For a slice of the good life presented with genuine country flair, make your way to Gabriëlskloof Estate, when this family farm outside Bot River transforms its courtyard into a colourful celebration of all their favourite things – handmade, homemade, delicious, fresh and beautiful.
Set to warm your heart and start your festive season in high spirits, this annual market features a creative haven of happiness, away from the maddening crowds, with every last product at the assemblage of stalls carrying the estate’s stamp of approval.
“There’s no better way to celebrate the season than by gathering with your family and friends to celebrate good food, exceptional wines and 
charming local finds. Our Favourite Things Market is more than just a Christmas Market for you to buy all your gifts in one go. It’s a treasure trove of the many wonderful and rare things made by the talented people of our Overberg area and you get to hang out with them,” shares Nicolene Finlayson, the creative organiser of this sensory affair.
All the senses are engaged as soon as one sets foot in the estate’s courtyard with its reflective ponds and lush lawn, the heart of this artistic celebration, which invites young and old to make a day of it and ‘kuier on the koppie’. Rustic stalls all radiant with real, authentic products; freshly prepared fare; fresh oysters; bubbly and craft beers beckoning to be shared. And of course a glass or two of Gabriëlskloof’s wines when you take a breather from your kaleidoscopic shopping experience.
“This year’s event will see all our loyal, passionate producers from previous years, as well as few new and exciting additions descending on our wine and olive farm to make, bake, curate, craft, sew and share their wares. We have something to engage all the senses,” explains Nicolene.
Touch: Handmade leather bags; gorgeous fabric designs illustrating scenic Overberg fynbos and aloes; soft and stylish Alpaca fiber clothing; earth-friendly linens; designer baby goods, and all kinds of eccentric knick-knacks.
See: Sterling silver treasures; eclectic vintage finds; Francophilia of all kinds; jewellery by two celebrated local artists; ceramic art, and beautiful topiaries and wreaths made from fynbos and indigenous plants in Elgin.
Smell: Artisanal bread from Baardskeerdersbos; natural herbal beauty products; creative floral gifts; lavender luxury from the Hemel & Aarde Valley, and organic, pure skincare and pamper products from Tesselaarsdal.
Taste: Gabriëlskloof’s own restaurant will go pop up on the day to share their ‘greatest hits’, which will include a sumptuous market box for couples to share; gourmet burgers, and their famous salt and pepper calamari. The resident deli will also be stocked with all things decadent and delicious. Other mouthwatering attractions include a food truck and a travelling tea house; local farm honey; homemade butter; raw, organic chocolates; goats milk cheese; cured meats from Stanford; sushi; pesto’s, and ‘perlemoen and rice’ from Gansbaai.
Gabriëlskloof’s Favourite Things Market takes place on Friday, 11 December from 17:00 until 21:00 and Saturday, 12 December from 11:00 until 21:00. Entrance is free.
For more information contact Nicolene Finlayson at +27 (0)28 284 9865 or send an email to nicolene@gabrielskloof.co.za.
