An evening of elegance at this year’s harvest-inspired Protea Party

Dust off your dancing shoes and get ready for Anthonij Rupert Estate’s annual winelands celebration – the Protea Party – being held on Saturday, 28 October.

Fast becoming one of Franschhoek’s social calendar highlights, the Protea Party celebrates the spirit of Anthonij Rupert Wyne’s Protea wine range. The exclusive event is the perfect evening for guests to enjoy fine food, superb wines and world-class hospitality, while soaking up the picture-perfect views from the Anthonij Rupert Tasting Room.

The Protea range, comprising of eight wines, is named after the flower species that is unique to the Cape floral kingdom. The distinctive wine bottles, at the heart of this celebration, are utilized and displayed in a variety of functional ways every year: from vases and water glasses to olive oil and balsamic vinegar bottles, and even a whimsical candle-chandelier hanging in the magnolia tree on the lawn. With the addition of the Protea brand’s new Helix cork closures, décor is inspired this year with a black, white and cork theme all with country-style elegance. These include wooden dining tables, intimate lounge-style seating areas and fresh Estate grown Proteas, promising a feeling of winelands chic.

The evening commences with tantalising Protea-inspired cocktails. Following this is a harvest-style menu with dishes, meant for sharing and a signature of the Protea Party – showcasing local winelands produce to absolute perfection.

For starters guests will be served platters of succulent lamb Kofta bites served with beetroot humus and zucchini fritters; sweetcorn and smoked paprika soup; and fire grilled prawns with a swirl of crayfish cream. Mouthwatering slow roasted beef short rib, infused with garlic, honey and soy and accompanied by seasonal estate-grown salad and vegetables, takes centre-stage for the main course. Dessert draws its inspiration from the Protea range, in the form of a brûléed lemon tart with colourful Macarons and seasonal berries.

Protea wines can be enjoyed throughout the evening with live music and a dance floor to complete this celebration under the stars in Franschhoek.

Tickets cost R550 per person, which includes a three-course meal, wines and live entertainment. Pre-booking is essential as seating is limited. Book directly through www.webtickets.co.za.

For further enquiries call 021 874 9041, or e-mail tasting@rupertwines.com.

Pictures: SUPPLIED