What are you looking for when you plan a holiday abroad? Do you seek out unique experiences, to taste local culture and meet artisan food makers? Are you creating memories for your rocking chair?
If you answered YES to any of the above, chances are Cape Town is high on your travel bucket list! You’ve seen photos of fans blasting vuvuzela during the 2010 World Cup; magnificent backdrop of Table Mountain in the skyline; or read about the latest design innovations through World Design Capital 2014.
Having lived in this gorgeous city for almost 4 years now, I am still mesmerized by its natural beauty every day. In the Spring, the city wakes up to sunshine gently creeping over Devil’s Peak. Alive with urban commuters, you will find people getting to work on their bikes, public buses and trains, or just walking down Kloof street. Artisan eateries and cafes have taken over the foodie scene and now dots every corner. But what do Capetonians hold most dearly?
The wines, of course!
As one of the world’s top ten wine producing countries and more than 500 wine farms offering tasting daily, you can bet we take full advantage of this delicious bounty! For a beginner, I was quite intimidated by the idea of wine tasting. As most of the wine award and competitions I have come across were judged by “wine critics”, who could pick up notes of exotic flowers and spices that I have rarely heard of! Until I learned about Klink Awards – an award that celebrates wine experience in its entirety and winners are chosen by public voting. When you vote for your favourite wine experiences, you will automatically be entered into Klink’s weekly draws for great prizes! Wouldn’t you like to get your hands on Groot Constantia’s Chocolate & Wine pairing or a ride on a City Sightseeing Wine Bus?
Check out all 16 quirky categories ranging from “Spoil Me” award for best accommodation, “Heritage” award for warmest country welcome, and “Tread Gently” award for green, planet-friendly farming practices!
This year marks the third annual Klink Awards, and I got to explore Constantia wine valley on a fun-filled afternoon: think wine buses, a 329-year old wine estate, and an outdoor food and wine festival! For Capetonians, Constantia wine route is a gem that we treasure. Barely 30min drive from the city center, Constantia wines have been tantalizing poets, explorers and kings since founding. To the extent that Napoleon refused everything offered to him on his deathbed, but a glass of Groot Constantia wine… You can even join Groot Constantia’s FREE wine club and enjoy free tastings!
Now, what is the best way to explore Constantia?
Start your day at Groot Constantia, follow this map or type in GPS coordinates: 34 01’ 37,03” S 18 25’ 28,84” E to your trusty GPS guide.
What if none of your mates offer to be the designated driver?
Hop on a red double decker bus! Yup, City Sightseeing have extended their tours to include a Wine Tour route (a nominee in Klink’s “Wild Card” award) with three wine stops: Beau Constantia Wine Estate, Groot Constantia Wine Estate and Eagles’ Nest Wine Farm. Jump aboard the first bus and you will be sipping on a cool glass of Groot Constantia Chardonnay 2012 (Veritas Gold) by 10:30am. I love the Cape Malay infused cuisine at Jonkershuis Restaurant, a historic farmhouse transformed into a rustic bistro. For a lazy afternoon, order a picnic and spread your blankets by the majestic Manor House and Cloete Cellar – I dare you to dip your feet in the cool pond!
Are you ready to explore your city?
Gather your friends, pack your shades and start traveling! Don’t forget to VOTE for your favourites at Klink Awards and sign-up for Groot Constantia newsletter for more goodies!
Written by Lisa Huang
About Lisa:
Lisa Huang is a travel addict turned food entrepreneur, she believes that food is the common language we all speak and a catalyst for change. As a Third Culture Kid (TCK), Lisa has lived in Taiwan, Singapore, China, United States, Peru, Costa Rica, and now South Africa. Since 2012, she has become a proud Cape Townian and can now decipher the local time warp of now, now now, just now!