Winter can be enchanting, but let’s face it, it’s really difficult to have a good time when it’s chilly outside. That’s is why I went out to review the Oh My Spice winter campaign at Spice Route, an estate that confidently dispels the notion that wine farms only serve wine. Coffee, chocolate, artwork, food and, of course, wine are just some of the things you’ll get at Spice Route.
I was a ‘mussel virgin’ until Bertus Basson’s delicious mussel platter, served with fresh puff pastry, happened. History was made. I had the glory of savouring the best butternut ever, which is my favourite vegetable. And, their pork belly is out of this world!
Spice Route has champions on their grounds too, the Wilderer Distillery. Their gin won a gold medal at the International Spirits Awards in Meininger, Germany. It is the only South African gin to be awarded a gold medal in 2016. They have also won numerous gold medals at the International Spirits Competition in London, DLG in Germany, Destillata in Austria and Michelangelo in South Africa. Christian Wilderer kindly treated us to the most satisfying gin and tonic my tummy could ever stomach. Keep warm with their tremendous flavours this winter, including the curry leaves and pineapple gin blend.
I had the pleasure of tasting orange-and-cranberry-flavoured nougat, which made my sweet-toothed-self dance about with joy. Instead of honey, DV Artisan Chocolate uses white chocolate in their nougat. I might fall over and die of chocolate lust.
When I popped in at the Barn Art Gallery, Jake Watson took me through his landscape and seascape paintings, which will completely heat up your home with a sense of comfort.
A very friendly Candice at Cape Brewing Company was super excited to teach us about CBC beers. She says their ingredients are imported from Germany, and they use no preservatives. I’ve never considered myself a beer fan, until I tasted CBC and ended up having four in one sitting. That should tell you something.
And then there was wine. Spice Route’s specialty, and my favourite. Their hand-crafted wines are from the Swartland region. At the Wine Tasting, Catherine told me how to tell the difference between young and mature wine. I’m now enlightened about how to hold the glass when drinking different types of wine, and I’m looking forward to showing my friends.
After tasting Grenache, Chakalaka and Sauvignon Blanc, I’m seriously never going back to cheap wine. I’m getting a piggybank dedicated to Spice Route’s offerings.
OF NOTE
Where Suid Agter Paarl Road, Paarl
Contact +27 21 863 5200 or [email protected]
Photography courtesy Asandiswa Msutu and Mishkah Abrahams
the variety of course 🙂