The wine region of South Africa is centered around the town of Stellenbosch, located East of Cape Town surrounded by the Boland Mountain Range, rugged sandstone peaks that rise dramatically from the surrounding vineyards.

French Huguenots were invited to the Cape in the 15th century to escape religious persecution, and brought grape vines and winemaking knowledge with them. The wine region was well established by the 17th century, making a variety of high quality wines. Most common are Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc white wines, and Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir reds.

Kyle picks us up at the house in Cape Town for the drive to Franschhoek. During the night I heard noises downstairs which I assumed was Steve rising early. But we discover that someone has opened a window and reached through the bars to pilfer a pair of sunglasses and a coat from a nearby table. Conveniently the thief has also stolen our garbage from the outside bin, leaving only a trail of coffee grounds on the front stoop. Nothing we can do.

We load our bags into the van, and head toward Franschhoek, a small town near Stellenbosch where we’re staying for the next three nights. Along the way we stop at the Kleinood Winery for a tasting. It’s delicious wine, and we place a shipping order.

Next we stop at Tokara Wine Estate for lunch. They have a nice restaurant overlooking the vineyards where we have pizza, burgers and red lentils to eat. Then it’s a brief stop in Stellenbosch, which is not only a wine center but also a college town, home to Stellenbosch University, the second largest school in South Africa, with arts and sciences, engineering, and a law school. The campus encompasses much of the town.

After another wine tasting at Oldenburg Vineyards, also very nice and with another gorgeous setting, we arrive at our guesthouse in Franschhoek.

The Avondrood Guest House is an 1870 Cape Dutch farmhouse with beautiful gardens and a welcoming staff. Our rooms have unglazed tile floors and cowhide rugs on the floor. We settle in and have a glass of sherry before bed. We have an early start in the morning. We’re going whale watching.