Hi Chaps! (hmmm it sounds better when they say it here with that fab SA accent) Well today was a stellar day. After some dodgy weather of rain, sun, hail, rain and some rain ... today was spectacular. Sun gleaming all around, spraying the mountain tops with beautiful rays that exposed their every exquisite bump. Well admist the beautiful weather and stunning scenery we made our way on a wine tour. Yep that's right ... the best way to spend a Monday bar-none is to trot from vineyard to vineyard all day experiencing wonderful tastings, nibblies, great company and convo. Liesl, Sharon and I headed off late in the AM to embark on this decadent day out in the country despite my inability to get any sleep the past 3 days. :)
The drive out to wine country was about an hour give or take and we first stopped at Boschendal Vineyard which was a beautiful old winery and estate from some time back in the 1800's. We walked the grounds that were perfectly manicured and had a stunning wash of color between the flowers, the grapes and the white traditional southern cape style buildings washed with lime and bright white. Our first tasting was 5 wines all quite different from one another and lovely blends, etc. topped off with a full glass of champagne compliments of the manager - as certainly our laughter conversation and such was sheer entertainment for all, as per usual. LOL.
But our last visit to a fairly new winery in the area was astounding. A true SA winery GEM in my humble opinion is Glenwood (http://www.glenwoodvineyards.co.za). First no pictures, I am sure can do it justice as it is nestled between the blended valleys of at least 5 mountains along a quite clay road with a stretch of land and grapes as far as the eye can see. The tranquil breath taking landscape is embellished with a slightly modern estate with beautiful wood framings, etched glass and a delightfully welcoming entrance that makes you anxious to know more. We entered a quite room with glass tables edged with finished railway runners and heavy wooden chairs that surprisingly were inviting and so comfortable. Our lively spirits knocked a bit of fun into an originally austire crowd and soon we were all fast friends comparing tastes and opinions on the wine. Our vineyard owner was lovely and engaging - while she informed us about all the decadent tastes we were to experience. And .... it was so! For a wine novice, but someone who always knows what she likes and doesn't and one with a bit of a taste for the best - it was flawless as many of the tasters agreed. A true GEM ... now the question is ... is it exported anywhere?
Lastly, I was slightly ... no ... hugely dissapointed that by the time we embibed and enjoyed all our visits throughout the day - it was in fact slightly to late to see the leopards. Yep that's right ... we drove by this cute little winery that also had some connection to leapords and whatnot ... not 100% on the story. But in truth you could go see the leapords and for a economical fee of something absurd like $10 you can go in and pet the leopards. Hearing this of course ... this was HIGH on my to do list, but it was closed. DASHED! So still yet to pet a big cat ... but one of these days ... oh yes - one of these days! ;)
Well all... after a dop at the pub we are back home and whipping up some dinner before heading out to quiz night. I'll be sure to let you know how I stand up ... on general knowledge (surely not 1/2 as good as Mr. General Knowledge himself - Dad).
XOXO
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