At the opening of the Plett Sasfin Wine and Bubbly Festival on Saturday, October 4, Bitou executive mayor Memory Booysen congratulated the Plett wine industry representatives on what they had achieved to boost tourism in Plett through the wine industry. Booysen officially opened the festival at a VIP function at the Plettenberg Hotel and Resort, where the quest were treated at a wine-pairing function.
Dressed in blue and white to represent ocean and bubbles, festival-goers were taken to the Beacon Isle Resort, where the festival officially took place. There they had the opportunity to taste more than 30 local wines and bubbles, savour the delicacies of fine foods and simply enjoy the companionship of other wine lovers.
At the opening, Plett winemaker Anton Smal commended Peter and Caroline Thorpe for establishing being the actual foundation of Plett's wine industry. He explained how the Thorpes planted one hectare of grape vines in 2000 and produced Plett's first Sauvignon Blanc in 2004. "They then extended to four hectares and today there are 16 wine estates on the Plett Wine Route producing world class wines on 65 hectares." The Thorpes, who were among the VIP quests, were applauded for their achievement.
At the Plett Sasfin Wine and Bubbly Festival, nine of the 16 Plett wine estates showcased their 'bottled pride'. "This annual weekend has brought together members of our Plett wine industry, professionals and wine enthusiasts," said Peter Wallington, chairman of Plett Tourism. "We are thrilled that through all this celebration winemakers in the area are receiving the acclaim they well deserve. This is positive boost for employment and tourism in our town."
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VIP guests enjoy wine and food at the Plett Wine and Bubbly Festival.
ARTICLE: CHRISTO VERMAAK, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD JOURNALIST
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