Villiera Wine Estate

Jacqui and I have been so busy regarding buying and selling homes that my blog has had to take a break for a while. However, on Friday 2 June 2017 we decided to do something completely different, and it's turned out to be worth my first blog post of 2017!

The occasion was a game drive and wine tasting at the beautiful Villiera Wine Estate in Koelenhof (click here for directions). It really was a delightful experience, starting off with information from and a booking with the very helpful Hannelie, a two-hour game drive with the extremely knowledgeable and informative Guillame, and a thirst-quenching finish with an equally knowledgeable and informative Daniel in the tasting room. The cost of the drive is R220 per person, and it includes the tasting.

Our drive started at 09h00 and I must say that the drive up the beautiful Autumn avenue and the view from the parking area set the tone for the day. This is just one of the views from the parking area:

The game reserve is set on 220 hectares,and while there are no predators in the reserve, there is an abundance of birds and antelope. Here are some of my favourite images from the day:

Eland

Young eland (foreground)

Burchell's zebra

Springbok front row? Normal, white, and black varieties.

Table Mountain backdrop

Blue crane

My final two images are of a Bontebok and then two giraffes caught in unusual poses:

Turn around a give us a smile!

Siamese twins giraffe?

After the drive we went back to the tasting room and were treated to tastes (decent-size tastes) of four different bubblies. Two were from their vineyard in France, and two of the local variety. Our favourite was the Villiera Tradition Rosé Brut, and six bottles found their way home with us!

I should also mention that by joining their wine club (quick and painless), you receive 10% off all wine purchases!

We will be back.