The second Winelands Chocolate Festival takes place at the Blaauwklippen Wine Estate this weekend, celebrating all things chocolate! 

Visitors to the Winelands Chocolate Festival can expect to see a mix of chocolate demonstrations by leading chocolate experts; fashion shows by Stephan Olivier; exhibitions of a Victorian kitchen, cocoa plantations, and photography; the movies Chocolat and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory; display of creative cakes for weddings, celebrations, and a Creative category; relaxation in the MCC  Courtyard with a glass of bubbly and oysters; chocolate treats in the Patisserie Garden; and chocolate treats in the Chocolate Emporium. A number of events for children are also offered.

Chocolate from more than 40 artisanal producers will be offered.

A number of demonstrations are offered during the Winelands Chocolate Festival, at an additional charge:

Dimo Simatos

Dimo Simatos, the head chocolatier at Lindt SA, will do live demos at the festival. With impressive work experience, including being Head Chef at Cape Town’s One & Only Hotel, Dimo will be demonstrating the process of tempering chocolate and making truffles.  Dimo’s demo will take place from 10h00 today and tomorrow. R50

Abigail Donnelly

Editor of Eat Out magazine and food editor for Woolworths Taste magazine, Abigail Donnelly will be doing a lunchtime ‘chef’s table’ demo at the festival. Having given up her full-time job to become a food artist, Abigail will be sharing ideas on how to blend various flavours with chocolate, and how to use it in savoury dishes. At 12:30pm today and tomorrow. R150

Alice Toich

Alice Toich is an accomplished artist and a baker of contemporary cakes in Cape Town. In 2015 she released her recipe book “Bake”, which showcases Alice’s love for baking and her passion for art. Alice will explore the deliciousness of dark chocolate desserts. Her demo will take place from 14h00 today and tomorrow. R50

Winelands Chocolate Festival, 20 and 21 August. Blaauwklippen, R44, Stellenbosch. Tel (021) 880-0133. www.winelandschocolatefestival.co.za Twitter: @WChocFest Tickets at Webtickets. Cost R120 for adults, with wine glass, scholars R60. Saturday 9h00 – 17h00 Sunday 9h00 – 16h00

Chris von Ulmenstein, WhaleTales Blog: www.whalecottage.com/blog  Tel 082 55 11 323 Twitter:@WhaleCottage  Facebook:  click here Instagram: @Chris_Ulmenstein