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Porsche Franschhoek Wine Cellars - 20 August 2017

20 August 2017 saw the largest gathering of club members for a Sunday run, that I can remember. We had lots of new members on a drive out to Franschhoek Cellars. We did our usual meet up at the Engen 1 Stop, and met new members, Neil and Barbi Cowie, Colin and Sam Bouwer. Steve and Cathy Cave, Craig and Mara-Li Massyn, Andrew and Serena Salmon, who have been members for a little while, but I think this was their first run, (of many, I hope!)

A great big welcome to you, all. We look forward to many more Porsche adventures, with you, all! If there is anyone I failed to mention, please let me know?

Colin Bouwer, and Sam were pressured into leading our drive, and although the group split, we all arrived at the lookout point over the Berg River Dam, where we had a chance to stretch our legs, and the lovely Sylvia from Belgium, took fabulous photographs.

We then headed across to the Franschhoek Cellars, where we started off with a wine tasting. It's always a surprise to me, how different people’s palates are. I particularly enjoyed the Sauvignon Blanc, and the Chenin, and the Chardonnay was enjoyed by many, in spite of the fact that I'm an ABC... Anything But Chardonnay!

The reds were equally delicious, Merlot, Pinotage and Shiraz, of which, my personal favourite was the Shiraz. That being said, I'm more of a cactus juice fan, so my opinion on wine should never be taken seriously. Birthday Girl, Birgit Lamm, would be a much better source of reliable review of the varietals we sampled, based on the conversations I overheard, between Birgit and Ian Crooks. Another good source of intelligent conversation would be birthday boy, Neil Cowie and Barbi (who kept his birthday a secret, right until their departure, denying us the opportunity of an additional birthday sing-song!)

Feeding sixty people is no easy feat, but the Cellars did very well, offering four choices of main; a veggie burger, pork belly, beef curry, and cob, as the fish choice. All very delicious, and portion sizes, very generous. Dessert offered two options, chocolate brownies, with ice cream, and ice cream with hot chocolate sauce. I had the former, and it was definitely worth the calories!

And then, as if we weren't replete, Lynda came out with a spectacular coffee cream and chocolate birthday cake for Birgit, which was irresistible! I could have rolled all the way home!

All in all, it was a terrific run, fabulously put together by Stuart Anderson. Maybe it's the time he spends in the air, but his knowledge of fabulous back roads to get anywhere, is legendary. Thank you, Stuart!! Another excellent run, and great choice of destination. 

 

JANE PLIT


20/08/2017