Yesterday we spent the day on a wine tour in Stellenbosch. Stellenbosch is near Cape Town and is said to have over 160 wineries. We decided to join a tour leaving our hostel - which was a brilliant idea so we could enjoy without having to worry about driving. The tour included 4 wineries in Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschoek with 5-6 tastings per winery. Because it was our guide's last day he even added a fifth winery.
Our group had a total of nine people - a mother/daughter from North Carolina, newlyweds from Ireland and a trio from the UK. They were a fun group - especially after a day of wine tasting. Five wineries was a lot in one day and even though I used the spittoon I was feeling the effects of the wine by mid-afternoon - Jamie even more so:) It was the first time I had even been on a wine tour and I really enjoyed it. Reading and learning about the wines and then tasting them was very enjoyable.
I never really understood the wine making process or what made one wine "oaky" and another one sweet. I learned that to make red wine the skins are kept with the red grapes during the fermenting process. I also learned that red wine (and sometimes white) is placed in oak barrels, made in France or the US, which gives it is woody flavor. Some wines spend up to 26 months in the barrel. The wine makers determine how long wine stays in the barrel and the good ones have a knack for developing the best combination. Overall it was a great day and a lot of fun. After the tour, the guide joined us for dinner and Jamie and I both had Ostrich. It was really good. It's a red meat, very tender and delicious ordered medium rare. After dinner, the guide took us to one of his local spots where we had a few beers and then called it a night. I only have 2 days left and have had an amazing experience so far. Everyone we've met has been so nice and everywhere we've gone has been a great time. I'd like to stay a few weeks longer!!
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