Cheers, Prost!

South Africa is well known for its wines. In particular, the western cape region which encompases Cape Town and The Winelands is world renown for its wine tasting and wine production. Hosting more than 120 wineries, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl is a popular place for both locals and tourists to visit. In particular this region boasts the worlds finest Pinotage wines.

On Saturday October 28, 2006, we embarked on a Cape Wine Tours hosted by Robbie.

Four wineries visited were Villeria, Beyerskloof, Tokara and Fairview. The following is a brief list for those who may be interested in our favourite wines at the respective wineries. As represented by the group, for this entry Sarah will serve as the white wine connisseur, and I the red wine connisseur (the wines will be listed in white and then red, respectively). If you are able, please try these wines and on a first- come -first- serve- basis we will try to purchase a few bottles as SA gifts... oh and did I mention the wine is very inexpensive here... which has us running to the local grocery store and consuming a few more bottles than usual.

Villeria: Gewurztraminer 2005 (Fruity and off dry); Monro 2002 (a classic Merlot/ Cab blend)

Beyerskloof: (no whites tried) Pinotage 2005 and Pinotage Reserve 2003

Tokara: Walker Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2006 and Tokara Red 2004 (a blend of Cab Sav Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cab Franc. dry and firm)

Fairview: Sarah loved them all at this point (actually she was on to the water by the second winery)... mine was the Beacon Shiraz (Full of flavour)