Discover the Magic of Cape Town Through the Eyes of Wine Expert Malu Lambert

Hello there! Today, I want to share with you my personal journey through the enchanting city of Cape Town. It’s remarkable how this place offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and, of course, exquisite wines. Join me as we dive into the marvelous world of Cape Town and its wine scene!

When I close my eyes and think about Cape Town, images of breathtaking landscapes instantly come to mind. The city is nestled between the majestic Table Mountain and the glistening ocean. These natural wonders create a backdrop of unparalleled beauty that will leave you in awe. As you explore Cape Town, you’ll find yourself surrounded by stunning vistas at every turn.

But Cape Town isn’t just about picturesque views. It’s a city that pulsates with a vibrant culture. The people here are warm, welcoming, and always ready to share a smile. You’ll get a taste of this lively spirit as you stroll through the bustling streets, filled with lively markets, street performers, and the aroma of delicious local cuisine.

Now, let’s talk about wine! Cape Town is a haven for wine enthusiasts like me. It is home to some of the world’s most renowned vineyards and wineries. The region’s unique climate and fertile soils create the perfect conditions for growing exceptional grapes. When you visit Cape Town, you’ll have the opportunity to embark on tantalizing wine tasting experiences, where you can sip on wines that are the result of centuries of winemaking expertise.

One of my favorite wine regions in Cape Town is Stellenbosch. This charming town is known for its scenic beauty and historic vineyards. Imagine yourself wandering through rows of lush vineyards, soaking in the intoxicating aroma of ripe grapes, and indulging in the flavors of award-winning wines. Stellenbosch truly captures the essence of Cape Town’s wine culture.

And let’s not forget about the iconic Cape Winelands. This picturesque area is a must-visit for any wine lover. As you meander through the rolling hills and verdant valleys, you’ll discover wineries that have been producing world-class wines for generations. The Cape Winelands is a treasure trove of remarkable wine experiences just waiting to be explored.

So, if you’re a wine enthusiast like me, I can’t recommend Cape Town enough. It’s a destination that combines natural beauty, vibrant culture, and an unrivaled wine scene. From the moment you set foot in this captivating city, you’ll be transported to a world where every sip of wine tells a story. Cheers to Cape Town!

Hey there! I’m a wine journalist who enjoys writing about food and travel from time to time. I grew up in Cape Town and let me tell you, it’s an amazing place! We have it all – beautiful beaches, lush forests, majestic mountains, and of course, the Winelands.

What I love most about Cape Town is how close everything is. You can go from lounging on the beach to hiking in the mountains in no time. And let’s talk about the Winelands! We are truly blessed to have such a variety of incredible wines right at our fingertips.

One of my favorite things to do is explore the Winelands with my husband. He’s from Paarl, so we have a special connection to the area. When we started dating, we used to spend hours under the old oak trees, savoring the taste of fine wines and dreaming about our future together.

I first fell head over heels for wine back when I was working as a waiter to pay my way through school. During that time, I had the incredible opportunity to work at a prestigious restaurant in London. Every Friday, a special event called “Table 17” allowed us to sample wines from around the world. This was when my true love affair with wine began, not just for the drink itself, but also for the captivating stories behind each bottle.

Within every bottle of wine, lies a piece of history – a lost summer, the dreams of countless individuals, and the essence of the soil that nurtured the grapevine. It’s challenging to single out just one wine, but a certain Meursault (a French Chardonnay) utterly charmed me. What caught my attention about these wines was their effortless nature. They seemed to float weightlessly on the palate, yet possessed an intensity and complexity that defied explanation. It was almost like experiencing an abstract work of art. Wines of this caliber not only offer pure enjoyment, they provide a cerebral delight as well.

I absolutely love living in Noordhoek, a peaceful neighborhood on the southern peninsula of Cape Town. It’s my favorite place in the entire Cape, and I can’t help but feel a burst of joy whenever I’m here. Every Sunday, my family and I have the perfect tradition – we take a leisurely walk on the beach, enjoying the soothing ocean breeze and the sand beneath our feet.

After our walk, we head over to Aegir Project, a fantastic craft brewery nearby. They have the most incredible beers, and one that I can never resist is their roasted marshmallow stout. I kid you not, this beer haunts my thoughts throughout the week, and I eagerly await Sunday to treat myself to this delicious indulgence.

Picture this – I’m sitting at Aegir Project, surrounded by the warm, friendly atmosphere of the brewery. My family is by my side, sharing laughter and good conversation. I take a sip of that smooth, rich roasted marshmallow stout, and it’s like a burst of pure bliss in my mouth. The flavors create an exquisite dance on my taste buds, leaving me feeling completely satisfied and content.

There’s something magical about this place. It’s not just the beer or the beach; it’s the combination of both that makes it so special. It’s about cherishing these precious moments with my loved ones, appreciating the beauty of nature, and indulging in the simple pleasures in life.

Noordhoek, with its serene surroundings and vibrant community, is a true gem. It’s my happy place, my sanctuary away from the chaos of everyday life. Whenever I step foot in this little corner of the Cape, all my worries and stress melt away, replaced by an overwhelming sense of peace and joy. It’s a reminder that happiness can be found in the simplest of moments and the most unexpected of places.

So, if you’re ever in the Cape and looking for a place to unwind and recharge, I highly recommend visiting Noordhoek. Take a stroll on the beach, feel the sand between your toes, and treat yourself to a refreshing drink at Aegir Project. Trust me, you won’t regret it. This little slice of paradise has the power to rejuvenate your spirit and leave you with lasting memories that will warm your heart for years to come.

The absolute best wine region when it comes to climate is definitely Elgin. Without a doubt, my top choice from this region is Spioenkop Wines. Their wines are incredibly unique and one-of-a-kind, and I genuinely enjoy every single one of them. If you’re looking to try something different, I highly recommend their “new wave” pinotage. It’s made with a deep appreciation for its pinot noir roots. Another must-try is their riesling, which sets the standard for what we can achieve with this grape variety in our country. It is simply outstanding – fragrant, precise, with a perfect balance of acidity and pristine, pure fruit flavors.

When it comes to the coolest people and experiences, I have to give a big shout-out to the team at Fryer’s Cove. They’re located deep in the West Coast, about a four-hour drive from Cape Town. What’s really cool about their winery and cellar is that it used to be a fish factory with a jetty that stretches into the ocean. How awesome is that?

Now, let’s talk about their vineyard for the Bamboes Bay Sauvignon Blanc. It’s located nearby, and it holds a special place in South Africa because it’s the smallest wine of origin in the whole country. That’s pretty remarkable, don’t you think?

But here’s the real magic – when you take a sip of this wine, you can taste the essence of the sea. You can feel the salt on your tongue, and there’s this unique umami flavor from the kelp. It’s an experience like no other. And trust me, if someone tries to argue with me on this, I’m ready to throw down!

Every wine region has its own unique charms and qualities that make it special. Personally, I find the region of Stellenbosch to be particularly fascinating because of its rich history and the countless experiences it has to offer. Whether you’re exploring the area for days on end or just scratching the surface, there’s always something new to uncover.

But let me tell you, the Hemel-en-Aarde region has its own magic. From the exquisite Newton Johnson Pinot Noir to the exceptional Bouchard Finlayson and Hamilton Russel Chardonnay, the wines produced here are a true testament to the beauty of this region. And let’s not forget about Restless River, whose passionate winemakers have brought an incredible energy to the area.

If I could design the perfect day, it would involve breathtaking ocean views, a plate of fresh Saldanha oysters, and a bottle of the exquisite Chris Alheit Chenin Blanc. Alternatively, I’d love nothing more than to wander from dusty cellar to dusty cellar, sampling wines straight from the barrel and listening to our talented winemakers share their stories – a privilege that comes with my job.

I get inspired by people who think outside the box – not just in art, but in all aspects of life. I’m intrigued by ideas that are born out of creative problem-solving, or by individuals who have created something entirely unique or so specialized that it defies conventional wisdom. I’m also an avid reader, devouring five to six books every month. And my most brilliant ideas often strike me while I’m in the shower; I’ll emerge with a catchy headline or a compelling story pitch, rushing straight to my computer.

Like any trend, wine experiences its own cycles. Currently, there’s a shift away from excessive use of new oak, with a preference for more refined and elegant styles. Winemakers are favoring the use of older oak or alternative vessels like amphora or concrete tanks, which offer neutrality without overpowering the wine’s natural flavors.

It seems like millennials these days are moving away from alcohol and are actually seeking out alcohol-free options – there’s a rise in popularity of non-alcoholic beverages, ranging from dealcoholized wines to virgin ciders and gins. But for those who still indulge? I’ve noticed that they are often drawn to the way a wine is presented and the story behind it – millennials are actively looking for ways to engage with the world around them, and this includes searching for authenticity, which brands have started to recognize.

Right now, I’m keeping a close eye on a unique winery – or rather, a region. I’m eager to see what Franschhoek can do with their remarkable resource of old vine semillon and semillon gris. It’s surprising that we don’t hear more about them!

If I had the opportunity to choose any place in the world to live, I would definitely choose Cape Town! This city offers a remarkable quality of life, along with an abundance of exquisite wines that are truly a delight. However, if circumstances required me to relocate, I would be tempted to settle in a charming village in France, enticed by the irresistible allure of savory wine and cheese.

Speaking of dreams, my ultimate lunch date would be at an extraordinary restaurant called Wolfgat! I eagerly anticipated the moment when the booking for this coveted dining experience would become available this summer. Sadly, it was snatched up just as quickly as it was released. Alas, I shall patiently await my chance next year.

My Recent Wine Adventures

Let me tell you about the fantastic wines I recently had the pleasure of sampling. First on the list was a special treat from Chris Williams, the talented winemaker behind The Foundry and the cellarmaster of Meerlust. Chris approaches winemaking like a poet, pouring his heart and soul into every bottle. The Foundry wines truly captivated me with their linear and intense flavors, brimming with vibrant energy.

For the past season, Chris has been focusing on Rhône varietals, and boy, did he hit a home run! The Roussanne 2017 was a revelation – distinct and full of character. It had a beautiful floral aroma and a unique stony texture, with a crystalline quality that was simply mesmerizing. Chris believes that Roussanne has a bright future in the Cape, and after tasting this gem, I couldn’t agree more!

The second wine that left a lasting impression on me was a Kanonkop Paul Sauer vintage from around 1995. Kanonkop is widely recognized as South Africa’s premier winery, and tasting their Paul Sauer was like sipping on a piece of living history. The wine was absolutely alive, bursting with flavors that have stood the test of time.

Malu’s Must-Try Places in Cape Town

I absolutely love Obi – it’s my favorite sushi spot!

Let me tell you about one of the most unforgettable restaurant meals I’ve had recently. It was at La Tête, a true haven for wine enthusiasts. The food there perfectly complements the wines, creating an incredible dining experience.

If you’re into hiking, you should definitely check out the wild beaches and coastal walks of Cape Point.

When it comes to weekend getaways, my top pick is the mystical land of the red gods – the Cederberg! This place is like a soothing balm for the soul, and we’re extremely fortunate to have such an extraordinary natural heritage site right on our doorstep. The Cederberg is an enchanting amphitheater adorned with ancient rock art and illuminated by crystal-clear night skies. I had the privilege of staying at Bushman’s Kloof recently, and I can’t recommend it highly enough.

The Cape Wine Auction is the most significant event of the year. Each year, it manages to raise an impressive sum of money, currently sitting at R86 Million. This money goes directly towards supporting education in the Cape Winelands. It’s an event that truly makes a difference.

Let me introduce myself – I’m Malu Lambert, a freelance food and wine journalist. In 2015, I had the honor of being named the Veritas Young Wine Writer. I was also lucky enough to be nominated for the Louis Roederer International Wine Writers’ Awards in 2019, where I competed for the title of Emerging Wine Writer of the Year.

On top of my writing pursuits, I also run a fascinating company called FABLE. We specialize in story-telling, social-media management, and copywriting. It’s a unique venture that allows me to explore the power of narratives in marketing and communications.

Furthermore, I collaborate with my husband, James Copeland, on his craft rum and distilling project called Copeland Rum. It’s a fantastic endeavor that combines our love for quality spirits with our shared entrepreneurship spirit.

As you can see, I have a deep passion for the world of food, wine, and storytelling. It’s a joy to be able to pursue these passions in various ways, and I’m constantly grateful for the opportunities that come my way.