Travel Adviser : Uncorking the spirit of the Cape: part two

Unless otherwise stated, the dialing code is 021. (Cape Town and the Boland).

WHO TO CONTACT

For more information about this or any guided or self-drive wine or food tour in the Cape you can write to The Capevine at PO Box 3799, Tygerpark 7536. Tel 913-4580 or 913-6611, fax, 913-4580. In England write to Rectory Farm Cottage, Kettering Road, Aloulton, Northhampton NN3 7XA. Tel (0944-1604) 64-8768, fax (0944-1604) 64-4013.

Auberge Burgundy: tel (0283) 70-1201, fax (0283) 70-1204.
Bloupunt Wines: tel/fax (0234) 4-2385.
Burchell’s Restaurant and Wine Bar: tel. (0231) 2-5388, fax (0231) 2-5366.
Compagnes Drift Farm (Beaumont Wines): tel (02824) 4-9450, tel/fax (02824) 4-9733.
De Wetshof Estate: tel (0234) 5-1853/7, fax (0234) 5-1915.
Haute Provence: tel 876-3195/2416, fax 876-3118.
Mogg’s Country Cookhouse: tel (0283) 2-4321 or (0283) 2-3409 af–ter hours.
Mont Rochelle Equestrian Centre: tel 876-2635, fax 876-2362.
Mont Rochelle Mountain Vineyards: tel 876-3000, fax 876-2362. Montagu Country Inn: tel (0234) 614-3125, fax (0234) 4-1905.
Olof Bergh Solera Brandy Cellar: tel (0231) 9-3600.
Palmiet Valley Estate guesthouse: tel 862-774 1, fax 862-689 L Paul Cluver Wines: tel 859-0605, fax 859-01,50.
Plaisir de Merle: tel 874-1488, fax 874-1.488. Van Loveren Estate: (0234) 5- 1505, fax (0234) 5-1336.
Whale Cottage Guest House: tel (0283) 70-0929, fax (0283) 700912.
Zandvliet Estate: tel (0234) 5-1.1.46, fax (0234) 5-1327,

THE BEST TIME TO GO

March and April are usually the best months for good weather, while spring (August to October) is the best time for wild flowers. Midwinter in the Cape (July/August) is generally very wet and windy and so perhaps not the best time to travel in the region. However, it can be a great time to indulge in wine tasting, good food and fireside evenings.

The time not to go wine touring is in late summer/early autumn (February/March), which is harvest time when everyone on. the estates is roped in to pick and press grapes and are generally too busy for tourists. December is peak tourist season so you’ll also get less attention than at other times.

FURTHER READING

A Guide to the Winelands of the Cape by Christine Rudman (CGR Wine Enterprises, Stellenbosch).
South Africa’s Winelands: a Visitor’s Guide by T Hobson and J Collins (Struik).