Return to the Cape 2016: A Day of Ws

With a post title like the one above, you must be thinking, has he been on the paracetamol and ibuprofen again? Well yes I have actually but more about my shoulder troubles later! No, in this case, it refers to Winetasting, Wilyman, Waterkloof and Waterford.

It's difficult to know exactly where to begin but today, specifically this afternoon, has been absolutely brilliant and I'll start with the Winetasting because that is what our attention has been focused on.

For any of you who haven't visited Somerset West, the area where we are staying, it is very much on the edge of the major wine producing area in South Africa - we are no more than 20 minutes from Stellenbosch which is part of the Cape Winelands, the larger of the two wine growing regions in South Africa. The country itself produces in excess of 1,000,000,000 litres of wine per year - we have drunk half of it today - and Stellenbosch is the primary location for viticulture and viticulture research. Basically, you come to this area to take time out to visit some of the vineyards and sample their wares, most of which are simply delicious.

Before you get to the wine tasting, you are blown away by the spectacular nature of the terrain which surrounds you. We have been fortunate to visit some of the major winemaking regions of France, Australia, New Zealand and even the Napa Valley in California and in my opinion, none of them come close to the spectacle you experience here. It's beauty assaults your senses and takes your breath away to the extent that you could sit and look at it forever. It's unfortunate that no amount of photographs posted will ever reflect the stunning beauty on display.

The best way to enjoy the Winetasting experience is to employ a highly knowledgeable local guide who also acts as your chauffeur. That's where the second W comes into play in the form of Sean Wilyman.

We were introduced, no recommended to Sean, by one of Sarah's colleagues Ellie last year. They say the best form of advert is recommendation and boy did we strike lucky with this young man when we first used his services in 2015. It was automatic that we again contacted him this year and although he is extremely busy - no surprise there - we felt privileged to secure his services today.

Women of any age immediately fall in love with Sean the moment they meet him. Ask Ann and Linda. In fact, I quite like him myself!! He's good looking, totally charming and so interesting to talk to about all things South Africa and beyond. I don't get paid to advertise but would happily suggest that if you are looking for help or advice on all things Africa, contact Sean via www.trekdirect.co.za and tell him Alistair sent you. You won't be disappointed.

And so to the third W, Waterkloof, a spectacular and beautiful winery situated high above False Bay. One of the funniest things we discovered here is that the owner, Paul Boutinot, lives up North near Manchester and we had the pleasure of meeting his son, Louis, who Linda was delighted to hear was a Manchester United fan! It almost spoilt my visit! Put it on your list if you are in the Cape Winelands and try the food and the Merlot.

The final W is Waterford which we so enjoyed last year, that we decided to return to sample their mixture of wine and chocolate again. Yes, wine and chocolate which works beautifully with the combinations used. It was a complete surprise to me last year and yet again I was taken aback at how well the two flavours could be matched. Waterford is a very different setting to many other wineries but again one that I would highly recommend.

For those who might remember my earlier reference to tablets and shoulders, I'm struggling to lift my wine glass following the operation I had back in early December. Something not quite right with the recovery at this stage but I am confident that the Consultant will sort it on my return. Please don't worry about me though as most of the vineyards visited have the capability to provide wines intravenously. It certainly helps ease the pain!