Calling all Cabernet Franc lovers! You have patiently been waiting for almost a year and it is nearly time to celebrate this magical varietal at the fabulous Cabernet Franc Carnival.

The Carnival, now in it’s fourth year, will once again be held at scenic Avontuur Estate, between the beautiful winelands towns of Stellenbosch and Somerset West. This world-renowned Estate is known for their award-winning wines and internationally acclaimed thoroughbred stud operation, and has suitably been dubbed “The Home of Fine Wine & Fast Horses”.

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Have you noticed the subtle change in seasons? The days are becoming shorter while the nights are longer. Cool, crisp air nips at your nose in the early morning and evening. A scenic drive through the Cape winelands reveal the most magnificent shades of red, yellow and gold on the vines that create such a magical landscape. Autumn has arrived and soon, Old Man Winter will follow.

Winter may not be my favourite season, but life tends to slow down a bit, giving us a chance to enjoy some much needed down time. Perhaps we feel less guilty spending more time on the couch in front of the telly, sipping steaming hot chocolate (or red wine!) while watching our favourite series. Taking time out to play some board games with the family or snuggling in bed reading that book you’ve had on your nightstand for ages.

It is tempting to go into complete hibernation for the entire winter season, but why do this when there is a whole world out there just waiting for you to explore? We are fortunate to enjoy many sunny, mild days during the winter months, so there is no excuse to stay indoors all the time. It is the perfect time to treat yourself to a wonderful winter getaway, one where you can relax and recharge with your loved one. Sound good? I happen to know of a very special place to do just that. I’ve tried and tested it myself just for you 😉

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I have a confession to make. I suffer from a condition called wanderlust. I think I’ve always had it, ever since I realized that there was a whole wonderful world just waiting to be discovered. Said wanderlust is a constant in my life, and as much as I would love to pack my suitcase and head off to explore exotic and foreign lands a few times a year, this isn’t always feasible.

How do I ‘feed’ this perpetual state of wanderlust, you may ask? With road trips, that’s how! There is nothing quite like looking forward to a long weekend getaway. Exploring one’s backyard, so to speak, is one of my big loves and something that my family and I are fortunate to enjoy fairly often. Hitting the open road and spending a few nights together in an as yet undiscovered area is pure bliss and feeds my wanderlust soul.

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