South African Wines

We contracted a guide to show us around the South African wine region near Stellenbosch. Leaving the hotel, the beach at the base of Lions Head has an eerie gound fog.

First stop is Rust En Vrede. Their specialty is reds and we are not disappointed. First wine tasted is at 0930.

Second stop is at Hartenberg. Here we sampling begins with two Rieslings followed by side by side Chardonnays.  Three very good red shiraz follow; a solo followed by a side by side of their two flagship single vineyard offerings. Our guide has sweet talked them into providing a taste of their flagship blend.  It is not part of normal tastings.  The shiraz cab blend is very good.  We leave with four bottles and no plan how to get them home.

 

On recommendation of South African's in the industry known to Bronwyn and Neil, we're booked into the Jordan Winery Restaurant for lunch.  The white wines are served too cold but otherwise the dishes are superb and the setting is magnificent.

 

 

 

It appears that in South Africa, in order to play in the game, wineries must have exquisitely manicured properties.  The combination of rolling hills, vineyards and the nearby mountain range, this may be the prettiest wine region we've ever visited.

 

 

We forgo a final winery visit and return to a quiet evening in the hotel. The winds are incredible this evening.  We pray they subside by morning.  We're scheduled to take the cable car to Table Mountain in the morning.