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The
Flying Gourmet Visits South Africa's Cape Wine Country
 In
1955, Air Highways of the World's editorial group launched
our sister publication, Africa Travel Magazine, in
partnership with the Africa Travel Association (ATA), based
in New York, NY, with chapters in USA , Canada, and Africa.
Its Board of Directors is one of the most knowledgeable in
the travel tourism indusry, and features several African
Tourism Ministers including its President. Through this
life-enriching experience we've learned a great deal and
written volumes about the fascinating African continent, its
history, customs and people. Our seven year old magazine has
been an outstanding success since day one, and it is now
available by subscription on our
ATA web site.
On a recent trip hosted by ATA and South African Tourism, we
enjoyed an extensive tour of the wine growing area
surrounding historic Cape Town. There will be much more
about that trip to come in our next printed edition.
Editor
 Here
is some background information on South Africa's wine
country courtesy of our hosts. South Africa's vintages are
among the world's best. Some specialties include lovely
Chardonnays, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cinsault, Riesling,
Shiraz,Sauvignon Blanc, Caberbet Sauvignon and Pinotage
varietals. You will find that one of the most pleasant ways
to enjoy South African wine is on a visit to the scenic
wineland of the Western Cape. Few places in the world are as
stunning as these lush valleys. Towering mountains are a
dramatic backdrop for the rows of grapevines and giant oaks.
Take a leisurely drive through one of the many wine routes
just minutes out of Cape Town. Winemakers welcome you for
cellar tours and tastings. You will see historic wine towns
graced with lovely Cape Dutch and Victorian buildings,
charming guest houses, top-notch restaurants and interesting
museums and shops.
The
Constantia wine route is popular for both beauty and
historical significance. Established more than 300 years ago
Groot Constantia is a superb example of a Cape Dutch manor
house. Visit the picturesque wine route of Franschoek, or
"French Corner", also rich in history. In 1688 the French
Huguenots developed the area, contributing their knowledge
of wine-making. Here you will enjoy wine cellar tours,
gourmet restaurants and upscale accommodations. A cluster of
wineries surrounds the historic university town of
Stellenbosh, the second-oldest European settlement in South
Africa and an architectural gem.
You
will marvel at the well-preserved Cape Dutch, Georgian,
Victorian and Regency buildings, many of which are national
monuments. Enjoy a drive down the oak-shaded Main Street of
Paarl, a winelands town with tine Cape Dutch buildings. This
Bergriver Valley wine route features historic museums, find
restaurants and a nature reserve. Other routes include
Durbanville, nestled on the slopes of the Tygerberg Hills,
and compact Wellington - both distinguished by award-winning
wines. The Worcester route is located in the beautiful
Breede River Valley. Be sure to see numerous tourist
attractions and breathtaking scenery on the Swartland
route.
Above item
and photos courtesy of South African Tourism. If you want to
contribute an item to this column on line and in print send
it to "The Flying Gourmet" at africa@dowco.com
....Our
Flying
Gourmet
continues with a feature on
... Airline food and one of Canada's original
caterers.
.More
on food from GourmetSpot (www.gourmetspot.com).
The site includes recipes for foods and beverages,
restaurant guides and
information about the various tools used in the
kitchen.
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