Wine has been produced in South Africa ever since the Dutch settlement here, more than 400 years ago. Then the French came as a result of being evicted from France during the Reformation, and they helped to perfect the art of wine production in South Africa. Stellenbosch is a town in the wine region of South Africa and the next place we visit on this Safari.
This town is a pleasure to visit. After the heat of Namibia and the last few days of camping, stopping here is a refreshing change and exactly what the guys need. The town is influenced by its surrounding vineyards and university students. The streets are wide and clean and the shops are filled with local wines. For the ladies there are enough shops filled with designer clothes and shoes to entertain them for hours.
The main reason we come here is because of the wine tour. We head off for the day and visit 4 local vineyards and taste the best that Stellenbosch has to offer. It is all very civilized and we have to be on our best behaviour as some of these vineyards produce some of the best wines in South Africa. Some of us have been getting comfortable in the relaxed style of living while on the road it is now time for a more lavish approach to our edict. Whoever said that sniffing, gurgling and sloshing wine in your mouth was appropriate etiquette for the testing of wine was a genius and it amazing how after 2 wine tastings everyone has an opinion about the wine they are trying even if they don’t like wine!
The guys thoroughly enjoy the day. They take in the stunning views, the warm summer sun, the cheese and wine tasting and of course it is a welcomed change to camping life and living on the road.
Laura wore the chain if shame today.
Tip of the Day: Using a spittoon at a wine tour is alcohol abuse!