A different sort of tasting.

Having taken the precaution of booking a table for lunch in the garden restaurant at Delheim we arrived half an hour early to allow time to taste  a few of their wines before hand. They were exceptionally busy but thankfully the coachload of German tourists was just pulling out of the car park as we arrived.

Despite the numbers, they still gave us an informed and interesting tasting experience - with one of their wine experts taking time to advise us on our choices and how to get the best from the tasting. A complete contrast to the commercial attitude of the wineries on Friday. As a result we spent nearly an hour at the tasting and left with a case of wine to sustain us on the rest of our trip.

We were bit late for our lunch table but they were very understanding and we were able to take our pick of the tables looking over the garden. Lunch was everything we expected - just rounded off the afternoon perfectly - this is, without doubt, one of my favourite wineries in the world. If you are visiting this area then make a point of coming here for a tasting and for lunch.

On our way to Delheim we had stopped by Babylonstoren which is closer to Paarl. With their winery, gardens, farm shops and restaurants this was an operation on a different scale - but at the upper end of the market. Slightly surprised  to be charged a small entrance fee but with the numbers queuing to get in I guess they can get away with it.

Most people were heading for the gardens, shop and restaurants when we got there so their ultra-modern tasting room was busy but not crowded. Enjoyed the tasting but not as much as we had enjoyed their Chenin Blanc in a restaurant with Sue - probably the company and the food that made the difference.

Final surprise of the morning was bumping into Alderman Sir Mike Bear and his family - hadn't seen him since we left London in 2009, just before he became Lord Mayor. Good to have a few minutes to catch up but then we went our separate ways to focus on the wines