A week has swooshed passed since these pages came to life and there's always something to give thanks for. In my case, I thank you, the supporters who have made time to pass positive and constructive comment on our first blog.
It's gloriously satisfying to know that as I was celebrating a few of the South African heroes in hospitality and service, you were very much in agreement and found time to support them. If that's not the spirit of Ubuntu, then I don't know what is.
Earlier in the week I found another easy reason to be thankful. Our club, the Black Cellar Club (BLACC) was invited to spend the day at the historic and magnificent Lanzerac. As it was our very first post-lockdown BLACC Monday, there was great anticipation which also resulted in zero no-shows!
The last time I'd visited Lanzerac, in the heart of Stellenbosch, was when I was about seventeen years old with my late father. We were invited by the legendary Dave Hughes to have dinner with him and his beloved Lorna. I recall they'd recently refurbished the dining room at that time and it was all rather splendid. Dressed in our finest, we took our seats at the centre of the dining room and much pomp and circumstance ensued. My memory serves me a very forgettable meal but great wines, companied by Dave's truly legendary tales!
My visit to Lanzerac this week, however, will linger for many years as a complete triumph. From the moment we stepped off the courtesy car at the rather grand entrance (hand sanitatizor and all that business of course), we were looked after like queens and kings! Their scrumptious MCC (100% Chardonnay) made a rather sparkling welcome. Francois, our host , remarking that it makes a fine breakfast bubbly.
To think that the grand room we were welcomed in had all burnt down just a couple of years ago - quite astonishing!
Some of the highlights from the day were the private wine tasting in the cellar with the winemaker Wynand Lategan. They really laid it on thick for us, all their best wines were presented and with such an easy manner. He really does know his Chardonnay from his Pinot Blanc! My favourite of course was the Sauvignon blanc which I enjoyed with all my courses later on in the day.
To say we were spoilt would be an understatement. Our private dining room, with any choice of wines, was a great place to enjoy a very fine lunch. I can never forget the crispy calamari!
Sadly I missed out on dessert as I was too busy being interviewed by Reuters who kindly decided to come and cover the visit for a news story about BLACC. But it meant I had an excuse to enjoy the Sauvignon Blanc on its own as that was the required interview prop!
A truly special wine estate with the warmest hospitality you'll get anywhere. Well worth remembering when you're next in Stellenbosch.
P.S. do ask them to show you a portrait of one of their previous owners from a century ago. Now there's a face!
Read more about Blacc (Black Cellar Club) in our latest article from the Daily maverick.
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