SHO'T LEFT TO DEVON VALLEY

So when I got the invitation to do the Devon Valley Detour, I searched the map and could only find the Devon Valley Hotel. Finding information on the valley seems near impossible. My life saver on the morning was the GPS system that guided us to the hotel which was our first stop.

As you turn from the main road into Devon Valley Street, it almost feels that you have entered a rural valley, tranquil, serene and these vineyards surrounding you.  We arrived at the hotel and were greeted by staff who directed us to sit in the lounge area. I needed assistance with @warriorwheels as he needed to grab something to eat, but the staff came to my aid and sorted us out. Well done!

A quick coffee to start the day and we left with Devon Valley transport to our first stop which was Stellenbrau, where we would do the craft beer tasting. I believe that craft beer is taking our world by storm and should be watch as a big contender. Their beers are made of the finest barley and for those fearing that you will develop love-handles, no fear as these beers are low in kilojoules it was told to us. My suggestion, try a few and if it does build a waistline, don’t blame me, I am the recipient of the information. Speak to the man who will change craft beer forever. 

The tour takes you along a path of what the entire process is about and if you are a lover of beer or just for information sake, this is worth your while, the taste even better.

 So we tasted, four, i.e. Craven Craft Lager( this beer has a hop bitterness to it with a rich malt taste) , Alumni Ale( this has a strawberry, plum aroma with a bit of a sweet honey taste) Governer's Red Lager( I could taste the rooibos in this beer, yet still the malt that came through)  and Jonkers Weiss( if you like banana, then you are going to enjoy this one) . Let me just add that if you are going to do this tour, you need to have time on your hands. We were rushed as we had made appointments with the various establishments.

Our second stop took us to Middelvlei Wine Estate, belonging to the Momberg Family, who has a generational history of the place. It was buzzing that Saturday with activity as they had tables reserved for parties. Loved the attention to details that they gave each of us.

         

When we got seated at our table, right opposite the outdoor fireplace, you could smell the meat on the braai and the coffee aroma luring you. We sat down and each got a “potbrood” which is a bread roll done over the coals, served with a fish pâté. Thinking back, causes salivation.

   

The tapas are paired with Middelvlei Chardonnay, the second one which is a Biltong and cheese on bread made on the fire are paired with their Pinotage Merlot and their cocktail sosatie with a Free-run Pinotage.  

This is such a family friendly estate and kids will enjoy the animals on the farm. The dogs are so friendly and pet lovers will enjoy this kind of atmosphere. Again I want to emphasize time, as you want to just take in all that surrounds you.

The House of J.C. Le Roux was our next stop and as we entered the building where there was this buzz of excitement in the air. I discovered then that many people hire the venue to have functions, which can be private as well. 

The bubbly’s or Cap Classique and sparkling wines was amazing and coupled with the venue setting, this makes for a beautiful stop for any occasion.  

CLOS MALVERNE, which forms part of the detour, was unable to accommodate us as they had a prior group booking. Since we are at this point, let me take a detour. This tour has to be booked in advance and for each stop over you receive a voucher that has to be handed to the host. The cost is R230 and I think would make an excellent, party with a difference, outing, and year-end function or just to have fun and relax. Bookings can be made at: 021 865 2012 or info@sylvanvale.com www.devonvalleyhotel.com

Our final stop was at the Devon Valley Hotel a serene country setting with striking views over their own vineyards. 

 Within their restaurant there were canapés paired with SylvanVale wines. The latter name was given as the vineyards surround the historic Hotel. What a fantastic way to end off this tour and I felt that by body needed a detour to the bed.

For the price you pay, this is real value for money and getting my groups together to Take a sho’t left detour.  

Thanks to @winelands for arranging the tour. Follow @TravelingMedia for the next adventure and let me know @d7events , whether you are joining me on a detour. 

WEST COAST - PIECES OF JEWELS

Westcoast has my attention and there is this strong pull to explore more of the area where the Khoi and San wandered many years ago. Weekend getaways are not my favourite as it is so short, but it helps to take those breaks. So it was really a short Friday as I went to work and then headed off to Club Mykonos which is located on the shores of Langebaan Lagoon.

Club Mykonos is what I call little Greek Island, a resort with accommodation for all. You can choose from a variety of self-catering accommodation, which is called Kalivas or apartments. Some has astounding views of the Langebaan lagoon, while others offer views of tidal pools with great landscapes.

Each one comes with a kitchen, equipped with all essentials; open plan lounge and dining area, sleeper couch, before you open it ask room service to assist you. Two single beds in the first bedroom, en-suite bathroom with bath/shower, second bedroom has a double bed en-suite bathroom with bath/shower, all supplied with bedding. Within the lounge area there are a flat screen television set and sliding doors leading to the braai area.  

Do you want to play, relax or rejuvenate; there is a piece for each family member to do. Play a game of tennis, putt-putt / mini-golf, go sailing around the lagoon, get a beer or have an enjoyable meal, it’s all in place under the sun. Chester the Donkey is around to entertain your kids on his back, or spend your money and in some case make money at the casino. 

There is a health and leisure centre indoors, with a warm swimming pool, don’t forget to bring your swimming cap along, no person can get into pool unless you have it. They do sell caps if you forget so not to worry. At reception within the centre you can make bookings for the Jacuzzi. 

One of the things I enjoyed was walking along the beach and making my way to the waterfront where I sat at the restaurant while listening to some great entertainment, sipping on my Mojo Jam Jar. Saturday night was about chilling around the braai. 

I was privilege to be invited by Carmen Lerm to the Hopefield Fynbos annual wild flower show at the local sports club. 

This is a small town and the oldest on the Westcoast, previously used as the entry into this region. The drive from Langebaan took around 30 minutes to get there, including the road works. I arrived there late afternoon and ran out of time to explore the rest the town has to offer.

 Loved this beautiful steeple that gazes over the entire town. Just so striking. 

Upon entering there were various activities, from entertainment, food, music etc. An undercover area provided visitors the opportunity to view the arts and crafts displayed. 

 

I loved the social investment that the show offered to a youth organization, called Hope Farm. They represent youth that have been struggling with drugs and getting the opportunity to heal. 

They were very innovative with their items exhibited. This was a very inspiring moment for me. 

The actual flower show is in a separate venue where there was a display of various species of fynbos indigenous to the region; it looks like you are actually walking in the veld. For any horticulturist visiting this is a dream world. 

One of the organizers of the event, Ulrich Donaggi informed me that each of the plants is carefully and authentically arranged as in its original habitat. I just felt that more emphasis should have been on the show itself and that there should have been somebody that directed people from the gate to the venue or ambassadors should have been placed at the entrance to navigate the activities for this important part of the festival. I would however like to commend the organizers for the emphasis they place on sustainability for future generations. 

Here are some of the places next on my list. Follow me on twitter: @D7events or instagram: _KeithEdwards_

Looking forward to your comments and hope you get to visit this beautiful part of our country. 

FASHION TOURISM- MARIE CLAIRE TRUNK SHOW - PART TWO

                    SOS FASHION TOURISM, is this the call I hear? 

 Is this industry in Africa in trouble? With the influx of cheap produced garments and South Africans being swayed by price, I wonder how tourism can support the industry. Marie-Claire showed me how it can be done. 

 The economic times we face calls on Ubuntu, and collectively we must try to support where we can.

Check whether what David Thale says and how this makes you feel: "This industry is about the survival of the fittest. It's evolved over the past 20 years: there was a time when people used to be willing to spend thousands on couture, but they now consider their purchases more carefully. That's forced many designers into ready-to-wear; we've had to create diffusion lines serving different markets. The runway is no longer about frills but about how wearable a garment is its finishes and quality. This is also what's forced many designers to downsize their studios."

Share thoughts and let’s engage on this matter. 

Hopefully we will see more people supporting these shows, the added value of local entertainment and great food adds such flavour. 

Lets show the world that we can stand together on all fronts. Lets make Cape Town the next Fashion Capital! They did and so did many others! VIVA!