Hermanus to Napier takes about an hour. An hour of listening to my road trip playlist and thinking about the work that is piling up. The drive can be done via Hemel-en-Aarde or Stanford. I chose to take in the vineyard views along Hemel-en-Aarde road as the road works towards Stanford can cause delays. My reward was a misty mountain scene unveiling autumn vineyards like a curtain lifting slowly to show the stage. Slowly I made my way towards tourism colleagues waiting in the quaint village under the Soetmuisberg. As per usual in small South African rural villages, the church is visible from miles away and makes for impressive photographs.

My favourite Napier stop is undoudtedly at the Farm Stall where they serve great coffee, wifi and mouth watering farm fare. The bobotie awakens flavourful memories. On the itinerary were the following:

• JD’s Bistro with the Daneel’s hospitality
• Muddylane Pottery
• All Sorts
• Walk about in Napier
• Lunch at Pascal’s

The surprise of the day was All Sorts. Owner Leon Visser lives out 2 of his passions by producing chess pieces and collecting military memorabilia.

Burgers at Pascal’s could not have been more satisfying. Opting to sit outside was a good decision as a sizeable group of bikers arrived on their way to Agulhas. A reminder of a previous stay at Halfampieskraal which is about 20 minutes outside the village made my think of how Napier can be the perfect winter escape to recharge and relax.

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