I love the word “picnic”. It’s simple, quirky and dances lightly off the tongue. It conjures up feelings of sleepy contentment and smells of warm bread and freshly cut grass.
I used to picnic regularly with my assortment of teddies and a cherished, orange doll named Emma, but unfortunately I grew up and began using regular-sized crockery, eating at tables with friends who were far less orange.
But this Sunday, I rediscovered the joys of picnicking. Grown-up picnicking.
When I heard about the Backsberg summer picnic concerts being held at the Backsberg Estate Cellars every Sunday, I decided that it was time to rediscover the joys of picnics, adult-style. So I packed a blanket, some ciabatta, grapes, Brie, Lindt chocolate, one husband and two friends and made my way over to watch the hilarious and talented Karen Zoid.
Set amongst the vines between Paarl and Franschhoek, the Estate is the perfect spot in which to soak up the dregs of the Sunday summer sun whilst sipping some fine wine and nibbling on snacks with French names. The venue is intimate and uncrowded, with a separate lawn for children (or adults) to run around on whilst picnickers are serenaded under the shade of the big oak trees by some talented local artists.
The Backsberg picnic concerts are taking place every Sunday until the middle of February, so why don’t you take advantage of our gorgeous summer days too and head to the winelands for a lazy afternoon of food, wine and entertainment?
Tickets are R100 at the gate, but children and stuffed animals get in for free, so be sure to pack them too!
For further information and to view the lineup, go to: http://backsberg.co.za/, visit their fan page on Facebook or call 021 8755141. Tickets can be booked from www.ticketbreak.co.za and selected Musica outlets.
P.S.: Out of ideas for what to pack into your picnic basket? Try Sarah Duff’s perfect picnic baguette, her marmite tart recipe as well as her scrumptious mini bacon and mushroom frittatas recipe.
