A weekend in Franschhoek

Franschhoek

Friends got married at Moreson Wine Estate last weekend so we used this as a good excuse to spend the weekend in Franschhoek.  It was a lunch time wedding and we live in Cape Town, so strictly speaking two nights in Franschhoek was not really necessary but then again, it’s Franschhoek and it’s always a treat to spend time in this beautiful town!

We arrived on Friday evening and there is something quite special about driving through the valley as the sun is setting.  We really do live in a country with the most breathtaking scenery … Continued

more photographs of Tulbagh …

If our recent spread (Tulbagh articles and photographs) haven’t quite convinced you yet that Tulbagh should be on your list of towns to visit whilst travelling through the Cape’s magnificent Winelands, here are a few more photographs of this charming village to get you in the mood … Continued

A Place to Dream in Tulbagh …

Dreamcatcher

On the edge of Tulbagh, shortly after passing along its bustling Main Road to where a rather imposing NG church sits overlooking the valley, there is an unobtrusive row of bluegum trees.

Just beyond this is the Bloekombossie restaurant – a rather quirky looking eatery that promises delicious teas and meals, complete with a curious cob house and thatched rondavel outback. Behind this lies Dreamcatcher cottage – quiet, peaceful and inviting, its attractive façade facing the Winterhoek range of mountains – the view captured from two of the three bedrooms … Continued

Moniki Chocolatier – an outing in Tulbagh to remember!

Moniki Chocolatier

Don’t expect to find Moniki Chocolatier, on the outskirts of Tulbagh, easily. In hindsight, after much muttering about the derth of clearly marked signs, I realise that the rickety, wooden, handmade signage that changes without warning, from green, to purple as you enter Schoonderzicht Farm, are probably just part of the charm of what was by far my favourite stop whilst staying in Tulbagh.

The ride out here is well worth it. From the edge of town the scenery begins to improve as one heads closer to the Witzenberg Mountains, against which Schoonderzicht Farm, the home of Moniki Chocolaterie, rests. Continued

Tulbagh and its Hidden Secrets

Tulbagh’s allure is immediately obvious. The scenery, which includes the towering peaks of no fewer than three mountain ranges, is jaw-droppingly beautiful, and the obvious seclusion of the horse-shoe shaped valley in which it lies simply adds further appeal to the already gorgeous countryside. But scenery aside, the town’s secrets are well hidden, although it takes but a minor delve beneath the surface to unearth them, as I soon discover … Continued