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. “Our farm-wide celebrations bring the quintessential taste of citrus to a range of experiences, from our picnics to our lunch menus, and to our Farm Shop and Homeware Shop, which have a variety of citrus goodies on offer.”
The Boschendal Citrus Festival will take place from 15 June to end-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.
Every Saturday in July, guests can enjoy a Pick and Pluck Picnic 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 soil-to-fork picnic basket to enjoy on blankets set out under the orchard trees, a citrus-themed cocktail or mocktail, and a one kilogram bag of citrus to take home. This special seasonal picnic experience is the perfect family affair to enjoy on a sunny winter day
The Wreath Making Workshop on 18 June will give guests an opportunity to explore their creative side. Using fresh fynbos and citrus elements from the farm, guests will create a centrepiece worthy of any table. A welcome drink and three-course soil-to-fork lunch celebrating Boschendal’s citrus fare will round off the experience. Presented by fynbos fundi Nicky from Fabulous Fynbos, guests will have the pleasure of creating a masterpiece to take home.
Guests are invited to join Boschendal’s experts on 25 June for a day learning the tips and tricks of working with zesty fruits. The Squeeze, Zest and Preserve Workshop will teach guests how to work with zesty fruits to bring out their unique flavours, and includes a welcome drink, three-course soil-to-fork lunch experience, and small take home gift bag and recipes, all curated and presented by Brenda from Brenda’s Preserves.
“We invite everyone to experience the crisp cool days in our beautiful orchard and enjoy a taste of the best winter has to offer at Boschendal’s Citrus Festival,” says Tamara. “Spend the day with us on the farm, explore the flavours of winter, and take a taste of citrus home with you.”
Event Summary:
Wreath Making Workshop
- Date: 18 June 2022
- Time: 10am
- Cost: R1 350
- Venue: The Olive Press At Boschendal
Squeeze, Zest and Preserve Workshop
- Date: 25 June 2022
- Time: 10am
- Cost: R1 385
- Venue: The Olive Press At Boschendal
Pick and Pluck Picnics
- Date: Every Saturday during the month of July
- Time: 10am, 12pm and 14pm
- Cost: R670 per person
- Venue: The Werf Picnic Area
Please email Boschendal to make a booking for any of the events.
Details:
- Website: https://www.boschendal.com/
- Location: Boschendal Estate, Pniel Road, Groot, Franschhoek, 7690
- Contact: Call 021 870 4200
Also read:
Kids gone wild: The Boschendal outdoor experience your kids will love
Picture: Supplied
