Winter in the Winelands is a time of crisp air, golden hues, and the zesty joy of fresh citrus. At Boschendal Farm, the cold winter months herald a farm-wide celebration of its famed citrus fruits with a series of special events for the entire family.
“Winter is a time when our orchards deliver their juicy citrus fruits, and this year we are inviting families and friends to celebrate the harvest with us,” says Tamara Bright-Patel, Chief Marketing Officer at Boschendal.”
The farm-wide celebrations bring the quintessential taste of citrus to a range of experiences, from picnics to lunch menus, and to the Farm Shop and Homeware Shop, which have a variety of citrus goodies on offer.
The Boschendal Citrus Festival will take place in July, and will include citrus-inspired decorations, menus incorporating the crisp flavours of oranges, lemons and mandarins, and a series of Winelands experiences designed to inspire a love for authentic winter citrus flavours.
“We’re building on our regenerative farming practices and are in our final year of the transition process to have all our orchards certified organic,” says Charles Edwards, the General Manager of Farming. “Guests will also have the opportunity to take part in a citrus picking experience where our farm team will demonstrate the best way to pick fruit without harming the tree. By bringing guests closer to the way our farming practices guide the flavours and quality of the produce that ends up on their plates, we hope to inspire a new love for all things sustainable and citrus.”
In addition to a series of specially tailored events, Boschendal will also bring the joy of citrus to every aspect of the guest experience. Wine tastings will feature special citrus and chocolate pairings for a limited time, with locally produced chocolate incorporating citrus picked from Boschendal’s orchards.
Three zesty events:
1. Orchard Citrus Experience
Every Saturday in July, guests can enjoy an Orchard Citrus Experience experience: a tractor ride into Boschendal’s orchards will be followed by a demonstration on how to pick citrus safely to maintain the health of the orchard before guests try their hand at citrus picking. Each guest will receive a 1kg bag of citrus to take home with them.
- Dates: Saturdays and Sundays commencing 2, 3 and 9, 10 and 16, 17 and 23, and 24 July
- Time: 11am to 1pm
- Duration: 1 hour
- Cost: R60
- Pax: 30 people for each session
2. Wreath Making Workshop
The Wreath Making Workshop on Saturday, 23 July, will give guests an opportunity to explore their creative side. Using fresh fynbos and citrus elements from our farm, guests will create a centrepiece worthy of any table. Presented by fynbos fundi Nicky from Fabulous Fynbos, guests will have the pleasure of creating a masterpiece to take home with the workshop including all flowers and citrus, wreath materials, and a welcome drink and pastry.
- Date: Saturday 23 July
- Time: 10am
- Venue: Olive press
- Cost: R850 per person including all flowers and citrus, wreath materials, and a welcome drink and pastry
- Pax: maximum 3o people
3. Squeeze, Zest and Preserve Workshop
Guests are invited to join Boschendal’s experts on Saturday, 30 July, for a morning learning the tips and tricks of working with zesty fruits. The Squeeze, Zest and Preserve Workshop will teach guests how to work these juicy gems to bring out their unique flavours. It includes all materials and spices, a welcome drink, snack and take-home gift bag – all curated and presented by Brenda from Brenda’s Preserves.
- Date: Saturday 30 July
- Time: 1oam
- Venue: Olive Press
- Cost: R820 per person including all materials, spices, a take-home gift bag, a welcome drink and a snack
- Pax: maximum 3o people
“We invite everyone to experience the crisp cool days in our beautiful orchard and enjoy a taste of the best winter has to offer during Boschendal’s Citrus Festival this June and July,” says Tamara. “Spend the day with us on the farm, explore the flavours of winter, and take a taste of citrus home with you.”
Bookings for all of the events can be made at [email protected]. For more information see boschendal.com. Boschendal Estate is located at Pniel Street, Groot, Franschhoek.
Also read:
Things to do in Cape Town, plus epic deals currently on offer
Picture: Boschendal