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Stellenbosch/Paarl visit

PostPosted: Sun Nov 04, 2012 4:08 pm
by Dave Erickson
I'm going to be in Cape Town, late January early February. It's been a dozen years since my last visit, and I'm looking for recommendations. What's the latest out of Stellenbosch and the Paarl? Who should I visit? Other areas with reach of Cape Town worth a visit?

Re: Stellenbosch/Paarl visit

PostPosted: Sun Nov 04, 2012 5:20 pm
by Bob Parsons Alberta
Will email pal Keith Protheroe of UK board fame for you. He lives in area for 6 months of the year. Peter May might show up here, he is very good on the area I think.

Re: Stellenbosch/Paarl visit

PostPosted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 10:35 am
by Bruce K
Dave Erickson wrote:I'm going to be in Cape Town, late January early February. It's been a dozen years since my last visit, and I'm looking for recommendations. What's the latest out of Stellenbosch and the Paarl? Who should I visit? Other areas with reach of Cape Town worth a visit?


Since you've been there before, you may have already done something like this, but I loved the drive down to the Cape of Good Hope, stopping at Groot Constantia on the way down and Simons Town (for the penguins) on the way back.

We didn't wind up doing this, but I've heard great things about Hermanus/Walker Bay, too -- a bit farther drive, but I like the wines I've had from the region and the whale watching is supposed to be spectacular -- if it's the right time of year for it.

Re: Stellenbosch/Paarl visit

PostPosted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 11:22 am
by Bob Parsons Alberta
Dave, I heard from Keith, PM just sent to you.

Perhaps check this out, some very nice reds a la Sarah Ahmed.

http://www.thewinedetective.co.uk/blog/ ... -in-focus/

Bob.

Re: Stellenbosch/Paarl visit

PostPosted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 12:02 pm
by Dave Erickson
Bruce K wrote:
Dave Erickson wrote:I'm going to be in Cape Town, late January early February. It's been a dozen years since my last visit, and I'm looking for recommendations. What's the latest out of Stellenbosch and the Paarl? Who should I visit? Other areas with reach of Cape Town worth a visit?


Since you've been there before, you may have already done something like this, but I loved the drive down to the Cape of Good Hope, stopping at Groot Constantia on the way down and Simons Town (for the penguins) on the way back.

We didn't wind up doing this, but I've heard great things about Hermanus/Walker Bay, too -- a bit farther drive, but I like the wines I've had from the region and the whale watching is supposed to be spectacular -- if it's the right time of year for it.


Funny, I did exactly that 12 years ago. Groot Constantia is a gorgeous property, and a restaurant in Simons Town provided my introduction to Southern Right sauvignon blanc.

Re: Stellenbosch/Paarl visit

PostPosted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 12:20 pm
by Bruce K
Dave Erickson wrote:Funny, I did exactly that 12 years ago. Groot Constantia is a gorgeous property, and a restaurant in Simons Town provided my introduction to Southern Right sauvignon blanc.


Great minds... And agreed on all fronts.

I especially like Southern Right's Pinotage -- which is easily the best version of that grape I've ever had. I believe the winery's in the Walker Bay area, which might be incentive to travel there.

Re: Stellenbosch/Paarl visit

PostPosted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 10:02 pm
by Peter May
Dave Erickson wrote:I'm going to be in Cape Town, late January early February. It's been a dozen years since my last visit,


You see tremendous change since your last visit and a huge difference in the quality of wines.

There's much more focus on visitors, upgraded facilities and many many more wineries. OTOH traffic congestion is much worse and a journey that took 45 minutes back then can be double now.

Get the latest Platter and - using your previous experience - narrow down your interests.

Re: Stellenbosch/Paarl visit

PostPosted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 10:34 pm
by Bob Parsons Alberta
Mullineux is producing some lovely wines so should be on your list! If you scroll down Jamie`s list, there are some other wineries of not mentioned.

http://www.wineanorak.com/southafrica/s ... lineux.htm

Re: Stellenbosch/Paarl visit

PostPosted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 11:03 pm
by Peter May
Bob Parsons Alberta wrote:Mullineux is producing some lovely wines so should be on your list!


Bob, which ones have you had that you recommend?

Re: Stellenbosch/Paarl visit

PostPosted: Tue Nov 06, 2012 2:07 am
by John S
I agree with Peter's comments. The region is very different now, much more focused on wine tourism. I was there in 2003 and 2011. It isn't Napa-like, yet, although in some places is heading that way (especially in Franchoek), with some pretty spectacular buildings. Delaire is quite a building, but I didn't love the wines. Tokara is another impressive place, but with much better wines. Their Director's Reserve white is always impressive and good QPR. Chamonix is a nice winery to visit as well - nice wines.

Getting the latest Platter guide and giving it a good read is really useful. The 2013 edition just came out. There are so many wineries it's hard to provide specific recommendations without knowing more about what you are looking for. Vergelegen is a must, I think. I really enjoyed the Walker Bay (Hermanus) area. Great wineries and great scenery. Newton Johnson and Hamilton Russell are two top wineries in that region.

Re: Stellenbosch/Paarl visit

PostPosted: Tue Nov 06, 2012 3:07 am
by Bob Parsons Alberta
Peter May wrote:
Bob Parsons Alberta wrote:Mullineux is producing some lovely wines so should be on your list!


Bob, which ones have you had that you recommend?


2008 Mullineux White.
2009 Kloof St Red.
2009 Syrah.

Re: Stellenbosch/Paarl visit

PostPosted: Tue Nov 06, 2012 11:03 am
by Dave Erickson