A harvest celebration with a difference | The Planner

Barrels & Beards LR 2Delight in a weekend filled with bold wines, raging beards and genuine hospitality when the wine community of Bot River in the Overberg celebrates their harvest with a trio of unique events, culminating with their signature Barrels & Beards showdown.

The Bot River Hotel is offering a special weekend party over 17 and 18 April.

This includes a laid-back, sunset session on the โ€˜stoepโ€™ of the hotel where you can mingle with the locals over a few beers and then amble to the rustic Shuntinโ€™ Shed for wood-fired pizzas on the Friday evening and an enlightening tasting experience on the Saturday.

The fun-filled weekend concludes with the Bot River Barrels & Beards post-harvest celebration when the winemakersโ€™ self-imposed shaving ban (which starts on 1 February and lasts throughout the entire harvesting period) ends on a high and hairy note.

At this annual celebration of good food, wine and company the winemakers flaunt their facial fur and wacky whiskers during an amusing โ€˜beard paradeโ€™ when the boldest beard in Bot River is crowned by esteemed judges who take their job very seriously.

Besides a chance to get your piece of this Limited Release action, the Bot River Barrels & Beards 2015 party includes complimentary barrel tastings of the latest wines, a hearty farm-to-fork dinner and music entertainment led by a lively marimba band. Wines will be on sale on the evening.

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Costs and times:

  • Drinks at the Bot River Hotel: Friday 17 April, 18h00
  • Best of Bot River Tasting: Saturday 18 April, 11h00 at R300 per person. (Includes all the selected wines and lunch)
  • Bot River Barrels & Beards showdown: Saturday 18 April, 17h00 at R350 per person. (Includes barrel tasting, entertainment and dinner)

For more information or to book your tickets, contact Nicolene Finlayson by email or call on +27 (0)82 852 6547.