Sunday 6th December dawned with a cloudy but clear sky! Our coach started in Tableview with mist rolling in over the sea …..”Wow it’s going to be a cool day” was heard on the coach! After our second pick up in Constantia everyone was in a festive mood. Our coach traveled along the ‘beach road’ and the sea was a fantastic color – “What a treat to live in Cape Town”!!
A short stop at Peregrine Farm Stall – and we headed to our final destination – South Hill Wine Estate in the Elgin Valley where owner Kevin King was on hand to direct the coach into the most accessible place for everyone to disembark. Our welcome drinks were set up under the trees, neaR the pool and Guest House. Freshly squeezed apple juice and a glass of their Rose wine were on hand and very soon the conversation flowed!
Kevin gave us a brief background to this Estate emphasizing how very ‘hands-on’ he, his wife Sandra, and their staff are. This was proven once we made our way up to the restaurant for lunch.
The restaurant had been decorated with topiaries made by a local Elgin lady – what a festive atmosphere was created for our group – and very soon delicious baked breads coupled with an espresso cup of Vichyssoise and a Roasted vegetable salad with capers, olives & bocconcini was served, along with their delicious wines!
Brian & I had made Christmas Crackers complete with Lindt Christmas balls / a rhyme/joke and the most important point – an individual number which gave the holder a random Christmas gift. Half of these gifts were handed out between the starter and mail course! After ‘cracking’ their crackers our 4 men were in demand for a photographic session – my goodness what a handsome bunch they are!!
Main course was served which was Medallions of turkey breast stuffed with cranberries & walnuts, served with potato and sweet potato dauphinoise, (a favorite with many); medley of green vegetables and all served with tarragon butter and cranberry infused gravy! Absolutely delicious and very Christmassy!! A second gift draw followed which included 6 bottles of South Hill wine which had been donated by Kevin & Sandra.
Dessert was vanilla pod pannacotta with a fresh strawberry coulis which also had a wonderful Christmas feel about it.
All in all a stunning meal at a restaurant where everyone’s needs were catered for! My goodness their hands-on approach was unbelievable. South Hill is definitely an estate to be recommended for a visit, not only over the Festive Season, but also for a casual visit or special occasion.
During this season of giving, let us take time to slow down and enjoy the simple things.
May this wonderful time of the year touch your heart in a special way.
Wishing you much happiness today and throughout the New Year.