Calling both wine lovers and all those visitors who would like to hike, bike, wander or drive through our beautiful valley. The McGregor Wine Meander is a winding 15km route through vine-clad hills, past orchards, farmsteads and stretches of veld where nature rules supreme. It includes our village, and along the way are three stops, two beautiful wine farms and a village Garagiste, where our winemakers and farmers share passion and hospitality with their enticing ranges of wine
Our wines are becoming known for their surprising diversity, consistent quality and great value for money. Extraordinary variety within one small wine-producing district means that visitors can sample single vineyard whites, reds and rosés. These include fine Bemind and Colombard from Tanagra that present delicious examples of former humble, but now trendy grapes that have been raised to new quality levels. Lord’s tempts with award-winning Cap Classiques, and from the three producers, a variety of magnificent reds including Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and voguish Pinot Noir.
And that’s not all! One producer, Tanagra Winery and Distillery, also presents a range of spirits: In 2009 Robert Rosenbach set up his imported still with help from a German master distiller. Today he works on his own, distilling pomace and lees from superior cellars into impressive marc (grappa) and whole orchards of lemons and stone fruit into eau de vie. Both these aperitifs and digestifs impress local and Continental palates. The farm’s delectable orange liqueur, which enjoys a large following, offers consumers a sweet spirit with a lower alcohol level.
In the heart of the village travellers will find Bemindwyne where owner and winemaker Ilse van Dijk Schutte works – when she is not out collecting her chosen grapes from wine farms in the surrounding valleys. Her operation is the fulfilment of a decade-long ambition which saw her move south from Potchefstroom to Stellenbosch University and finally on to McGregor. Her range of handcrafted wines has drawn high praise from near and far although many are disappointed at finding their favourite label sold out. Among the perennial favourites are her bone-dry MCC produced from local Chenin Blanc, her zesty Sauvignon Blanc and her appealing Cinsaut. The Shiraz is the red for fans of full-bodied reds which pair well with red meats.
While many wineries in the region boast picturesque settings, few can compare with that of Lord’s. Perched high on the slopes of the Sonderend mountains north of McGregor, the thatched cellar and stunning adjoining function area are surrounded by vines, backed by hectares of fynbos and proteas.
The Oosthuizen family dominates farming here with fruit, vegetables, flowers – and wine. Little more than a decade ago Jacie Oosthuizen identified 13ha of cool terroir where he planted pinot noir and chardonnay, built his cellar and launched his maiden vintage in 2006. Visitors can taste, buy, order light lunches, and book attractive accommodation. The wine menu offers two Cap Classiques, the delicious rosé and the classic Brut which has garnered a fistful of awards. Sauvignon blanc, Chardonnay and Chenin are offset by two reds, the Shiraz and the hugely popular Pinot Noir.
The old adage – arrive as strangers, leave as friends – could have been coined for this valley. There’s also a Tasting Box to take home which contains six of the most popular Meander wines. In anticipation of your tastings we will raise a glass in welcome with traditional toasts of Cheers! Gesondheid! And, with a nod to our Scottish heritage, Slainte!
www.mcgregorwinemeander.co.za
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INVITATION to Poets to participate in Poetry in McGregor 2021 IN ABSENTIA
THE GARDEN OF THE BELOVED
‘Die Tuin Van die Beminde’
INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE IN ABSENTIA POETRY IN McGREGOR VIDEO 2021
Dear Poets,
This year, in spite of uncertain times, we are proceeding with our ninth year of celebrating the Art of Poetry in McGregor. We are aware that many poets are unable to attend the festival in person this year due to the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are therefore creating a digital platform through which poets can participate in this year’s festival, in absentia.
Poets can submit a poem to be read by a group of actors and voice artists in the In Absentia video which will be screened at this year’s festival and posted on the website. Poems can be from a poet’s new body of work or on this year’s theme, the Garden of the Beloved.
If wish to participate send the following to info@poetryinmcgregor.co.za by SATURDAY 31 JULY:
- Your full name and contact details – email and telephone
- Your poem
- Five lines about the writing of this poem – what inspired you to write it, the writing process, the evolution of the poem’s creation
- A photograph of yourself
You can contact the Coordinator, Jane De Sousa, with any questions:
021 – 447 9325, 072 446 5420, info@poetryinmcgregor.co.za
We look very forward to hearing from you.
Warm Regards
Billy Kennedy
Chairman: McGregor Poetry Festival 2021
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https://youtu.be/tyh85Yo3hhk
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For the Love of the Trail!
Since 2017
Relaxed vibe, awesome atmosphere, and trail running routes that will keep you talking the whole year!
The event is aimed at trail runners that would like to attempt their first 2-day trail run
or runners preparing for longer multi-day events.
The route offers a good challenge and reward and consists of mainly single tracks, a few open gravel roads, and some steep climbs with amazing views. Due to the moderate running distances and climbing per day participants have the opportunity to spend the afternoon exploring the town or relaxing with friends and family – making it an ideal weekend away and enjoying the outdoors!
www.run2nowhere.co.za
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For the Love of the Ride!
Since 2012
Experience the amazing trails, picturesque views, tranquillity and hospitality that the small town of McGregor offers as we present a mountain biking and running festival over the weekend of 11-12 September 2021
Experience proper mountain biking trails covering various terrain with beautiful views of the valley and surroundings of McGregor.
It is a unique opportunity to explore this remote region of the cape on a mountain bike by getting access to routes and trails you wouldn’t on any other day. The riding is typically ‘Karoo’ – more rugged and technical than many of the other more groomed trails that see countless wheels per year.
The event is known for its festive and relaxed atmosphere, and we welcome your family and friends to be a part of the event weekend.
www.ride2nowhere.co.za
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www.donkeysanctuary.co.za
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POETRY IN MCGREGOR 2021
Dear Poets and friends of poetry,
This year, in spite of uncertain times, we are delighted to announce that we will be
Proceeding with our ninth year of celebrating the Art of Poetry in McGregor.
Our enthusiastic plan is to offer an intimate and heartfelt gathering of poets and poetry lovers.
We envisage seven events which will take place over 27 – 29 August.
Our theme this year is THE GARDEN OF BELOVED-DIE TUIN VAN DIE BEMINDE
You are welcome to submit your entries, for more details visit the Poetry Competition page
www.poetryinmcgregor.co.za
Closing dates for entries 20th July 2021
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McGregor Food & Wine Festival - save the date 30th of September 2017
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