‘Constantia Fresh’ to be held on the 25th and 26th February 2011, is one of the first South African fine wine festivals to feature Sauvignon Blancs and white blends of the Constantia Valley alongside other regional and international producers. This year’s two day lifestyle festival will celebrate the distinctiveness and freshness of the ‘wild white’ grape, Sauvignon Blanc, and explore its role in the complexity of a blend.

New Focus on Blends
These festivities organised by Fine Wine Events, aims to uncover new opportunities for Sauvignon Blanc in its role in blending as well as how South African wines truly fairs in the international context. Organiser of the event, Pfützner said of the 2011 festival “Our first festival gave our guests a far better understanding on the ageability, versatility and food capability of Sauvignon Blanc. This year we have shifted the focus slightly to Sauvignon Blanc-based blends locally, regionally and from the home of Sauvignon blends, Bordeaux.

Participating Producers
‘Constantia Fresh’ features a total of three palate-inspiring events taking place on the 25th and 26th February 2011 which is possible thanks to the support of the host region and participating Constantia producers namely Constantia Uitsig, Klein Constantia, Groot Constantia, Steenberg, Eagle’s Nest, Buitenverwachting and Constantia Glen. Pfützner has extended the invitation to the top South African Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc blend producers.

EVENT LINE-UP
INTERNATIONAL WHITE BLEND TASTING afternoon, 25th February 2011 Join fine wine collectors, press and trade for a tasting of some of the best Sauvignon Blanc and white Bordeaux blends. Approximately 30 of the world's best wines will be tasted in a formal setting for the wine anoraks. Guests can expect to .taste wines such as the Haut Brion Blanc, Domaine de Chevalier Blanc and the Steenberg Magna Carta.

FINE DINING EVENT evening, 25th February 2011 An extensive food and wine pairing dinner with the Constantia and international wines as well as the red wines of the Constantia Valley. This event will only be able to accommodate 60 guests.

WHITE BLEND AND FOOD PAIRING EXHIBITION The idyllic lawns of Buitenverwachting is the venue for the outdoor food and wine pairing where more than a handful of South Africa's best chefs create palate stimulating dishes perfectly matched to the wine of the exhibiting local and regional farms.

For further information on the venues and times, please contact Claire Lockey on info@finewineevents.co.za or 082 598 9192. Tickets will be available at all participating farms closer to the dates. For further information on the festival itself visit the site www.constantiafresh.com