Stellenbosch/Franschhoek Winelands...

We had family here recently from Johannesburg, who wanted to tour some of our wine farms. I have visited more then my fair share of wine farms and while it's fun to begin with, I find that one can only really visit 3 or 4 farms, before you're a) sick and tired to death of wine farms and b) drunk. So, about 2 Saturdays ago, we headed out to Stellenbosch to do some wine tasting (BTW I don't spit, it's a waste of good wine!). It was great and we visited some really beautiful and very historic farms. Jake came along too and, while he's not allowed to drink anything, he was pretty decently behaved on an adult's outing. He enjoyed playing outside while we drank indoors and, while the weather wasn't great, it didn't rain. It was lovely to spend some quality time with my cousins too!

This is Jake in a display cellar at Kanonkop. They have one bottle on display here from each year since 1973...

This is the bottle from Jake's birth year, 2004...

And the one from mine... Looking at that bottle, it's little wonder that I have so many wrinkles around my eyes (yes, yes, I hear you - laugh lines. Whatever!). And note the farm's annual turn over!! This is the view from the entrance to Kanonkop. For some reason, I never took a photo of the Canon, sorry. I love autumn in the vineyards... This was at Quoin Rock I was trying to take artistic photos of these grasses, but Jake wouldn't leave them alone, so I had to incorporate him in the picture... This was at Diemersdal. Unfortunately, the farm is undergoing renovations and we couldn't taste their delicious wines... Imagine living here!! Too gorgeous for words... And this was where we stopped for lunch, Boschendal. We were hoping for a picnic, but the picnics were closed, so we ate at their cafe. The menu was small and a little disappointing. I had cous cous stuffed mushrooms, which were delicious though. And of course we had wine. Lots... Jake was in his element. They had a herb garden, with a lemon tree (he picked every lemon within reach), lots of trees and grass... This is the main drag at Boschendal. I must be honest, while I enjoyed the wines and I've really enjoyed their picnics on a lazy summer's afternoon (preferably a Sunday), I sadly found the farm cold and unwelcoming on this trip and I probably won't be visiting again any time soon. Perhaps it was just the cooler weather... Jake was fascinated with this tree. It was still living, but had the hugest hole within it ever. Like a hideout... These autumn leaves were snapped in Franschhoek. I love Franschhoek, it's got that welcoming old fashioned feeling. I might retire there if I don't go to Greece... We stopped at Haute Cabriere in Franschhoek. This was the only farm where we had to pay to taste the wines and by the time we got there, I think we'd all pretty much had enough. I had a sample of their bubbly and we left. I liked this picture though. It said "These are the souls that discovered the soil embodying the soul of Haute Cabriere"... This last shot was taken outside the wine tasting at Haute Cabriere. This couple were drinking the farm's fine cognac and were totally and utterly drunk. The girl couldn't handle the severity of the fine wine and had hers diluted with coke. Still, it's a pretty picture and I wish I knew who they were so I could send them a copy...