With our planet under siege and threat from carbon emissions, wastage, single-use plastics and more, there can be no doubt that ‘going green’ is essential. In fact, this drive for more eco-friendly practices and methods needs our gravest support throughout every industry. In South Africa’s own wine industry, the threat of climate change is already apparent in the droughts, changing wine seasons, varying harvests, unseasonal rainfall, wild fires and sweltering temperatures we see each year. Yet, for years now, the wine industry has quietly shown the power of sustainably minded farming – through solar-powered cellars, water-friendly farming practices and of…
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The Cape Winelands offers a host of incredible experiences for families, tourists and everyone in between to enjoy. With a plethora of stunning, award-winning mainstream- and boutique- wine farms, there is no shortage of amazing outdoor activities to enjoy. In this post, I share some of my favourite, quick-fire outdoor activities for young and old to savour in the Cape Winelands. Thrilling Outdoor Activities in the Cape Winelands 1) Go for an Outride in the Franschhoek Valley I am always hesitant to feature any animal encounters or experiences on my blog because it’s not something I personally condone. I have…
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Day trips are some of my favourite travel adventures. I am a sucker for road trips, hidden gems and new places and a day trip is the perfect chance to enjoy all this and more! Happily, there are so many interesting day trips near Cape Town for locals and tourists to enjoy. In this post, I cover some of my favourite day trips by region. This should help you get the most out of your day. My Most Interesting Day Trips Near Cape Town Whether you go wine farm hopping, dive into nature or road trip to your heart’s content,…
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To me, South Africa’s Cape Winelands offer no shortage of romantic experiences, accommodation and activities for couples to enjoy. Honestly, our local wine farms can be some of the most romantic destinations around! In this post, I look at some of the most romantic wine farms near Cape Town. Whether you are looking for a stunning wedding venue, couples’ getaway, date ideas or fun day trip to enjoy together, these wine farms offer something for all couples to enjoy. Best of all, they can be enjoyed year-round. So you don’t have to pay any heed to Valentine’s Day pressures or…
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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…
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In 2021, the beautiful Stellenbosch Wine Routes celebrates 50 years of forward-thinking wine innovation and pioneering (wine) tourism. As South Africa’s first official, recognised wine route – founded in 1971 by Frans Malan (Simonsig), Niel Joubert (Spier) and also, Spatz Sperling (Delheim) – this stunning wine route has only grown from strength to strength. Stellenbosch Wine Routes have put South Africa on the wine map globally in a big and powerful way during these past 50 years. Today, with five sub-routes (namely, Bottelary Hills, Greater Simonsberg, Helderberg, Stellenbosch Berg and Stellenbosch Valley) and a plethora of diverse wine farms, gorgeous…
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On wine estates across the globe, there are incredible wine farm experiences to be enjoyed. In wine regions spanning from France to the US. Wine Farm Winners South Africa’s Cape Winelands especially offer some truly wonderful wine farm experiences. Think everything from dreamy picnics to unique wine tastings to delight all your senses! In this post, myself and some guest writers share our best wine farm experiences to enjoy, as either a tourist or local. Cape Overberg Region: The Giant Periwinkle What: Visiting Giant Periwinkle is always a pleasant experience for me. It is not often that you come across…
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With the third alcohol ban in South Africa under extended Level 3 regulations, wine farms – and restaurants – across the Western Cape are bleeding. So, for this post, I want to try highlight ways to support Western Cape wine farms during extended Level 3. Even if you can’t enjoy a wine tasting or take-home wine purchase. Show Your Support to Western Cape Wine Farms in Different Ways Many farms have come up with inventive non-alcoholic alternatives or started brainstorming new activities to enjoy when visiting them. However, the sad case remains that our wine- and restaurant-industry is on its…
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As South Africa tentatively progresses to lower levels – including Level 2 as of 18 August 2020 – I realise that people are desperate to get out more and most especially, to support our local businesses and industries. And we really need to. Yet, at the same time, we need to ensure we do so safely and carefully, so that we do not end up reverting back to a stricter level, like Level 3, 4 or even worse, 5… Sharing is Caring These past few months, I have been actively sharing as much travel and hospitality news as I can…
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As 2019 draws to a close, I am fondly reflecting on the most memorable experiences I have enjoyed in and around Cape Town during the year. All of which you can enjoy going forwards. So, here are the 19 best experiences to enjoy near Cape Town in 2019 – and beyond: 1. Villiera Wines Game Drives and MCC and Nougat Pairing Villiera Wines, near Stellenbosch, is one of the loveliest wine farms to visit. They really offer visitors some excellent experiences. Highlights include: fun, affordable game drives (complete with buck species, giraffes and bird life); MCC and nougat tastings; and…