Everything you need to know about the SA Cheese Festival this weekend
Image source: iStock
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The festival is so much more than just cheese – expect endless wine and beer tastings, live music, delicious street food stalls and lots of tasty nibbles for those not too excited about too much dairy.
Before you go
– There are no tickets available at the gates – purchase online.
– This is an outdoor festival, so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. That being said, there is plenty of indoor activities and comfortable seating just in case the rain should bless us again.
– Most stalls accept only cash (there are numerous ATM’s on site) and a good number accept Snapscan, so download the app before you leave home.
– If you’re planning to pick up some cheese bargains at the show, it may be a good idea to bring an insulated shopping bag or small cooler bag to take your loot home with you.
At the Festival
– Grab a booklet at the entrance – the cheese festival is very large, and it’s a good idea to orientate yourself. If you’re with friends or children, agree on a central location you will all meet if you should lose each other (The giant Beemster cow is a good landmark!)
– For a great introduction to cheeses, visit The President tent first – plenty of cheese tasters on offer as well as being somewhat less-crowded. Cheese platters are also on sale for lunch afterwards (bonus – the chopping board is a great souvenir!)
– The Cheese Emporium is all about cheese tasters – keep an eye out for award winning cheeses such Foxenburg Estate, Langbaken Karoo Cheese and Ladismith Cheese.
– The Cape Made tent is all about delicious food products from South Africa. Delicious olives, dried fruit, rooibos tea tasters, seafood, chocolates and honey. Great foodie bargains to be had here.
What’s for Lunch?
Some of the Western Cape’s most loved street food kitchens are at the Cheese Festival this weekend. Pitmasters BBQ and Smokehouse had a long queue out the front, and the smells from Piroschka’s Flammkuchen was unbelievable. For the youngsters, there is a Kiddies Cafe serving light meals and snacks. We enjoyed a very warm welcome from Eat Greek – the lamb gyro with tzatziki was sublime!
Must See
– The Waterwise Expo is great tent, towards the entrance of the festival. City of Cape Town officials are on hand to discuss water saving tips for your home and even doing a DIY demonstration so you can adapt your plumbing at home! Pick up some posters for your workplace or school, and see some incredible water saving devices.
– Throughout the weekend, Jenny Morris is hosting live cooking demonstrations. Watch SA’s top chefs cook with different cheeses, and take some notes for your cooking at home. An entertaining respite from the crowds – Jenny is a delight. highly recommended! (entrance to demonstrations is at no extra charge).
– At the far end of the festival, you’ll find some friendly dairy cows and goats on display. A great way to teach the young ones about where our dairy comes from, and chatting to the farmers is always a great treat. Go over and say thank you for the cheese!
Take note: There are no tickets available at the gates. Saturday’s tickets are sold out, but there still are a few available for Sunday.
Please remember to enjoy the festival responsibly. Arrange for a sober driver to take everyone home safely.
ALSO READ: 10 Recipes that celebrate the glorious marriage of cheese and carbs
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