Try and get hold of a
Platters GuideI know Harrogate Fine Wine (specialise in SA wines and very worth speaking to) have generally stocked them, and would post. Vaughn Johnsons on the water front is worth a visit seeing as though you'll be based there.
Selection of some of the better Vineyards we've personally visited & worthy if you get the chance for a day trip. nearly all based within a mile or so of Stellenbosch, again an easy 40 mins from capetown
Ernie Els- superb location wines also very good although to buy
Neil Ellis has one of the best locations of any vineyard we've been to, also wines (especially vineyard select very good). very near stellenbosch in own valley
Tokara, also good, and good to visit, very modern, gardens, views
Spier- bit touristy but good deli for picnics on the lawns/ cheeta sanctuary- wines so-so
Boschendal - lovely tasting area under massive oak tree, again views to die for and a sculpture/ gift shop etc- wines good but not outstanding
Very boutique and family set-up- Stoney brook (franschoek), down road from Boekenhoutskloof- try their ghost gum if you like powerful reds, the Mcnaughts are extremely friendly, bit bonkers and very accommodating - spent a fun afternoon in their own lounge sampling various bottles.
and as GJ mentioned Boekenhoutskloof- not for visit (appointment only) but wines V.good- maybe able to arrange for you if you want- have lead into them
L'avenir- if you like Pinotage, standard is easy to get- vineyard select the one to hunt out.
GJ's list good, but you'll struggle to visit these.
Warwick, Rustenberg (well worth a visit)
Thelema - we found the vineyard less friendly and wines readily available in many places.
Vegelegen- again chance to taste there premium wines..vineyard also worthy visit
Meerlust Rubicon also worth a sample if you get chance, pinot noir also good
Muratie- if you like port - vintage port v.good and hard to get here- wacky vineyard if visting
Constantia Uistig - for
restaurant - voted in top 50 worldwide. extremely nice lunch there once..wine also v.good (in Constantia, v. accessible for C'town)
Franshoek - Ruben restaurant also good, there are many fine eateries but like most in Frans. you'll need to book in advance, lunches often easier to arrange
a lot of the medal winners are now starting to come from outlying areas, so grab a platters guide and hit the shops- nowhere near as much fun as visiting/sampling..
Waterfront wise. recommend the Green dolphin for atmosphere. Also check out the wine cellar selection at the Tablebay- impressive, but they know how to charge
PM me if need any other pointers
nh
NH, Hobbit Land.
