A Show That Is Really Worth Getting Away For

So much to see - take your time

Although it’s been around for 20 years, today I paid my first visit to the Getaway Show at the Dome in Northgate. And I was not alone. It seemed everyone else in Gauteng had decided to attend the event as well. In 2011, nearly 21 000 people visited, and it seems as though the 2012 numbers are not far off.

This is impressive because the first of September is Spring Day in South Africa, and Getaway is not alone in its scheduling of events. It is competing with the Spring Sauvignon Blanc Festival, which is on at Monte Casino this weekend and the Telkom Business Michael Fridjhon Wine Experience at Rosebank’s Hyatt Regency.

Snomaster's pretty blue-lit wine cooler

With over 250 exhibitors (according to the Visitor Guide – but I can believe it, since the place was packed!), the latest outdoor gear, 4x4 accessories, vehicles, and travel destinations were showcased. There was almost too much to see, actually, so it would probably be better to make a day of it rather than attend for only a couple of hours, like I did.

Of the hundreds of stands I walked by, though, some really stood out to me. One is the Amarula exhibition, with its pretty sales lady and branded shots of samples (which tasters were allowed to take home with them). What I liked most about it, though, was the snazzy little booklet of cocktail recipes we were given to try at home, like the Amarula Dusky Decadence, which looks positively, well, decadent.

The wine tasting tent

The Komatie Tourism stand was a great place to find out about hiking trails nearby, which would be great for a weekend away (since leave is not as easy to come by nowadays…). At the Trappers exhibition, I found something quite interesting – a set of pretty purple hiking poles that conveniently fold up. I spotted some exceptionally pretty wine coolers at the Snomaster exhibit that are lit up with gorgeous blue lighting – a stunning centrepiece for any bar.

Outside, to my delight, was a wine tasting tent featuring wines under R80 that had been crowned Getaway’s Best Value Wines. Although there were many great examples to sample, I walked away with a mixed case that included Waterford’s fruity Pecan Stream Chenin Blanc 2011, Simonsig’s fragrant Chenin Blanc 2011, and Pulpit Rock’s peachy Reserve Chardonnay 2009. Luckily, Getaway’s Best Value Wine Guide includes a directory so I can purchase the others I liked as well.

Some of the Fastdrinks 2Go flavours

On the way out, I came across something very interesting – Fastdrinks 2Go. Available in flavours that include Black Coffee, Cappuccino, Lemon Tea, Hot Chocolate, and Chicken Consommé, these 200ml drinks are self-heating. By firmly pressing the bottom of the container and shaking for 10 seconds, Fastdrinks 2Go promises a hot cuppa in only 3 minutes. I haven’t tried it personally, but I did purchase one, so I will report back when I have!

I didn’t stay as long as I’d have liked, but it was long enough to make some great discoveries. I imagine that everyone who visits will have other favourites, so it’s really worth taking the time to explore personally. The show still on tomorrow, which means you still have a chance to check it out yourself. 

What a way to end the weekend!