A few weeks back we took a trip out to the winelands to experience our first Cape Dairy Experience. I had won tickets over at The Gorgeous Gourmet and thought it would be a fun family outing considering how farm-mad my son is (esp cows!) On a recent trip up the Garden Route the most requested outing was milking time at the Natures Way Farm Stall – we went back at least 3 times!!
Anyway on this Saturday morning we headed off to Sandringham (near Paarl) for an education in all things Dairy Farming – and what an education it was – not only for the kids but for the parents too! We wondered around for a bit watching the dog show and the kids competing for the best goat walker (?) We also discovered there is quite a lot that goes into showing Dairy cows (including washing, shaving and blowdrying them!! I kid you not!) These were the best looking cows I have ever seen.
We popped into the Woolworths tent for an entertaining workshop on how to make your own cheese by Puglia Cheese. Then we headed off to find some dairy samples and weren’t disappointed – yogurt, milk, cheese, chocolate! Our last stop was to inspect the MASSIVE machinery on display – these were tractors on steroids – most used for mining we were told. Even the big kid enjoyed himself and had to get inside for a good view – sometimes kids come in handy when you need an excuse to do something that adults normally don’t do!
The Cape Dairy Experience made for a fun day out and we had a great time – thanks Candice from The Gorgeous Gourmet for the tickets – we will definitely be looking out for it next year.
Images: Kathryn Rossiter