Rosé-tasting festival is Franschhoek's grand romantic gesture

Forget the dozen red roses. Rather treat your loved one to a taste of the Cape’s finest Rosé-style wines this Valentine’s Day.

Rosé-style wines have had something of a renaissance recently, and South African winemakers are turning out wonderful wines that are, happily, a far cry from the sickly sweet “pink-stickies” of the past.

The 2016 Revving Up Rosé festival sets up shop at Rickety Bridge Estate outside Franschhoek on February 13 2016, and is a fine place to discover some of the best pink wines in the Cape.

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While it’s a perfect excuse to escape to the winelands for the Valentine’s weekend, visitors will discover a wonderful selection of Rosé-style wines from a wide range of local producers. The focus is firmly on cellars from the valley, with an interesting mix of boutique producers and large estates ranging from Solms-Delta to Anthonij Rupert and Haute Cabrière.

Le Lude is the new kid on the Franschhoek block, but its Rosé Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) is well worth seeking out: a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, it is the first local MCC matured under cork, rather than crown cap, leading to a balanced palate of bright red fruits and brioche richness. The Jess Dry Rosé from Vrede & Lust is an interesting blend of Pinotage and Shiraz, while the wonderfully dry Mourvèdre Rosé from Babylonstoren winemaker Charl Coetzee is a perfect example of Rosé done right.

The day begins with a range of trail runs and mountain bike races – ranging from 5km to 60km – capped off by a stylish farm breakfast before tasting begins at 10am. There will be live music throughout the day and Paulina’s restaurant will offer a Rosé-friendly à la carte. Alternatively, pre-book a delicious farm-style picnic to enjoy on the lawns overlooking the vineyards. The tasting tables will close in the late afternoon, but wine sales will remain open for visitors to enjoy a sundowner, live music and a tapas selection from the restaurant.

This article was originally published in one of the Sunday Times Neighbourhood: Property and Lifestyle guides. Visit yourneighbourhood.co.za, like YourNeighbourhoodZA on Facebook and follow YourHoodZA on Twitter.