HAZENDAL / DEVONVALE
Bottelary Hills Stellenbosch
28th July 2022

What a beautiful day we had for our trip – the calm before the storm – Weather seems to be like this in Cape Town when we are having rains predicted, day before & we seem to have a stunning day!

After our two pickups we headed to our first stop which is the Hazendal Wine Estate along Bottelary Road.  Changes on this prestigious estate have been vast over the years – and now offers so many interesting things to do.

One can enjoy coffee at Babushka Deli (which 7 of us did) out in the early morning sun; or you can stroll through their Manor House which is now hired out as a Guest House; or you can enjoy a Russian High Tea (Next time! Said many); or you can enjoy wine tasting in their wine lounge (many of our group chose – because of the perfect weather – to enjoy the wine tasting outside under a huge, big ‘old oak tree)

It was Bridget’s birthday, and she was spoilt, as after they had enjoyed wine tasting she was offered a glass of their best champagne!  A fabulous gesture and the group spent a full hour and a half just enjoying each other’s company.

Our next stop was the DevonVale Golf and Wine Estate also along Bottelary Road.  Wonderful to see the golfers out in their short sleeve shirts and shorts enjoying this stunning day.  We were welcomed by the staff and very quickly drinks were ordered and enjoyed prior to our lunch.
Lunch was a choice of ?

• Chicken Schnitzel with mash (was supposed to come with French fries) but this is to be ‘rectified’ at the next staff meeting!
• Pork Neck with French fries (judged to be the best option – so exceptionally tender).
• Mac Cheese with Chicken and Prawns (a great combination) – good comfort food .

Dessert was the best Chocolate Brownie with Ice Cream.

By just after 3.00pm we were all back in our coach and our route home was to be via the N1 – not realising that there was roadworks, and one lane was closed off (on a Busy Thursday during the week) – this resulted in us adding almost an hour extra to our way back to Constantia and Tableview.

What a fabulous day out and it was great to receive the following comments from a few of the gals:

• “Thanks for a super day, Carol.  What an amazing spirit there is within your group” Angela
• “You could feel the love today” Hilda
• “Thanks for a lovely fun day, Carol” Ingrid H
• “Again, a big thank you for another lovely day yesterday” Marja
• And then from our birthday girl, Bridget:

“Thank you, Carol, for such an awesome relaxed day – It was really so special, the venues stunning, and the meal delicious – you and the ladies made my birthday so very special”

Some photos:

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