• fun-activities-jordan-wines

    Exploring Jordan Wines: Fun Activities to Enjoy at this Stellenbosch Estate

    24 July 2022 - By 

    Situated on the Stellenbosch Road, between Stellenbosch and Kuils River, Jordan Wines – or Jordan Wine Estate – is one of Stellenbosch’s best, award-winning wine farms. In this post, I share my thoughts on this Stellenbosch stunner and highlight some great activities to enjoy at Jordan Wines. A Reluctant Celebrity on the Stellenbosch Wine Scene Despite its quality offerings, which are first class from start to finish, Jordan Wines lies tucked in a quiet, rural farming area. The road that leads to the estate and neighbouring DeMorgenzon is bumpy and rustic at best, edged by peaceful fields and narrow country…

  • citrus-festival-boschendal

    Citrus Sensation: Boschendal’s Incredible Citrus Festival and Pick and Pluck Experience

    18 July 2022 - By 

    For the month of July, Boschendal, one of my favourite estates near fairest Franschhoek, is hosting a fabulous citrus festival. Celebrating all things citrus, this fun festival sees the estate pop with colour (lemon and orange undertones) and a host of family-friendly activities, including citrus pick and pluck experiences and winter picnics. Recently, Boschendal and The Phoenix Partnership invited me to experience this glorious citrus festival – and I had a blast! In this photo essay, I share my thoughts on both Boschendal’s citrus pick and pluck experience, as well as their popular new winter picnics.  A Wintry, Citrus Sensation…

  • hidden-valley-wines-stellenbosch

    Review: Unearthing Hidden Valley Wines, Stellenbosch

    12 June 2022 - By 

    Hidden Valley Wines is one of Stellenbosch’s best-kept secrets. I say secret because many people fail to understand just how much of an experience this wine farm truly is. It offers visitors everything from memorable wine pairings to quality restaurant- and picnic-meals, as well as beautiful Bush Lodge accommodation. In this post, I share my experience of the estate’s food and wine options and nature trail, while also touching on its offer estate offerings. Visiting Stellenbosch’s Best-kept Secret: Hidden Valley Wines Hidden Valley is aptly named. It lies tucked away at the top of a long, narrow drive, pressed into…

  • best-places-to-mtb-western-cape

    Best Places to MTB in the Western Cape

    7 June 2022 - By 

    If you live in the Western Cape, chances are you are either an avid mountain biking (MTB) enthusiast – or you know someone who is. It’s a fact of life. And it’s no wonder because the Western Cape offers some of the best places to MTB in South Africa. With so many gorgeous reserves, country spaces and even city cycle spots, we are spoilt for choice. So, for this post, I am sharing a few of the best places to MTB around the Western Cape. Because, although it’s been many moons since I last rode about our farm on a…

  • vergenoegd-löw-the-wine-estate

    Review: Exploring Revitalised Vergenoegd Löw, the Wine Estate

    21 May 2022 - By 

    Situated on the fringes of the scenic Stellenbosch winelands and industrial suburbia, the historic Vergenoegd Löw Wine Estate needs little introduction. This historic Cape wine farm has rich, award-winning winemaking roots. Dating as far back as 1696, the farm also safeguards a vibrant Cape heritage. It has seen generations of winemaking- and farming-excellence shape its award-winning foundation. In recent months, this Stellenbosch wine farm has undergone a major overhaul. These enhancements have seen new life breathed into the estate. With everything from exciting new eateries and a firm element of sustainability carefully woven into its day-to-day operations. More than that…

  • bloemendal-wine-estate-pairing

    My Favourite Cape Winelands Wine Pairings

    17 May 2022 - By 

    While I have never claimed to be any kind of wine expert, nor someone who bothers with all the pomp and ceremony surrounding the ‘right’ way to drink wine – I definitely enjoy and appreciate good wine as much as the best wine connoisseur. Over the past few years, I have enjoyed my fair share of excellent, award-winning South African wines. And with them, some incredible Cape Winelands wine pairings. Confession: I love wine pairings. There is something so fun about trying new flavours and/or foods with wine and seeing how it alters or enhances the wine’s flavours and taste…

  • knorhoek-wine-farm-accommodation

    Accommodation Review: Tranquil Escape to Knorhoek Wine Farm’s Accommodation

    8 May 2022 - By 

    It’s been a while since I enjoyed an accommodation stay. Happily, in March 2022, I visited the beautiful Knorhoek Wine Farm for a relaxing getaway with my little cat. This family-friendly estate is one of the most beautiful wine farms in the Cape Winelands and lies situated in the heart of the Stellenbosch Wine Route. (Right next door to the fancy Quoin Rock Wine Estate, which shares the same Ukrainian owners as Knorhoek.) Knorhoek Wine Farm offers everything from tranquil accommodation to lovely wedding venues. If you are looking for a peaceful getaway into the heart of Stellenbosch farmlands and…

  • cape-point-nature-reserve-cape-of-good-hope

    Standing at the Most South-western Point of Africa: Cape of Good Hope

    1 April 2022 - By 

    In recent years, I have had the pleasure of two unforgettable visits to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. It is well-positioned near to the naval stronghold of Simon’s Town, with its penguin-haven, Boulders Beach and makes for an ideal day trip from Cape Town. Cape Point falls within the jurisdiction of the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP), under its southern section, within the Cape of Good Hope. It needs little introduction, as this is where visitors flock when they explore this natural haven. With eateries, gift shops, two lighthouses (one of which you can hike up to) and…

  • werf-picnic-experience-boschendal-wine-estate

    A Beautiful Werf Picnic Experience at Boschendal Wine Estate

    29 March 2022 - By 

    Beautiful Boschendal is one of my favourite estates in the Cape Winelands for so many reasons. Not only are they steeped in rich Cape history but this estate offers it all. Everything from stunning wedding venues, accommodation, outdoor experiences and of course, quality food and wine. Included in the food and wine aspect is Boschendal’s rather famous Werf picnic experience. Their picnics have changed a bit over the years – but quality and food excellence has always remained. Sustainably Minded Werf Picnics More to the point, Boschendal is hugely focused on doing right by the planet. For years now, they…

  • cape-town-helicopters-tours

    Photo Essay: Taking to the Sky with Cape Town Helicopters

    10 February 2022 - By 

    My blog and love of travel have given me some once-in-a-lifetime experiences – but a city tour with Cape Town Helicopters now ranks number one. In this photo essay, I share a few personal thoughts on this incredible experience, while also providing some quickfire facts and need-to-know information. Taking to the Cape Town Skies For someone with a fear of manmade heights (and who has never previously flown before) booking a spur-of-the-moment, belated birthday helicopter flight may seem like a crazy choice. But then, if travel has taught me anything about myself, it is that I am always braver than…