Five non-alcoholic stocking fillers on the Hermanus Wine Route

This time of year the Hermanus Wine Route is dazzled by visitors looking for good times while sipping fine wines.There is no shortage of quality wines and the different wineries offers a variety of activities to enjoy with their wines. The cellars also cater for that once-a-year-shopping frenzy by stocking gifts that will not be poured and consumed but rather kept and appreciated as a souvenir of their 2014 vacation.

Entertaining on a Cape wine estate made easy and enjoyable

For the foodies amongst us Hamilton Russell Vineyards has a recipe book with all Olive’s favourites. A Year on a Cape Wine Estate – Entertaining at Hamilton Russell Vineyards – illustrates the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley’s seasons with recipes and matching wines. This time of year the Pinot Noir develops and starts to ripen. A perfect liquid match for the directions provided on how to cook a breast of guinea fowl with olive and rosemary tapenade.

Hermanuspietersfontein could be mistaken for Santa’s Hermanus head quarters because of the distinctive red branding representing the cellar. Here Santa’s reindeer are replace with a flock of sheep. It is the Overberg after all! Honey from the farm with a hand made honey dipper of stinkwood is practical and sweetens up the joyful wishes.

Ronald Searle's Something in the Cellar prints at Sumaridge — Ronald Searle’s Something in the Cellar prints at Sumaridge

At Sumaridge you can buy a Ronald Searle cartoon from the “Something in the Cellar” book showing the lighter side of wine appreciation. Wine ceremonies of the world and the many ways to open a bottle of wine are illustrated. The perfect gift to balance the usual serious wine conversation with humour.

Ezanne Newton Johnson has been cooking up a storm to produce delectable deli products that include a personal favourite – apple butter. Buy enough jars from the Newton Johnson cellar in Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, as you would not be able to give it all

Ezanne Newton Johnson's treats — Ezanne Newton Johnson’s treats

Avoova ostrich shell bracelets, Whalehaven

away without trying these treats.

Whalehaven is a quick stop for a number of gifts ranging from whale-themed ceramic creations, Avoova ostrich-shell bracelets to the crafted wine perfumes created in collaboration with Tammy Frazer.

May your holiday only lasts as long as your wine cellar is stocked with Hermanus wines!