Franschhoek

The Franschhoek valley is a gorgeous slice of southern Africa. The last elephant was seen leaving the valley is 1850, and if you didn't know you were on this continent, you'd swear you were in Provence or northern California. We toured 2 vineyards. The first was Boschendal, a large centuries-old winery with many low buildings more than 150 years old, converted to tasting rooms, restaurants, and production facilities. The tasting of 5 varietal wines occurred outdoors, on a sunny breezy day surrounded by lawns and plantings. We then drove to the other side of the vineyard where a large garden party (pris fixe) was in progress (Easter Monday is a national holiday); we had a lovely simple lunch at the alternative spot of salad with bacon and cashews, and fish and duck pate with brown bread.
We then visited the Graham Beck vineyard, which was the exact opposite to the ancient flavor of Boschendal. The Beck facility was spacious, also, but modern, studded with garden sculptures, and a lovely tapestry in the main hall. We tasted a very nice Portage there, which we had at dinner, at iCi, one of the restaurants at Quartier Francais, which produced the best dinner of our 3 month stay in Africa!
Tomorrow, it's back to Cape Town airport and then return to Gaborone via Johannesburg. Five more days of work, and then back home. This visit to South Africa was an excellent way to make that transition to familiar surroundings.