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, South Africa

Over the Easter holiday weekend my family said goodbye and buried my grandmother, Mary Kenney.   When she passed my family and I discussed the option of my coming home but they insisted I stay and enjoy the Easter weekend.  Instead of flying home, I flew to visit my friend, Ingrid, in Cape Town!

April 3^rd and 4^th are holidays here in Zambia and so on Thursday night I flew to Cape Town so that I may enjoy as much time as possible in one of my favorite destinations.  Normally, Ingrid and I do the same things:  wine tasting at my favorite farm, Fairview, go to the movies, find a place to dance and eat yummy food with a Dom Pedro for dessert.  However, this weekend was filled with so much DIFFERENT and I loved it!

Instead of wine tasting at Fairview, Ingrid introduced me to SPICE ROUTE (http://www.spiceroute.co.za/).  I loved this place!  It is the perfect all day destination with family, friends or even a great date option!  There is so much to do for everyone. Ingrid and I were hungry so we stopped at La Grapperia (see menu:  http://www.spiceroute.co.za/wp-content/uploads/la-grapperia-menu.pdf) first to enjoy light snacks.  We enjoyed a very nice spread of cheese, meats, bread – all perfectly paired with spicy Dijon mustard and sweet fig chutney.  And all of this deliciousness was enjoyed with a lovely Pinotage Rose (La Capra, which is the Fairview distribution label – win win!).  While enjoying our food, wine and the view, we did also note our neighbors who were eating thin crust, fire-wood pizza!  What to choose?!  Next time I shall have to try the pizza! After our “light” snacks we were actually quite full and ready to move to the wine tasting.  On the way to wine tasting, Ingrid stopped to buy an ice cream cone.  The ice cream was made with only fresh ingredients and the flavors offered:  strawberry (ripe strawberries and cream), chocolate (chocolate from Ghana), vanilla (beans from Madagascar) and cappuccino (locally grown coffee beans and cream).  She chose a scoop of chocolate and a scoop of cappuccino.  I chose to skip ice cream in favor of the calories I would consume during wine tasting (life is about balance haha)! 

Spice Route

Ingrid and I

Hellllllllo Ingrid!

The tasting area was quite nice – very open with a beautiful view.  There were people lying on the grass, barefoot, watching their kids play, taking photos or having light snacks.  Others were lounging on long benches under an umbrella and some were gathered in large groups in the patio area.  No matter where you were seated you enjoyed the magnificent weather and spectacular view.  They offer several tasting options:  Spice Route Wine Journey at R30 per person which includes a selection of five (5) Spice Route wines including Chakalaka; the Flagship Wine Journey at R50 per person which includes selection of five (5) of our single vineyard and flagship wines or the Wine & Charcuterie Journey at R75 per person which includes a selection of four (4) Spice Route wines paired with four (4) Richard Bosman Quality Cured Meats.  I chose the Spice Route Wine Journey mainly because I wanted to try the Chakalaka.  The Chakalaka was so different – spicy with a very nice finish.  I could easily pair this with a nice steak!  In the end I took two bottles of their Chenin Blanc and two bottles of the Chakalaka back to Zambia.

Pinotage rose with a view

Smoked italian meat platter

Cheese is SO delicious!

Me and my wine - great tasting!

On Saturday we celebrated the bride to be, Helga, by attending a hen/kitchen party... in other words a bachelorette party!  It was a fabulous gathering of women that adore Helga and they really came together to throw her a magnificent day.  I was lucky enough to join and in doing so found myself doing three new things in Cape Town! 

The lucky bride to be - Helga :)

Ingrid, myself and Kim at The One and Only

Afternoon Tea at The One and Only.  We arrived in style in a stretch hummer limo to the One and Only Resort in Cape Town (http://capetown.oneandonlyresorts.com/).  Immediately we were greeted by a beautiful fountain and made our way to the entrance of the hotel on a lovely red carpet.  When you walk into The One and Only you immediately notice the Vista bar / lounge area.  The room is appropriately named as your eyes have no choice but to be drawn to and enjoy the amazing view of Table Mountain which is easily done because of the floor-to-ceiling wall of glass. 

Afternoon tea with a view ...

Afternoon tea is enjoyed in the Vista bar / lounge area from 2:30 – 5:30pm daily at a rate of R195 (approximately $19.50) and includes a gourmet selection of teas and coffees.  When I thought of ‘afternoon tea’ my mind always pictured what I read in Agatha Christie novels – tea served with sugar and milk accompanied with sweet or savory scones and cucumber sandwiches.  The Afternoon tea at The One and Only is so much more!  You are immediately overwhelmed with the selection so pace yourself!  There is so much to try and it is ALL delicious!  On the savory side, I enjoyed a beef puff pastry with a nice gravy and diced potatoes inside and a light puff pastry cup stuffed with minced beef and baked beans.  On the sweet side, my favorite were the baked vanilla bean cheese cake and the gooseberry scone!  I am a new fan of gooseberries!  However, I also sampled limoncello macaroons, a carrot cake truffle, caramel and gold leaf éclairs and a lemon cupcake.  With these small treats I was especially fond of the wild citrus black tea which was served in a small cast iron kettle.  If you are ever in Cape Town I suggest you treat yourself to afternoon tea at The One and Only … it is definitely not the afternoon teas you read about in your favorite novels! 

Happy Easter weekend from Cape Town!

Welcome to The One and Only High Tea

Tea was amazing!

SO delicious!

This cheesecake was AMAZING!

My savory plate

The View at Signal Hill.  After leaving The One and Only, we took a long drive up to Signal Hill (http://www.capetown.travel/attractions/entry/Signal_Hill_and_the_Noon_Gun).  Now, this drive is gorgeous!  Pay attention!  If you are the passenger, take a moment to simply enjoy the ride up to Signal Hill.  Approximately 1100 ft. up, you are promised a spectacular view!  In fact, the name “Signal Hill” derived from a time when “signal flags” were used to communicate weather warnings as well as anchoring instructions to ships below. Similarly, ships could use flags to signal for assistance.  Today, people flock to Signal Hill to enjoy the view with friends, a picnic, a bottle of wine or to continue and hike up Lion’s Head Mountain.  This particular day was simply to take scenic photos with the bride to be, Helga.  I usually venture up Table Mountain but this was a very nice new option for me! 

Breathtaking view from Signal Hill

Smiles from Signal Hill!

Dancing at Decodance.  No weekend with Ingrid would be complete without DANCING!  After the obligatory bachelorette party games, shots, glasses of champagne and sunset photos, we piled back into the stretch hummer limo and made our now quite tipsy way to Decodance Nightclub (http://decodance.co.za/).  We arrived a bit early at 9:30pm but within an hour the club was packed!  The music… let me say I AM A FAN!  They played classics from the 60s,70s and 80s!  When we walked in they were playing power ballad, November Rain by Guns N’ Roses (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SbUC-UaAxE)!  They even played CLASSIC PRINCE, The Ballad of Dorothy Parker (http://www.wat.tv/video/prince-ballad-of-dorothy-parker-5xxnr_2hztv_.html).  You have to be fan to know the song they played and when it came on I was not the only person jumping up and down, singing every word!  Later in the night they played fun dance hits from the 90s as well!  It was crowded but a lot of room to dance which was great!  We danced the night away until 2:30am.  There are two dance areas.  The larger area is a smoking area but I was not overly consumed with cigarette fumes.  I even barely noticed the smell on my clothes.  In the bigger room there is also a stage … and a pole on that stage…just in case you feel a bit naughty! #judgementfreezone The smaller dance area is non-smoking and was a bit quiet. The bar is easier to get to in that room so get your drinks there and then I suggest making your way back into the larger dance area.   Leave your credit cards at home because the club only accepts cash at the bar.  Usually Ingrid and I love to dance at an Irish pub when I am in Cape Town but this place was magical!  I would definitely return to the dance floor at Decodance!

I return home in June for training and while home I will have a chance to show my respect and say my final goodbye to my grandmother.  I admit I am glad I took the advice of my parents as well as a close friend and chose to spend my Easter weekend in Cape Town, spending time with my good friend who I knew would ensure I kept a smile on my face and wine in my glass! 

I am in Cape Town?  Then Happy Phoebe!

If you are ever in Cape Town I encourage you to do the things I have mentioned in previous blog posts as well as the three mentioned in this particular post.  Whatever you choose to do, you will have a magnificent time because there is no place in the world quite like Cape Town, South Africa! 

Sunset ...

...and smiles from Cape Town!

See other blog entries from Cape Town, South Africa!

The Wine & Cheese of South Africa - http://idontcarewherewego.blogspot.com/2012/03/wine-cheese-of-south-africa.html

My Mother's First Visit to South Africa: Arrival into Cape Town - http://idontcarewherewego.blogspot.com/2013/10/my-mothers-first-visit-to-south-africa.html

My Mother's First Visit to South Africa: Robben Island - http://idontcarewherewego.blogspot.com/2013/10/my-mothers-first-visit-to-south-africa_20.html

My Mother's First Visit to South Africa: The Scenic Route - http://idontcarewherewego.blogspot.com/2013/11/my-mothers-first-visit-to-south-africa.html

The Wine & Cheese of South Africa

After spending weeks in South Africa and a few lovely days in Cape Town, I would be amiss if I neglected to post an entry about the wine and cheese of South Africa.

On this trip I visited the FAIRVIEW WINE FARM:

 

 

Fairview is a third generation, family owned wine and cheese farm, on the south-west-facing slopes of Paarl Mountain, in the heart of the Paarl wine district of South Africa. It is located 45 minutes from Cape Town.

While we were here we had the privilege of a "Master Tasting" (Thanks Spruge!).  The tasting offered 8 wines paired perfectly with 8 cheeses, all of which were made on the farm.  To cleanse our palates between tastings we were offered fresh bread and a variety of olive oil, also delicious!

While they offered 8, I will discuss my favorite four pairings: 

4.  2011 Fairview Riesling paired with fresh cream cheese rolled in sweet chili powder.  This pairing was literally a party in my mouth!  Anyone who knows me knows I am not a white wine fan but this pairing made me a huge fan!  The wine was very fruity, offering hints of pear and peaches.  On its own, it was very refreshing - perfect for a warm day.  But when you took a bite of the cheese, allowed that to melt on your tongue and took a second sip of wine the flavors intensified!  The hint of sweet heat on the creamy cheese provided an outlet for the underlying citrus flavors in the wine.  It.was.amazing.  

3.  Fairview Jakkalsfontein Shiraz (2005) paired with Blue Rock cheese.  This pairing was perfect for a social gathering.  A nice, full-bodied, spicy red wine with an equally strong cheese.  Paired with the bread and olive oil it was quite a snack! Needless to say I procured this wine which I enjoyed with my mother during the 36 hours I was home.

2.  Fairview Eenzaamheid Shiraz (2006) also paired with Blue Rock cheese.  This pairing is also very  perfect for a social gathering.  A nice, medium-bodied, nutty red wine with a fruity aroma.  It also goes very well with this strong blue cheese made on the farm.  I had a hard time choosing between this and the Jakkalsfontein Shiraz but I ultimately chose the Jakkalsfontein because I do love a full-bodied wine!

 #1.  I saved the best for last.  The pairing that literally made a tear fall from my left eye:  The Primo Vintage Pinotage (2009) and the goats milk cheese rolled in fresh garlic and herbs.  The wine, perfectly described by the website, was a limited vintage with only 300 bottles put on the market.  This wine, "...offers intense cherry and perfumed violet on the nose, with underlying notes of smoky oak and sweet spice. Ripe plum and spice on the palate with a firm structure worthy of time in the bottle. This wine will only get better with time" is, for me, the perfect wine.  It was only intensified after allowing the succulent goats milk cheese which was rolled in fresh garlic and herbs to melt on my tongue.  The strong flavors offered on this creamy cheese brought out the sweet spices in the wine.  While the cheese alone may be overpowering, with the wine it becomes soft, delicious and perfect.  Coupled with the bread and olive oil this pairing would be the center of any social gathering.  The hostess sadly informed me that with only 300 bottles on the market the only bottle remaining was the one on display.  After some pleading and pulling out the "...but I came all the way from the United States and I have to have this bottle of wine ..." she sold me the display bottle.  I may have "fallen" for the "it is the last bottle" but I do not care.  I cannot wait to slowly sip this wine in the comforts of my home after a long day at work or on a plane.

If you are ever in Cape Town and can only visit one wine farm THIS is the wine farm you MUST visit!  The prices are reasonable for the master tasting (approximately $9.50), the grounds are gorgeous, the atmosphere in the tasting room is sexy, inviting, relaxing and the staff know their wine!  Enjoy!