South Africa: Winelands

The landscape of the Winelands, less than two hours’ drive north of Cape Town, is spectacular—even more dramatic than Napa or Sonoma Valleys.  The wines are quite good too, though their top end is not as good as the top in California Wine Country.  However, some wineries in the Winelands have been growing grapes and crafting wine for 300 years!  One of the oldest if not THE, is Vergelegen (ver-chah-LECHEN), which is a historic landmark, working farm, and excellent wine-producer.  Rick and Wendy spent time in wineries throughout the region in picturesque Afrikaans-named towns such as  Paarl, Franschhoek, and Stellenbosch. When friend Carolyn traveled there with them, they stayed at South Africa’s oldest inn, d’Ouwe Werf.