It was 38 degrees in Cape Town yesterday, a very gorgeous day indeed as it calls for some beach therapy. Off we go with a scenic drive from Bloubergstrand to Darling. It is often great to get away from the bustling city. The scenery had a northern Namibian feel to it; the clear lands, fynbos, lush green plantations, trees, free roaming goats and cows. Pure beauty!
This quaint town known as Darling dates back to 1853, with historical Victorian and Edwardian buildings reflecting the cultural heritage. The town received it’s name from the Cape Colony governor, Lord Charles Henry Darling.
Our first stop was the Darling Cellars, established in 1949 and previously known as the Mamreweg Co-operative Cellar. Here the white wine maker took us on a cellar tour and intensively elaborated on the wine making process; the growing the grapes, fermentation, storage, bottling and quality control. The wine maker took us through the tastings by elaborating on the different wines and their ingredients.
I love history, therefore I was super stoked that we had a chance to pop into the Darling Museum. This museum contains structures with both Victorian and Edwardian styles, the interiors portraying the way communities lived in the 1800s-1900s, in terms of life at home, business, church, a school classroom and their butter production process.
We were unfortunately not allowed to take pictures within the museum.
The Darling Brewery was next, by this time we were all physically drained by the heat! All we wanted was to stay in the van as it was way cooler than stepping out in the hot burning sun with the hot air glazing on our skin. Personally I do not drink beer however there is something I love about the taste of the Sun Gazer which is one of the Brews of the brewery, and I loved the different styling of the beer labels, very artsy!
This brewery is focused on craft beer and are currently refurbishing their space. A new restaurant right in the front of the brewery is under construction mentioned Phillipa, the co-owner. Phillipa took us through the brewery and elaborated on their processes, machinery and the brewing the beer. This was followed by a short drive to Darling Brew restaurant which is located within the town centre and here we indulged in beer tasting over a scrumptious light meal.
Activities after beer tasting and must do's whilst in D-Town:
The Taste of Darling Wine Shop (for the wine enthusiasts)
Darling Sweet (for my fellow sweet toothies)
The Flying Pig (for those that love good coffee / pork)
The Flying Pig
We can all chill here, talk life, read life changing books as we sip on coffee and of course have a bite of red velvet cake.
Take time and visit Darling, my darling!
Take time and visit Darling, my darling!
