Out and about in Darling

Terroir is the notion that wines should taste of the place where the grapes grow. We invite you to travel with us as we explore South Africa's different winegrowing appellations.

South Africa's Wine of Origin (WO) scheme came about in the early 1970s and was based on the classifi cation systems of Europe. Today the WO classifi cation recognises "geographic units", "regions", "districts" and "wards" in order of size from biggest to smallest.

INTRODUCTION
Darling is situated an hour's drive from Cape Town up the West Coast. The town was founded on the farm Langfontein in 1853 and is named after Charles Henry Darling who was Lieutenant Governor of the Cape under British occupation. Some 10km from the cold Atlantic Ocean, Darling is well suited to the cultivation of more delicate varieties and in recent times has gained fame for its Sauvignon Blanc in particular.

This district incorporates the Groenekloof ward, which benefits from being protected against often harsh winds from the ocean by its predominantly eastern aspect.

WHERE TO EAT
Top of the list is Hilda's Kitchen situated in the historic manor at Groote Post and serving modern country cuisine. Tel 022 492 2825.
Other options in the town centre include:
• Simone's for hearty fare like French toast, beer-batter fish or slow-roasted oxtail. Tel 022 492 2451.
• The Marmalade Cat for a bacon and feta omelette at breakfast, or a designer chicken pie for lunch. Tel 021 558 1300.
WHAT TO DO
No visit to Darling is complete without taking in a show at cabaret venue Evita se Perron, where South Africa's most famous white woman Mrs Evita Bezuidenhout (satirist Pieter-Dirk Uys) holds court. Tel 022 492 2851.
For insights into the history and culture of the San people, visit the !Khwa ttu San Culture & Education Centre. Tel 022 492 2998

WHERE TO STAY
Trinity Guest Lodge is a beautifully renovated Victorian homestead offering comfortable, private accommodation in one of four double en-suite bedrooms. Tel 022 492 3430.
Jacaranda Moon B&B and Art Gallery is housed in an Edwardian homestead (circa 1914) with a magnificent jacaranda tree taking pride of place in the garden. Tel 022 492 3633.

WINES TO TRY
Alongside are some of WINE magazine's favourite wines from Darling. The selection is by no means exhaustive - space constraints mean only a finite number can be featured, while we also want to showcase examples spanning different price points rather than simply those that are most highly acclaimed. Nevertheless, they provide a good introduction to what the district has to offer.