Franschhoek again.

I had mixed impressions of Franschhoek on my first visit but now I realise I like the place despite its pretensions. The town and its attendant vineyards are located in a valley surrounded on three sides by mountains which give it a sort of Welsh appeal only warmer,(temperaturewise that is).

Looking up the valley towards Franschhoek

Looking back down the valley from Franschhoek Pass

Having done all the race around and see the place stuff last time I have enjoyed meandering around people watching and seeing the place as it really is. I now look at all the wine snobs and the oh so well preserved local ladies in a different light, they are now an unchoreographed cabaret for anyone to enjoy.
Having said that maybe I am seeing this through different eyes, I did call in for a wine tasting at Solms Delta on the way here yesterday afternoon - in my opinion the best white wines I have ever tasted in 



fact there is a mixed case of their wines on its way to Gwytherin already. Today I felt I should not waste the opportunity so I visited Leopard's leap tasting but all their wines were either blends or Chardonnay, I gave that the  elbow and went over the road to Rickety Bridge. This was a whole new experience, the wines were OK but the location is magnificent - who would not like this for a holiday home and look at the transport to and from the tram station for the people using the wine tram.

Rickerty Bridge looking North

Rickety Bridge looking East

All aboard for the station.

Rickerty Bridge - the owners house

I somehow think this may be a return destination for many winters to come.