The 5th annual Taste of the Helderberg food and wine event promises a smorgasbord of exquisite food and South African wines from this prime wine making area which lies between Somerset West, Stellenbosch and Sir Lowry’s Pass Village. Local chefs and winemakers bring their passions and pleasures to town on Thursday, 6 June.

For one night only, the NH Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West will be transformed into a one-stop Helderberg wine and dine hotspot for culinary enthusiasts to enjoy a foodie overload of over 100 South African wines and signature dishes from seven eminent restaurants all borne of the Helderberg Wine Route.

This renowned route, home to some of the oldest wineries in South Africa, is one of five sub-routes of the Stellenbosch wine region. It incorporates the majestic Helderberg Mountains, on the slopes of which some of the country’s most prized vineyards flourish. The more than 40 wineries encountered en route each have their own distinctive methods of cultivating their grapes, with different climatic conditions influenced by the mountains and the close proximity to the sea, affecting the wines’ quality.

Taste of Helderberg is an exclusive experience of the latest tastes and triumphs of the Helderberg Winelands and this year guests will be able to mingle with at least 25 wine producers ranging from time-honoured stalwarts to ultra-chic boutique wineries; popular family-owned estates to eco-conscious pioneers.

Wines to be sipped and savoured at the event include those stemming from Bordeaux-style expert Morgenster, Avontuur Estate; Chenin king Ken Forrester Vineyards, red and port wine specialist JP Bredell Wines; the upmarket, boutique-style Longridge Winery and Waterkloof, the conservation-minded ‘cellar in the sky’ perched high on the slopes of the Schapenberg.

Food aficionados will certainly not be left out in the cold as leading chefs from seven participating restaurants will be whipping up lip-smacking portions of their signature dishes which will be on sale throughout the evening. The eateries to share a varied selection of fine fare include Longridge Restaurant, Avontuur and 96 Winery Road among others.

Since its inception in 2009, Taste of the Helderberg food and wine event has grown exponentially, each year becoming more and more popular. At last year’s event guests turned up in their drovess despite miserable, rainy weather. Nothing less is expected this year.

No matter what the weather is like outside, Taste of the Helderberg 2013 guarantees you a heart-warming experience, to be enjoyed with like-minded food and wine lovers who all treasure the finer things in life. Tickets are limited to 500 to ensure a sense of intimacy.

The doors will be open from 17h00 to 21h00 and tickets cost R70 per person, which includes an elegantly branded wine glass and access to the Helderberg wines which will also be for sale at the show.

During and after the wine tastings, guests can relax in cosy chill areas or make use of the hotel’s restaurant for dinner…

For more information about this food and wine event, and to reserve your tickets contact Bjorn van Oort at bjorn@cvomarketing.co.za. Tickets will also be available at the door.

As part of the route’s commitment to responsible drinking and driving, the NH Lord Charles is offering an accommodation special on the evening, quote reference: Taste of the Helderberg accommodation.