Stellenbosch - Cycling through the Vineyards

Africa

It’s amazing to believe that it has been two years since we were married on that beautiful, sweltering day in Nashville, and to celebrate the occasion, we decided that two days cycling through the stunning wine country of Stellenbosch was just what the doctor ordered. Despite the fact that no grapes were on the vines due to the wintry conditions, the green rolling hills complemented by the reddish orange, rocky mountains created incredible scenery along our route, oh and the 6 vineyards, a brandy distillery, and a classic South African braai didn’t hurt either! We enjoyed two great days of cycling, drinking and eating with our great guide William who shared his experiences growing up in South Africa, made up a few historical facts to keep us on our feet, took a million pictures (half of which we haven’t even seen yet), and was quick with a joke (especially when it was at Sammar’s or my expense).

The first vineyard that we visited was probably our favorite; Overgaauw is a fourth generation, family-owned vineyard tucked off the beaten path that has delicious wines, we especially enjoyed the light bodied merlot (I know, that doesn’t sound right) and the well rounded 1994 port, as well as incredibly nice people. Our host, older sister of the current winemaker David, told us about their family history and what it was like growing up in a wine family. Her first glass of wine was at the age of 6, watered down of course so that she wouldn’t be tipsy, and she, as well as 3 of her sisters, were married on the farm. While she doesn’t live on the farm anymore like her brothers, you can clearly see the passion that she has in her eyes for wine and for family. As an added bonus, we got to see our first cork oak tree!

 

The rest of the day featured many more amazing views and delicious wines, including one wine that was in an old-school French style where they don't actually crush the grapes, but instead pour sugar into the pit of the grapes to allow it to ferment. The vineyard only produces a little over 1,000 bottles each year and our guide swears that it is the best red producer in all of South Africa. Unfortunately we were so impressed with the first vineyard, and had already tasted quite a few wines so we couldn't quite taste the difference, but we'll back some day soon to try it again! 

We ate lunch at another vineyard with a stunning view of the mountains as well as a delicious ostrich burger and some fun new chameleon friends if you could find them in the bushes!

We finished the first day with a glass of 12 Year Old Distiller’s Reserve Brandy, winner of the ISWC trophy for best brandy in the world, and one of those sunsets that you write home about overlooking our ‘front-yard’ of vines, palm trees and a pond at Skilpadvlei Vineyard. Not bad, eh? I'm not sure how we're going to beat that for the third anniversary!

The second day brought more great views, many more kilometers and two new, exciting experiences. The first was a wine and chocolate pairing.

We’re not talking about drinking some wine a long with your dessert or having a few small chocolates as you drink, we’re talking 5 large, delicious chocolates that were custom-made to pair perfectly with the wines at Lanzerac Vineyard, but we’ll get back to that in a second. You arrive at Lanzerac through a cobblestone pathway covered with trees that arc together to meet perfectly in the center creating a tunnel that opens up to beautiful mountains beyond. Once you walk into the building, you are greeted with elegant décor, a friendly staff and a solid wood table engraved with the crest of the family. On top of that table, sits paradise. Five chocolates delicately arranged on serving spoons aligned with empty glasses that will soon be home to their soulmate wines. Each year, a man comes down to Stellenbosch from Durban while the winemakers blend and taste their wines. Once the blends for the year have been chosen, this man then tastes each wine and discusses their profiles at length with the winemakers. After 1600km back to Durban, this man creates chocolates for each wine, perfectly complementing the spices and aromas from each blend. Is your mouth watering yet?

The second experience was a hearty braai (barbecue), which we enjoyed after nearly 20km of cycling. We were in serious need of delicious food, and we got that and more. After starting with homemade snoek spread and farm butter over fresh baked bread, we enjoyed some of the tastiest barbecued chicken, boerewors (spicy sausage), and farm-raised lamb that I have ever had in my life while overlooking yet another perfect vista. While we nursed our food babies we were joined by Sammar’s favorite thing in all of life, a big dog and a small dog that were best friends. The little guy hopped up onto my lap while I was eating and curled up there the entire time, while the Great Dane napped behind us and enjoyed many a belly rub with an occasional lamb bone thrown in as a reward. It was a perfect finish to two great days in Stellenbosch!  

    

More to come soon with a few more exciting days left in Cape Town!