Our second day started out early and we headed east towards the Stellenbosch wine region of South Africa. This area has a rich history of wine making, going all the way back to 1679 with the introduction by the Dutch, though their efforts resulted in a liquid more akin to today’s vinegar. The arrival of the French Huguenots to the Cape in the 1690s brought different wine making standards and techniques. The Stellenbosch region is also notable for being the birthplace of Pinotage (a crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsaut) in 1924. Today, Stellenbosch is home to nearly a fifth of all the vines planted in South Africa, boasting over 150 wine producers.

I don’t pretend to understand all of the economic and cultural challenges of South Africa but I thought this was worth noting. Wine producing, and the tandem tourist industry, employ thousands of black and colored from the economically depressed South African townships. [Note: the term “colored” in South Africa is not derogatory.] Neither of these industries could survive without these workers, and though while the work is steady, there is still a very unequal distribution of wealth due to suppressed wages. Unemployment is a whopping 30% so workers have no leverage to push for higher wages. Moreover, there is no middle class to speak of, with only 20% compared to 52% in the U.S. We were shocked at how affordable the housing is, yet sadly, most cannot afford to purchase a home.

Once in the Stellenbosch region, we enjoyed a tasting and sampling of cheeses at the beautiful Zevenwacht Estate, including the unique Pinotage wine. We then visited the very quaint town of Stellenbosch, which hosts many original white-washed buildings of Dutch architecture, tree-lined streets and charming cafes and shops. Our last stop on the tour was to Marianne Wine Estate, where we enjoyed our tastings and a sampling of biltong, a South African snack.

Once back in Cape Town, Marshall and Tim grabbed haircuts, we stopped for a late lunch, then headed back to the cruise terminal with just enough time for another passport presentation to immigration before boarding the ship.

During our visit to Cape Town, we saw so much beauty and heard so much history. We came away with a better understanding of apartheid and the remaining challenges left to be tackled. We loved the people and the spirit. We are already looking forward to our next visit.

Recommend: Viator

https://www.viator.com/tours/Cape-Town/Private-Cape-of-Goodhope-and-Cape-point-Tours/d318-12189P1