On Saturday, 2 November, kick up your feet and let your hair down at one of the most anticipated culinary events in the winelands. The Baden Powell Opskop with celebrated Stellenbosch chefs Bertus Basson and Drikus Brink, held at Vergenoegd Löw, will once again wow foodies and wine lovers with incredible home-grown tastes, great entertainment and an atmosphere of unmatched relaxation at one of Stellenbosch Wine Routes’ most historic destinations.
Expect to be treated to incredible variety with 28 confirmed wine farms to taste from, including the award-winning range of hosts Vergenoegd Löw. There will be delectable canapés served on arrival followed by a generous harvest-style lunch. Last year’s rousing live band is back by popular demand to complete the great vibe and incredible company of old and new friends.
The backdrop for the festivities will be Clara’s Barn, Basson and Brink’s acclaimed restaurant and its historic walled-in werf on the Vergenoegd Löw estate. The modern, sophisticated farm kitchen creates a unique fusion of past and present in one of the oldest barn buildings on a Western Cape farm. It ties in beautifully with the ambience at Vergenoegd Löw, an estate dating back to 1696 which has been extensively restored under current owner Dr Dr Peter Löw, a noted historian and heritage specialist.
While the property is home to an abundance of historic landmarks and artworks, Vergenoegd Löw is equally known for its innovative luxury hospitality offerings (think along the lines of a five-star hotel, spa and two distinct restaurants owned by Basson and Brink). As a WWF Conservation Champion, the farm is a leader in sustainable agriculture and its endearing pest-control squad of Indian Runner Ducks is a delight to witness.
So, who was Baden Powell, the man who lent his name to the eponymous Opskop and the famous highway right at Vergenoegd Löw’s doorstep? Baron Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell (1857-1941) was a British Army officer, writer, founder and first Chief Scout of the worldwide Scout Movement. His handbook, Scouting for Boys, was the fourth best-selling book of the 20th century. As a military strategist, he is particularly remembered for his skill in defending British troops at the Siege of Mafeking during the Second Boer War.
Baden Powell was also a keen artist. His sketches and paintings were accomplished, and he exhibited his work in India, Southern Africa, and London. He wrote about the importance for children of learning how to draw and believed that it developed essential skills for scouting such as observation and perceptual awareness. His use of art to relay the stories of historical scenes and events resonates strongly at Vergenoegd Löw, where the pictorial records of artist Jan Brandes who documented life on the farm in his art, have played an important role in preserving heritage.
Make sure that you don’t miss the opportunity to discover a treasure trove of heritage tastes in a fresh and exhilarating way this summer at Vergenoegd Löw. The Baden Powell Opskop is an intimate event with limited tickets, so book now to avoid disappointment. This is an adults-only event – gents, come and show your stache in support of Movember, just like Basson and Brink!
Book via Quicket: https://qkt.io/F4hyzT. Tickets are R650 per person, which includes wine, food and live music.
ALSO SEE: Vergenoegd Löw’s Jazz Under the Stars event is back by popular demand
Vergenoegd Löw’s Jazz Under the Stars event is back by popular demand
