What a wonderful day! Jeff and I are both so surprised by the warmth, the quality and the beauty here in South Africa's Wine Land. It's similar to Sonoma more than Napa. The wineries that we visited today were each unique. All of the wines we have tried are young. They are good for the most part...drinkable but not yet excellent.Today, our driver Kenneth started our day at Delaire Graff Estate. The Graff part is the diamond jeweler. The wine estate is adjacent to a lovely small hotel called (no surprise) Delaire Graff Lodge and Spa. The views were breathtaking. The hotel was at 100% occupancy so I couldn't see the rooms from the inside. What I did see was that each room had its own pool...very romantic!! The spa and gym was serene and modern. Now to the winery...We tried their Sauvignon Blanc which was my favorite, a Chenin Blanc and their Delaire Botsmaskop named after the peak of the local mountain. Good wines...not great.
Next, we went for a wine and chocolate pairing at Waterford Estate. This winery really understood how to use space. They had an indoor/outdoor tasting area. It was such a pleasant day...we had our tasting outdoors. We had 3 different parings. I loved the Kevin Arnold Shiraz paired with the masala chai dark chocolate. Next, we had their Waterford Cab which was so so with their rock salt dark chocolate. Jeff's favorite wine was their Heatherleigh (pretty name, right?) which is a Muscat Semilion blend - dessert wine for those who aren't familiar...served with a flowered flavored chocolate.
After this "exhasting" wine tasting...we had to have lunch! We were driven to the Hidden Hills section of Stellenbosch to have lunch at Overture Restaurant. I can see why so many people write about this restaurant. It is fabulous with a stunny view of the Hidden Valley! 
Our lunch began with homemade bread and marinated eggplant with zucchini. We both enjoyed the Cauliflower puree with seared tuna and sweet corn. This was a very complex dish which the chef pulled off perfectly. Next, we had gnocchi with pumpkin and finally their entrecote. The ambiance of this restaurant was totally unpretenscious and we enjoyed every moment and bite.
Our lunch began with homemade bread and marinated eggplant with zucchini. We both enjoyed the Cauliflower puree with seared tuna and sweet corn. This was a very complex dish which the chef pulled off perfectly. Next, we had gnocchi with pumpkin and finally their entrecote. The ambiance of this restaurant was totally unpretenscious and we enjoyed every moment and bite. MARI
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It is now 2 days later and 2 dinners later. We dined at Pierneef a La Motte Restaurant at the La Motte Wine Farm...btw...wineries are called wine farms in South Africa (very cool). The setting was fantastic. From the highway, you go up a long gravel road which ends in front of a "goddess" like statue pouring water to wine. We were greeted at the door by our lovely server, walked past the open kitchen in which we watched the young female chef. We then arrived at our table. What was so much fun were the 3 chandeliers. Each was made of dangling chinawear. That plus contemporary chairs and a wood burning fireplace, the setting was set for an excellent experience. We enjoyed barley soup with beef marrow with a hint of lemon pepper, bokkom salad with dried apricots. Bokkum is dried salty fish. We had salmon trout with celery root puree, fennel and tarragon sauce...all for about $100 USD for two including wine pairings.The following night was our last night in 
Franschhoek. We saved The Tasting Room for last. The concept of The Tasting Room is that we are supposed to be surprised with this authentic African dining experience. Each of the 8 tastings came with a story ranging from the personal experience of the servers - historic stories, grandmother stories or information about the roots used to the restaurant manager's story of the Happy Egg which was slow cooked for 40 minutes. Some of the small plates included: beetroot, spinach and onion puree, buttermilk labne, dill and cucber granita to begin with, organic egg yolk, vegetable cornflakes, mustard leaf, sherry caramel, "Wonderbag" pasture fed lamb shoulder, cauliflower, amasi, radish, fermented garlic to name a few.
Franschhoek. We saved The Tasting Room for last. The concept of The Tasting Room is that we are supposed to be surprised with this authentic African dining experience. Each of the 8 tastings came with a story ranging from the personal experience of the servers - historic stories, grandmother stories or information about the roots used to the restaurant manager's story of the Happy Egg which was slow cooked for 40 minutes. Some of the small plates included: beetroot, spinach and onion puree, buttermilk labne, dill and cucber granita to begin with, organic egg yolk, vegetable cornflakes, mustard leaf, sherry caramel, "Wonderbag" pasture fed lamb shoulder, cauliflower, amasi, radish, fermented garlic to name a few.Because the restaurant was at Auberge Le Quartier Francais, we were able to walk to our room safely and think about all of the amazing African flavors that we just enjoyed. The food there is outstanding and we never had this kind of experience before!
On our last morning at Auberge le Quartier Francais, we met with the auberge's owner, Susan and Linda the General Manager. They are devoted to this property and I feel that it is a MUST part of your visit to Cape Town.
For more details...please contact me after November 1st :-)
Stay tuned for Cape Town!
MARI
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After lunch, we visited a 4th generation family winery named Overgaauw. Loved their Merlot and Port wines.
During our stay at Le Quartier Francais, I have been so fortunate to count on Linda Coltart, the General Manager for her suggestions for restaurants and wineries. Last night, Linda outdid herself with the recommendation to dine at Pierneef a La Motte Restaurant. We had a wonderful meal in a contemporary setting. The manager, Anne de Jager could not have been more friendly. From the moment we drove into this winery/restaurant we felt like we were going to experience something special. The drive leading up to the building ends in front of a statue of a goddess like woman pouring water. We were greeted at the door and quickly escorted to our table. There are 3 chandeliers with 3 different china pattern dishes hangling from each fixture in the dining room. What a great fun concept!
Our meal began with a salmon tartar amuse bouche and home made bread. The dinner concept is new at his restaurant. You are allowed to choose half or full portions with the emphasis on the half portions so you can try their many unique dishes - sort of like tapas style. We loved the barley soup with hints of lemon pepper. We bravely tried their bokkom salad (bokkom is salted dried fish) with dried apricot and almonds and had their salmon trout with fennel-terragon sauce. Dessert was a home made apple tart with cinnamon ice cream. Anne helped us with La Motte Winery wine pairings and the entire bill was approximately $100! What a find!
Tomorrow, we are going to be picked up for a site tour of a new hotel called, The Pepper Club and go to Le Quartier Francais's famous The Tasting Room for dinner.
I can't wait to share this with you...
MARI
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