Situated off the national road within easy driving distance of Cape Town in Somerset West, is Vergelegen Wine Estate.

Picnic among some of the Cape's oldest camphor and yellowwood trees in the extensive grounds that showcase South Africa's chequered history and Cape Dutch architecture. Experience the sensory beauty of the cultivated rose and herb gardens, the original Van der Stel Winery, the Library, mill, ruins and Slave Lodge as well as authentic Pigeon House.

Breakfast al fresco at The Rose Terrace Bistro, open November to April or sample the fish, meat and vegetarian dishes which are served in the Lady Phillips restaurant together with a selection of premium Vergelegen wines including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz varieties. Cellar tours are also offered.

Combined with good weather an outing to Vergelegen is well worth its R10 entrance fee. As it is very popular, booking is advised. It is a thoroughly enjoyable experience and well worth a visit especially if heading from Cape Town to Hermanus to enjoy some whale watching.

Web: www.vergelegen.co.za
Phone : +27 21 847 1334
Address: Lourensford Road, Somerset West, South Africa

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The Okanagan is a fantastic place for wine tasting. After happily enjoying all the usual haunts - Australia, France, Italy etc - I have never had so much fun as I did when wine tasting in Canada.

Wines there are really interesting and the experience is even more rewarding with the beautiful landscape surrounding you.

Mission Hill is a huge estate with some great easy wines for tourists and beautiful food. If it doesn't take your fancy there are countless boutique wineries around the region to choose from, particularly in the southern region around Okanagan Falls.

The area produces some wonderful reds, but by far my favourite was the icewine on offer. I'm really not a fan of sweet dessert wine but this changed my mind! It is made from grapes picked on the very first frost of the season and it is lovely on its own or in a champagne cocktail - look out for a Merlot Icewine if you can. Highly recommended and tastes mighty fine in a gin cocktail.

This region is definitely worth a visit for a surprising wine experience.

www.winesnw.com/okanagan.html

Mission Hill: www.missionhillwinery.com

We drove the few hours from Vancouver but you can fly to Kelowna.

THe Accounting for Taste B&B does customised wine tours and has beautiful views of Lake Okanagan: www.accountingfortaste.ca

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If you want to get out of Sydney there are a few options.

The Hunter valley for a day of wine tasting (if you want to stay overnight, try Peppers).

The Blue Mountains are another option.

However, for a day to remember get the seaplane (seaplanes.com.au) up to Berowra Waters. Have lunch there and then fly back.

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