Bubbles in the Valley at the Inaugural A Splash of Pink Festival
In South Africa, you needn’t go further than an hour in any given direction to feel as if you have travelled to another country. Last Saturday we made our way along Route 62; the picturesque road curves through Karoo-like terrain, slicing through the mountain ranges. Dotted with little stalls along the side of the road offering padkos for travellers, it really is a lovely, scenic journey for city dwellers looking to unwind.
Our destination was the Wonderfontein Estate in the heart of the Robertson Valley for the inaugural Paul René A Splash of Pink bubbly festival. The estate has been around for five generations, practising and perfecting the fine art of winemaking, and were ready to welcome 200 guests to this intimate affair. With lush lawns, games of boules and croquet, and a swimming pool to slip into, A Splash of Pink felt more like visiting close friends for lunch than a festival, which must surely be attributed to that Robertson valley hospitality.


On arrival, we were treated to a welcome glass of bubbles and, because one is never enough, each goodie bag converted into a portable ice bucket! For those who needed a breather between bubbles the lovely duo behind Hope on Hopkins, Lucy Beard and Leigh Lisk, enticed us with a pink gin cocktail, a tantalising combination of Paul Rene Rose Brut and their locally distilled artisan gin.
To whet our appetites, there were lovely Saldhana Bay oysters served with a shot of tomato vodka gazpacho, as well as creamy west coast mussels, and udon noodles. All enjoyed on the lawn while listening to country beats by Bottomless Coffee.
Later in the afternoon, with full tummies and a giddy heads we explored the Wonderfontein Estate in style on a motorbike sidecar drive. A Splash of Pink was a truly breathtaking experience and a great reminder of the charm and simplicity of Robertson. We can’t wait for next year.
