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TRAVELTIME - Previous Tours |
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DRIEFONTEIN FARM
Surprise Destination
Sunday 11th December '11 |
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Gabrielskloof
Wine Estate
in Botriver was the first port of call on
our "Surprise destination tour". We had
arranged a wine tasting to get everyone in
the mood before moving on to our lunch venue
some 32km up the N2. |
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The Estate lends itself to a relaxing day in
the open or a meal in their restaurant with
items chosen from their menu of directly out
of the deli. The photo on the right shows
the wine tasting area as viewed from the
entrance, across the lawn. |
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Our group of 28 was the largest that
Gabrielskloof ever had and Nicholene
presented 4 wines to us. |
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Carol & Elaine are already enjoying the day
without any wine in their glasses. Others
contemplate the day ahead. |
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Mel decided to get in early and pay for
her purchases before the queue grew too
long, which soon proved to be the
correct decision. The Deli cash register
was also very active before we moved on. |
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Our coach proceeded up the N2 for 32km
before turning onto a gravel road to
Greyton. Everyone now knew we were going
to a farm, but how far did we still need
to travel? The questions were soon
answered when, after 1km we turned into
our lunch venue. |
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We were welcomed by two waitresses, who
are the farm owner Hermon's nieces.
Everyone quickly settled in and "did the
Christmas thing" by pulling crackers and
putting on their headgear. |
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The quirky verses and inane quotes contained in
the crackers caused many a chuckle. |
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Linda looking well after her harrowing ordeal
earlier in the year, enjoying the company of
friends. Guests John & Lisa remembering past
years in Ireland. |
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"We're alright"
was heard by the photographer
when asking "what did you get?" |
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"I have never won anything" was Veronica's
response when told that she had won a prize.
Dawn & Margo discussing the wine. |
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After taking 5 minutes to explain what was being
cooked today, Hermon served the Norwegian salmon
which was part of the extensive range of items
on the starter menu. The main menu comprised
whole rump,
pickled tongue, pork belly, chicken pie in
phyllo pastry, roast potatoes "like mom used to
make" and oven roast vegetables. Desserts:
Pavlova, malva pudding, strawberry and chocolate
mousse, ice cream and cheesecake. We can skip
the Christmas lunch after this spread. |
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John, Lisa and André found the peace of the
verandah to be more to their liking and the
"three wise men" ...oops, "three beautiful
ladies" pose for a picture between courses. |
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There was definitely a need to release your belt
and sit back in a comfortable chair after this 3
hour feast. We will all, I am sure remember this
farm, Hermon and Phillip and their staff many
times in the future when we think of good food,
hospitality and pure enjoyment. We hit the road
well after 4 o'clock so we arrived home somewhat
later than normal,, but there were no
complaints, that I know of. Why worry about time
when you are enjoying yourself? |
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Today I have heard comments like "exceptional",
"unbelievable", "best meal of the year"
and I can add "wow". We knew that Herman &
Phillip produced exceptional food, but we really
didn't expect this standard. Today we ran over
our departure time by an hour and a half, but
nobody complained; I am sure, had there been
place to stay we would have insisted they cook
breakfast for us all. |
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Published 12th
December'11 |
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