Whats happening in Stellenbosch this October...

Anyone who has been to Stellenbosch knows one doesn't need any additional excuses to make a second (or third or fourth...) visit, but for those of you who haven't been (or haven't returned for a while), below are some of the exciting things happening in our town in October. We do still have some availability at the Oude Leeskamer Guest House, so why not take this opportunity to enjoy a weekend or mid-week break with us.

If in search of good food and wine or beer...

On the 7th of October, the annual Blaauwklippen Oktoberfest will be a day filled with the sound of authentic Oompah music performed by The Songscape Beerfest Trio. And, as an Oktober Festival is not an Oktober Festival without beer, some of the finest craft breweries in the Western Cape will be showcasing their finest brews. A variety of delicious traditional German cuisine such as Sauerkraut, Weisswurst, Eisbein, Flammkuchen, Bretzels and even artisan ice cream produced with one of the craft breweries beer will be on offer.

Dornier Bodega restaurant on the Dornier Wine Estate is the place to be for lovers of all things asparagus. The Asparagus Festival runs until 22 October, with delicious starters such as warm asparagus soup, asparagus with mango or asparagus tortillas on offer, and delicacies such as the white chocolate asparagus risotto or asparagus served with chicken supreme or beef fillet for the main course. But if your entire party’s mouth does not start to water at the thought, fear not – the entire regular menu is also still on offer!

If you feel like a long and leisurely lunch (whilst enjoying a lovely view and without having to take out a second mortgage), the restaurant at Clos Malverne is the place to go! For only R198 per person you’ll be served a four course lunch and a glass of wine paired with each course! You’ll be spoilt for choice with starter options such as salmon mousse rolls, prawn and avocado salad or a roasted butternut and goats cheese phyllo parcel; a second course of stuffed lychees, roast tomato and camembert tart or port soaked chicken livers; a main course of grilled rump or fillet steak, bacon-wrapped chicken breast or fresh pan-fried line fish; and mango and caramel cheesecake, pecan nut tart or white chocolate and strawberry terrine for dessert.

For the Culture Vultures...

For lovers of the written word, acclaimed author Andre Brink will be launching his new book, Man Booker Prize 2012 nominated novel Philida on the Solms-Delta winefarm in Franschhoek on Saturday, the 6th of October. The novel tells the unforgettable story of a slave knitting girl, Philida, who lived on the farm Zandvliet (today known as Solms-Delta) between 1820 & 1833. She had several children with the owner’s son Frans Brink and is an intrinsic part of Solms-Delta history. Author Andre Brink is a descendant of the Brink family. Enjoy a welcoming glass of Solms-Astor Cape Jazz Shiraz on arrival whilst listening to the Delta Soetstemme choir. An introduction and discussion about Brink’s latest book will be followed by a 3 course ‘traditional Cape lunch buffet’ and book signing. The cost is R195 per person and booking is essential.

On the 26 October you can also share in the heart-rending experiences of three of the Lost Boys of Sudan who fled the Second Sudanese Civil War in the 1980’s with Le Bonheur’s Foreign Film Fridays. The 2006 documentary, called God Grew Tired of Us, received the 2006 Sundance Grand Jury Prize as well as the Audience Award at the same festival. It was written and directed by the American film maker Christopher Quinn with Brad Pitt as executive producer and Nicole Kidman as narrator. Foreign Film Friday starts at 18:30 for 19:00. Tickets cost R125 per person for the film, a Sudanese-inspired dinner and dessert and R45 per person for the film only and wine. Le Bonheur’s highly prized red blend Prima will be served- while guests can also opt for white wine or non-alcoholic beverages.

If in search of lots of fresh air and exercise...

For those with a sense of adventure Dirtopia (based on the beautiful Delvera Farm just outside of town) is hosting a number of exciting trail runs and mountain bike rides, including a trail run on 21 October, a Full Moon Nightride on 27 October, a Mountain Biking Beginners Clinic, hosted by well-known South African cyclist Sara Muhl on 28 October and Full Moon Hikes on 28 and 29 October.

For those in need of retail therapy...

Kamers vol Geskenke, to be held 21 – 27 October on the Lourensford Estate in Somerset West (an easy 15 minute drive from Oude Leeskamer), promises to be a feast of handmade products. A selection of the best originally designed wares, from jewellery to gourmet food products, ceramics, soft furnishings, décor accessories, garden gear, designer clothing and accessories will be available from their niche suppliers from 8:30 until 17:00 daily, with extended shopping hours until 20:00 on Friday evenings.