Cape Town to Hermanus

 

Wines at Gabriëlskloof Wine Estate
Bot River, South Africa
February 16, 2025

We departed Cape Town yesterday morning to move out into the South African countryside and begin enjoying the wine focused portion of our trip.

Table Cloth on Table Mountain
Cape Town, South Africa
February 16, 2025

As we boarded the bus in Cape Town, we could see the table cloth was coming down Table Mountain creating a stunning scene as the cloud poured over the top of the mountain and descended until it evaporated. 

We bussed through the countryside traveling east into the wide-open spaces of South Africa and into the wine country. 

Our first stop of the day was Gabriëlskloof Wine Estate in Bot River. We enjoyed a selection of Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Shiraz wines for the tasting. We also enjoyed a lunch from the adjacent Farro Restaurant whilst sitting on the veranda out of the bright sun. We spent time with the owner and winemaker learning his particular thoughts about wines and winemaking while also gaining an understanding of South African wines. We enjoyed the wines and their interpretation as explained by the winemaker. 

Me and Chris Overlooking the Vineyards
Creation Wines, Hermanus, South Africa
February 16, 2025

Our second, and final, wine stop of the day was Creation Wines in Hermanus. They are not actually in the village of Hermanus, where our lodging is, but outside the town a short drive away. We met the owners and enjoyed learning their history and vision for the winery. We enjoyed a tasting in a very elegant tasting room where we enjoyed six wines: three Chardonnay and three Pinot Noir. The Reserve Pinot Noir was tasting very nicely. It being Sunday afternoon, the tasting room was very busy, but we were afforded a personalized experience. The wines were all tasting very nice and with a good price point. 

View from Hotel Pool
Hermanus, South Africa
February 16, 2025

From Creation, we bussed to our lodging at the Harbor House Hotel situated on the Atlantic Ocean waterfront in Hermanus. After accessing our room we headed out into the town to find dinner which we thoroughly enjoyed.  

Today, we will enjoy another wine estate and a boating expedition. Today also marks the one week point in our trip. It is hard to believe that we have been in South Africa almost a week. 

Programming Note: As I am traveling, I will not be publishing Monday Musings this week or next. I expect to resume Monday Musings on March 3rd. 

-- Bob Doan, Hermanus, South Africa