And so we’re starting to pack for the summer holidays again. The exodus from the Swartland to the sea starts tomorrow and I thought it a nice idea to ask Adi and Jasper what wines, drinks and cocktail ingredients they will be packing in their cooler boxes this year.

While Jasper’s first reaction was that he “is on a detox” and will be having only tonic water (Swaan, I’m sure) and the occasional gulp of sea water he did come to his senses and send through a modest list (all he can afford apparently, setting up cellar isn’t cheap…)

His first mention is a firm favourite with the Kalmoesfontein clan – White port and Swaan tonic water. On ice. Simple, delicious.

And he’ll also be drinking his own wines, mostly the Chenin Blanc under the Swerwer label, the last of the 2016 vintage!

Adi on the other hand is quick to list the “wines he is lus for this Christmas”:

Eben Sadie’s Skurfberg, Joostenberg’s Agteros and Glenelly Chardonnay while he mentions experiments with Mont Blois Pomphuis and “natural pet nat stuff along with a few medicinal twigs as my summer drink by the caravan”…

I’m looking forward to many Gin, Caperitifs and Tonics on the stoep at Kalmoesfontein where we’ll be ‘farm sitting’ (een se huis is n ander se vakansie, of so iets) and to celebrating a few memorable moments with Christa’s Filia.

Here’s to hoping you have a festive silly season with good wine (and drinks, and food) to share with people that are precious to you.

Thanks for another year of support (heck if you’ve read this far on the last blog of the year, cheers to you!).