Kwêla and Rapport have announced the winning “dorp” in this year’s “Dorp van die Jaar” competition. More entrants than expected were received this year, giving readers, viewers and judges an extensive list of towns to choose from and vote for. The Dorp van die Jaar 2011, is the rustic town of De Rust in the Western Cape.
As the winner of this title, De Rust will receive marketing to the value of R1 million from Rapport and another R1m from KykNet; a wine course for hospitality staff from De Rust, presented by the Cape Wine Academy and sponsored by Leopard’s Leap Wines; as well as a large “makietie” celebration for the town on August 20, including a marquee and farmers’ market, where the two new De Rust signage boards will be unveiled and the trophy presented.
Nestled between the Swartberg and Kammanassie mountains, De Rust is a gateway between the Klein and Great Karoo. The town is known for its dessert wines; pot-stilled brandy, fruit and mountain spring water. The tree-lined village boasts examples of late 19th-century architecture and the vicinity offers visitors activities such as hiking trails, cycling, bird-watching, freshwater fishing and water sports on Stompdrift Dam.
For more information on the 2011 Dorp van die Jaar, visit www.kwêla.co.za or www.rapport.co.za. - Weekend Argus