Gary Goldman explaining more about fungi to guests.
The legendary Delheim Wine Estate in Stellenbosch is offering avid foragers two exceptional weekends of wild mushroom hunts in its private forest where enthusiasts can unearth these elusive, seasonal delicacies and revel in fungi spotting excitement. These foraging excursions will take place on the weekends of 30 May and 3 July.
The excursions are led by Delheim’s Nora Sperling-Thiel and Gary Goldman, a seasoned field expert and mushroom cultivator, and will see intimate groups setting foot for a magical ‘walk on the wild side’, in search of these delicious gems, lurking right there under one’s nose.
After an exhilarating morning, engaging in the silent hunt amidst towering pine trees and indigenous flora, foragers will be treated to a mushroom-inspired three-course lunch in the historic Vat Cellar which promises to leave the taste buds euphoric.
“No one should fear the fungi! I will give a short lecture on edible and poisonous mushrooms before we trot off into the forest, so that you know how to identify the good, the bad and the ugly and really enjoy this magical spot at Delheim. There are old mushroom hunters and there are bold mushroom hunters, but there are no bold, old mushroom hunters,” says Gary who goes by the moniker The Mushroom Hunter.
There are only 40 spots available per day as Delheim treasures a delicate balance between sharing their ‘family passion’ and protecting their natural habitat.
This exploration of the hidden world of fungi starts at 10am and tickets cost R595 per person. A ticket includes a choice of an exclusive mushroom foraging basket or a Delheim bottle of wine and two glasses to take home; an insightful lecture on mushroom identification; the forest forage, as well as the mushroom-themed three course lunch and a glass of Delheim wine.
Pre-booking are essential and given the intimate nature of these events, no group bookings are allowed. For more information or to secure your spot call them on +27 (0)21 888 4600 or send an email to info@delheim.com.
