Thursday 7 December 2017

Sip & savour SA’s best gins

As some of you may know, we like to set trends here at Asara Wine Estate & Hotel. We have a rare combination of incredibly high standards, and warm hospitality - which we’d love you to experience first-hand at our first ever gin festival. It’s called PureGin, and is taking place on our beautiful lawn overlooking the vineyards on 16 December.

Why December?
The end of the year calls for elegance and celebrations in the summer sun with friends. So put on a pretty dress, hat and heels (or chinos and a blazer if a dress isn’t really your style), and leave the rest to us.

Why gin?
Firstly, it’s something we’re incredibly passionate about. Like Asara, great gin is sophisticated, best enjoyed with great company and allows for a personal experience.

Our collection of both local and international gins at Sansibar Gin Lounge has grown exponentially this year. We now stock over 350 gins, and our barmen can tell you about every single one. They also pride themselves on being able to make a unique drink to suit your taste and the style and botanicals of your selection.

Secondly, we’ve been lucky enough to get to know several of the up and coming artisan gin distillers in South Africa, and are incredibly proud of the world class gins they are producing. PureGin is a perfect opportunity to showcase these brands, and give them the exposure they need to win the hearts of local gin lovers. We’re sure your new favourite drink is waiting to be discovered at the festival, and it’s our mission to help you find it.

You can look forward to trying gin and meeting the gin makers from Hope on Hopkins Distillery, Southern Cross Gin, Mayine Premium Gin, Boplaas Family Vineyards, Ginologist, Trouvaille Spirits and Stellenbosch Distillery. Each one is unique and brings something unusual to the party. Our friends from Barker and Quin Finest Indian Tonic Water will also have a stand, and there will be a limited selection of Asara wine and soft drinks for sale.

What else is there to look forward to?
Did we mention the live band? It will be the perfect backdrop to the festival, and set the tone for a day to remember. The picnic baskets are also likely to be a highlight – with our chefs already hard at work perfecting the selection in each one. We have meat, fish and vegetarian options, and will have a long table constantly being replenished with a selection of freshly baked breads. Our ice-cream van will also be ready and waiting for those of you with a sweet tooth!

How much are tickets?
Tickets cost R375 per person, and include a branded glass to take home, two gin drinks, and a picnic basket filled with delicious treats (which will be kept cool until you are ready to eat it). Buy them on Quicket for a day of pure pleasure on 16 December.

PS – keep an eye on the festival Facebook event for more information.