Sunny skies, fine wine and farewell.

Because of a connection to the Barlow Family of Rustenberg Wines, we spent the last day in South Africa on a private wine tour. The connection was our common ties to Jersey cattle. My parents had visited the Barlows in Stellenbosch many years ago, staying at the farm where jersey cows and fine wine were both prized. The Barlows had also imported cattle from Brampton Jerseys, the herd that Dad managed in Ontario. Brampton Beacon Bloomer was not only a great herd sire for the Barlow family but they also named one of their signature wines after him.

Leaving Cape Town for the last time, under the care of Elreda Hugo, we were driven to the wine region of Stellenbosch. In total we visited four wineries with Rustenberg being the highlight. Their wines are truly wonderful and even though it was well before mid day we managed to taste a good sampling of their well awarded vintages. Simon Barlow met us at the winery, shared some memories with us and invited us for a full tour of the winery. As they were in full production of harvesting and processing several grape varieties he was unable to remain with us but Elreda took us through the many stages of the facility.

Our last stop was the winery of world famous golfer Ernie Els. This beautifully maintained winery provided us with further flavours of fine wine. 

The countryside had views that will leave such a positive imprint on our minds of the beauty of this marvellous country.

And now we return to reality!

                                          The historic buildings of Rustenberg 

                            French oak barrels are used to age some vintages.

                                                              So impressive!

                                                     Grapes growing everywhere.

                                                       They were so sweet!