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Breakfast comes and goes and we are back on the bus for our next adventure. Today we tackle the Franschhoek and the borders of the Paarl region.
Franschhoek history in a nutshell, in the late 1600s the first group of French settlers arrived in the Cape, they were escaping religious persecution in their homeland. One of the reasons that the Dutch were so happy was to allow the French to make a new home in the Cape. Was because the French were renowned for their wine-making abilities.
With that grossly oversimplified version of events, this was a pinnacle moment in South African wine-making as a whole, the quality of wine from South Africa would not be what it is today without the French Huguenots.
Our first stop was at Boschendal Wine Estate. The significance of choosing this wine estate is that it is the second oldest in South Africa.Β The estate boasts a fine dining restaurant and deli shops.Β Offering locally cured meats, estate-made olive oils, and freshly baked goods to home-brewed coffee, not to forget the cheeses! There is a beautiful herb and vegetable garden that guests can wander through which supplies the restaurant.
But we are here for wine! And so began the tasting of the classic menu, a combination of White wines, Red Wines, and Rose.
We were looked after under the attentive eye of Louisa and her team. Seated outside under the oak trees in the morning sun. Surrounded by families enjoying their breakfasts or riding bikes around the estate, this was a very easygoing way to start the day.
A few more purchases at the deli shops and we were ready to make our way into the heart of Franschhoek to enjoy our second tasting and have some lunch.
Glenwood Wine Farm was our next stop.
The dirt road goes for about 4 or five kilometres meandering around a mountain head. All of a sudden after being hidden for the duration of this off-road dirt ride. A lush vineyard set against the side of the mountain presents itself. We turn into it driving through the vineyards till we arrive at the main house.
With a couple of hours to spend here to enjoy the wines and have lunch. Sitting at a table viewing the Franschhoek mountains as the backdrop behind a farm lake. Sunday was on its way to being enjoyed and savoured the French way. We indulgenced in good food and wine – but unfortunately no time for a siesta!
After lunch, the winemaker gave my guests a tour of the cellar and also allowed them to crush some grapes. Mr Ram stepped up to the plate first and showed us all what it takes to do it properly. Everybody enjoyed having a turn. With a few staining their clothes and tasting the super delicious grapes. It was super fun and a great experience!
With the festivities of Glenwood now behind us and the weather turning quicker than a vineyard without water, we headed up to the Franschhoek pass. To take in the sights of the town. Armed with a bottle of Shiraz, a corkscrew, and some paper cups. We sat atop the Franschhoek Pass, the perfect place for views of the Franschhoek valley. Sipping and admiring the view. While we could – A random flash downpour hit us atop the mountain.Β
It was worth it nonetheless to experience a moment like that.
On our way down we stopped at the Hugenot Memorial to venture into the museum and take an opportunity to have some photos at the monument just before the rain came pelting down again.
With Belly’s full and the thirst for wine not yet quenched, we made our way to our last stop Babylonstoren. Situated smack bang in the middle of Franshoek and Paarl.Β This is a new-age wine estate that would not fail to deliver. We arrived a little after 4 and proceeded to the wine tasting room which looked like a greenhouse. A huge glass-made room with a kitchen in the middle and tables for guests around the island kitchen. With my guests seated. It was time to commence the tasting with the addition of some amazing homemade platters of meats, cheeses, olives, breads, and a whole assortment of other delicacies.Β
But most importantly all tied together by the people experiencing it, which makes all the difference.
We made our way home for our last night at the Stellenbosch Lodge.
It was a small and intimate occasion where we sat in the lounge of the lodge enjoying the snacks and wine. Coupled with a little speech by our Cristelle to mark the occasion and pay tribute to the amazing women in our group. This was not the end of this though, enter Gillian, our resident professor of Business Studies and a published poet. Gillian proceeded to recite a poem he had written to the ladies all while we were listening. The poem was all in French.Β
