If you read about some of my travel adventures in and around Cape Town and the Western Cape, you may notice a certain trend when it comes to my wining and dining habits. Visiting wine estates, sipping on fine wines and eating delectable dishes are high up on my list.

Image courtesy of Kunjani Wines

Oh, who am I kidding? I absolutely LOVE tasting, sipping and exploring my way through the beautiful wine estates that we are fortunate to have in our “backyard”. What’s not to love about being surrounded by magnificent views whilst tantalizing your tastebuds with delicious cuisine and superb wines?  I know that this may not be everyone’s idea of a good time (personally, I could not be friends with these people!); but what many people don’t know or realize is that the winelands are not just about drinking wine. This amazing and diverse region caters for those that are keen on history, gourmet cuisine, nature, photography, adventure activities and much more.

(more…)

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! This saying may be more apt during the festive season, but now that Spring has officially sprung, I think it applies in this case as well. Old Man Winter is heading for hibernation until next year and thankfully, warmer days lie ahead.

With the recent much needed rains we have received in the Western Cape area, there has never been a better time to get out there and explore our beautiful country. The landscape has changed dramatically during the last few weeks. It has gone from quite drab to fab and is bursting with vivid and vibrant colours – green fields dotted with bright yellow canola fields in the Overberg are simply spectacular and call for a photo op.

DID YOU KNOW?  September is also Tourism Month in South Africa and what better way to celebrate then with a road trip or three to explore our incredibly gorgeous country? 😉

(more…)

During my travels throughout the years, both locally and internationally, there is almost no place that quite compares to the natural beauty and diversity than that of the magnificent Cape winelands in the Western Cape. It is no wonder that many international visitors flock here in their droves. There are an abundance of unique wine estates offering award-winning wines and world-class restaurants, luxurious five-star hotels and charming B&B’s, off-the-beaten track adventure and cultural activities, not to mention spectacular vineyard and mountain views that are a nature and photographer lover’s dream.

Franschhoek’s main road on a sunny winter’s day.

I was recently invited to sip, savour and explore my way through the beautiful and historic towns of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. I never tire of visiting the winelands and was excited to return to some places that I had previously visited, and experience some new places and spaces. Here is what Craig Howes and I discovered during our trip, including an interesting cultural outing to Kayamandi, situated just outside Stellenbosch. Happy reading travel, foodie and wine lovers!

(more…)