Spirit of the Cape / Esprit du Cap

So, if you yearn for a day in the Valley of Wine and Roses, make an appointment to see, smell and taste Silverthorn Wines in a tranquil bucolic setting accompanied by bird song and raucous toads. And most of all, to feel unhurried. To feel welcome to linger and ponder on their vibrant star (ry) sparkling wines. Contact Karen on [email protected] or me on sally@ espritducap.co.za if you would enjoy a guided journey.

This was a tasting with a difference which you just have to experience. Listening and being entranced by the stories behind each wine evokes strong poetic imagery. Gazing at the 'River without End' mountains framing the Breede River where the imagined River Dragon lies. Nosing the delicate floral nuances thanks to 38 year old Colombar vines and Acacia barrels, think vin de Constance from Klein Constantia. The Green Man and The Jewel Box made from traditional Champagne grapes, and The Genie, with exotic Shiraz.

Karen is a gatherer of stones and stories. Her narratives woven from encounters with geologists, visitors, and of course, her partner John, whose vinous creations focus on site specific wines made in the cap classique tradition.

A memorable visit to John and Karen Loubser's wine farm on the first day of Spring, 'cap classique' day.

Was great guiding with MADLAB's creative Apartheid Inside. Une journèe hyper creative et unique. Merci

The gloom and doom of forecasted inclement weather and rain did not deter us on Monday. We were treated to exclusive views, and like the penguins, were relaxed and happy.

"LANGA LIKE A LOCAL"
Support local tourism in our Mother City.
Discover a new world on your doorstep : wine, music, food, history, and women's leadership in our neighbouring suburb of Langa township.
A TIME TO RECONNECT AND SHARE STORIES (in a very Covid compliant way) after isolation in lockdown.

NOMHLE ZONDANI is a brave wine warrior. Her journey began at the first Township Winery in Nyanga East. Since then she has worked with celebrated black women winemakers. The creation of The Wine Shaq in Langa followed: a tasting venue where locals are given the opportunity to understand and appreciate wine. Here you can taste wine made by Ses'fikile, Aslina, Naked Wines, Women in Wine, Lathita Wines and many more. Come and find out about their stories and how they are transforming the traditional narrative.
NOMONDE SIYAKA has become an almost iconic figure in her community. In 2008 she started Mzansi restaurant in her home. She and her team of women prepare a traditional Xhosa buffet feast which includes more vegetarian than meat dishes, although her beef 'ragout' is out of this world.
'Chez Nomonde' we will be guided through a wine tasting of The Wine Shaq's premium wines. One of the winemakers will be present to talk to you as well.
We will have the pleasure of being entertained by the talented local marimba musicians as well as a veteran saxophonist. Miriam Makeba, Abdullah Ebrahim, Dave Brubeck, Gipsy Kings, and your favourite artists and musical genres ranging from jazz to kwaito to pop, can be played at your request.

Sally and Zamile will guide you. They have been walking the streets of Langa together since 2006. So you will have the pleasure of being hosted by a young black Langa resident and a 'mama' who is white. Zamile is the expert on topics relating to cricket, housing, and life present and future in his beloved township. Sally visited Langa in the apartheid days as a monitor and Advice Office Worker for The Black Sash to be a postive presence before the then SAP's handling of trangressors of the laws relating to Influx Control and the Group Areas Act.
I so look forward to sharing a day in Langa with you. For most of my French, Swiss, American, British and Canadian visitors, this experience has been a highlight. So now's your chance to enjoy something unique.

LAUNCH : Saturday 3 October.
Get a group of friends together.
Cost : to be given on reservation
Maximum : 10 people

RSVP : [email protected]
082 923 0 233
Website ref: www.espritducap.capetown

Please feel free to use our services on any other day as we open up domestic tourism. Visits could include The District Six Museum and Woodstock. The latter includes a sorbet and ice cream tasting at Sorbetiere.

As a French and English speaking Tour Guide/ High School Teacher and in view of the slowing down of international tourism, I am offering my experience and skills to tutor and build self esteem in youngsters aged 8 to 18, as well as adults.