Fig-picking season is just around the corner, so get down and enjoy all your favourite fig-flavoured treats and liquors in and around the Glen Ewin Estate at their epic Sunday Sessions.
Located at Glen Ewin Estate, Willabrand Australia has an over 12,000 tree orchard, growing delicious fresh figs.
Overseeing the orchard is Willa Wauchope. Willa never grew up around figs, but after moving to the area thirty years ago, he was sent on a so-called fig journey.
“We’ve been up here for thirty years. The property had a remnant orchard on it when we first came up here, and it was synonymous with the figs because it was the Glen Ewin jam factory,” shared Willa.
“They used to send fig jam to the troops in Gallipoli, and all over the world. When we got here everything had been eaten down by animals, apart from one block that was completely covered with blackberries. In the end, we redeveloped everything.”
Usually, the fig season is short but sweet, normally commencing at the end of summer from February and ending in April. This year Willa expects this season to be shorter than normal.
“Because it’s been hot and dry for so long it’s very likely that the season will be a bit shorter, and probably a bit more intense. All the fruits going to come really quickly, which means people will need to plan and not leave a visit for the last minute, I think the season will shut down early,” shared Willa.
This year there will be a slight delay to the fig picking we all know and love due to the current fruit fly outbreak affecting farmers around the state. Picking will be put on hold as a precautionary measure until the situation is rectified.
Although if you’re keen to get down and pick some figs and explore the orchards, the best thing to do over the next few weeks is keep an eye out on Glen Ewin Estate’s and Willabrand’s socials for updates. Details can also be found at freshfigs.com.au
Willabrand specialises in five types of figs, namely Archipal, Black Genoa, Brown Turkey, Deanna and Spanish Desert, and in the over three decades they’ve been at Glen Ewin, have never sprayed the figs with any chemicals and employ organic management practices where possible.
Each variety of fig has a distinct look and most importantly a distinct flavour, and with the selection grown at Willabrand, it grants them the opportunity to use specific varieties for different products. Willabrand is whipping up figgy treats in all shapes and sizes. From fig gins and aperitifs made at Pot and Still to fig-filled desserts at Glen Ewin Estate, these figs get made into some pretty delicious goodies that are available for you to enjoy.
Alongside the joy of experiencing all these figgy treats Willa and the team at Glen Ewin will be throwing some pretty epic Sunday Sessions.
“Every Sunday, starting on February 9th we’re doing a Sunday Session with live music that will carry through to early evening.”
Showcased at these Sunday Sessions from 5pm to 9pm will be in-house artists and local DJs. We couldn’t think of a better way to kick back and relax!
Sunday Sessions at Glen Ewin Estate
Where: 43 Lower Hermitage Rd, Lower Hermitage SA 5131
Open: Every Sunday 5pm to 9pm
For more information, click here.
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