From Persia to Paarl
2007-08-02
THE Paarl Vintners Shiraz Festival on 18 and 19 August is essentially a celebration of wine, and especially the much-celebrated Shiraz cultivar.
In its short history the Shiraz Festival has indeed established itself as one of the annual wine events on the Western Cape calendar.
The Shiraz Festival, now in its second year, is truly a celebration with a difference – its success is largely based on community participation where the majority of wine producing members of the Paarl Vintners participate by exhibiting their finest wines over a two-day celebration.
In addition, all wine producers also participate in the much-anticipated and colourful procession where vine cuttings and each producer’s youngest Shiraz wine is ceremoniously handed over to the guest of honour.
Well-known opera star Zanne Stapelberg, celeb chef Francois Ferreira and Roer presenter Tammy-Anne Fortuin, Paarlite. will do the honours this year by welcoming each wine producer and receiving their new Shiraz wines.
True to the theme of the Festival, From Persia to Paarl, all participants in the processions are dressed in colourful and creative Persian outfits, each displaying another facet of live in old Persia.
The festival theme reflects the history of the Shiraz grape, originating in Persia and then establishing itself as one of the most celebrated wines in the Paarl Valley.
The venue at Nederburg will be dressed up in line with the theme and will be converted into an exotic Persian market with live acts, jugglers and displays of Persian ware such as Persian rugs, gigantic ceramic pots, jewellery and brassware.
Besides the procession, the Festival promises to have something for everyone.
Favourites include a live performance by renowned musicians, DNA Strings (on both the Saturday and Sunday), interactive cooking demonstrations and wine pairing by celeb chef Ferreira (learn how to create a sexy Shiraz decadent dessert), live pottery demonstrations as well as fine arts demonstrations by artist, Michael Tietz.
Many other exhibitors and food stalls will join the wine stalls in celebrating the From Persia to Paarl theme.
There will be an array of food available such as prize-winning olives, delicious Turkish Delights, mouth-watering chocolates, as well as local dishes such as bobotie and a selection of chutney.
The Festival is also the culmination of the Santam Paarl Vintners Shiraz Challenge where the best new Shiraz wine of the Paarl Valley gets selected.
The winning wine producer will have the honour of leading the procession at the Festival.
The Shiraz Festival promises to be a two-day celebration of wine, food and leisure activities.
Many competitions will be held during the two days and the public is encouraged to dress up according to the theme to win some great prizes for best-dressed individual and couple.
The kids are also catered for and a section devoted to kids' entertainment has been set aside with video games, jumping castles, face painters and more.
The Shiraz Festival has something for everyone – a festival filled with excellent music, exotic foods, creative arts and the best wines in the Valley.
And the best of all, the whole festival takes place under one roof at the Nederburg Auction building.
A percentage of funds raised at the festival will be donated to organisations addressing Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in the Paarl area.
Tickets at Computicket or at the door (R65 includes a wine glass and wine tasting).
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