Wine Travels: Darling & Riebeek Kasteel

Nguni cattle greet you as you drive into Groote Post in Darling. If you're lucky enough to meet the young son, Peter Pentz, who takes his publishing project seriously at Paarl Boys High, you'll get an idea of the strong dynamic that runs through the family. The farm is steeped in history and the wines well awarded. Yes, I left with quite a few.

The Darling indoor market is held on the first Saturday of every month. You have to try the drippingly delicious gourmet mushroom stand upstairs, with grilled, bottled and dried oyster mushrooms on offer. Then please bring some back for me!

Ormonde Winery in Darling. Between tasting the Ormonde, Ondine and Alexanderfontein ranges, you'll want to leave with a case. It's a good thing that they have mixed cases on special. I suggest the Ormonde Theodore Eksteen: 65% Shiraz 35% Grenache. Try the handy roast mushroom pairing recipe on their website.

Bar Bar Black Sheep restaurant in Riebeek Kasteel. Stupendously delicious food, gorgeous interior, lovely staff and a fireplace that will warm you all over.

T W K • Short Street • Riebeek Kasteel • 022 448 1008 • 076 012 9204 • 083 306 0527 • anton@thewinekollective.co.za A selection of Swartland Wines sold at cellar door prices and delivered throughout South Africa. Free wine tasting on weekends. After making wine in a garage, the owners of The Wine Kollective…

Mullineux Winery in Riebeek Kasteel. The winemaker parks his Vespa here. How cool! Be prepared to pay a little more for these wines, but look around you. Everything is a little more classic.

Darling Brew SlowBeer and Native Ale are my best.

Darling Brew Tasting Room, run by Kevin and Philippa Wood. Philippa was quite an inspiration, having just arrived back in Darling after running the Two Oceans Half Marathon in the cold and rain. Thanks for getting back in time to tell us your story!