Cape Town & Stellenbosch Uncorked

Wine and Scooters – In the Wrong Order

Our first stop was Mittleverei, a charming vineyard in the Stellenbosch region. Now we are not connoisseurs (though Franco seems one by comparison to Chris), but the wines were wonderful and were accompanied by a light lunch of toasties with various local fillings. 

We were then transported uphill and left to coast back down on scooters, relying solely on gravity. Let’s just say Chris’s attempt was more ‘crash’ than ‘coast’, but it was all part of the fun! This unique activity, just one of many offered by vineyards in the region, provided a fun and memorable way to experience the stunning Stellenbosch countryside. Though on reflection, wine tasting after the scooter ride is a better idea!

Stellenbosch: A Town of Charm and Culture

Our wine-fueled journey continued to the charming university town of Stellenbosch with its elegant colonial architecture, bustling cafes and lively student atmosphere. We checked into the Oude Werf Hotel, a beautiful townhouse hotel that exuded old-world charm.

That evening, Johan and Charalize treated us to a truly special culinary experience at EIKE, a restaurant that puts a modern twist on traditional Afrikaans cuisine. Each dish was a story, and Johan and Charalize’s passionate descriptions brought the history and culture of the region to life. Evenings like this are what makes travel so special.

Even More Wine Tasting!

Before arriving at Cape Town we had another day of wine tasting. Our first stop: the renowned Paul Cluver vineyard where we were greeted with a seemingly endless succession of wines to sample, confirming our earlier suspicion that driving yourself on a wine tour is a definite no-no.

Next, we had the pleasure of meeting Paul and Nicky Wallace, a charming couple who own a small vineyard and guide other growers in the region to select the perfect grapes to produce exceptional wines. The Wallace’s hospitality was as warm as the South African sun. Chris, particularly taken with their Black Dog Malbec, was delighted when Paul reappeared with a second bottle. They even treated us to a selection of savoury pies, sparking a debate about whether South African pies could rival their British counterparts. They were excellent – but with puff pastry not short crust, so we were unable to compare! The Wallaces offer charming cottages on their property which a must-visit for any wine lover exploring the Cape Winelands.

Cape Town: A City of Contrasts

Finally, it was time to experience the iconic city of Cape Town. Dominated by the majestic Table Mountain and its ‘12 Apostles’ mountain range, Cape Town is a city of stunning natural beauty and vibrant cultural energy. We checked into the quirky Sky Hotel, with its breathtaking views of the city and harbour.

That evening, Johan and Charalize, Mr. James Vos who sits on the Mayoral Committee of Cape Town, his lovely wife, as well as other key people from the region’s tourism sector joined us for more wine and food. A fabulous, convivial evening with some great stories and a very human insight into life in Cape Town. We were sad to say goodbye to Johan and Charalize – such incredible hosts.

Penguins and Panoramic Views

Our exploration of Cape Town was led by the amazing Karin Anne Schmidt, a local guide with an encyclopedic knowledge of the city. She took us to all the must-see sights, including Signal Point with its views of Table Mountain, and to the colourful Bo-Kaap where we tasted the best samosas ever.

No trip to Cape Town is complete without a visit to Boulders Beach, home to a colony of African penguins that can be viewed from the boardwalks for a small fee. It can get rather busy, so do factor this in to your visit. We spent a fair bit of time there as watching them is addictive.

We enjoyed a delicious lunch of fish and chips at the local Kalk’s Cafe in Kalk Bay, followed by a scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak, with its breathtaking panoramic views. As the sun began to set, we headed to Bee Street, home to many bars that brew their own craft beers. We enjoyed a farewell bite to eat with Karin while reflecting on our incredible journey.

Waterfront Farewell: A Rugby-Fueled Finale

As our South African adventure drew to a close, we had one final experience to share: the vibrant V&A Waterfront. This bustling hub of shops, restaurants and bars was buzzing with activity on a sunny Saturday, especially with the Springboks rugby match against the All Blacks taking place that evening.

We were delighted when Karin, our guide, joined us at the Timeout Market Place, an extraordinary public space full of high quality eateries and bars and an enormous screen on which to watch the sporting battle ahead. The energy was contagious as we witnessed a nail-biting victory for the Springboks. The final whistle also marked the end of our incredible journey – tinged with sadness but full of memories and new friendships.

In our final blog post, we’ll share our reflections on the trip, delve into the sustainability initiatives of Aquila Collection, and offer some practical advice for planning your own South African adventure!