Our trip to Cape Town was getting better – after hearing a lot about Stellenbosch vineyards, it was time to visit the town and experience some wine tasting. I was soon to realise that Stellenbosch is not just place to enjoy wine, but it is also stunning.
Actually it is the 2nd oldest European settlement in South Africa, and it is home to the Stellenbosch University. It was founded by Simon van der Stel , who was Dutch governor and the Cape Colony back then. More info – in Wikipedia.
We had booked the wine tour for which we were picked up at around 8 am from Cape Town. Ride to Stellenbosch was about 40 mins, and I managed to enjoy the landscape from the car’s window – beautiful streets with colourful trees, Cafes, houses (some in Cape Dutch style), and I loved the bright summery colours – white and pink everywhere. Of course plenty of vineyards too. In the meantime we were entertained by our tour guide/driver – as usual, Cape Tonian with sense of humour. I remember he mentioned the 1st wine in South Africa was produced in 1659, and Western Cape is Mecca for Cabernet Sauvignon. He asked us to introduce each other, and I realised we were joint by quite few French Canadian…guess going to the right place 😀
Anyway, by 9 am we were already in the first estate for the day. Actually on that day we visited 5 wine estates. Here are my impressions.
1 Mitre’s Edge Wine Estate
It’s a family owned estate, producing small quality of boutique wines. Lovely house, surrounded by the vineyards. We were placed in a tasting room, decorated in classic European style. Our sommelier introduced us to the estate and presented the wines we were about to try. Here we tried 5 wines – each accompanied with type of cheese and crackers. I was thinking to myself – great breakfast, great way to start your day! I was quite interested in to hear more about each wine and why it goes with that specific cheese. And, I was reminded of the 5 S’s of wine tasting (they tend to mention that each time, don’t they?):
Sight – see the wine in the glass, study the colour
Swirl – so that some more oxygen can get in the wine and release its aroma
Smell – or sniff the wine
Sip
Spit
I am not that good in spitting, well at least if it is a good wine. By the end of the day, I knew spitting is a good idea unless you want to be tipsy by lunch! That’s not the point after all.
And I was interested to hear that they use Hungarian oak for the barrels. Hungary is known for its wines too, especially in the Tokai region (that’s another topic.). Another fact I noted – Shiraz is an Iranian grape, whilst Syrah is a way of making the wine. Shiraz is one of my favourite red wines, and actually my top choice from Mitre’s Edge wine list.
Our tasting was even more exciting when 2 of the Estate’s dogs came in the room. One of them sat for a while next to my chair, and he was staring at me which made me laugh. Maybe he wanted a cracker?
2 Villiera Wines
This is the second wine estate. Yes, lovely landscape again and modern taste room. Here, the experience was less personable – the wine was presented by our tour guide and not local sommelier. The wines were sparkling whites, as this is the specialty of the estate. Villiera is 10 times bigger estate than Mitres, and it is known for green winery – they use real birds and insects to control the pest. I must say – I usually prefer red wines, but this time I was fascinated by the wine here and it was my favourite of the day. Here we tried brut rose (with some pinotage in), dry brut and we learned that South Africa is the second largest producer of Chenin blanc after France. I was fascinated by the Villiera Jasmine white wine – very light, subtle taste, absolutely gorgeous. I had finally found white wine that I like.
3 Middelvlei
This was the 3rd estate at which we had lunch – braai (consisting of chicken skewer and black beef sausage) and potato salad, with some white wine of course. I liked the cottage style of the restaurant, and the fireplace – imagine it is cosy in the winter! I am glad not to be vegetarian when in South Africa, as otherwise would need to settle for rabbit food. After lunch, I enjoyed walk around the estate – green hills, vineyards, garden and fresh air. I was happy to see some goats, turtles and chickens walking free range! Great spot for a picture too!
At the end of our visit there – we got to pour wine in our glasses straignt from a barrel.
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4 Lovane
Is 4th on our tour. This is one of the smallest wine estates, producing boutique wines. I enjoyed this visit, as the experience was very personable in an underground cellar- the sommelier was a nice girl, very engaging and informative with distinct accent. At Lovane we tasted the wines with chocolate. My personal favourite here was the Cabernet Sauvignon 2015.
5 Vergenoegd
And we came to the last stop of the tour – it was still sunny day, and we enjoyed outdoors wine tasting. The estate has beautiful gardens and…some ducks. A very well -dressed guy presented the wines here, and we tasted both reds and whites. The final wine was sweet, port wine – I normally do not like sweet wines, but this one was quite nice and light.
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Sweet ending of the day, happy vibes and looking forward to dinner back in Cape Town.
Stellenbosch wine tour – MUST do when in South Africa!
Our trip to Cape Town was getting better – after hearing a lot about Stellenbosch vineyards, it was time to visit the town and experience some wine tasting.
Stellenbosch wine tour – MUST do when in South Africa! Our trip to Cape Town was getting better - after hearing a lot about Stellenbosch vineyards, it was time to visit the town and experience some wine tasting.
Logan waited for any response from his fellow Slytherin but hears nothing. He sighs and pulls out his phone to start a new text: Listen, Santana, I said you are off the hook because I do care about you and your safety even though I know nothing would happen and you would be completely safe.
Logan: Because even if things are different now, feelings for you remain. You're smart, funny, beautiful. It's like you know all the right words to say without even really having to think about them and that made me super intimidated of you at first. Until I got to know you. Then I realized that you're this amazing woman that I need to have in my life.
Santana was wearing sweats, her hair up in a messy bun, and a half eaten apple in her hand. One of her new favorite things to do (which she only just realized) was to watch those really lame Jersey shows, knowing she looked better in her PJ's than they looked on their way to the club. Made her feel loads better about herself. When the knock sounded at her door, she sighed, knowing what this was. Leaving her apple on the table and padding over to the door in her fuzzy slippers, she pulled open the door and had started speaking before she even saw who it was. "We better make this fast becau--" Her words were cut off when she saw the flowers. Caught in her throat, which was tightening, speech was impossible to come by. Instead she switched between what was in his hands, and up to his eyes, confusion lacing her features.
Logan planned to say hello and had a whole speech in mind for when she opened the door. His words were stuck in his throat as she opened the door and revealed herself, a stunned look appearing on his face. He had to stand there for just a moment so he could compose what little thought he had left, his hand shooting forward a little awkwardly before he stepped inside slightly. "These are for you," he said shortly because he couldn't remember a single word of his at the moment so pointing out the obvious seemed ideal. "I know they don't make up for things but I remember you saying that I was the first guy you ever dated..so I wanted to be the first guy to ever bring you roses as well."
Santana stepped back when he stepped forward, eyeballing the roses like they were going to bite her if she touched them. A few more times, before finally taking them from him, she looked back and forth, trying to figure in her mind what exactly was happening. Regardless, she still had a hand, and nothing stung, so she walked over onto the counter to set them down. A little further away from him now, she thought a bit more clearly, and was able to remember what the purpose of this whole thing was. Or, rather, that she didn't KNOW what the purpose was. "Oh, great, take another one of my firsts when you have no intention of making it mean anything." Sighing and propping her hip against the counter, her arms crossed over her midsection and her eyebrow quirked. "Okay. I'm here. You've seen me. Which is all you wanted." Could she be done now?
Logan frowned, sighing softly from her words. "That..I mean. I didn't want to take that from you." He said in a quieter voice than usual. "I just want to formally apologize to you." Though his jaw slightly clenched after the brief statement. He took a deep breath, knowing this was what he needed to do. "Because I like you, Santana, I do. I didn't just ask you on a date to be a rebound or anything like that. You're beautiful, funny, and sassy. There isn't anything that I would change from what I've gotten to know. Except maybe the whole worrying thing but I can't blame you for that." His hands were moving as he explained as if they were all part of the show. "But I guess you've found out my relationship about Marley. And..I can't deny that I love her. Which isn't fair to you. So I'm sorry."
Santana braced herself from hearing exactly what she'd asked him NOT to say. This could have all been cleared up and forgotten if he'd have just accepted it when she said it over the text messages. He didn't have to come here and rub it even further into her face. So her expression remained stoney, and her body remained stiff. Nothing he said was helping in the slightest. She just... wanted to forget. "Fine. You done?" When she spoke, it was through a clenched jaw, those same burning eyes from the night before making their reappearance. THIS was why she didn't want to do this...
Logan furrowed his eyebrows together, not sure why she looked like she wanted to throw daggers. "Ok.." His hands went to his pockets as his eyes went to the counter and then her hips and arms before back up to her face. "I guess being a gentleman doesn't actually work." He cleared his throat and looked to the door. "I guess I'll just be going now. I'm sorry for wasting your time."
Santana scoffed. "I'm not about to feel bad that you wasted your valuable time and money to try and come suck up to me." In usual fashion, her mood flipped to anger and frustration so fast that her head cocked to the side and her eyes went to slits. It was the only thing that ever kept her from crying when her emotions threatened to get the best of her. "I told you on the phone that this was pointless. The only person you were trying to help by coming here, was yourself. Because I didn't need your stupid apology." Growling, "Dammit, Logan. I was less mad at you before you tried to play the innocent card! If you want her, then go get her! Whatever! But don't pretend like I meant anything more than exactly what I was; A distraction." That's all she ever was... and fuck if the tears weren't coming anyway.
Logan shook his head, used to dealing with anger from people before. His muscles tightened on instinct, his eyes narrowing as his arms crossed over his chest. "Listen, Santana. I didn't come here for me. Because I could easily just walk away from all this like I have everything else in my life. I'm used to pushing everything away from me so I don't have to feel anything. I came here to make things right and be fair to you. Because you don't deserve to be put in the dark in all of this. You might think that's the case. It's easier to believe we don't deserve certain things. But I wasn't going to do that. Not to you."
Santana chuckled, unamused, through her tears. The fight was leaving her just as fast as it came. Now she was just... tired. "I'm not in the dark anymore." she murmured, shrugging one shoulder and looking anywhere but to him. "In fact, I've been enlightened to everything, all over again." Sniffling, "Thank you, so much for that." The sarcasm was clear, but her bite was gone. Now she was just... sad. But she looked to him anyway, still shaking her head. Because she'd actually let herself think it was possible. Now, she just felt dumb. It almost felt like none of it had been real. "I knew. The minute she told me about your past, I knew. It wasn't me. It was never going to be me. With us, it was just meant to be fun. And that's fine. But THIS?" she said, gesturing between the two of them, at the situation they were standing in. "I didn't need this to pour salt on the wound. If she's gonna be what makes you happy, then by all means, go for it." She took a deep breath. "Because you're what she wants. And no girl should have to watch the guy they love, be with anyone else." Or a million anyone elses...
Logan couldn't stop himself now. It was another instinct he had. He moved towards her and pulled her close to his body, even though he knew it would probably get him slapped. His thumbs went to under her eyes, wiping the streams that kept coming down them. "I'm not meaning to pour salt on your wounds. I'm here to apologize for not being able to be with a girl as great as yourself. You're beautiful. In so many ways, and I got to see a lot of them when we went out. I just wanted to make it clear that you are worth it. Any guy that gets to be with you is lucky. My heart..just isn't what you need."
Santana stiffened when he got close, but she couldn't move her arms from around herself. It felt like she was holding her insides within the cavity of her body. If she removed them, she'd drop her insides out onto the floor, and everything would end up a lot messier than it already seemed. And as awkward as it felt to have him there moments ago, it was still comforting to feel his touch when she knew how alone she'd be as soon as he left. Always, utterly, alone. "Thanks, but I never fooled myself into thinking I could have that." she almost chuckled at that. It was her body's way of trying to lessen the tension, when everything he was saying only made it more obvious that he was wrong. Because if a guy like her could find a way to love, and be loved in return, then she had no idea what she was doing wrong. Pushing her cheek harder into his hand, her eyes rolled under her closed lids. "Gah, don't feel sorry for me. Just... assume I'm on my period or something. That way you can leave and I can save face." This was SO embarrassing. He was coming to break things off with her AND comfort her? How degrading.
Logan guessed he shouldn't have expected her arms to wrap around him like that time they were on his bike but he couldn't hide the fact that he was a bit sad she didn't. "I think you've fooled yourself into thinking that no one can love you or even like you. Which is crazy to me because you have everything a guy would want. You're funny, smart. Your smile makes others smile. I know. It forced one on my face multiple times." His thumbs kept brushing against her skin to get the rest of the wetness off her cheeks. A soft laugh escaped his lips at the last of her words, a small smile appearing afterwards. "I might not be the guy for you or anything but I don't feel sorry for you. I know you're strong and can get anything you want. I'm just here to comfort you like I promised I would be."
Santana managed a smirk of her own, raising an eyebrow at him and finally bringing one of her hands free to sit on his torso. A torso that she had to IGNORE from under her fingers because she could feel the cut of his abs. And that was the LAST place she needed her mind going right now. "You can't bring the pain and then be the one to make it go away. That's not how it works." she teased, loosening the other arm, as well. The hovered and hesitated at his hips, but finally decided to just take the plunge. They were already in a very compromising position, and she'd be lying if she said she didn't need a hug. Pulling him closer, she folded into his arms and purposely used his shirt to wipe what little bit of tears his fingers hadn't gotten. "Don't worry. I'll go talk crap about you to my bestfriend after you leave. Then balance will be restored." That had her smiling a bit. It was so natural to tease with him, even when she was serious. And even if she knew she was going to forgive him, it still felt nice to hate him a little. Even if only because she'd miss the safety of his arms.
Logan felt better seeing her lips curl into an upward fashion. Feeling her fingers on his torso and then finally an embrace of him completely, he rubbed her back softly. "It's part of my job, don't you remember?" His words were a bit muffled against the top of her head as his grip around her tightened. He didn't mind the tears on his shirt or the fact that they were so close together. It was actually a bit nice. Kissing the top of her head, he had to laugh again. "Right. I might even let him hit me once so he feels good about himself and you can feel fully justified."
Santana kept her eyes closed, trying her best to distinguish and keep a line between their intimate position, and the light conversation they were having that meant he definitely WAS leaving here without her. That he wasn't going to change his mind, and beg her to reinstate their date. He was going to let her go, and walk out of here, and right back into Marley's arms. As it should be... "If anything, that would make matters worse. Because then I'd want to take care of you, and completely ravish him." Sighing, overdramatically, "I would swoon so hard to have two guys fighting over me. All that muscle and masculinity? Mmm." Okay, NOW she was starting to feel like her old self.
Logan closed his own eyes, lost in the thoughts of what she was saying and what he was feeling. He'd be lying if he said this was one of the easiest things he had to do. He would much rather go against a werewolf than have to leave these arms around him. He shrugged, laughing some more. "Ravish? So you are into snakes." He said lightly, thinking about what a fight between him and Sebastian would look like. "That fight would be completely unfair. Put me against Monroe and you have a real battle."
Santana shrugged a shoulder, which hardly moved from within the embrace that she was HAPPILY encircled. "Some people like blondes, I like green. Which roughly translates to mysterious, devious, and generally dark. I think that makes me normal." Now, holding on so tightly and willingly, with no sign of when she'd let go, or even begin to pull away, that's what made her weird. And masochistic. "You can stop making fun of my bestfriend now. He's the one that's gonna pick up the pieces when you walk out of here to go be with your new girl. Or old girl. Whatever."
Logan nodded against the top of her head and could understand the appeal of snakes though he had never actually dated one before Santana. "I can see why." He said softly while his fingers began to trace patterns in the small of her back. "Clearly he's stronger in different areas," which was all he could really offer about that, "I'm glad that he is here for you."
Santana shivered a bit under the touch of his fingers. This wasn't how break ups usually went... right? Not that she'd ever done anything like this, because she'd never had anything to break off. But she was pretty sure they contained a lot more yelling, some violence, and ended in loud slamming doors. Not hugs and long embraces. "Me, too. Cuz it's gonna take me a while to forget about those eyes..." she whispered, immediately regretting it.
Logan mindlessly let his fingers travel like they always did when he was in thought. It was part of some habit he had. He didn't know what it came from, but it was definitely something that he couldn't break. "Tell me about it," he said with a long sigh and one last squeeze before letting space come between them. "I find yours to be very enchanting. I'm pretty sure they hypnotized me more than once."
Santana , without thinking or letting herself rationalize why, looked right up into his eyes when he pulled away. Blame it on his words, and call it her way of clinging to one last ditch effort... but whatever it was, it was strong and she couldn't have fought it if she wanted to. She gulped, once, but zoned in on the last bit of... jesus, what color was that? It was like a color all it's own. Deep, and crystal metallic. But green in certain lighting, and blue when he wore that shirt she liked. And always, always darker when he was wearing leather. No words could come out while she looked up at them, examining them for what would probably be the last time. And as she did so, her hands dropped from around him, and folded around herself once again. When he pulled away, he took his warmth with him, which is exactly what she'd been afraid of.
Logan looked back into her eyes as she scanned his so closely. Definitely hypnotizing and way too close for his own emotional safety at the moment. Letting the distance begin to make itself know, he stepped back even more so, nodding again to approve that this is what needed to happen. They needed space and separation. It was what was best when his heart was with someone else. Marley came to his mind and he smiled, pursing his lips softly. "Well, you know where to find me, Miss Lopez." He made his way to the door and turned to look over his shoulder at her once more. "And I hope we are still on for that game because I plan to crush you like I promised." He smirked and made his exit, not looking back any longer.
