[Note: This entry is not a recipe blog but a part of our new ‘Food and Wine experiences’ category.]

Ralph and I recently returned from a two-week stay in Cape Town and the surrounding breathtaking region of Cape WineLands. It was my first and hopefully not my last time there.

The weariness from a 14 hour, two-flight journey was soon forgotten after we collected our bags and departed the airport. Instantly we were greeted with warmth from both the sunshine and a South African gentleman who welcomed us to his country and arranged our taxi. This initial encounter of cheerful friendliness and upbeat energy was a thread throughout our entire stay.

Describing the beauty of this country is difficult with words. The mountains, the ocean, and magical landscape of the WineLands is something I hope you experience at least once in your lifetime.

The first week was mainly work at the Propak Cape tradeshow, with memorable evening meals enjoyed at the Bossa Winelands on the Meerendal countryside wine estate and downtown Cape Town at The Silo Hotel with rooftop views of the iconic Table Mountain and ocean.

On the Saturday we went to the Oranjezicht Farmers Market in at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, a market that celebrates local farming and artisanal crafts. It was buzzing with people, all smiles in great spirits (literally, with Champagne bottles popping!) and a mind-boggling number of food vendors. I opted for a thick bacon and egg breakfast bun (why not?)and Ralph had a wagyu beef burger that didn’t disappoint, enjoyed with good vibes from the music and sounds of laughter. I’ve never been to a farmer’s market surrounded by such happiness.

We stopped at an artisanal stand Ash & Mill that sold natural skincare products crafted by the owner/scientist, and purchased a lemongrass and neroli nourishing body butter and an orange blossom soy wax candle. That body butter turned out to be a skin saver after my nasty sunburn the very next day during a round of golf—such a luxurious product that melts into your skin and leaves a beautiful botanical fragrance. We went back a week later to buy another jar!

After a week of work and enjoyable stay at Cape Village Lodge, a quaint B&B in a quiet neighbourhood of Durbanville, we drove to what would become heaven on earth for five nights at a cottage on Mon Rêve Estate located in the Cape WineLands region. The view from our porch was of grape vines and mountains, and we were greeted with a vase of bird-of-paradise flowers on the kitchen counter and sprigs of fresh lavender in the bedroom and bathroom. What a welcoming!

Mastering a braai

Our cottage offered an outdoor stone fireplace, where Ralph made memorable braais—proving that cooking over a fire with no protection from a hollowing wind in the dark is not a simple act. A spark burn near his eyelid for grilled steak was his badge of honour.

A braai is like the North American version of BBQing but performed at a much slower pace and traditionally over flames of burning hardwood (although Ralph also used charcoal). It is a treasured act in South Africa bringing together friends, family, and nourishing food.

Golf in paradise

Our flight with Turkish Airlines included two checked pieces of luggage, so we brought our golf clubs to Cape Town. Ralph booked us in ahead of time for rounds at De Zalze, Paarl Golf Club, and Stellenbosch Golf Club. We also braced massive wind for a spontaneous round of nine holes at the Durbanville Golf Club.

Our favourite course by far was De Zalze. Luckily, we got to play there twice. The views were spectacular, the halfway house greeted us with a refreshing cool cloth and gave us 10 minutes to reenergize with a coffee and quick bite, and everyone we met had that reliable South African friendly charm. Golfing surrounded by vineyards. Heaven.

After our second round of golf at De Zalze we enjoyed lunch on a terrace at the Kleine Zalze Restaurant located just down the road from the course. Not only was the food and wine delicious, but as found during our entire stay—dining out is incredibly inexpensive and the food quality top-notch. Not once did we have a bad meal.

My birthday was spent golfing at Paarl Golf Club where we paired up with a nice German couple living in Norway followed by a late lunch at Stoep, located on the Laborie Estate where we sat on a patio overlooking their hillside vineyard. It was a sweltering day and the misting cool water from above our table was welcomed. It was my very first birthday wearing a sleeveless dress and dining al fresco.

Wine tasting with a view

A local freelancer I work with recommended we visit Remhoogte Wine Estate owned by his friend’s family and located in Stellenbosch.

On the Saturday morning before our departure, I suggested to Ralph that we pop in to see the winery and buy a bottle to try later that evening. Upon our arrival, a very welcoming lady behind the tasting bar asked us if we’d like to taste their wines, in a way one could not refuse.

We were seated outside on their terrace, facing a panoramic view of sweeping hills, vineyards, mountains, springboks, wildebeests and zebras! For the next hour we tasted their wines, each presented by the host with intriguing information and vineyard history. The sun was shining, there was a gentle breeze, and one of the owner’s dogs perched himself up on the ledge and watched over us. All of this before noon! At least there was another couple at a table beside us also engaging in this hedonistic act.

A culinary finish

After a morning of wine tasting, we were in desperate need of lunch.

We planned to tour and lunch in the hills of Franshhoek. I researched restaurants ahead of time and decided on the Chefs Warehouse at Maison as I liked their philosophy of using local farm ingredients. We were seated outside in their garden at a long rustic picnic table with more views of vines.

It turned out to be the best lunch we’ve ever had.

Not only is the food farm to table—the farm is literally all around and under your table with chickens not shy to come close and peck your legs. We began with an appetizer of oysters and had the tapas for two that explored themes of garden, sea, street, and family. You can read what we ate here. Every morsal was out of this world and nearly too beautiful to eat. If we weren’t dining in public, I would have licked each plate clean.

It was the most expensive meal we had on our trip but still less then what we could comparability have in Germany. I would describe it as more than a meal: it was a mesmerizing culinary experience, leaving you bewildered at how incredible food could taste.

Until next time

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Cape Town, particularly Cape WineLands. It was a playground for all the things Ralph and I love to do, while surrounded by incredibly hospitable people. Best of all—everyone spoke English! I could honestly see myself living there.

On our last day, the gas attendant filling up our rental car was clearly hectic trying to service a long lineup. But as he washed our windshield, he paused and broke into a smile asking, “Are we having a good day?”

Thank you, Mother City.