Abroad Drinking wine

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN

 CAPETOWN, SOUTH ANTI-WINE

Here is a list of my 10 ten things to do while living in Cape Town, South Africa under strict Covid laws. 
Restrictions are in place to protect the people living in South Africa until a slow down in Covid cases happens or a vaccine is administered.  The government has implemented strict lockdown laws that make it  feel more like South Anti-wine than South Africa.  A couple worth mentioning and probably the most economically and socially devastating, the 9pm curfew and the ban on all alcohol sales.  Social butterflies who travel from restaurant to wineries and everywhere in between eating, drinking and adding to the fragile economy of South Africa wings have been virtually clipped.  The logic behind the curfew and the ban is to limit access to alcohol and avoid irresponsible behavior that can result in spreading cases, accidents and violence which ultimately may result in hospitals being overwhelmed with non Covid admissions.  It's a tough decision that the government had to make.  Right or wrong it feels like South Anti-Wine and the economy is suffering. The economy needs social butterflies spreading their bucks around now more than ever to prevent total devastation.

It is time to be creative and support small businesses, restaurants  and out of work hospitality staff during this challenging time. It may even require a Covid friendly field trip out of the house.  So many people have been affected, it's like a domino effect.  With  people barely leaving their houses, all brick and mortar businesses are suffering. Most sommeliers, chefs, even your local club Dj are out of work.  Here are list of ways social butterflies can pollinate the local economy.

1.   Host a virtual wine tasting sampling South African wines.  Great for both locals and people living around the world.  This is the safest and most Covid friendly way to connect with friends and family or even get your work colleagues together for a social hour.  There are a number of companies to choose from,  just type “virtual wine tasting” in your browser. For a guaranteed good time from your favorite bi-continental sommelier visit Zuriwine.com to book a virtual tasting right away! 

2.  Hire an out of work sommelier to guide you through your private wine collection at home. This is the perfect time to learn about your inventory, host a tasting for a small group of friends (virtually or in-person) or simply organize your home cellar like sommeliers due at restaurants.   Sommelier organizations like BLACC based in South Africa is a great resource for finding knowledgeable, well trained sommeliers who need work.

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3.   Enjoy a restaurant style dinner at home.  There are so many options to support your local restaurants. You can order take- away directly from them or hire an out of work chef to prepare a restaurant quality meal at home.  One of my favorites is Chef Kiwondo who brings an entire beautifully plated Sushi vibe directly to your home.  Another option is to join a virtual dining experience.  In Cape Town, Matt Manning’s virtual dining  experiences are highly rated.   Call your local restaurant and simply ask how can you help? 

4.  Get out of the house and get moving!  Take a paddle lesson. Sup Cape Town has packages that include paddle board rental with an one hour lesson 

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5.  Party at home.  Create a club vibe with a local DJ who brings a small set up with wireless noise canceling headsets.  Enough headsets for up to 10 people! You and your family or very small group of friends can dance the night away without disturbing the neighbors. I recently danced the night away with DJ Dani B. spinning at a silent at home disco party.
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6.  Create your own walking foodie tour.  Explore Cape Town through local restaurants. Take a long walk from Seapoint to CBD for example stopping to try small bites at different restaurants. You’d be surprised to see what businesses are surviving and the new businesses that have opened since Covid.  Perfect opportunity to hear their stories of survival.
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7.  Check out your local lifestyle market.  These are fun places to explore and support local food vendors and unique merchants.  I stumbled across Local at Heritage Square.  Filled with fresh produce, artisan cheeses and gourmet prepared foods it's half indoor and half outdoor space is a perfect place to feel out of town in town for an afternoon lunch and shopping.   You can given treat yourself to a Turkish Delight spritzer at Penny Noir.


8.  Work from your local coffee shop.  Change your perspective for at least one day a week for a few hours.  Use the time to catch up on a project or binge on social media. Work or play, getting out of the house will change  your mindset and inspire.

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9.  Try yoga or any group exercise at home with a small group of friends.  Especially nice if you have a large outdoor space.  Crystal from Fuc Movement will come to you and host a yoga class.  During these stressful times its a great way to connect with your mind, body, soul and few great friends.

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10. Non Wine ~Winery Tour. You can  stay super local and visit Buitenverwachting in Constantia. Their beautiful lawn is still open for picnics. Visit Kujani in Stellenbosch for breakfast or lunch. Beautiful views and delicious food at most wine farms. Kunjani's deck overlooks a large part of the Stellenbosch Valley. Enjoy wine country without the wine!​
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