Project manager Caroline Currie said that Breedekloof had achieved a lot in a short period of time through the creation of this event and the enthusiasm and hard work of the organizers and hundreds of volunteers.
"This was in deed thanks to a huge team effort," said Currie. "I believe that we opened the eyes of many first time visitors to the region and we achieved our objective of raising the awareness for Breedekloof. This area is an undiscovered treasure chest that offers something for everyone. "
The event kicked off with a celebratory drinks party at Deetlefs Estate, sponsored by Standard Bank.
Key note speakers included Stanley Louw, chairman of Breedekloof Wine and Tourism and executive mayor of the Cape Winelands District Municipality, Clarence Johnson.
The guests saw the start of the first competitive event, the Deetlefs Night Run, which marked the official opening of the festival. There were approximately 460 entrants in the event ranging from novices doing their first ever 5km to more seasoned runners who came out for the 10km race.
Throughout the weekend visitors gathered at the festival grounds to socialize, listen to music and watch the finish of a variety of competitive events. But there was also a lot of action at other venues in the area such as Goudini Spa, the Brandvlei Dam, Boshimela and the wineries that took part in the festival wine route programme.
"We received some very positive feedback from people who visited the region or participated in the events as well as from the local community," said Currie. "The wine cellars did roaring trade over the weekend and in some cases wineries ran low on stock."
Jurgens Schoeman, CEO of Breedekloof Wine and Tourism, said that the Breedekloof community were very positive about the event.
"The locals are excited as business was good. We have proved that this concept is a winner. Now we look forward to an even bigger, better event next year."
There was no title sponsor for the event. The event was funded largely by Breedekloof Wine and Tourism, the Destination Marketing Organization, and the Cape Winelands District Municipality.
"We took a calculated risk with this festival," said Schoeman, "because we strongly believe in what the region has to offer. We are extremely grateful for the support of the Destination Marketing Organization, the Cape Winelands District Municipality and all the other sponsors of the sports events such as Men's Health, Liquifruit, Mitsubishi, Salomons, Coca-cola, Suzuki, Cape Storm, Fuchs Lubricants, APL Cartons and Deetlefs Wine Estate for their contribution to this first time event."
Currie said that considering the lack of a big title sponsor, she was pleased with the marketing campaign which included radio, press, and magazine coverage, promotional activities all over the Western Cape, viral marketing and an intense PR campaign.
"We have had great exposure in the media prior to the event and will have more from the media that attended the event."
In the next month the event will be featured twice on SABC2's Siyadlala which is broadcast on Saturday's at 1pm.
"We are working hard to bring on a major sponsor for 2005 as we believe in the future of the event and its potential to grow into a festival of international significance," she said.
For information about the festival, where call Breedekloof Wine and Tourism on (023) 349 1791.