The first sweet apricots and peaches are always a sign that summer is really here. When last did you pick your own, fresh from the tree? Well, get your sunhats and baskets ready: De Krans is opening its orchards to the public, for everyone to share in its seasonal bounty.
If you fancy a road trip in November or December, head Calitzdorp way. From 22 November to 3 December, the juicy Bulida Apricots will be available to pick at R6.50 per kg. If you prefer peaches, best you diarise 16 to 27 December when the Oom Sarel Cling Peaches will be ripe and ready at R8.00 per kg. Ending off the fruit picking season are Hanepoot Grapes, from 7 February to 4 March 2018 at R7.50 per kg. These dates are weather dependent, and may change slightly at short notice. To ensure you don’t miss out, it’s advisable to contact the farm prior to your planned visit, to confirm picking dates.
It’s a great day out for the whole family, so take the kids along!
Fruit picking at De Krans will be open seven days a week from 9am until 4pm, except on Christmas Day.
A day out in the orchards is guaranteed to work up an appetite. Feed your rumbling tummies at De Krans Deli and Bistro on the farm, with its menu of wholesome country cuisine. Guests can look forward to hearty, healthy, quality dishes, with a big choice of breakfast options, open deli sandwiches, light lunches, gourmet burgers and garden-fresh seasonal salads. The menu choices are perfectly suited for pairing with wines from the De Krans range, including some yummy desserts.
The deli stocks a wide selection of top food products sourced in and around Calitzdorp and the Klein Karoo. Look for local cheeses, olives, olive oil, canned and dried fruit and preserves. Don’t leave without some homemade rusks, Calitzdorp honey and other regional specialities!
Comfortable seating indoors or outside in the shade of the trellised Hanepoot vineyard invite you to linger at leisure with a view of the vineyards. A children’s playground gives the young ones plenty of exercise to ensure a peaceful drive back home!
De Krans is famous for its range of superb wines and port-style wines, and you can’t possibly leave without sampling some of these award-winning tipples. Remember to try the Cape Vintage Reserve 2014, a Veritas Awards Double Gold medal winner in 2017, as well as the Tritonia Red 2015, which won the trophy for the Best Non-Bordeaux Red Blend at the 2017 Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show.
The Premium White Moscato Perlé 2017, as well as the recently released Premium Red Moscato Perlé 2017, are also available for tasting. The entire range of De Krans ports and wines can be purchased directly from the cellar during this time. Should you not be able to make the trip to Calitzdorp, the wines are available to order online at www.dekrans.co.za, or from many retail outlets nationwide.
