A WALK UP THE MOUNTAIN TO THE MALTESE CROSS IS REWARDING

Even if the weather is threatening, you can expect a 4 - 5 hour turnaround on this hike, which rewards hikers with incredible views and the chance to have a snack on the leeward side of the most incredible weather-eroded rock formation: the Maltese Cross. This happens on the slopes of Sneeuberg, so expect the dramatic scenery.

Here, Adam Henman, conjures up a storm ... Gandalf-style. 

Just below the famous Wolfberg Cracks lies an ancient landscape dotted with mysterious Stonehenge-looking rocks but placed there by nature, not made by man.  

Easter in the Cederberg - always a very popular time

So, first begging the followers' forgiveness for not having posted in such a long time.But I thought to share with you an absolutely exclusive annual happening in the heartland of the Cederberg, South Africa. Repeated annually. The Easter period is a very devout and beloved period for all South Africans, but a very important thing takes place in the centre of all the universe, the Dwarsrivier Farm and Cederberg Private Cellar.

Cederberg - centre of the universe - metaphorical and real.

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Now that I've got your attention, let me tell you about the Easter phenomenon.

The Cederberg experiences cold weather much earlier than other places in the Cape, so always come prepared for chilly nights.

But it is the Saturday gathering at the Cederberg Cellar Tasting Room that gets top prize. Tens of wine 'tasters' crammed into the new cellar tasting room (as in built in the past four years) to enjoy David Nieuwoudt's great hospitality towards visitors.

Unknown guest with tok-tokkie dung beetle t-shirt scollying a free glass of vino. David in the background.

So the rest of these pics share the story further.

Alessandro (Alex) Nel, ace white wine maker and assistant wine maker at Cederberg.

Now the 'GLUP' that Alex is sharing is made in Chile, just south of Santiago. David and his fellow Cederberg winemakers are consultants to and winemakers for Longavi Wines, Maule Valley. Chile. The Longavi is a tributary of the Maule River. Surprise, surprise! It is the Longavi GLUP Chenin Blanc that Alex is sharing with us, made in a style to interest and attract the younger wine drinkers.

The absolute top, top, top Shiraz 2016 winner of lots of glitz.

I just expressed an opinion in the photo above, but each wine lover will have their own opinion. My opinion is that David's shiraz is rivalled only by some of those cultivar shirazes that come from the Elim/Agulhas region. Cool climates, all, but without the drop in alcohol content seen in some other cooler countries.

Here I am with the winemaker, David Nieuwoudt, someone I am proud to have known since before he studied his profession.

David believes it all starts in the vineyards, and having toured around there, I agree!

The Nieuwoudts practice sustainable framing practices and one only has to experience the rugged remoteness of this area of the Cape to understand the how and the why.

But most of all the family remain friendly approachable, including the large extended family.

In this photo, General Napoleon, referred to as Nappies, another Cederberg legend, poses with Hanri Brits, the wife of David's nephew, Pieter. It is usual to bump into various family members at the legendary Easter Saturday wine tastings. Nappies is a serious guard dog and scarer away of baboons. 😉

So another famous Easter happened again this year. More news shortly (I promise!).

CHEERS!

CULTURAL HERITAGE PHOTOS - SANDDRIF

A long time ago, Brian Walsh was the district forest officer for the Cederberg Region during the days when National Department Bosbou owned and controlled the forestry in Algeria, the mountain routes and campsites, prior to the takeover by Cape Nature.

Brian was an avid promoter of tourism and helped set up a number of forest campsites, including Algeria. His son Neville, a close friend of mine, introduced me to the Cederberg in 1982 when I first visited Dwarsrivier/Sanddrif on a trip he organised. Brian also set up Tokai Forest picnic area and well known Tweede Tol campsite above Wellington/Bains' Kloof.

He recently shared a few of Brian's photos with me, which included the following two historical images from the 1960s.

I believe they show the Kleinhuis (On Huisie today) and Groothuis on Sanddrif.

Here are the scan's of Brian Walsh's original black and white photos:

They are amazing records of the cultural history and architecture of the area.

I believe this may be the 'Klein Huis' farm Sanddrif. (Today's One Huisie)

Possibly the back of the 'Groothuis' farm Sanddrif.

Photos are copyright the Heirs late Brian Walsh - curated by Gareth Griffiths.

Playing the Moon Toon

The Cederberg is one of the best places to play and photograph at Full Moon. Here, check it out ... The soft orb that is the moon gently rises over a windswept mountain landscape

Like what you see?


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Freak electric storm brings fire but no rain

Cederberg - 20 December 2017.

Looking South of East - a faint glow from sunset.

Freakish weather resulted in a short electric storm without any rain, but lightning started a fire north west of the Uitkyk Pass. This photo was taken an hour after dark and shows the reflection of the mountain fire off the clouds in the west - note also the stars in the night sky. 

Cederberg Private Cellar - News on the famous wines

Always something new at Cederberg Wines.

During my recent trip I had the privilege of tasting some of David Nieuwoudt's latest vintages, ably assisted by Alex and Tammy Nel. What a blast.

Here are my great friends, Julian and Simone Ardagh, enjoying a late afternoon tasting with Alex. Alex is responsible for the white wines from Cederberg, Ghost Corner in Elim and also assists with Longavi Wines, which come from vineyards near Santiago in Chili.

Lappies (below) is Cisca Nieuwoudt's (really) big farm dog, known for his keen nose in selecting which Cabernet Sauvignon should go into the famous Five Generations Cabernet. Here he looks keenly in the direction of the vineyard, from where opportunity calls.

Here's a review of my current favourite: Ghost Corner Pinot Noir 2015. (click on name).

I'll cover the latest developments at the winery and also the brewery in the next post.

New Life in the Cederberg 2017

Thankfully, some areas are showing their colours - the photo below was taken under Uitrus cottage and shows the famous March Lily (Amaryllis belladonna) that appears after the fire. There were just 3 of these!