Crush recently visited Bartholomeus Klip, one of the biggest wheat and sheep farms in the Western Cape, which also includes a 10,000-hectare private nature reserve. With all this space and one of the most beautiful farmhouse settings ever, it was easy to feel relaxed and ready to indulge in the deliciousness of a true Swartland-style braai day.

Secretly, Crush was on an undercover mission to unearth inspirational tips for upcoming National Braai Day celebrations. This was a chance to share braai tongs and Darling Brews with executive chef and MasterChef Judge, Reuben Riffel, while watching him tend to half sheep on the spit. Reuben was joined by chef and author Louise Gillet, who was hand-making her famous venison Boerewors.

Guests lined up for the incredible smoked Buffalo Mozzarella balls wrapped in prosciutto and grilled to gooey perfection on the braai. Heaven in a soft ball of cheese!

This was an incredible day – a complete terroir to table indulgence. Guests drank great local wine from Bosman Family Vineyards and Kloovenberg, ate local meat from Riebeck Kasteel Butchery Deli Co., snoozed in the sun, chatted with chefs and friends, marvelled at the shade of ancient oak trees and swopped tales of whether wood or charcoal was the best way to braai.

This pre-Braai Day bash was hosted by Food Routes – SA’s first online Foodie Holiday and Tours specialist – and includes interactive cooking demos by the chefs, a tantalising array of produce unique to the area and a four-course al fresco lunch.

For future events like this visit www.foodroutes.co.za and if you ever want to take a break in the country and you looking for the most idyllic, 5-bedroomed farmhouse or cottage visit to www.bartholomeusklip.com.