Today we are starting our day by heading to Stellenbosch wine country for a visit to Seven Sisters Vineyards, a black, female-owned winery.
Come along with us on the ride from the Taj Cape Town to Stellenbosch wine country. Mario is sharing history on why Cape Town became known as the tavern of the seas and a little history on the Seven Sisters winery we are visiting.
Hope you are enjoying the bus ride with me as we travel to the winery. In this video, Mario talks about how folks get into starting their own wine label then we continue listening to South African music.
In this video, Mario is pointing out the different townships. In South Africa, the term township usually refers to the often underdeveloped racially segregated urban areas that, from the late 19th century until the end of apartheid, were reserved for non-whites, namely black africans, coloreds and indians. They are still in existence today. A township consists of makeshift homes made out of iron, sheets and wood. He also begins the conversation of colored vs black.
In this video, we are continuing our drive to the winery and Mario continues his explanation of the difference between colored vs black in South Africa.
More on South African wines and wineries we passed headed to Seven Sisters.
On the video, to the left you will see an eland. An eland is the world's largest antelope. It can trot for an indefinite period of time and jump a 4-foot fence from standing still.
Pictures taken on way to winery.
Mario talking wines.
We are almost at Seven Sisters Vineyards. This bus ride and the music - we are chatting away having so much fun. We are ready to partake in some history, wine tasting and lunch at this black, female-owned vineyard. And here we are.
The entrance to the building.
The mirror inside the foyer.
Family pictures inside the foyer.
This book is by Vivian Kleynhans and is for sale at the vineyard. Vivian is the CEO and founder of Seven Sisters Vineyards.
The wine collection.
The view out the back door of the building. Perfect picture opportunities of some of the Michael Baisden Travel Club (MBTC) members.
Annette, Angela, Brini, and Teresa (left to right).
I got in the pic this time. Teresa, Brini, Angela and Annette with me in front. Other travel club members in the background.
Angela, Brini, Erika, Mary and Annette (left to right).
Here they are again but I snuck in this time.
Look at this sky.
Gene is trying to round us up for a group picture - all 138 of us. I'm going to try and get in a few too.
He did it!!!
Annette, Angela, Janice, Brini, Dawn and Teresa.
Ja'Vonne joined the crew for a picture. Owners, Ja'Vonne and Gene, and their staff at Advantage International, LLC have taken great care of us.
They wanted me in the picture - it may have something to do with my outfit.
It says "Wine Not" - appropriate for a trip to a winery don't you think?
Left to right - Mary, Deborah and Erika.
The "beautiful by nature" Kristen (see her earrings) and these lovely ladies.
I love it when I get to jump in. Loving this new selfie stick.
We have been called inside to begin our wine tasting experience prior to lunch being served. We were also entertained by this extraordinary saxophone player named Jakes.
Jakes, our luncheon entertainment. He is so good!
Aren't they lovely? I met so many nice people who were willing to let me take their pictures and include them in my blog.
Ja'Vonne is introducing the the son of one of the owners.
Welcome to Seven Sisters Vineyard.
These are the locations where Seven Sisters is available in the United States (at time of this blog).
This is the list of the wines that are available. You could purchase wines to take back home and many did.
Our winery host talks about the Sauvignon Blanc named after his mother, Vivian. It is crisp, dry and full-bodied and is served on American Airlines.
Vivian's son providing a wealth of knowledge about the vineyard going through the years of growth. The wine is also available on line. He also discussed the Seven Sisters Foundation which provides a retreat for women.
Picture of the Seven Sisters Family.
Enjoy this gallery of pictures of MBTC members. I'm so grateful to those members that allowed me to include them in this blog.
I finally caught these two in the same spot. A beautiful couple and the best hosts you could ever ask for. Ja'Vonne and Gene Harley.
I love these pics with Ja'Vonne and Morell. And yes, laughter does a body good.
My turn with these beautiful women.
Let me grab more members for a pic. I got Kristen and two more. Who is that peeking in the background?
Kristen and three more. Look at those smiles.
Enjoying dinner after wine tasting.
Enjoying listening to Jakes on that saxophone while we are having lunch at the Seven Sisters Vineyards. Nothing like good food and great music with beautiful people. Living my best life! I hope you enjoy these videos.
We have a birthday girl in the house and her name is Barbara. It was so sweet when Ms. "God + Hustle" did a birthday dance with her. We love celebrations!
Mario and his shenanigans. He is a fantastic tour guide and so much fun.
Glenville, Mario and Aubrey. Aubrey is our bus driver and Glenville is driving another bus for the MBTC. As I mentioned before, there are 138 of us. We are rolling four buses deep.
Aubrey is a phenomenal bus driver. He made those tight turns without blinking an eye.
You know I had to grab a picture with the "Orange Bus" team.
Well it is time to leave Seven Sisters Vineyards. We have had a great dining experience with some wonderful music by Jakes. We are heading back to the hotel to relax and regroup before our evening at the Westlake Country Club.
As we head back, look at the sites ahead of us. This first one that I'll talk about are these townships. This so deeply saddens me, especially when I think about how blessed I am and the things that I take for granted.
This is a close-up view of a township.
Children from the township playing.
Now on a brighter note, look at this view of Table Mountain up ahead.
I love looking at the greenery and the mountains.
These two short videos are capturing our ride back to the hotel. Come ride with us.
This isn't just a highway sign! Do you recognize the two great men behind the sign?
It's Saturday and we were trying to figure out why everything was closing down so early. Mario explains why in this video and also that most places are closed on Sunday except for eateries.
Just down from the hotel, there is a building named the Slave Museum. I asked Mario about it and in this video he explains the history and what is inside of it today.
The Mandela Rhodes Building. When I was here in February 2016, this building was the Mandela Rhodes Hotel and my friends and I stayed in the penthouse suite. It has now been repurposed into apartments and retail office space. We were allowed to go into the main floor of the building and take pictures. Here they are.
Nelson Mandela's Statue
Nelson Mandela and Bishop Desmond Tutu.
This is Dr. Taban from then to now.
Sales Showcase.
Upon returning to our hotel, I kept hearing music so I took a stroll down the street. This is what I found.
The Taj Cape Town Inauguration Plaque. I'm just seeing this after all this time going in and out where this is posted.
Now I'm going to the room and chill for a while to prepare for our evening. This is our last night in Cape Town so I know our farewell party will be off the chain.
I hope you enjoyed Day 4, Part I - Seven Sisters Vineyards. Just a reminder that each day builds upon the prior days and blogs so if you haven't read South Africa 2023 - Cape Town - Day 3, Part I and Part II, or Day 2, Part I and Part II, or Day 1 yet, you may do so here. https://www.edeeonthego.com/link-tree
If you are new to www.edeeonthego.com, I hope you will go back and view other blogs you have missed. If you subscribe to the site - and I hope you will, you will automatically be notified when new blogs are posted.
Also, if you enjoy watching the videos, you can find most of the longer ones on my YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@edeeonthego.
Stay tuned for South Africa 2023 - Cape Town - Day 4, Part II - Westlake Golf Club and our last night in Cape Town.
Until our next time......
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