show off their moves. There will be an exhibition 5-a-side match between the Friulani from Cape Town and one of the other Regioni to inaugurate the field. This is also a great opportunity for everyone to get excited about 2010 so please try to wear your favourite national team (!!!) football jerseys to the picnic. We will also arrange games for kiddies and veterans so please pack your boots if you would like to have a kick around.
BOCCE (BOULES) COMPETITION…
Last year there were many willing participants but we never got around to playing. This year we have prepared two new bocce courts in the shaded areas next to the calcetto field. There will be a competition to see which team will be the 2010 Da Capo Vineyards Bocce champions. Prizes for the winners!
WINE TASTING AND SALES…LA VENDEMMIA WINE
This year the Fogolar will be selling the 2008 vintage of the La Vendemmia “picnic” wine at R150 per case of 6 (R25 a bottle). The 36 case La Vendemmia 2007 release was snapped up last year and by all accounts, enjoyed by all during the year. The wine made at the picnic last year in 2009 is still not ready. It looks like it takes two years for the wine to soften sufficiently when it is pressed in this traditional way. The stalks and pips (not to mention the stomper’s feet) all combine to add quite a bit of character to the wine and it takes an additional year of barrel maturation before it is ready. Please indicate if you would like to reserve a case of 6 bottles with your booking. ONE CASE PER FAMILY only as the production is only 50 cases.
Last year many people expressed a desire to taste and purchase some of the other wines made by the Bottega Family. This year we will arrange a better tasting experience. Those guests who want to order any wines at the picnic can do so at special Club prices and will have the option of free home delivery.
MUSIC, DANCE AND, OF COURSE, GIGI’S FAMOUS RAFFLE…
Our master of ceremonies, Gigi Campeotto, will again be selling his magic R5 raffle tickets, so remember to bring along a few extra rands so that you can have a chance of winning some of the wonderful prizes that will be on offer during the afternoon’s festivities.
ACTIVITIES FOR KIDDIES
Pony rides, tractor rides, a petting zoo and a play area for kids will help keep the kiddies occupied during the day.
LATE AFTERNOON MOUNTAIN WALK…16H30
This is the best time of the day on Da Capo so don’t miss the guided walk. The views and colours are fantastic. Strangely enough, the devastating wildfire that swept through the Helderberg mountains almost a year ago also brought its blessings. Much of last year was spent clearing the mountainside of dead and burnt trees with a view to returning the surrounding hills to indigenous fynbos. To our surprise, we uncovered some rocky outcrops with magnificent views of the Helderberg basin not to mention the whole profile of the Cape Peninsula from Table Mountain to Cape Point in the distance. Weather permitting, we will be happy to arrange a comfortable walk to see some of these sites later on in the afternoon when it is a bit cooler. Please bring walking shoes or hiking boots and your favourite walking stick.
We look forward to seeing you and your families on the 7th March.
RSVP: FRIDAY 26th FEB 2010
For catering purposes, please RSVP by Friday 26th Feb 2010 latest.
Please indicate clearly how many adults and children will be coming in your party and whether you would like to reserve a box of La Vendemmia wine. (Other wines will also be available for ordering if you prefer)
FOGOLAR MEMBERS: Rosanna Davidson - davidson@kingsley.co.za – 021 686 3437
DANTE ALIGHIERI MEMBERS: Mariagrazia Martinengo - mariam@isdial.net – 021 439 0431
BOTTEGA FAMILY GUESTS: Roberto Bottega - rbottega@telkomsa.net - 083 678 2094
Tanti Saluti
The Bottega Family
www.bottegafamilywine.co.za
DIRECTIONS TO DA CAPO VINEYARDS
From Cape Town, take the N2 past the airport. Follow the N2 through Somerset West towards Sir Lowry’s Pass. At the turnoff to Gordon’s Bay, turn LEFT towards Sir Lowry’s Pass Village. Drive through the village (please be careful of the children in the street), cross over the railway line and then turn right at the stop sign so you drive past the police station on your right. Turn first left at the Sir Lowry’s Pass Sports Fields (see Wedderwill sign and Da Capo sign). Follow a brick-paved private road for 2km’s (beware the speed bumps) and at the end you will see the entrance to Knorhoek farm (est 1795). Drive to the gate and sign in at the boom - Da Capo Festival. Proceed along the tar road past the field with the ostriches. Go past the Cape Dutch Homestead and continue up the hill along the gravel road past the stables and horses on the right. At the top of the gravel road, cross over the railway line and you will have arrived at the bottom entrance to Da Capo. Follow the signs to the picnic site for another few minutes. It should take approx 40 mins from Cape Town to get to the farm.
