Our weekend starts at Wildekrans Country House, a historical Cape Dutch homestead at the foot of Houw Hoek Mountains. Owner Alison Green and her architect husband, Barry Gould, moved here from Johannesburg in 1999, after Alison’s father gave her the property as an early inheritance.
We set out for a walk in Kogelberg Nature Reserve with our guide, Patrick Mapanje, whose vast knowledge of the fynbos habitat is astounding. We see so many protea species that it’s hard to keep count.
It’s worth exploring the Kogelberg area on foot. Two slack-packing trails include Wildekrans on the itinerary: the 60km Green Mountain Trail and the 50km Blue Mountain Trail. They combine guided hiking – carrying only a daypack – with comfortable accommodation, home-cooked meals and top-notch wines, which the Elgin Valley has become known for.
After I’ve had a refreshing swim, Alison opens A Simple Red, a 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend that Barry made himself in his kitchen.
In the morning, a scenic drive via Viljoenshoop Road brings us to Almenkerk Wine Estate, where friendly staff greet us at the modern tasting room. This family-owned estate is a partnership between husband and wife Joris and Natalie van Almenkerk. The Belgian/Dutch Van Almenkerk family bought the farm in 2004 and bottled their first wine in 2009. Through trial and error, 11 years later they have become one of the top wine producers in the region. This, Natalie says, is mainly thanks to her husband’s determination to learn more about winemaking and the chemistry behind it. We search for him in the cellar, where he suddenly appears, whooshing down a fireman’s pole from the office on the first floor.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'DESIRE IS NOT WHAT MATTERS'
Emily Nagoski wrote the book on women and desire - literally. And then her own sex life dried up. Here's what a prolonged sex drought (and a load of research) taught her about maintaining intimacy in a long-term relationship.
'We have to tell HARD STORIES'
Theatre director and playwright Yaël Farber is spending time in South Africa after her critically acclaimed run of King Lear at the Almeida Theatre in London. We chatted to her about the importance of the pursuit of truth.
THE WHY, THE WHICH & the wardrobe
We really got into it this month! Read on for more on the allure of a loosey-goosey jumpsuit, vintage-hunting and jingle-jangling jewellery, the best places to find quality African design and short-girl styling tips.
LIFT your GAME
Thought weightlifting was just for bodybuilders and powerlifters? Not so. In fact, 'lifting heavy shit' may be the secret to longevity, hormone regulation and mood for women through perimenopause and beyond.
TREATMENT PLAN ON YOUR MARKS
Armed with a six-month programme from Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates, Jennifer Morin set about tackling her sun damage and melasma.
PLAYING YOUR CARDS RIGHT
Here's how to get the most out of loyalty cards.
BIG SKY Country
Namibia. Twelve friends, five vehicles, 4000 km, thirteen days. Eight punctures, one angle grinder. One martial eagle, one full moon, one ghost town. Plenty of top-quality braais, maybe not quite enough oysters... and the best time ever.
IS YOUR HOME MAKING YOU SICK?
Leaks, damp and poor ventilation in old or poorly built new homes are being fingered for a growing health concern: mould.
HOW TO REALLY GET TO KNOW SOMEONE
The Korean word 'nunchi' describes 'the ability to be sensitive to other people's moods and thoughts'. It's an underrated skill that we seem to have lost.
How to write a memoir
Whether you want to share your experiences and insights with the world, leave a legacy or track pivotal experiences for yourself, writing your memoir can be a grand and worthwhile adventure. Here's some advice on how and where to begin.
