A Taste of the Cape: Our Winelands Adventure

Spier, also established in 1692, blended history with regenerative farming, art and community. Stark-Condé, tucked into the spectacular Jonkershoek Valley, proved another highlight. I was especially impressed by the 2016 Oude Nektar, produced in a drought year; it had an intensity,whch had become rounded with some age.

The following day brought a change of scenery and flavour in the Paarl Valley. At Nederburg, we enjoyed a broad range of wines from one of South Africa’s historic wineries. The Cap Classique was good, while the old-vine Chenin Blanc was a personal favourite.

At Fairview, wine and artisanal cheese came together in characteristically convivial Cape style. I thoroughly enjoyed the combined tasting: it was both delicious and genuinely educational.

The day also ventured beyond wine with Neil Jewell’s charcuterie paired with CBC craft beers. The charcuterie was excellent, and several of the beer pairings worked remarkably well—an unexpected but memorable part of the programme.

For the five of us from ChaîneGB, these excursions were about far more than tasting wine. They brought together gastronomy, friendship and a genuine sense of place. From mature Pinotage and a favourite Cabernet blend to cheese, charcuterie and craft beer, each stop gave us something new to discuss and enjoy. Above all, the warmth of the Cape’s hospitality and the pleasure of sharing these discoveries made our Winelands adventure truly memorable.