Cape Winelands

On Saturday, we went to the Cape Winelands of Stellenbosch and Franschoek. We were a group of sox squeezed rather comfortably into a Peugeot (including one in a spacey trunk - it was a hatchback).
The drive out is very nice. The whole day we commented that it looked like Napa meets the Sierras. The vineyard sceneries enclosed by towering mountains. Two wineries in Stellenbosch. First was Dornier. We sat at a table indoors. The wine was not great, but it was in a nice building surrounded by nice scenery.
Next was Rust en Vrede. We sat outside at a round table in the trees just outside their cellars. The wine was tasty and the environment was enjoyable. Both the Cab and Shiraz were good.
Then we crossed into Franschoek and got food at Essence. A few quick yummy sandwiches and we were off.
Unfortunately Boekenhoutskloof is closed on the weekends. (Seriously?) Up next was the disappointing Chamonix. The tasting room was a bit dark not taking advantage of the scenery and their wine was not that good - at least according to our group.
The last place was Grand Provence. The winery is very nice - a sprawling modern/classic mix complex with an art gallery, restaurant, and tasting room. Also has a very nice courtyard. The wines themselves were quite delicious as well. Both their cab and estate blend of cab and Merlot have a minty hint, owing to the eucalyptus trees grown by the fields as windbreaks.
After wine was time for dinner at Le Quartier Français. We ate at the more casual (but still quite elegant) iÇi becase the more formal Tasting Room was fully booked. The food was all good. I particularly enjoyed the mussels for apppetizers and my pork belly main course.
Then we went home to watch the exciting but ultimately disappointing USA game. Today we took Dennis to the airport and then drove down to Hermanus, then back for a quick stroll in the Company's Gardens where of course, I got pooped on by a bird. For those keeping track at home, that's Mountain View, Los Angeles, Hawaii, Venice, and now Cape Town. After popping back home to wash it off, we had afternoon tea at the Hotel Mount Nelson. Good food (although get your own buffet style is different for tea, but does let you gorge yourself - for better or worse) and the conservatory and veranda both provide a scenic place to take tea.
At 165R per person, it's about half the price of Victoria's Empress Hotel.
Then airport and flight to Durban.