Our weekend starts at Wildekrans Country House, a historical Cape Dutch homestead at the foot of Houw Hoek Mountains. Owner Alison Green and her architect husband, Barry Gould, moved here from Johannesburg in 1999, after Alison’s father gave her the property as an early inheritance.
We set out for a walk in Kogelberg Nature Reserve with our guide, Patrick Mapanje, whose vast knowledge of the fynbos habitat is astounding. We see so many protea species that it’s hard to keep count.
It’s worth exploring the Kogelberg area on foot. Two slack-packing trails include Wildekrans on the itinerary: the 60km Green Mountain Trail and the 50km Blue Mountain Trail. They combine guided hiking – carrying only a daypack – with comfortable accommodation, home-cooked meals and top-notch wines, which the Elgin Valley has become known for.
After I’ve had a refreshing swim, Alison opens A Simple Red, a 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend that Barry made himself in his kitchen.
In the morning, a scenic drive via Viljoenshoop Road brings us to Almenkerk Wine Estate, where friendly staff greet us at the modern tasting room. This family-owned estate is a partnership between husband and wife Joris and Natalie van Almenkerk. The Belgian/Dutch Van Almenkerk family bought the farm in 2004 and bottled their first wine in 2009. Through trial and error, 11 years later they have become one of the top wine producers in the region. This, Natalie says, is mainly thanks to her husband’s determination to learn more about winemaking and the chemistry behind it. We search for him in the cellar, where he suddenly appears, whooshing down a fireman’s pole from the office on the first floor.
This story is from the May/June 2021 edition of Fairlady.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May/June 2021 edition of Fairlady.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Easter with edge
Grant knows what it's like to miss out on the celebrations that anchor family life.
The MALE bias
Historically, medical studies were mainly done on male mice and on men; and then extrapolated to treat women, as if a female body were just a smaller version of a male one. Here’s why that doesn’t make sense, and how to work with your body’s natural rhythm for better health.
Wellbeing
How to sleep better, feel better and look better!
The other type of CHEATING
Lies about money can have devastating consequences in a relationship.
THE 'PEST' IN PESTICIDES
oe r Despite many highly Hs hazardous pesticides being banned in their countries of origin, 192 of them are still legally exported to South Africa
START A BUSINESS LIKE a Saffer
There's nothing quite like a South African entrepreneur. In the face of adversity, they innovate and persevere. But what fuels that determination? We chatted to some self-starters to find out.
How to take the MONOTONY OUT OF MONOGAMY
It's easy to get complacent in a long-term relationship. Before you know it, your partner is little more than your roommate. Here's how to shake things up.
SUPER TROUPER
At one point, Josie Borain was the most famous model in the world. Her face was on every magazine that mattered. And in the madness of all that attention, she never lost her sense of self. She talks to us about turning 60, being single, and starting her third act with a move to the platteland.
Little wonder
Over the years we have visited 16 Greek islands, but when we first set foot on Halki, the little-known gem just south of Rhodes, we knew we'd found the closest thing to the perfect one. And we vowed to return. Often.
HOME AFFAIRS
These three entrepreneurs are redefining the heartbeat of homes through their unique blend of creativity, sustainability and purposeful design.
