The Elgin Valley Comes Alive with the Annual Apple Blossom Festival

Six events that make Elgin the blooming best place for an Apple Blossom Festival

As we all know, spring is upon us. Flowers are blooming and fruits are ripening. The Western province has come alive with new life, and the Elgin Valley has felt the change. Their main export, apples, have come into season and the farmers working in the valley want to celebrate their bountiful harvest.

First we get ahead of ourselves, let’s discuss the humble bee; yes, the little black and yellow honey bee is responsible for a lot of fresh produce we consume. They transfer the pollen that makes it possible for plants, like apple trees, to produce succulent and tasty apples. The Elgin Valley knows how important the bees are and so they’re running a fundraising campaign for the insects that the valley depends on. The Bee Box initiative was created as a way to get more bee-friendly plants into local gardens. You can pick up your Bee Box at most of the festival’s participating venues. Take it home and start planting!

EVENTS TO LOOK FORWARD TO AT THE VERY FIRST APPLE BLOSSOM FESTIVAL IN ELGIN

Local Honey at The Pool Room
Celebrate the Apple Blossom Festival at The Pool Room’s farm to fork restaurant. The head chef, Gordon Manual, has developed a dessert menu that showcases the best honey in the region. Delight your tastebuds with a sweet treat made from Elgin Valley produce.
Booking: If you’d like to make a booking for this foodie feast, please give The Pool Room a call on +27 (0)21 859 4111.

Harvest your own Veggies at Terra Madre
Remember that old saying about food that is cooked by your own hands tastes better? Imagine how much better it tastes when you harvest the ingredients yourself! Terra Madre want you to get your hands dirty by heading to their vegetable garden to harvest some organic loveliness that you can take home with you. After you’ve collected a hamper full of fresh greens, you’re encouraged to go to the orchard (which will be in full blossom) and enjoy a gourmet alfresco lunch.
Booking: If you’d like to get your hands on some organic produce, you can make a booking on +27 (0)82 328 1346.

Chocolate and Wine at Paul Wallace Wine
Head to Paul Wallace Wines for an afternoon of wine, chocolate and gourmet picnics along a stunning dam. The chocolate pairing will see locally crafted artisan chocolates paired with a careful selection of Paul Wallace wines, resulting in one seriously tasty experience. Once the chocolates have tickled your tastebuds, head off to the Paul Wallace dam for a gourmet picnic in the sunshine! You can also do a bit of fishing, on a catch and release basis only. 
Booking: If you’d like to book your spot in chocolate heaven, please contact Paul Wallace Wine directly on +27 (0)21 848 9744.

BBQ Mastery at The Hickory Shack
The Hickory Shack is bringing you a belly busting dinner special Every saturday night, one kilogram of their famous BBQ ribs will only cost R150, which is a steal. You can also donate to worthy cause (The Bee Effect) by visiting the eatery’s Pimp Your Beard stand, which encourages patrons to dress their beards with spring flowers and the like.
Booking: You’re going to want to secure a table to sample these ribs. You can do so by calling +27 (0)21 300 1396.

Walk with the Birds and the Bees at Wildekrans Country House
Professional guides will take guests on an 8km trail walk through the Groenland Conservancy, which will be filled with flowers and animal-life at this time of year. The experience includes a snack pack, a wine tasting, and a light lunch. Enjoy the Apple Blossom Festival in a unique way with Wildekrans Country House.
Booking: If you’d like to experience the true meaning of the Apple Blossom Festival, contact Wildekrans Country House for a booking - +27 (0)28 284 9827.

Busy Bees with South Hill Wines
Visitors can enjoy a cellar art exhibition, which includes art created on or out of wine barrels at the stunning South Hill Wines. The kids will be kept busy by the various exciting and educational activities in the Busy Bee corner. Adults can enjoy the honey-infused food and wine pairings. Relax with some South Hill Wine in hand.
Booking: You can enjoy some honey and a cellar art exhibition by making a booking on +27 (0)21 844 0888.

TICKETS TO THE 2017 APPLE BLOSSOM FESTIVAL IN ELGIN

There is no charge to take part in the general festival, but each event will incur a cost specific to the venue. If you have any questions or queries, please contact the venues directly. You can also visit the Elgin Valley website - Elginvalley.co.za.

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