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South Africa's Cape Wine Country During our 26th ATA International Congress we had several occasions to visit the historic wine country surrounding Cape Town, and count that experience among our most memorable short trips. Our first Wine Country tour that year was in the company of the Davidowitz brothers, Sellwyn and Robert. Both operate tour companies on the Cape, and we couldn't recommend anyone more knowledgeable of the area, its history, and where to enjoy the best food and wines. Be sure to sample the nation's award winning wines during your stay. South Africa's vintages are among the world's best. Some specialties include lovely Chardonnays, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cinsault, Riesling, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, Caberbet Sauvignon and Pinotage varietals. You will find that one of the most pleasant ways to enjoy South African wine is on a visit to the scenic wineland of the Western Cape. Few places in the world are as stunning as these lush valleys. Towering mountains are a dramatic backdrop for the rows of grapevines and giant oaks. Above: Tour operator Robert Davidowitz discusses wines in Franzhoek with Robert D'Angelo of Philadelphia. Photo by Muguette Gofurani. Africa's finest bush cellar promotes SA wines, Singita Private Game Reserve launches Premier Wine Direct Renowned for its impressive wine list and collection of top South African wines, Singita, Africa's premier private game reserve bordering the Kruger National Park, has introduced an exciting new concept to make sought-after local wines accessible to international guests. Voted No. 1 destination in the world for two consecutive years by no less than two prestigious international publications, Conde Nast Traveler and Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report, specialist wine tastings and gourmet food are as much a part of the Singita guest experience as pristine game viewing and luxurious lodge living. Singita Premier Wine Direct enables Singita guests to acquire rare South African wines directly from Africa's finest bush cellar. Now wine lovers and connoisseurs can purchase South African wines for courier directly to their homes or to take with them after their stay at Singita. Additional orders can also be placed via email for delivery anywhere in the world. Premier Wine Direct offers a selection of the best wines in the finest vintages from top South African cellars and wineries including allocations of rare icons, single vineyard and limited release wines secured from leading estates by Singita's dedicated Sommelier. Only premier South African wines are featured on the Singita wine list. The humidity and temperature controlled cellars at Singita's Ebony and Boulders Lodges in the Sabi Sand Reserve have a capacity for over 15 000 bottles. A third Singita bush cellar with a capacity of another 6000 bottles is nearing completion at Singita Lebombo. Scheduled to open in March 2003, Singita Lebombo will offer discerning guests an unrivaled wilderness experience on a private concession on the remote eastern boundary of the Kruger National Park. These three bush cellars are supported by Singita's Young Wine Cellar situated in the Cape Winelands, where up to 24 000 bottles are matured under optimum conditions. This enables Singita's Sommelier to purchase red wines on release and keep them in the cellar for long-term bulk maturation until they are ready to be dispatched to the respective lodges. The Singita bush cellars have been designed specifically to accommodate personal wine tastings, often hosted by some of South Africa's leading winemakers who are frequent guests at Singita. "Singita Premier Wine Direct was created in response to the tremendous interest shown by our guests to purchase sought-after South African wines that are frequently sold out in the winelands," said Singita Sommelier, Francois Rautenbach, who spends a considerable part of his time visiting premier wine estates to secure allocations of these select wines. This relentless pursuit of the most prestigious local wines, enables Singita Premier Wine Direct to offer a wide selection of the best wines in the finest vintages as rated by leading wine critics. Singita's standing and strong relationships within the local wine industry have also proven to be invaluable when it comes to arranging personal tastings and vineyard tours for those guests visiting the winelands after their stay at Singita. For further information on Singita Premier Wine Direct, contact mailto:premierwine@singita.co.za Sparkling summer specials at The House of JC Le Roux The House of JC Le Roux, South Africa's leading house of sparkling wines, has introduced a sensational range of specials to celebrate the wonderful, long summer months. The beautiful picturesque setting of the JC Le Roux establishment, in the heart of the winelands in Devon Valley, offers the finest award-winning Cap Classique and sparkling wines. Guests can enjoy tastings of these superb wines, tour the modern, state of the art cellar or enjoy a delicious meal in the stylish restaurant. Indulge in the specially created sparkling menu while relaxing in the tranquil surroundings of this fine facility. At only R20 per person, visitors can enjoy one of the many delectable treats accompanied by a glass of Cap Classique or sparkling wine. Seafood lovers can feast away at oysters and a glass of Pongracz Cap Classique or the savory snoek masala with JC Le Roux Sauvignon Blanc. If you prefer traditional South African favorites tuck into bobotie springrolls reflecting the rich, full character of La VallŽe Cap Classique, Ostrich pate with JC Pinot Noir Cap Classique or an indulgent cheese platter served with JC Le Roux Le Domaine. For the ultimate indulgence enjoy sweet strawberries & cream paired with JC Le Roux Sauvignon Blanc. The restaurant at the house of sparkling wine also serves breakfast or light and delicious lunches, Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10h00 till 15h00 and on Sundays a delectable brunch can be enjoyed between 10h00 and 13h00. Make the most of this summer season and don't miss out on the unsurpassed taste of South Africa's best sparkling wines. For bookings call The House of JC Le Roux on Tel: 021-865 2590.   More about South African wines Take a leisurely drive through one of the many wine routes just minutes out of Cape Town. Winemakers welcome you for cellar tours and tastings. You will see historic wine towns graced with lovely Cape Dutch and Victorian buildings, charming guest houses, top-notch restaurants and interesting museums and shops. The Constantia wine route is popular for both beauty and historical significance. Established more than 300 years ago Groot Constantia is a superb example of a Cape Dutch manor house. Visit the picturesque wine route of Franschoek, or "French Corner", also rich in history. In 1688 the French Huguenots developed the area, contributing their knowledge of wine-making. Here you will enjoy wine cellar tours, gourmet restaurants and upscale accommodations, A cluster of wineries surrounds the historic university town of Stellenbosh, the second-oldest European settlement in South Africa and an architectural gem. You will marvel at the well-preserved Cape Dutch, Georgian, Victorian and Regency buildings, many of which are national monuments. Enjoy a drive down the oak-shaded Main Street of Paarl, a winelands town with tine Cape Dutch buildings. This Bergriver Valley wine route features historic museums, find restaurants and a nature reserve. Other routes include Durbanville, nestled on the slopes of the Tygerberg Hills, and compact Wellington - both distinguished by award-winning wines. The Worcester route is located in the beautiful Breede River Valley. Be sure to see numerous tourist attractions and breathtaking scenery on the Swartland route . Above item and photos courtesy of Satour. If you want to provide comments, an item or news release to this column on line or in print, send it to "The Flying Gourmet" at airhwy@dowco.com   Don't miss "Love notes to Cape Town" by Selwyn Davidowitz Photo at top: Views of the Cape, by Selwyn Davidowitz