GSG Hospitality Operations Manager Lee Bannon-Smith recently returned from a trip to South Africa with one of our wine suppliers, Boutinot Wines. The experience gave Lee valuable first-hand insight into the world of wine production and so much more, knowledge he can now share with our teams and guests. Provenance and sustainability sit at the core of GSG, and this trip brought those values to life, giving us a wider appreciation of the practices we’re proud to be part of.
Lee has shared an overview of the trip – one it seems he will never forget!
South Africa has a way of testing you before it rewards you. This trip began with a cancelled train, followed by a 11.5-hour overnight flight from Gatwick to Cape Town. Tired but buzzing with anticipation, we touched down on Sunday morning, ready to discover what the Cape had in store, guided by Boutinot Wines and two of South Africa’s most compelling producers: Wildeberg and Waterkloof.
Sunday: Arrival, Franschhoek & First Tastes
Landing in Cape Town at around 10am, we headed straight into the heart of the winelands, arriving at L’Ermitage Apartments in Franschhoek, our base for the first part of the trip. Franschhoek immediately sets the tone, mountains rising sharply on all sides, vineyards rolling into the distance.
Our first vineyard stop was Wildeberg, where we were warmly welcomed by Henriette Henn (Estate Manager) and some Pressure Point Pet Nat to set the week off in style. A light lunch at the farm eased us into the afternoon, followed by relaxed tastings of Wildeberg’s Wild House range, alongside local beers; an easygoing introduction that perfectly reflected the estate’s personality.
As the sun dipped, we explored Franschhoek village, stopping for drinks at Tuk Tuk Microbrewery, before dinner at Yama Restaurant, hosted by Abby Buckenham, a member of Wildeberg’s winemaking team. It was a fitting end to day one: generous food, expressive wines, and the start of many conversations that would shape the week. The evening finished with a kareoke filled walk back to the apartment and a nightcap on the balcony, to a cacophony of crickets.
Monday: Old Vines, New Perspectives & a Legendary Braai
Monday began back at Wildeberg with breakfast before heading out to Primo Vineyard with JD Rossouw (Wildeberg winemaker), who walked us through the associated wines from the Wild House range and the thinking behind them. The focus on site expression and careful vineyard selection became a recurring theme of the trip.
Lunch followed at La Paris Bistro near Paarl, offering a relaxed pause before visiting a 120-year-old vineyard in Franschhoek, a powerful reminder of South Africa’s deep viticultural heritage. It was amazing to see vines that had stood strong in the dry, windy conditions and still provide exceptional quality grapes to make the Wildeberg Semillon.
The day ended in true South African style with the famous braai hosted by Ryno Booysen (Winemaker), followed by a Third Floor Wines masterclass led by Abby. Fire, food, and wine came together effortlessly, reinforcing how hospitality and education are so naturally intertwined here. The true hospitality of the Wildeberg team shone through, as even though wild fires were surging through the surrounding hills, they still managed to entertain us with a smile on their faces.
Tuesday: Wildeberg in Focus & Onward to the Ocean
Tuesday started with breakfast at Franschhoek Hotel, home to Hey Joe Brewery, before a focused tasting at the Wildeberg tasting rooms. We explored wines from Wildeberg’s Terroirs and Coterie ranges, gaining a clearer picture of the different expressions and projects under the umbrella.
A walk through the Wildeberg vineyard and winery brought everything into context, followed by a comforting farm lunch before we packed our bags, said goodbye to the team and boarded the bus for the 1 ½ hour drive through the hills toward sthe coast and the Waterkloof vineyards.
In the afternoon we visited the associated False Bay vineyards with Louis Boutinot (owner) and Nadia Langenegger (winemaker). The landscape changed dramatically, with ocean air and sweeping views replacing valley floors and high hills.
We checked in at Krystal Bay Hotel in Gordon’s Bay, before dinner at Osteria Restaurant at Waterkloof, hosted by Claudia Young-Kelly of Waterkloof. Dining here, perched above False Bay, feels theatrical, food and wine elevated by one of the most striking backdrops in the Cape. We filled up on exceptional pasta, an amazing tiramisu and great wine pairings of On Borrowed Time Chardonnay and The Exception Cinsault..
Wednesday: Regenerative Farming & the Soul of Waterkloof
Wednesday was all about understanding Waterkloof’s philosophy. The morning began with a deep dive into regenerative farming, led by Christian Loots, Farm Manager, whose passion for soil health and sustainability was infectious. The work done by Christian and his team led to the vineyard being awarded Champion Status by the World Wildlife Fund’s Biodiversity & Wine Initiative in 2008 for its preservation of rare wildlife and fauna (fynbos) throughout the farm.
A cellar tour and tasting with Nadia and Louis followed, offering insight into how Waterkloof’s biodynamic and maritime influences shape their wines. Precision, freshness, and a clear sense of place defined the range. Tasting wines straight from the barrel allowed us all to really understand the process and patience required to produce wines of such excellence.
Lunch was a highlight: a long, leisurely tasting menu at CHORUS Restaurant, hosted by Louis and Claudia, with Waterkloof wines carefully matched to each course. It was one of those meals where time seems to stretch, conversation flows, glasses refill, and the outside world disappears.
The day closed gently, with a relaxed evening back at the hotel, a walk along the beach, and sunset drinks at a local bar in Gordon’s Bay, simple, grounding, and quietly perfect.
Thursday: Homeward Bound
After breakfast at the hotel, it was time to head back to the airport and fly “back to reality,” suitcases heavier and perspectives broadened.
Final Thoughts
This trip wasn’t just about tasting wines, it was about understanding them. Through Boutinot’s thoughtful hosting, Wildeberg’s modern confidence, and Waterkloof’s commitment to sustainability, South Africa revealed itself as one of the most exciting and emotionally resonant wine destinations in the world.
And finally, a well-deserved shout-out to Frikkie, our bus driver for the week, an absolute legend who kept us moving, smiling, and on schedule throughout the journey.
South Africa leaves its mark. In the landscapes, in the wines, and in the people who bring them to life. 🍷🇿🇦
A trip to remember
Lee Bannon-Smith
Operations Manager
GSG Hospitality