TRAVEL

Vintage 

We’ve had two road trips in recent weeks, both to big wine events.

The first trip took us to Simonsig Wine Estate, a family-owned farm, the home of Kaapse Vonkel, South Africaʼs Méthode Cap Classique, which was first made over 50 years ago.

After the Cape Classique Affair event, and sampling many of South Africa’s finest MCCs, we were taken to our lodge.

We realised as we arrived that we had stayed there 20 years ago. That was also a birthday celebration. Of course so much has changed; different owners and some more fancy finishes. But the old vine remains.

A few weeks on, we found ourselves on another road trip, to another wine festival, this time showcasing the wines of the stunning Helderberg region.

Helderberg Fresh was held at Vergelegen, a fine, old wine estate, with history dating back to 1700.

Back then…

“it took three days by ox-wagon to reach Willem Adriaan’s farm on the slopes of the Hottentots Holland mountain range overlooking the Atlantic Ocean; hence its name ‘Vergelegen’, meaning ‘situated far away” (Vergelegen site)

We didn’t travel by ox cart.

But we did marvel at the history of this beautiful, old wine estate and it’s stunning, ancient camphor trees.

Afterwards we stayed at a small B&B nearby. We were met at the gate and shown to our room and stoep.

We were given a key and we exchanged a bit of chit chat.

No remote check ins. No code sent by SMS. An old school welcome.

The next day was similar.

We travelled on to an eco camp in the Overberg region. Our self catering unit had been pre-paid and we half expected to find a key in the door.

But our host followed us from the main gate in his Jeep, overtook, then motioned to pull over at our cabin.

He greeted us, an old fashioned, firm handshake.

An hour or two later the same hands returned bearing gifts; coffee and rusks for breakfast and a jar of olives from a neighbouring farm.

Old school hospitality.

And we took time out like the old days; no TV, no wifi, just time together.

We’re approaching year end and many people will be saying “out with the old, in with the new” as we prepare to welcome a new year.

But before then, let’s take a moment to appreciate some good things that are old. I’m with -Goldsmith

“I love everything that’s old: old friends, old times, old manners, old books, old wine.”

We’re getting ready for the festive season.

The tree itself is old, a piece of Mother City history.

“The Beach Hut Trust is working to protect, preserve and promote Cape Town’s most iconic man-made structures, its beach huts. The Beach Huts of Cape Town have been around since the late 1800s”.

These Christmas trees were made from old pieces of wood from the beach huts that couldn’t be restored, in turn raising funds for the repair of other ones.

Carefully found ‘thrift gifts’ are under the tree, with the money spent going to charity stores. The presents are wrapped in old, Afrikaans newspaper.

We’re looking ahead to spending Christmas with old friends, sharing some old school Christmas traditions as well as some vintage wines.

How’s your festive season looking? Do you have some old traditions in your home, for this time of year?

© Maggie M / Mother City Time