Every year there are two events that make their way into my diary well in advance. I start making my arrangements way ahead of time with regards to travel, accommodation and even what to wear and would probably attend in a wheelchair if I really had to!

Last month saw one of these events… the Franschhoek Bastille Festival and, as ever, I wasn't disappointed.

General silliness taking over !

For the last four years since my return from the UK, I've been attending the Bastille celebrations religiously in what is surely one of my favourite South African towns.

I set off early so as to avoid traffic into Franschhoek, and had a divine breakfast at 'The French Connection' to line my stomach for the day ahead, because we all know how these days pan out, especially when there's lots of "bubbles" involved!

After a lovely mosey around the town I made my way to the food and wine marquee, which I was glad to see, had grown significantly this year. I'd decided to start slowly and just pace myself as it was undoubtedly going to be a long day… yeah right!!!

All of my favourite wine farms were represented on the day: La Motte , Haute Cabriere , Graham Beck, L'Ormarins, Grande Provence , Leopard's Leap, Rickety Bridge and loads more.

So, in the spirit of 'ze French' a nice group of us got together in the glorious winter-sun to eat, drink and be VERY merry! There was an amazing live band playing some excellent tunes in the marquee tent and the punters were getting into it quite nicely at one stage, with some dancing and general silliness taking over

I didn't play any boules as I probably would've lost my balance and I kinda caught the barrel rolling contest through the crowds as well as the waiter race, but hey, at the end of the day I had the most amazing time despite that.

Speaking of rolling, fortunately my mom was sober enough to drive and we made our way to a local vineyard, who'd kindly invited me to stay at their stunning, newly refurbished guest suites for the night.

There was NO way I was going to drive all the way back to Cape Town and it was a good call as I managed to get some decent sleep in a super-comfy king-size bed. And what a bonus to be able to wake up in the heart of the Winelands!

I had a hearty breakfast and as much as I would've loved to, I simply couldn't convince my slightly fragile stomach to sample the award-winning wines on offer.

Hopefully the vineyard in question will be at The Wine Show for 2011 and you all can join for a tasting then!

Instead I opted for a delicious lunch at what's fast becoming a favourite spot of mine, Sabrage at the Val de Vie polo estate and by the time I had a dessert of vanilla ice cream served with a tot of Patron, there was no stopping me from returning for a second day of Bastille festival antics! Yes, I know, I'm a bad, bad girl…

I eventually got home from what was, once again, an amazing weekend in the Winelands, feeling somewhat worn out, yet elated at meeting new people and trying out new wines. Oh, and just for the record, next year's date is already inked into my diary! See you there.

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