Old Farms, New Experiences: A Day of Wine Tasting in Cape Town

Ingrid and I after amazing pedicures!

Upon arriving in Cape Town for a short girls weekend, my friend Ingrid and I enjoyed amazing pedicures at de'Vara Day Spa (http://www.devaradayspa.co.za/).  The view was spectacular - a clear day with a clear view of the ocean and Table Mountain. We spoiled ourselves and bought a bottle of bubbly to enjoy as we relaxed and enjoyed our pedicures.

Bubbly and a view

During this short girls weekend also on the itinerary was a wine tour to farms located in Paarl and Stellenbosch.  During a short girls weekend a day wine tasting was a MUST!  And as many times as I have sipped in Paarl and Stellenbosch it was nice to have some new memories made at four of my favorite farms!  

Stellenbosch is a little over 30 miles from Cape Town, while Paarl is almost 40 miles from Cape Town.  Both are a world renowned wine destination and a must visit!  As a frequent visitor to Cape Town I have visited quite a few wine farms in both Paarl and Stellenbosch and as always it was nice to visit again.

We started early - at 9am - and packed plenty of water as hydration would be key on a long day of wine tourin' and sippin'!  The first vineyard would be my favorite - Fairview! Fairview wine farm is located in Paarl and if you know me, you know this is by far my favorite wine farm in Cape Town!  I am a huge fan of their Master Tasting - the olive oil, the cheese and of course, the wine, their Pinotage being my favorite!

** See a previous entry of an experience at my favorite farm here:  Wine and Cheese of South Africa **

  

The Master tasting costs R80 per person (estimated $5.55) and includes the wine tasting displayed in the photos below.  As many times as I have frequented this farm, I have never tried their 2012 Brokken Barrel.  I was a fan and for the first time I left this farm NOT with a bottle of Pinotage but with a bottle of this wine and of course the sun dried tomato and herb goat cheese to go with it! Around the world you can find their amazing wines under the label, Goats do Roam.  If you are in Cape Town you must find your way to Fairview Wine Farm (http://www.fairview.co.za/tasting-room/)!

The next farm on our wine tour list was Simonsig (http://www.simonsig.co.za/). Known for their bubbly or Methode Cap Classique (MCC), the last time I was at the farm I only tried their bubbly variety.  We started this tasting off by cleansing our pallet with their Kaapse Vonkel Brut. Ashlee graciously opened the bottle with a sword! We poppin' bottles - literally!

Follow Ashlee on her blog:  http://www.willdrinkfortravel.com/

The tasting included their Chenin Blanc, Chenin avec Chene (a wooded Chenin Blanc), Pinotage and their Cape Blend. Surprisingly, as a red wine lover, I found myself a fan of the Chenin avec Chene! Ultimately, I left the farm with a bottle of the Chenin avec Chene and their Pinotage.

By this time we are all a bit tipsy and needing real food.  So our next stop was Tokara wine farm (http://www.tokara.co.za/).  The last time I was at this gorgeous farm was for their brandy and chocolate tasting.  I was looking forward to a new experience at this farm!  We were seated for lunch and wow the view! 

Our lunch view

We each enjoyed the view with an aperitif as we looked over the lunch menu to make a decision on what we should enjoy.  We all decided to enjoy one of three dishes and share a little with the group so we all could enjoy the amazing food! With lunch I enjoyed a glass of 2012 Tokara Cabernet Sauvignon.

How does one decide?!

I enjoyed the springbok - it was full of flavor
and tender!

We all enjoyed a bite of the miso beef!

The line fish was perfectly cooked and
full of flavor!

We were full but who could stop us from enjoying these amazing desserts?!  We also shared bites of this decadence!  Ultimately, I left the farm with a bottle of the wine that I enjoyed with lunch.  If you are in Stellenbosch and looking for amazing views, service and food - please stop to have lunch at Tokara wine farm!  You will not regret this decision!  Just be sure to make a reservation!

Olive oil cake with custard and meringue.

Chocolate mousse cake with coffee
ice cream.

The final farm on the tour was Waterford.  It was the perfect farm to end the day. The farm is beautiful and .. grand!  

Before the tasting we were given a short cellar tour.  After the cellar tour we were lead outside to where we would enjoy one of their unique tastings - the Chocolate and Wine Pairing (http://www.waterfordestate.co.za/unique-tasting-experience). This was a delectable experience! Dark, rich chocolate was paired with a Shiraz; salted, slightly sweeter dark chocolate was paired with their Estate Cabernet Sauvignon; and finally, smooth milk chocolate was paired their dessert wine, the Heatherleigh.  As a bonus they also provided a tasting of their 2010 Jem, a very spicy, bold red wine. I left the farm with a bottle of the 2010 Jem and the Heatherleigh. And of course, I had to buy a bar of the salted dark and milk chocolate!  My treat to myself hehehe

A MUST try wine pairing!

Their famous fountain on the farm.

We returned home at approximately 6pm - it was a FULL day of beautiful views, great wines, delicious chocolate, laughter and memories.  I now have new memories at these four farms and of course, would visit again!  

On the road back to reality from an amazing day on
the wine farms.

If you would have loved to experience these farms with me, please add me on snapchat: pmkenney79!  I make my return to Cape Town next month ... it will be my 24th visit to my second home and, as always, will be filled with fun, dancing, wine and great food!  Until then ...

Gorgeous sunset from Cape Town.
Until we meet again ... 

Easter Weekend in Cape Town: Hippity Hop On and Off Franschhoek Wine Tram

It is no secret that I spent my Easter weekend in Cape Town with my friend, Ingrid, and her family. As always, it was a great time!  As I have been to Cape Town many times, we thought it was time for a few different experiences.

Usually, Ingrid drives to the wine farms, unable to truly enjoy the tasting since she has to drive.  And usually, we make it to 3-4 farms.  This trip, to alleviate this issue, I suggested we eliminate some of the pressure and enjoy the Franschhoek Wine Tram (http://winetram.co.za/).

It was actually quite a chilly day and by the time we reached Franschhoek it was raining ... I was wearing open toe sandals!  I needed to enjoy the day so I decided to quickly buy a pair of leather loafers, handmade in South Africa, from Tsonga (http://www.tsonga.co.za/).  They cost me R1000 or $63 (approximately) - what a deal!  The tram left at 10am and now with my warm loafers, I was ready to enjoy the tour!

The tour costs R200 per person or approximately $12.50.  The tour includes visits to 7 of 8 farms and wine tasting at 2 of the farms selected.  We chose the BLUE LINE tour.  On the day of our tour one of the farms, La Petit Dauphine, was closed for a private event.  Trust me, visiting 6 farms was adequate!  You do have the option of staying 2 hours at a farm of your choice to have lunch which means you skip one farm.  As we wanted to visit as many farms as possible, we made the decision to simply snack along the way.  I think this was the way to go for sure!

On the tour you spend one hour at each farm,which is more than enough time to indulge in the tasting being offered.  We visited the following farms on our tour, which ended at 6pm:

• La Lude (www.lelude.co.za).  La Lude only produces fermented sparkling wines - Cap Classique method - with their grapes being imported from France. The tasting room is simply, yet elegantly decorated and ideal for bridal showers, hen parties or even a fun ladies wine tasting event.  I felt quite classy during my tasting and would enjoy visiting this farm again and completing the pairing with the mini savory and sweet bites which are also offered at the tasting.  
  
  
  

  

  WHO does not enjoy a nice glass of bubby??

• Holden Manz (www.holdenmanz.com).  Holden Manz is surrounded by mountains and the views, even on a rainy day, are gorgeous! The tasting at this farm was included in the price of the tram experience; however, Ingrid and I did add three wines to the tasting.  Surprisingly, Ingrid enjoyed their Merlot and I, a red wine lover, enjoyed their Chardonnay the best!  It was a bit windy and chilly so I wish our tasting was inside but otherwise a very  nice experience.  

Grapes on the vineyard

Merlot with a stormy view

Yum!

• La Bourgogne ( ww.labourgogne.co.za).  This was my favorite farm.  By the time we reached this farm the group was warmed up and socializing so we decided to share a large platter which included fresh fruit, meats, cheeses, warm bread, olive oil pressed at the farm, olives marinated in garlic and thyme grown at the farm, savory spreads, a sweet upside down tart and vanilla bean cream.  It was delicious!  My favorites were the olives and olive oil, both of which I purchased to enjoy upon my return to Lusaka.  I am not a port wine person but the tasting ended with a White Honey Wine which I also procured to enjoy at home.  

Everything was so good.  Oops did not get a photo of the
olives and olive oil ... consumed too fast haha

• La Couronne (www.lacouronnewines.co.za).  The farm is named after a French warship built in 1636 by the French Navy and my second favorite farm due to the comfort of the wine tasting and the introduction of pizza pairing wine tasting! Who knew pizza and wine could be perfectly paired?! Mini pizzas were paired with selected Commander's Selection wines.  I would encourage a visit to this farm for this unique tasting!  Of note, at this farm I taught the Samsung friendly group how to "beam" photos!  This lead to the name of our whatsapp group ...

(top-bottom: banana with bobotie paired with Chardonnay; biltong paired with Malbec
and ham with peppers paired with Bordeaux)

• Mont Rochelle (www.montrochelle.co.za).  This farm is now owned and part of the Richard Branson conglomerate.  By the time we reached this farm we were ... tipsy haha so thank God for the healthy portions of bites offered with the wine tasting!  To note, the food was much better than the wine and the views were spectacular!  
  
  
  
  
  

  

  (Bottom to top:  spicy shrimp curry; rich brownie with macademia nuts,
  raspberry and fudge sauce; blue cheese with carmalized onion relish). As I mentioned, I
  LOVED the food ... the wine, not so much.

  
  

  

  It is clearing up!  Gorgeous clouds.

• Rickety Bridge (www.ricketybridgewinery.com).  The final farm on the tour.  By this time we are all hugs, love and have formed a whatsapp group (named:  Touch It)!  The wine tasting room is very open and leads outside which allows everyone to enjoy, yet another, gorgeous view of the mountains.  I was a fan of The Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon.  I would actually like to return to this farm to enjoy an afternoon (a warmer one) with lunch and of course wine. 

  

  On the way to Rickety Bridge!

Ingrid and I made new friends, enjoyed new farms and new pairing bites.  I would absolutely suggest doing the Franschhoek Wine Tram if you are in Cape Town.  On my next visit I plan to stay the night and jump on either the RED or YELLOW line which boasts of 'rolling vineyard' views.

It was rainy. It was cold.  It was an amazing day!

Touch It ... Go ahead, just Touch It! ha

Mom Returns to Africa: Thanksgiving in Cape Town

Hello loves!  Apologies for the delay but as many of you know it has been a rough few months.  My daddy passed October 8, 2015 and it has been difficult to sit down, gather thoughts and write about the wonderful times I have experienced.  In all honesty I did not think I would laugh as loud, dance as hard or be the same person again.  And in a few ways I am not but that is for another blog entry.  

So what has inspired me to pick up where we left off?  MY MOM CAME TO ZAMBIA!  Mom and I planned the 4 week trip prior to my daddy passing and she decided it was still a good idea.  We have seen quite a few places in both Africa and Europe and we enjoyed every moment of the trip!  Naturally, Mom was introduced to Lusaka and Livingstone in Zambia.  We celebrated Thanksgiving in Cape Town and on the way home we enjoyed Amsterdam and Belgium!  In this entry I will focus on our Thanksgiving in Cape Town!  

After 23 hours and three flights, Mom arrived on the early morning of November 22!  

I picked her up and we arrived at my home in Lusaka a little after 2am.  That meant she entered my home with no power since ZESCO ‘puts us to bed’ a litter after midnight with load shedding.  Thank goodness for the new rechargeable fan I purchased prior to her arrival which also has lights!  That illuminated the hallway for her to climb the stairs and put her luggage away for the night.  It also provided a cool breeze!  This fan was worth the kwacha I spent!  

The next morning was cloudy and I could sense we may finally get rain!  ​I went ​to the grocery store for basic brunch necessities while Mom showered and unpacked.  I chopped, sauteed, baked and prepared a pretty delicious brunch for my Mom.  We sat outside on the veranda.  It was cloudy but there was a nice breeze.  We put on music, poured mimosas and enjoyed a very nice brunch which consisted of fresh fruit, veggie omelet, fried potatoes and pesto bread.  As timing would have it the rains came as we finished brunch.  The storm knocked off our power but no worries.  We moved inside sat around the living room with mimosas, listening to the rain, music and just talking for 2 hours.  It was just REALLY nice.  Welcome to Lusaka Mom!

​After a few welcoming days in Lusaka it was time to go to Cape Town!  At first we just wanted to take out our friends to a nice restaurant for Thanksgiving but they talked us out of that and into a braii.  We are glad they did!  Ingrid, her brother Eric (affectionately termed, The General), his wife, Carol (“keep it moving baby!”) and their daughter, Bianca, warmly welcomed us into their home for the Thanksgiving feast.  After grocery shopping the ladies spent the day sipping wine as we prepared the meat, salads and fruit.  We talked, laughed, (continuously) sipped wine, caught up, set the table and then the men put the meat on the grill.  Dinner was amazing!  No turkey but A LOT of beef haha The dinner truly reminded me of Thanksgiving:  we drank wine (did I mention that we had wine at Thanksgiving?), cooked, bonded, talked and really just enjoyed each other's company.  We are truly thankful to have met such great people and to have them in our lives.

(from top l to bottom r:  dessert selection with red velvet cupcakes, chocolate cupcakes and fruit;
beef sausage and chicken wrapped in bacon; greek salad; lemon and herb chicken; steak; cheeseburgers)

Ingrid and Spurge wishing us a Happy Thanksgiving!

​The next day Ingrid had to work so Mom and I decided to make it Friday Spa Day!  We​ booked the Urban Retreat treatment at the One & Only located on the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town (http://capetown.oneandonlyresorts.com/spa.aspx).  The cost was R2300 (approximately $185) and promised a nice lunch, a 90 minute facial and a 90 minute massage.  Additionally, we would have access to their 'relaxation room' before and after the treatment to indulge in light snacks such as hummus, celery, granola, cranberries, yogurt, tea and water assortment.  The relaxation room also boasted of sauna, revitalization pool and even warm floors.  Very nice.  

We arrived at 12:30.  The first part of the day was to enjoy lunch.  Lunch was at Reubens (http://capetown.oneandonlyresorts.com/content/pdf/restaurants/Reubens/2015/ReubensMenu_Nov15.pdf) and wow what a culinary delight!  And the wine list is divine!

Lamb bobtie samosas

Salmon

Pork belly

AMAZING (but expensive) wine!

After lunch, bellies full, we went to the spa to prepare for our treatment.  We were PAMPERED!  The massage was lovely.  The facial left our faces dewy and glowing.

It was a really great day!  So much so, we didn’t want it to end! So after a few minutes lounging in the relaxation room, Mom and I dressed and went to the lobby of the hotel for refreshing cocktails.  When Ingrid arrived, along with my friend Bethany (also working at the Mission in Zambia) and her best friend from home, we decided we would also dine there.  But where? Ah across from Reubens was a delightful restaurant named Nobu.  Nobu offers diners a Japanese/South American fusion menu (http://www.noburestaurants.com/cape-town/menus/dinner-2/#.Vn2ImPkrKM8).  The food was not only delicious but there was plenty of it!  Six of us shared our individual dishes around the table and we literally left the restaurant rubbing our bellies and humming with delight!

Miso soup

Tuna shashimi new style served in a yummy ginger,
sesame and soy sauce.

Oysters

Shrimp spicy garlic. The sauce was DELICIOUS!

If you find yourself in Cape Town, take note of both restaurants! 

​Of course Mom and I are in Cape Town and we must do wine tasting!​  As always, it was a beautiful day when Mom, Ingrid and I ventured to Stellenbosch and decided to find farms which were new to our pallets.  Even though we started late (recommendation:  start wine touring by 9 – 10am … we started at noon, oops) we managed to sip sip sip at three wine farms:  Simonsig, Warwick and Uitkyk. 

We were hungry and decided it was best to start the tour on a farm with good food so our first stop was Simonsig.  Cuvee is the name of the signature restaurant if you prefer to enjoy more than just cheese/bread plates.  The food was delicious!  Ingrid and I enjoyed the braised beef short rib with parmesan gnocchi, confit turnips, edamame & carrot while Mom enjoyed the line fish of the day which was salmon.  We also enjoyed sides of the crispy potatoes and garden salad.  We trusted the suggested wine on the menu – all of which were delicious!  After we were adequately satisfied (meaning our bellies were full enough to consume copious amounts of wine) we walked over to the tasting area.  The area was full but our server kindly set us up a table outside in the garden right in front of a live band.  The wine tasting was reasonably priced and we were able to select 5 for tasting.  Our server provided a cold glass of the Kaapse Vonkel to ‘cleanse our pallet’ in preparation of the tasting.  It was delicious!  My selections were Kaapse vonkel brut rosé, Chenin avec chêne, Gewürztraminer, Redhill pinotage and the Merindol syrah.  All of us left with a bottle of the Syrah! It was by far our favorite on the farm. 

After Simonsig we ventured to Uitkyk wine farm.  “Uitkyk” means “look out” which is appropriate as one can enjoy the gorgeous views which includes Table Mountain in the distance.   At this farm we enjoyed a glass of Methode Cap Classique sparkling wine, again, to cleanse our pallet.  After which we enjoyed 5 wines for tasting.  I enjoyed their Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinotage, Claronet and Shiraz.  The wine was surprisingly good and I walked away from the farm purchasing a bottle of the Chenin Blanc and Claronet. 

Our final farm was Warwick.  It was 4:30pm so we had a good thirty minutes to enjoy all the farm had to offer in terms of tasting.  Let’s get to it!  We enjoyed six wines at the final farm:  Cabernet Franc, The Black Lady (Syrah), The Three Cape Ladies (Pinotage 40% Cabernet Sauvignon 30% Syrah 30%), The First Lady (Cabernet Sauvignon named after First Lady, Michelle Obama), Professor Black (Sauvignon Blanc) and The First Lady (Rose).  Mom loved the idea that a bottle of wine was named after First Lady, Michelle Obama, so naturally we left with a bottle of The First Lady.  At the end of the tasting Mom looked at me, straight face, sinister smile, slow blink and says, “I am drunk!” LOL well I would say wine tasting was a success!

This was my 20^th time in Cape Town and both restaurants, Reuben’s and Nobu, along with the spa experience were new to me.  I promise you it will not be the last time I enjoy a day at The One & Only!  Of course Thanksgiving was different as we missed Dad quite a bit … but we were surrounded by people we love and that love us.  God is truly good.  Cape Town, as always, was a great time with great food, weather and people.  Crossing my fingers and hoping to return in February 2016!

Follow up entries will detail our adventures in the aforementioned destinations!  Stay tuned!