VIN IK LEUK: FAVOURITE SPOTS
I share the best and sometimes even undiscovered spots in the Cape. From quiet coastal villages with azure views to the hidden gems of the wine country and everything special in between.
You can also order the VIN IK LEUK MAGAZINE and the special VIN IK LEUK edition of the Platter's Wine Guide here.
WELLINGTON
Off the beaten track in the winelands? Go to Wellington. It's still authentic and definitely not as touristy as Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Although around 80% of the vines in the South African wine industry come from here.
The surrounding area, with its vineyards and mountains, is breathtakingly beautiful. Grab your croissants at Fiftyfive Croissants; they make 55 of them daily, so they're always fresh. Have lunch at Vygie, a restaurant in a former horse stable, nestled by a babbling brook, where you can eat whatever's on the menu.
Or visit the nearby artistic village of Riebeek Kasteel, buy olives at Kloovenburg, and marvel at the panoramic views at Eight Feet Village. If you're in the mood for chocolate and red wine, sample the typical Chocolate Pinotage at Diemersfontein. I like it all.
STILBAAI
Driving the Garden Route? Consider spending the night in Stilbaai on the Goukou River. Stilbaai is a favorite holiday destination for local South Africans, but often remains unknown to others..
The river is beautiful. You can even swim in it; it's just like a Coke. During the day, there's a lot of water skiing. It's a birdwatcher's paradise, and at night, you have the most beautiful starry sky.
In Stilbaai itself, you'll find the beach, a supermarket, and a few restaurants. It's nicely laid out. Nearby is the Inveroche gin distillery. You can make your own gin there.
ARNISTON
Fancy a warm, azure sea? And absolutely nothing else? Then head to Arniston. Just make sure you bring all your food and drinks. Or do some last-minute shopping in Bredasdorp. And then just enjoy the beautiful view.
This place used to be called Waenhuiskrans. But that changed when the English ship Arniston sank off the coast there in 1815 during bad weather. The captain, who had to manage without a chronometer, thought he was west of Cape Point. Not. In reality, he was near the southernmost point of South Africa, Cape Agulhas. Only 6 of the 378 people on board survived.
In front of the hotel, you'll find the monument, and the hotel is also the only place where you can buy a bottle of wine in case of emergency. Just in case.
DE HOOP NATURE RESERVE
During the Cape winter, you can see the whales swimming here from the shore. A pod of 120 whales stays there to play with each other and to give birth. One thing naturally leads to another, isn't it?
But De Hoop is also worth a visit in the summer. The beach at Koppie Alleen is endless. It's an ideal spot for a guided marine walk. You can see starfish and octopuses in the rockpools. In the park itself, you'll encounter zebras, goats, ostriches, baboons, and there are even vultures.
Want to take a boat trip on the river? Want to stay overnight? It is all possible. You can even go mountain biking and take extended hikes. There's a "hoop" as we say in Dutch.
ROBERTSON
The valley of wine, roses, and horses you are surrounded by Bob Ross-esque sceneries. Mountains are everywhere, the Breede River flows luxuriantly, and it's wonderfully peaceful. It's rugged and agricultural.
Don't expect a charming village with terraces; you do need to know where to go. Drink a glass of MCC at Graham Beck. Make an appointment at Silverthorn and be amazed by their sparkling wine and stories. Go wine tasting at Springfield Estate and Arendsig, and have lunch at Kapokbos.
On your way there or back, be sure to stop at Nuy for the best dessert wine in South Africa.
This is just a small selection. If you'd like more information or have any questions, please contact me directly.