South African wine has a history dating back to the mid-1600’s. Later decimated by phylloxera, the end of apartheid sparked a new wave of interest and innovation in the vineyards of the Cape, but for much of the 20th century, it received little attention on the world stage. Now, access to international markets has unleashed a burst of new energy and interest in the wines of this region, with the major vineyard and production centers concentrated around Cape Town. Just an hour or so outside the city, behind Table Mountain are lush green valleys of manicured vines and well-kept wineries, centered around the towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, tourist destinations in their own right, made even more charming with their posh resorts and spas, quaint inns and picturesque storybook village architecture.
Past the historic lime-washed walls of the Dutch Reformed Church in Franschhoek and a weekend bike race in progress, we toured the three arches of the Huguenot Memorial in the Franschhoek valley, representing the Holy Trinity, that stands in dedication to the cultural influences French Protestant Huguenots brought to the Cape Colony in their desire to create a better life. A museum features an exhibition of various tools they used to make wine, clothes they wore, and the culture they brought with them.
Just outside Stellenbosch, we visited the tree-shaded, country winery of Allée Bleue, where we had a tasteful lunch of fresh seasonal salads, rustic country breads, fruits, and homemade desserts, accompanied with a wine tasting of a surprisingly delicious variety of house red, white, and rosé vintages, including pinotage, South Africa’s signature red wine grape.
Strolling the tree-and-cafe-lined streets of Stellenbosch, we ambled by Cape Dutch colonial buildings, al fresco diners, and galleries and shops featuring unique regional arts, crafts, and patterned textiles.
With South African wines now available internationally, this verdant oasis valley producing noteworthy new world vintages, and just an hour or less of easy driving distance from Cape Town, has finally caught up.
So….did you have some wine shipped to Weatherby Lake. I’ve not tried much South African wine, though I’m not sure why. As always, beautiful photographs and interesting commentary.
We did not send any wine home, but it did get our attention. We enjoyed a bottle or two back at our hotel for the last days of our stay and the restaurants had a nice, local selection…unfortunately, probably many not available outside South Africa.