Summer 2017 has ended after a lovely trip to the wine country in South Africa where I had the chance to see the Namaqualand flowers in bloom (although not as widespread as in non-drought years) and rediscovered the old South African staple, a firm favourite - Drostdy Hof. I visited the Oude Drostdy (which for a fun fact, was the former courthouse in Tulbagh) where we went downstairs into the old holding cells for the tasting - very unique and a bit of fun. I also discovered a new favourite red and rosé at Saronsberg. The best part, both estates are in/close to Tulbagh, a delightful little town whose claim to fame is to be the second oldest town in South Africa.My visit to South Africa ended at the oldest wine estate Groot Constantia, a super interesting and amazing wine list visit.

Finishing my holiday in the South African wine country led me sweetly into the first wine tasting of the Autumn organised by Slurp It was a special visit to New Zealand House in London for a whirl around the New Zealand wine regions. And what a whirl it was… The tasting took place on the 18th floor of the embassy. Yes – it’s true, that tiny island nation has a massive embassy!! Who knew? The views of London as the sun set from the terrace was worth the ticket alone and a great opportunity for those rare and unexpected wind swept – ruin your selfie shots.

It’s the first wine tasting I’ve been to that had both Gin and Beer on offer! Yup! Trust the Kiwis to mix things up to expand our taste buds. There was a cracking little rose and a delightful dessert wine called Tohu – which we managed to sneak in 2 rounds… a great way to end off the evening… yum yum… It was a great visit and canter around the islands.

Next stop, an italian tasting, chocolate festival and the big daddy of wine festivals, the Decanter Fine Wine Festival... ca(n)-not wait!