SA TOURIST GUIDE TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
ISSUE 07 2021
ABINGDON WINE ESTATE
Soweto Bicycle Tour
#StopTheSpread
How to use a mask? Source: World Health Organization
Before Putting on a Mask: Clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
While Wearing a Mask: 1. Cover your mouth and nose. Make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask. 2. Avoid touching the mask. If you do, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water. 3. Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp. Do not re-use single-use masks.
To dispose of the mask: 1. Remove the mask from behind using the strings. Do not touch the front of mask. 2. Discard the mask immediately in a closed bin. 3. Clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
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IN THIS ISSUE
07
ABINGDON WINE ESTATE
08 12
13-15
18 - 19
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SOWETO BICYCLE TOUR BY BOOK IBHONI
HOW TABLE MOUNTAIN CAN HELP YOU STAY ACTIVE THIS SUMMER
"Live life with no excuses, travel with no regret."
ABINGDON WINE ESTATE
TRAVEL
KZN’s PREMIER WINE ESTATE The history of wine in KwaZulu-Natal dates back 16 years to 2004. Call it madness, or an act of genius, Ian Smorthwaite, a production engineer with no background in viticulture, together with his wife, Jane Smorthwaite, took a giant leap of faith and began a journey of pioneering wine on their farm in Lions River. Abingdon Wine Estate is the oldest commercial vineyards in the province and a hidden gem as a local producer of KZN wine. Located in the rolling hills just beyond Howick, Abingdon Wine Estate is a unique pioneering estate which has positioned itself as a serious high altitude single vineyard boutique wine producer in KZN. Situated at 1140m above sea level, the Estate has just under 4ha under vine and produces certified single vineyard estate wines from 100% Abingdon grapes. While many may associate wine with the Western Cape and a Mediterranean climate, some of the world's greatest wine's come from cool climate, high altitude and summer rainfall regions around the world.
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VINEYARD ARIAL Abingdon's maiden vintage, a 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon/ Shiraz blend, was the first ever certified estate wine made in KwaZulu-Natal. Thereafter, the farm has seen the release and swift sales of well over 100 certified Estate wines to date all representing Lions River, KwaZulu-Natal Wine of Origin. Abingdon wines have received accolades and awards both locally and abroad. Abingdon is a family run estate with father & daughter team, Ian and Laurie, taking a hands on approach to all aspects of viticulture and wine making. Ian is self-taught, taking a dynamic and intuitive approach to viticulture in KwaZulu-Natal and works alongside his highly educated daughter. Laurie, a certified WSET lecturer, Master of Wine student, award winning sommelier and international judge, also runs the KZN School of Wine from the estate. Abingdon sells their wine cellar door from their popular tasting room, offering guests the opportunity to visit the farm, meet the family and hear their story.
Open Friday : 1pm – 6pm Saturday: 11am – 5pm Lunch bookings essential Contact:jane@abingdonestate.co.za / 083 463 8503
Abingdon Wine Estate opened their very popular tasting room in August 2009. Owner, Jane Smorthwaite is responsible for authentic, delicious harvest boards and tapas style dishes overlooking the vineyard on beautiful sunny days, or inside in front of three roaring fireplaces on cold Midlands days. Wine tastings are offered throughout the day. The tasting room was the recipient of the American Express Dining Awards South Africa’s Best Kept Secret in 2019.
www.abingdonestate.co.za -12-
SOWETO BICYCLE TOUR BY BOOK IBHONI
Don’t let life pass you by. Should you find
Discover and learn why Soweto is so near and
yourself in Soweto make sure you sneak a
dear to South Africa. Pedal through the
peek at BOOK IBHONI. What is BOOK
streets of Vilakazi and witness first-hand the
IBHONI you ask, Well grab a seat because
contagious amazing vibe of Soweto.
what I’m about to tell you will blow you away. They are a bicycle and cycling brand called
Book ibhoni promises to sell authenticity, they
BOOK IBHONI. The word "ibhoni" Means a
include discussions of what visitors / tourists
bicycle. BOOK IBHONI is found in Soweto the
have heard about the history of the township
heart of South Africa, where you can book a
in general, with what is currently happening.
bicycle using a book. Confused? Well bring a
They have about 5 - 10 stops on their bicycle
book or two and use that as currency and get
tours and all the stops are aimed at
discounted to tour around Soweto’s hottest
supporting small businesses in the
places. To date BOOK IBHONI have donated
community.
books to over 10 community libraries in and around GAUTENG.
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Talk about pedaling for the right course, not only are you exercising but you are supporting local businesses and donating books to various libraries. That’s definitely bucket list worthy. BOOK IBHONI hosts monthly rides, which are free if you bring your own bicycle. Most of the bicycle rides are called Tour De Libraries. These are group rides where you cycle to community libraries to donate books.
So don’t get left behind contact them at WhatsApp 061 371 9013 info@bookibhoni.co.za bookibhoni@gmail.com
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H O W T A B L E M O U N T A I N C A N H E L P Y O U S T A Y A C T I V E T H I S S U M M E R
A
Rising 1 086 meters above sea level, Table Mountain is Cape Town’s most recognizable landmark. Table Mountain is more than just a representation of Cape Town; it’s also home to an immense amount of fauna and flora, native only to the area. The mountain’s abundance of biodiversity coupled with its one-of-a-kind landscape creates a truly rewarding hiking experience.
Van Zyl reckons that his good health is as a result of his weekly hikes up the mountain. “What better way to stay healthy than enjoying all that we have to offer in Cape Town. After all, Table Mountain is the most beautiful, free openair gym that’s situated right on our doorstep,” he adds. As an annual Table Mountain Cableway cardholder, Van Zyl says that he thoroughly enjoys the trips down with the cable car after an intense hike. “At my age, it still takes me less than an hour to reach the summit. In the last 10 years, I mostly hike via Platteklip Gorge and save my knees the pounding of hiking back down by using the cableway.”
While most public parks and beaches may be closed, hiking through our national parks is a great way to keep the body active whilst spending leisure time with family this summer. Robert van Zyl, a 71-year-old hiking enthusiast, is testament to the magnetism that these hiking trails have.
According to Wahida Parker, Managing Director of Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC), the annual Cable Card provides the public with greater access to experience the mountain at their leisure. “Having a cable card affords hikers and nature enthusiasts with an opportunity to enjoy Table Mountain all year round. It is an affordable way to access the mountain. Cable card can be purchased as a single membership and is available for children under the age of 17 years. It also provides hikers with peace of mind knowing that there is always a safe way down.”
“It was on New Year’s Day back in 2002 when Van Zyl completed his first hike up the mountain. This was the start of many return visits for him; in fact, he has hiked up Table Mountain 1000 times since that first climb.” He explains that he has competed against fellow hikers in friendly races towards the top of the mountain, accomplishing personal best times for the Skeleton Gorge and Platteklip Gorge trails at 42 and 47 minutes, respectively. “I hope to motivate others to do the same. I am living proof that age is but a number and you can do anything that you put your mind to.”
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"I AM LIVING PROOF THAT AGE IS BUT A NUMBER AND YOU CAN DO ANYTHING THAT YOU PUT YOUR MIND TO.”
Parker encourages hikers to be observant and to follow rigorous safety precautions when hiking up Table Mountain. “It is important that hikers prepare and plan their trips up the mountain, as the weather can change very quickly. Never hike alone, dress warmly, carry water with you, and keep emergency numbers saved on your mobile phone.” TMACC have also made sure that all Covid-19 safety protocols have been put in place to minimize the spread of the virus. According to Van Zyl he has felt extremely safe using the cableway to get down from the mountain. “My temperature is always checked and all health and safety protocols are being adhered to, which is great. The staff at the cableway are extremely friendly and continuously ensure that everyone practices social distancing.” Top hiking trails on Table Mountain The most well-known of these is the
Platteklip Gorge hiking trail – almost a direct route up to the top of the mountain. With its emerald ravine, lush jungle, and moss-covered slopes the Skeleton Gorge trail takes hikers through a nature wanderlust before reaching the highest point of the mountain, Maclears Beacon. Other trails leading towards the summit include the India Venster hiking trail, which runs straight up the front of the mountain and right underneath the cable car route. The longest route is the 12 Apostles trail and is popular amongst hikers who not only want to get to the top of Table Mountain but would like to enjoy the scenic journey too. For more information on the how to plan your trip to one of Table Mountain’s various hiking trails, vist www.tablemountain.net
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