On the picturesque afternoon of Friday, August 11, 2023, RIO LARGO Olive Estate and Constantia Glen Wine Estate played host to a remarkable event. This wasn’t just any gathering; it was a celebration of women, a tribute to their strength, courage, and contributions. Brenda Wilkinson, the visionary owner of RIO LARGO, joined forces with her daughter, the talented Georgina Wilkinson, a winemaker at the esteemed Constantia Glen Wine Estate, to orchestrate a special luncheon that left everyone in attendance with cherished memories.
The lush, verdant beauty of Constantia Glen provided the perfect backdrop for this meaningful occasion. As guests arrived, they were greeted with a glass of the exquisite Constantia Glen Sauvignon Blanc 2022. The estate, with its sprawling vineyards and the magnificent Constantia mountains, set the stage for an unforgettable day.
The festivities were centred around a long, exquisitely adorned table inside the tasting room. The table was a tapestry of vibrant colours, decorated with bright pincushion flowers, olive branches, lemons, and other indigenous flora, creating an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie.
The day commenced with a wine tasting led by Georgina, where the Constantia Glen Two 2021, a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon with tropical fruit flavours and minerality, was beautifully paired with a delicious roasted cauliflower soup drizzled with RIO LARGO olive oil. Brenda then took the stage to introduce the attendees to the world of RIO LARGO olive oil. An olive oil tasting revealed the rich and nuanced flavours of this cold-extracted extra virgin olive oil, while an informative session educated everyone on what to look for in high-quality olive oil.
Lunch was a culinary delight. Guests were treated to a choice of seared beef fillet, grilled kingklip, or mushroom pasta, artfully paired with Constantia Glen Three and Five 2020 wines. The Constantia Glen Three, a classic blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, and the flagship wine, Constantia Glen Five, a harmonious blend of five Bordeaux varieties, delighted palates and provided a perfect backdrop for meaningful conversations.
The day held a special moment when Brenda’s husband and Master Miller of RIO LARGO, Nick Wilkinson, joined the group of ladies, just to say hello. As a key figure behind RIO LARGO’s success, his presence was a reminder of the collective effort that goes into creating such remarkable products.
As the event unfolded, Brenda shared insights about RIO LARGO’s innovative bag-in-a-box olive oil canisters, ensuring that the freshness of the olive oil remains preserved until the last drop. RIO LARGO is renowned not only for the superior quality of its locally produced olive oil, which has garnered international acclaim and won numerous awards but also for the exquisite design of its olive oil containers, a treat for both the eyes and the palate.
Dessert was a delectable finale, homemade vanilla bean ice-cream made with RIO LARGO olive oil, drizzled with RIO LARGO Lemon Olive Oil and a sprinkle of cracked salt, a delightful and creamy treat that encapsulated the essence of this celebration.
Before bidding adieu, each lady was gifted with a duo-pack of RIO LARGO lemon and chilli olive oil, a flavourful reminder of the incredible day they shared.
As the sun began to set on this beautiful day, it was clear that this gathering was more than just a luncheon; it was a celebration of the strength, resilience, and unity of women. The event concluded with heartfelt thanks from RIO LARGO and Constantia Glen to all the incredible women who attended, for making the day a resounding success. Here’s to the strong, courageous, and inspiring women who continue to make a difference every day.
