After my first ever helicopter ride – I'd had a few drinks to steady the nerves – we joined the party. It seemed to impress the wine producers that we invited them to a little party we arranged high up above Stellenbosch at Hidden Valley (next to Ernie Els' vineyard).
They all brought their wines and we tasted through. Ken Forrester, Oliver 'The Grinder' Kirsten, Zakkie (Riebeek), Wilhelm Pienaar from Nederburg, Samantha and dancing Ernie from Mont Destin, Conrad and Caroline from First Sighting and others. Everyone commenting on each others wines. Very friendly competitive spirit. No fights. A buffet. By one of the best chefs in the Cape; Bertus Basson, and some lovely singing (Amazink). Got all the gossip. Learnt of good things. Nice crowd. They left saying they were going to go and cut down
"thet blurdy Austrillian Blue Gum tree" which was dominating the view from the terrace. Don't think they were serious. But to wind up South African winemakers just praise Aussie wines.
This morning up early on Helderberg Mountain with the formidable Alfrieda (after whom Spier have named their new Fair Trade wines) and her troops. Vineyards are being planted higher and higher but this is I think the highest. Gives more fruit character on the old granite. Terrific views of Table Mountain right down to Cape Point
After photos and discussions we got to meet the cheetahs they are trying to save at Spier. Then set off through the spectacular mountains and across the desert for a couple hours to Robertson.
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