Wow! What a way to get a crowd moving! From the pit helmet groupies to the baseball capped mini teen, they were up and strutting their stuff at Rumbalara Estate Wines on the Granite Belt on for African Rhythm & Reds.
Mike and Bobbie Cragg of Rumbalara were returning to their African roots with a music, food and wine event where you can eat, drink and dance to an African rhythm. It started with African drum and dance from Rhythm Connection as plates of Mandela's Sticky Chicken Wings, Xhoso Imifino Patties, (East African Parcels filled with coriander, onion and tomato) and Malawi Mbatat Cheese and Sim Sim Balls (delicious sweet potato, cheese and sesame seed balls) flowed through the crowd. The kitchens opened for the evening meal from 5.30pm s eat as much as you like of Umbako (traditional Xhosa pot bread), Moroccan Lamb, Ethiopian Doro Wat (spicy chicken breasts) and Kenyan Vegetable Curry. New vintage Merlot and Shiraz was available straight from the barrel. For dessert lovers there were strawberries and chocolate fountains and Kenyan coffee. The event supported the Kurisanani V/AIDS Orphans, some of the most needy children from the South African area of Tzaneen. Each guest was presented with a colourful bag hand made by the orphans.
This is one-of-a-kind event on the Granite Belt which showcases the diversity of culture the area has attracted. While its roots might be firmly established in its Italian past, there's plenty of room in this broad landscape for others who wish to share the heritage and traditions from their homelands.
Rumbalara Wines is well worth a visit while you are exploring the Granite Belt. It's like a little slice of Africa and is a bit of a refuge for its owners who love the African feel. A great spot to taste some wines and you almost expect to see an elephant walking past the door.
The winery is located at Glen Alpin, just a few minutes off the highway. Find out more at www.rumbalawines.com.au
