Boosted by a new headline sponsorship from financial services group Absa, this year's Calitzdorp Port & Wine Festival is aiming to be bigger and better than last time.

Hosted on the weekend of 18-20 May by local port-style producers Axe Hill, Boplaas, Calitzdorp Cellar, De Krans, Du’SwaRoo, Peter Bayly, TTT and Withoek, the 2012 event again centres on the historic Calitzdorp Railway Station, with a full programme of events also taking place at the various wine cellars and village venues.

Additions to the schedule include barrel tastings of "Calitzdorp Blends", made from Portuguese varieties, to be launched at the festival by the eight Calitzdorp cellars.

Other new events include a Cheese & Wine Celebration, informal wine blending workshops, port cocktail mixing demonstrations, cooking classes, and what's billed as the first ever ostrich spit-braai.

Established festival favourites include port and wine tastings at the station barn; “Unravelling the mysteries of Port” presented by local cellarmasters and a guest geologist; chocolate and port/wine pairings; art exhibitions and meanders; boule and jukskei competitions; food and lifestyle stalls; children’s entertainment; and the ever-popular Port Dance.

An indulgent and lazy end to the festival is the Sunday Mediterranean-style Long Table Brunch under trellised vines at the station ticket office.

Click here for festival details, and here for accommodation options. Pre-book through Computicket.