Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Cape Town, South Africa, Stellenbosch, Stellenrust, tasting, Wine, Winery
Our compressed wine country tour started at Dornier Winery in Stellenbosch. They had a beautiful terrace looking out over the mountain and a choice of 5 wines for 30 Rand (about $4). It was a completely pleasant experience.
After that, we headed back to Stellenrust Winery, which hadn’t opened when we arrived at 930 (10 AM start). The ambiance wasn’t quite as awe inspiring, but the wines were fantastic. We bought a case and a half between the four of us of Simplicity, the rose, and the 1st white on the *free* tasting. At around $4 a bottle, I wish we had more space in the luggage or more time here to drink.
The vineyard owner came over and shared some of his private reserve sparkling wine with us. He was delicious, the wine was delicious…all in all it was a fantastic experience. It’s where the SATC girls would go if they had a clue how to spend money sensibly.
My only edit would be to start at Stellenrust then have lunch at Dornier. If you’re in Cape Town, it’s worth the trip. If you aren’t in Cape Town, why aren’t you?
We finally got a decent morning of weather and we are headed up to wine country bright and early (it’s after noon in the States). It’s great to get out of the city and remember that we really are in Africa, and not just another international city.
The mountains are wrapped in mist and the farms have ostriches and other non-pig and cow animals. There are amazing trees that are clearly African. It is really beautiful, and we haven’t even started drinking.
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Cape Town, rainbow, South Africa, World Cup
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Cape Town, Long Street, Soccer, South Africa, World Cup
We got into Cape Town last night and once Christina learned how to drive stick left handed and drive on the left side of the road, we made our way to the apartment we rented here. It looked like a decent place on the map, but as we drove up at midnight (thanks delayed flight!) I started to get concerned.
First we past what sounded like a jail. Yeah…they put those in good neighborhoods. Then we past a “Crime Prevention Vehicle” and several characters that looked like they’d attract the Crime Prevention Squad. Then we found our apartment, which had bars on some of the inside doors. The apartment was, shall we say, less than we expected, but at midnight, what are you going to do?
We woke up this morning and things were looking up. The French and Italian consulates are in our hood, and the Long Street bar district is stumbling distance from our place.
And here’s the thing: South Africa is EXPENSIVE. This is our 5th, and by far, most expensive World Cup. Public transportation is non-existent of sketchy, and hotels and jacking up rates that make “”gouging” sound like a compliment. But the people are SO nice, you start to forget to care about it. They are funny and passionate and really pleased to have us here.
And the country is BEAUTIFUL. Better than I ever imagined. This is a country you really should come and see….especially once the prices have fallen from World Cup levels.
More later from wine country, Robben Island, and more of Cape Town.
Soccer....Family Style 