It was the last weekend in April and we found ourselves in the historic and charming winelands town of Stellenbosch. The SA Cheese Festival was happening that same weekend, and while many people were making their way to this annual celebration of all things cheese, we were staying in “Stellies” for a different reason.

Unless we are in a remote location where there isn’t much to see and do, we usually end up spending our time away tearing from one place to the next to take in as many sights as possible. And while we enjoy doing this now and then, it doesn’t leave us with much time to relax and recharge, breathe and just be. I think you get where I’m going with this.

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You may have noticed that recently I have been spending quite a bit of time in Stellenbosch, whether it’s a quick day trip or staying over for a night or two. And you are right. I consider this wonderful wine region to be on my “doorstep” as it is only about a twenty minute drive (depending on traffic) to the nearest wine estate. Happiness!

Turn onto Baden Powell Drive from the N2 highway and you’ll find an array of wine estates and farms ready to welcome wine enthusiasts, foodies, history buffs, photographers and nature lovers. No two wine estates are the same and each one offers the visitor a unique experience. I should know. I have been doing my best to visit every winery in each region for the past 13 years, but somehow I haven’t quite managed to do that. But that’s ok. It just means I get to continue exploring while indulging my endless love affair with food and wine. And I love to share it all with you!

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Calling all Cabernet Franc lovers! You have patiently been waiting for almost a year and it is nearly time to celebrate this magical varietal at the fabulous Cabernet Franc Carnival.

The Carnival, now in it’s fourth year, will once again be held at scenic Avontuur Estate, between the beautiful winelands towns of Stellenbosch and Somerset West. This world-renowned Estate is known for their award-winning wines and internationally acclaimed thoroughbred stud operation, and has suitably been dubbed “The Home of Fine Wine & Fast Horses”.

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