🙂 South African wines are fabulous…that combined with the incredible views makes for a perfect day out!
🙁 Making sure you don’t drink too much!
2018:
Anthonij Rupert Wine Farm
Anthonij Rupert Winery in our opinion, produces the BEST reds! Of course it is also set in magnificent gardens in Franschhoek. We enjoyed the bubbles and nougat pairing but purchased the reds. Pricey, even in Rands! But worth every sip.
La Petite Ferme, Franschhoek.
La Pette Ferme, a stunning vineyard with amazing accommodation, bath with a views and a refreshing splash pool overlooking the fantastic valley and vineyards beneath you.
Vergenoegd Löw Wine Estate
Around 2000 Indian runner ducks work as a natural pest control at the Vergenoegd Löw Wine Estate, but also entertain wine-quaffing tourists! Every morning they head off to consume the pests in the vineyards! Great fun and a relaxed winery with live music. Stall keepers sell flea market type goods.
Saxenburg Wine Estate
We had been invited by Paul and Sue to celebrate her 60th at the Saxenburg Wine Estate. Paul had mentored the son of the Swiss Family who owns the vineyard at HSBC and they had offered to host us in celebration of her birthday. We injoyed an informative overview of the farm and tasting of the wines. Lunch was served with accompanying wines – divine! We were all given a selection of wines to take with us – a wonderful day!
2016:
Kanonkop
Of all the very fine red wines made in Stellenbosch and elsewhere in the Cape today, the name Kanonkop is consistently among those at the top of the lists compiled by critics, judges, collectors and buyers. This Stellenbosch winery is owned by my Uncle Chris’s wife’s family. My favourite Go To is Kanonkop Kadette for easy drinking at about £16 a bottle in the UK but about the equivalent of £4 in SA! Best Pinotage!
Holden Manz Wine Estate
Holden Manz Wine Estate in Franschoek is in a stunning location with various tasting options on offer. The winery offers delicious light meals, picnics and guided tastings set amidst the vineyards on Holden Manz Wine Estate. We opted for a river picnic which was delightful, plentiful and delicious! We enjoyed chicken pieces, olives, cheese, finger sandwiches, fruit and cupcakes accompanied by delicious light and crsp dry white and rose.
Waterford Estate
Waterford Estate is situated in the Blaauwklippen Valley on the rolling slopes of the Helderberg Mountain. They have a unque wine tasting safari which is two to three-hour trip on our safari-type vehicle, through the 120-hectare Estate on the beautiful slopes of the Helderberg mountain. This experience allows you the chance to taste our award-winning Estate wines amongst the vineyards of their origin, and you will be expertly guided through all the aspects of what makes this area so biologically diverse and viticulturally unique. The wine tasting will be accompanied with a handcrafted platter, which is well suited to pair with the individual wines. The experience will culminate with a tasting of The Jem and our Wine & Chocolate Pairing. It is a great wine tasting experience
2013:
Backsberg Estate Cellars is a family-run wine estate that is perfectly nestled on the slopes of the Simonsberg Mountains in the Winelands of the Western Cape, South Africa. The estate produces a range of tiered wines and brandy offerings that carry the unique flavours of this wonderful region. Over the years it has spanned four generations of family ownership. The estate prides itself on quality winemaking by honoring the past while embracing forward-thinking holistic wine-making practices. Today the Backsberg Estate Cellars extend over 80 hectares of land with additional satellite vineyards in surrounding areas. The primary vines are planted high on the slopes of the Simonsberg mountain range. The wines of the Backsberg Estate Cellars are divided into the Premium Range, the Black Label Range, the Family Reserve Range, the Backsberg Kosher Range, the Unorthodox Kosher range, the Tread Lightly Wines, and the Sydney Back brandies. The wide range of wines ensures that there is something to please the palate of every wine lover and all of these wines are of the highest possible quality. Backsberg is the perfect place to relax and enjoy South Africa’s best wines in the beautiful company of the Simonsberg Mountains. Max won the blind tasting competition!
La Motte is situated in the beautiful Franschhoek Valley in South Africa’s Cape winelands, La Motte is home to the finest wines, recognised internationally for exceptional quality. With its picturesque setting and historic charm, La Motte is an enchanting choice for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
Dieu Donné is situated high on the steep south-west facing slopes of the Franschhoek Mountains, encouraging a cool climate and combined with the rocky soils of weathered granite, a unique terroir has been created. The finest views were obscured for us by thick cloud! However, the wine was divine and the food sublime.
We then headed to Colmant for some final bubbles to end off our day.
Bye, Bye Cape Town – we will always be back…
