The Constantia Fresh Festival will be held on 25th and 26th February 2011 in Cape Town. Over these two days the trumpet will be blown for Sauvignon Blanc and the white blends of the Constantia Valley (toot, toot). There are a few events on offer but the one that catches our eye (and happens to be by far the cheapest option) is the Sauvignon Blanc Blend and Food Pairing Exhibition. Christine Lundy, Spatula wine writer, fills us in on what promises to be an elegant day.

“If you drink white wine, chances are quite high that you drink Sauvignon Blanc. It’s easy to love its refreshing, crisp and dry taste.

German-born sommelier, Jörg Pfützner, is offering us a new take on this fashionable variety at his Sauvignon Blanc Blend and Food Pairing Exhibition, to be held on Saturday 26th February.

This event promises us a ‘better understanding of the ageability, versatility and food capability of Sauvignon Blanc’. It’s an opportunity to taste a selection of over 200 wines paired with food created by top South African chefs.

So not only do you get to taste world-class wine but you get to pair it with canapés designed by chefs such as Peter Tempelhoff (The Greenhouse, Cellars-Hohenort), Bertus Basson (Overture), Roland Gorgosilich (Grande Roche’s Bosman’s), Edgar Osojnik (Buitenverwachting) and Harald Bresselschmidt (Aubergine). All this takes place on the beautiful lawns of the Buitenverwachting Estate accompanied by live music and entertainment.

What I like about this event is that it looks like a true lifestyle and exploratory experience without the feeling of being surrounded by a jostling crowd whose sole purpose is to drink as much as possible regardless of what is in their glass.

Sauvignon Blanc’s origins lie in France; initially from the Loire region but also famous in the Bordeaux region especially known for wines from the Sancerre and Sauternes regions.

So, if you have a penchant for Sauvignon Blanc, book your tickets now”.

More information about the different events can be found here. Sigh, we love fine wine.