2010 Is the year of celebrations. As the thrill of the 2010 FIFA World Cup subsides, celebrate freedom in the Franschhoek Wine Valley.

Franschhoek Bastille Festival

It was here that the French Huguenots sought freedom from European persecution. Close by is the Drakenstein Prison (formerly Victor Verster Prison) from which the iconic South African leader, Nelson Mandela, was released from prison exactly 20 years ago.

The Franschhoek Bastille Festival offers something for everyone and at the heart of the festival will be the Food and Wine Marquee. For R100.00 ($13) per person you will receive a tasting glass and a 5 coupon book for food and wine tasting. After that it is pay as you go. To be tasted and sipped at the Food and Wine Marquee are food and wines from -  Akkerdal Wine Estate; Allee Bleu Restauant; Allee Bleu wines; Angels Tears wines; Anthonij Rupert Wines; Bellingham wines; Boekenhoutskloof wines; Boschendal Cellar Door; Bread & Wine Restaurant; Cabriere wines; Chamonix spring water; Dieu Donne Restaurant; Dieu Donne Vineyards; Franschhoek Cellar; Franschhoek Pass Winery; French Connection Bistro & The Grill Room; Glenwood wines; Graham Beck Wines; Grande Provence Wines; The Restaurant at Grande Provence; Haute Cabriere Cellar Restaurant; Ci at La Quartier Francais; La Bri Estate; La Motte wines; L’Ermitage; Lynx wines; Monneaux Restaurant; Mont Rochelle Hotel, Mont Rochelle Vineyards; Moreson; Plaisir de Merle wines and Reubens Restaurant and bar.

This will be a sumptuous opportunity to experience all of these producers in one afternoon. The Food and Wine Marquee will open on both days from 12h00 – 17h00.

A Franschhoek Minstrel Parade, a barrel-rolling contest and a waiters’ race will keep us entertained. Alternately try your hand at a game of boules.

Also part of the festival will be a farmers market, childrens’ activities and a film festival where screenings will take place at La Quartier Francais.

Several accommodation establishments will be offering special deals and here are some of them:

Mont Rochelle Hotel and Mountain Vineyards

Rates start at R999.00 ($130) per person sharing per night for a luxury room as well as a day ticket for entry to the Food and Wine Marquee plus transfers from the hotel. A three-course gourmet dinner at Mange Tout Restaurant, full breakfast and in-room treats such as fresh fruit and Huguenot chocolates are included in the price.

To book phone 021-8762770 or email info@montrochelle.co.za

5* L’Ermitage Franschhoek Chateau and Villas

Rooms cost R1200.00 ($156) for a single room and R2000.00 ($260) per double room per night. This includes a ticket to the Food and Wine Marquee and shuttle transfer.

For bookings phone 021-8769200 or email ester@lermitage.co.uk.

Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa

From 12 – 18th July rooms will cost R2000.00 ($260) per night and include a 3 course dinner and breakfast.

To book phone 021-8768900

The festival programme is here:

Saturday 17 July

08h00 – 17h00: Pierre Jourdan SPCA Boules Tournament (Church Grounds)

10h00 – 17h00: The French Corner Market in the Town Hall

12h00 – 17h00: The Bastille Food and Wine Marquee

13h00: The Waiters’ Race (at the Food and Wine Marquee)

14h00: Porcupine Ridge Barrel Rolling Competition (at the Food and Wine Marquee)

18h30: Movies by MINI at the Screening Room at Le Quartier Francais

OFFICIAL AFTER PARTIES at Col’Cacchio and Elephant & Barrel.

Sunday 18 July

08h00 – 17h00: Pierre Jourdan SPCA Boules Tournament (Church Grounds)

09h30: Bastille Festival MTB Outride (meet at the Hugeunot Monument – R30)

10h00 – 17h00: The French Corner Market in the Town Hall

12h00 – 17h00: The Bastille Food and Wine Marquee

14h00: Porcupine Ridge Barrel Rolling Competition (at the Food and Wine Marquee)

18h30: Movies by MINI at the Screening Room at Le Quartier Francais

19h00: Queenie 2000 (the play) A story of 7 beggars and their struggle for survival. At the Town Hall. Cost: R15 per ticket.