Met D(r)ank!!

We did it! Everyone survived the 5th Swartland Revolution, no one got arrested and only a few people got tackled to the ground...

First things first, this is a THANK YOU blog post on behalf of everyone. Putting on a world class event like we just did this weekend takes a LOT of planning and hard work and there are a few people and businesses we need to thank from the bottom of our big hearts!

In no particular order except how I think of it, let's put our hand together for:

AA Badenhorst Family Wines, Mullineux and Leeu Family Wines, Porseleinberg, Sadie Family Wines - guys and girls you are a true inspiration. Your wines, personalities, financial input, creativity and dedication is what makes this all happen and what keeps people coming back, satisfied.

Ann and Darielle - DnA events. Ladies, your work is incredible and the way you handle pressure and moments when things go a little bit off track is unbelievable! 

Cornelia Badenhorst and Judy Graaff of De Liefde, with the help of Hendrik Coetzee makes sure that every meal and break in the programme looks good and has some unique Swartland style. It is appreciated and admired. 

Coenie and Johan and their whole Mama Cucina Team - you cooked for days, set places for hours and still made us pizzas on Saturday night and fed people lunch on Sunday. Your food is world class and your presence in the valley is a blessing.

Judy Badenhorst, Ena Louw, Suzie Sadie and Anita Rock - The Revolutionary Moms - just wow. It might have taken a while to get everyone their lunch pack on Saturday, but some things are worth waiting for and patience was after all a theme of the weekend.

Serge Hochar, David Sadie, Craig Hawkins, David Clarke, Tim James - thank you for your insightful and inspirational seminars and wines. Nothing moderate about any of it and from the feedback people appreciated and enjoyed every single tasting. A great balance of fun and facts.

DJ Chopper - we have always had a good party on the Friday night but this year raised the roof. Thanks for the tunes, my feet are still sore...

Lars Lyndgaard Schmidt, Kyle Dunn and the Malmesbury men who came to play barmen - die Caperitif het geloop. The cocktails added a new dimension to the experience and the product is amazing. I was still making people concoctions with whatever was still in stock long after the bar had closed, a big hit even if i was cursed for my heavy hand the next morning.

Wicket Treats and Beans about Coffee - thanks for breakfast, what would we do without you?

Callie and Craig - The Southern Smoke is flippen fantastic and your smoked snacks saved some lives.

Devils Peak and Riebeek River Breweries - thanks for all the beer!!

To all our venues, The Royal Hotel (G&T bars were fantastic), Riebeek Laerskool (as well as the hostel where all the food was prepared and where some tired guest laid their heavy heads down) thank you for having us.

Maree Louw, Natural Light Photography - we look forward to your fantastic photos.

Jo Middleton of Two Design in Franschhoek (yes..!) for all the amazing posters, logos, programmes, tasting sheets, mailers and more. Your designs play a huge part in making this thing what it is!

The Swartland Independent Producers for bringing your wines to lunch. You guys are the future!

Die Baardskeerdersbos Orkes - altyd lekker. 

Jurgen and Jasper for the after party. Great bad ideas as always...

To every local who got excited and every out of towner and foreigner who flocked to our beautiful valley to make this event the stunning celebration that it is / was. To every guest and attendee who jumped in to help pack, pour, carry and serve... It would not be the same without you.

I am inspired (how many times can you use that word in one post!?) and honored to be a part of this and I look forward to doing it all again next year. Book 6/7 November 2015 into your diaries!

A recap of the weekend coming here soon, I just await some pictures from Maree.

Thank you, dankie, cheers!

Helena 
The marketing and media revolutionary.

Think I missed anyone? Please shout, three coffees in and I am still struggling with this Monday morning.