Column: to the Cape winter: a go or no go?!

Bregje van Weezel (48) lives with her family in Cape Town, South Africa. She writes about her experiences in the colourful but also complex country. In this column, she shares her enthusiasm and knowledge about the South African wine industry. Her stories are neither too dry nor too heavy and this column is entirely on her (wine) mind. If you would like to read more about everything she likes in South Africa, you can follow Bregje on Instragram @vin_ik_leuk
Image: Pexels

South Africa is a popular holiday destination especially during the Dutch winter. On the other side of the world, so then right summer. But what is the Cape winter like? Is visiting the wine countries during the Dutch summer holidays also an option? I explored the wonder of winter wine countries.

Snollebolleke

From June to August, it is winter in the Cape. The vines are dormant then and it is the quietest time of the year. The swallows are gone, schools are on holiday and it is the time when restaurants and wineries close their doors for a few weeks.

In terms of weather, it can be quite stormy. The Cape is not known as the Cape of Storms for nothing. Cold fronts move over and are accompanied by buckets of rain, gusting winds and freezing temperatures. The South Pole comes to say hello. Such a cold front is the upper part of a cyclone, originating in the Atlantic and moving from left to right. Kind of like Snollebolleke, then, but less cosy. Consequences such as road closures, mudslides and flooded areas are not things that normally help increase holiday cheer.

Rookies

Cape winter certainly has its charms too. There are beautifully clear days in between with those distinctive blue skies, making the waterfalls and white snow-covered mountain peaks stand out even more. It is quiet, so you will always have room at the most popular restaurants, which are precisely when they have interesting winter offers. At this time, the new wines come out. In other words, this is the perfect time to go taste the rookies at the wineries. Cosy by the fireplace, with a platter, for example. That is a platter full of different cheeses, biltong etc. Especially at the winery Babylonstoren, they know how to do that. A wine tasting with such a platter and then a visit to the interactive wine museum "Story of Wine" is an ideal activity for when the weather gods are less cooperative. Our children loved it, although of course they are quite hereditary.

Sleep

Ideally, after all that tasting, there are also wineries where you can stay overnight. For example, at Holden Manz, which is beautifully located in the middle of the vineyards. The typical Cape Dutch-style Manor House actually looks like an art gallery inside. To be explained because of the couple, Holden looks after the wine and Manz runs a visit-worthy gallery in Franschhoek. Different but just as stylish is La Petit Ferme. There you are not only treated to great views over the valley with comfortable rooms, you also have a delicious meal in the accompanying restaurant. No need to leave the door at all. The same goes for the delicious Suites at Jordan in Stellenbosch or at Grande Roche in Paarl and at the traditional Basse at Rickety Bridge in Fransschoek, there is even its own tasting room for children.

Chattering teeth

If you prefer a B&B, with or without love, staying at a guesthouse in the middle of Fransschoek or Stellenbosch is also recommended. The specially made-to-order "brekkies" are second to none and an ideal base for the rest of the day. Read before wine tasting. Remember, most houses here are barely insulated and do not have central heating, so do inquire in advance if your accommodation has a fireplace or at least air-conditioning with standby heating. Otherwise, it's chattering teeth after sunset. I am a fan of the stylish Le Petit Paris in and the customer-friendly Fleur du Soleil in Fransschoek. At the classic Evergreen Manor and the very well-kept Bonne Esperance in Stellenbosch, you imagine yourself in other classic times. All fine places when you go for cheese fondue at the Delheim winery, for example, or visit the Bastille festival in Fransschoek.

Or well, there is plenty to do in the Cape winter, but you must not be a cold-hearted person. You have to drink heavily to get warm.