Travel Tips

Making magical, lasting mom daughter memories

Top 5 benefits of travelling in SA during winter

1. Cooler temperatures make for great hiking opportunities. 2. Possibility of lower accommodation rates during off-peak times and less crowds. 3. Sparse vegetation makes it easier to spot wildlife on safari. 4. Places on the East Coast, such as Durban, retain moderate temperatures for activities, and certain areas such as Gauteng experience summer rain so it’s dry. 5. Perfect boma fire opportunities while glamping or camping.

Flight prices

According to reports there is a good possibility of significant airfare increases as a result of rising jet fuel costs. Likewise, petrol costs for vehicles are not great, which makes travelling with friends and family in one vehicle more cost effective to split petrol costs.

Don’t feed the animals

During bush getaways, be it at a resort, glamping or camping, it is essential that you do not feed animals – no matter how cute they look! There have been instances in which some baboons and monkeys have gotten used to people feeding them and then break into vehicles or accommodation to steal food.

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Public holidays

16 June: Youth Day

9 August: National Women’s Day

Filling up at a petrol station

International travellers will note that in SA, locals do not pump their own “gas” aka petrol. Petrol attendants fill your tank and are also responsible for checking oil and water levels as well as tyre pressure. While not compulsory, it is polite to tip your petrol attendant anything between R5 to R50.

Did you know? Socks matter

Many folks spend a lot of money on walking shoes, but having the right socks is also important. The right socks can help prevent blisters. Wear the correct size socks because if they are too big, they can bunch up, causing discomfort. If they are too small, socks can cut circulation and cause pain.

If walking long distances, try to avoid cotton socks as these retain sweat and leave your feet more prone to blisters.

While snow is generally not associated with South Africa, there are a few places where travellers can experience a winter wonderland – just be sure to check weather reports as it’s not always easy to predict when/where snow will fall. Here are a few places that sometimes experience snow:

Creepy crawlys

The summer, warmer season is well known for mosquitos. In winter months expect rats and mice, spiders, fleas, cockroaches, flies and termites.

Weather conditions

For the most part, winters are moderate in many parts of the country although temperatures can drop to freezing when a cold front arrives. Snow can sometimes be seen on mountains in the Western Cape, Northern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg areas.

Western and Southern Cape get winter rain whereas the KwaZulu-Natal coast, Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces generally tend to have warm days with chilly mornings and evenings – it’s a good idea to always have a jacket nearby.

Winter wonderland

• Matroosberg, Western Cape • Cederberg, Western Cape • Sutherland, Northern Cape • Rhodes, Eastern Cape • Hogsback, Eastern Cape • Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Free State • Underberg and Sani Pass, KwaZulu Natal • Mooi River, KwaZulu Natal • Cathedral Peak, KwaZulu Natal

Ernie Els Wines

A journey of red decadence

Charles Russell

Located in the heart of the Helderberg region, Ernie Els Wines boasts an illustrious journey with world-class award-winning red blends. The famed winemaker, Louis Strydom, shares some insights on Ernie Els Wine’s journey and what sets it apart…

Driving into Ernie Els Wines, one is immediately struck by the architectural brilliance of the property, which seamlessly blends with its natural surroundings. The property, inclusive of the winery, is a modern masterpiece whilst retaining its traditional roots, which creates a relaxing and sophisticated ambience for visitors to enjoy.

Chatting to winemaker Louis Strydom was a delightful experience as he comes across as a down-to-earth person who has a genuine passion for the outdoors, farming and crafting exceptional wine.

“This is going to be my 22nd vintage at Ernie Els Wines, and I have enjoyed every minute of it,” says Strydom. “Our journey began when Ernie Els and Jean Engelbrecht approached me in 1999, and we looked at what the natural strength of the valley in the Helderberg is – it is globally recognised for producing exceptional red wines – and we decided on red wine, red blends, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon.”

Everything is focused on the enjoyment of wine and the experience for visitors

“We started small and got really good momentum. Over the years we evaluated, looked at our strong points and actually made the winery smaller as we are focused on quality as opposed to quantity. Everything we have done, from planting to the building of the facility is focused on the enjoyment of wine and the experience we offer visitors,” adds Strydom.

“Single-minded focus, a site selected for its ideal growing conditions, and gentle extraction techniques during the winemaking process all combine to create premium, full-bodied wines with the classic Cabernet Sauvignon cues that set apart every bottle of Ernie Els wine.” – Louis Strydom, Winemaker.

TOP LEFT Winemaker, Louis Strydom

TOP RIGHT Wine Shop

RIGHT Winery While he jokingly agrees that he gets paid to taste wine, he highlights that winemaking is an art and ever-evolving. “Winemaking sounds glamourous, but we are at the mercy of elements such as weather and we have one shot per year to create an excellent vintage. If you want to change something, you must wait for the following year. It takes good experience and time to figure out what works.

“Each bottle of wine takes about seven years to produce – if you are starting out it takes about three years to harvest a good crop, two years in a barrel and you mature it for about a year and a half. I love being out in the vineyards and creating something from scratch.”

Elegance and class Having been on various tours of wine cellars and wineries, this tour can best be described as romantic with its gentle lighting, large concrete tanks, amphora clay pots and rows of French oak barrels. Every piece of equipment

and the general décor speaks to elegance and class. Of particular interest was seeing the amphora clay pots, which is not that common and thought of as a middle ground between steel and oak. Similar to oak, clay is porous, allowing for some oxygen which gives the wine a deep, rich texture.

Following the tour, which also includes an Ernie Els trophy room (a highlight for any golfing aficionado), the tasting room, restaurant, and wine shop, we were treated to a wine tasting. There are a variety of tasting options to cater to guests likes. A well-versed sommelier provides insights and discreetly allows you the privacy to enjoy wines with the backdrop of majestic mountains and sprawling views of wellmaintained vineyards. It was rather difficult to choose the best wine as all blends have a smooth texture and are easy on the palate, with hints of subtle fruit flavours. Over the years, Ernie Els Wines has consistently remained a firm favourite for red wine lovers.

These decadent blends are a tribute to Strydom, who explains: “The general wine consumer wants to see consistency of quality and flavour profiles. Fortunately for us, we have a moderate climate, so our vintages are relatively similar with no major variances unlike wines from other continents like Europe.

“We have spent years and years on mastering Ernie Els Wines. Our Cab Sav

blends strive for singularity and perfection, which sets us apart – it is our strong point and we have focused on that. We are not interested in running the volume game as we are a boutique winery that makes exceptional blends that everyone can enjoy. When I sit around a table and see guests drinking our wines it is a great feeling. Wine is an opinion, never a fact – wine is a journey of experience, flavours, and enjoyment,” concludes Strydom.

TOP Relax in the lounge

LEFT French oak barrels

RIGHT PAGE View of vineyards

The journey of Ernie Els Wines

1999: The idea for Ernie Els Wines is discussed and decided.

2000: The first grapes are crushed, matured, blended, and bottled for the inaugural vintage of Ernie Els Signature.

2004: 178-acre property on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain becomes the home of Ernie Els Wines.

2005: Ernie Els Signature 2000 rates 93/100 by Wine Spectator.

2005: The Ernie Els Winery welcomes its first guests to the Tasting Room.

2007: Ernie Els Signature 2004 rates 5-star in Platter’s Wine Guide, the only red blend to achieve this at the time.

2008: The maiden vintage of Ernie Els Big Easy Red Blend 2006 debuts.

2014: Addition of the 412 Gironde Cabernet Sauvignon clone to the vineyard, first of its kind to be planted for commercial sale in South Africa.

2018: The Ernie Els Proprietor’s Blend 2016 achieves a 5-star rating in Platter’s Wine Guide and Red Blend (Other) of the Year.

2019: Introduction of the exclusive Ernie Els Major Series.

2020: New winery featuring a Tasting Room, Restaurant, Vinothèque and Trophy Room. Did you know?

Ernie Els Wines grows 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Shiraz, 10% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Cinsault.

A large portion of the vineyard is devoted to Cabernet Sauvignon with dedicated blocks planted facing north and north-east to absorb as much sunlight as possible. This is the key to producing the fuller and fruitier wines of Ernie Els fame.

Ernie Els Wines collections Signature: Comprised of the classic cultivars, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. Major series: Includes a Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, crafted from premium property-grown grapes. Big Easy range: Big Easy range is led by a classic Red Blend: Shiraz-forward with notes of Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvèdre, Grenache, Viognier and Cinsault. The range also features a Cabernet Sauvignon, Rosé, and Chenin Blanc.

Proprietors range: The Proprietor’s range is the winemaker’s expression of the property and consists of the award-winning Red Blend and other inspired vintage-specific varieties.

GETAWAYS Romantic

Getaways

Jock Safari Lodge

Jock Safari Lodge is ideally positioned in the southern area of the Kruger National Park, resting at the confluence of two rivers. This 6 000ha exclusive concession is situated in world-renowned Big Five territory. The luxury lodge compliments the rugged terrain, paying homage to a rich culture and timeless elegance. Kruger National Park l GPS: -25°21'63.8 S l 31°56'41.8 E

+27 (0)13 010 0019 reservations@jocksafarilodge.com www.jocksafarilodge.com

Mpumalanga l GPS: -26°00'02.71 S l 30°45'25.88 E Nkomazi Private Game Reserve

Experience the ultimate in luxury camping at the spectacular malaria-free Nkomazi Private Game Reserve, just three hours' drive from Johannesburg. Each tent has its own private deck with plunge pool and outdoor shower. This all-inclusive safari experience offers two threehour game drives a day. Bush walks, horseback safaris, fishing and stargazing can be arranged.

+27 (0)21 427 5900 reservations@newmarkhotels.com www.newmarkhotels.com

Rexford Manor

Rexford Manor boasts spectacular views over Knysna lagoon is ideal for romantic getaways or family breaks on a budget. Exclusive use as self-catering is also available. The multi award-winning manor with its five ensuites has a warm and welcoming atmosphere where memories are built, and dreams comes true.