Being based in Somerset West, I thought of Darling as hundreds of kilometers and hours away but was surprised to find out that it was only a 98km trip. Excited by the prospect of a mini road trip, we headed out to visit Darling Cellars, home of the famous Chocoholic Pinotage and so much more. Met with friendly faces all around as we entered the tasting room, it was lovely to see their new tasting room space ahead of hosting their first wedding. The new space doubles as their eatery (where you have to try some of Christine Fortuin's delicious and affordable meals) and has a pizza oven that they fire up over weekends. The jungle gym just outside the tasting area makes it an inviting space for the whole family to enjoy some time at Darling Cellars. Darling Cellars is one of the most versatile wineries, producing some of the best everyday drinking wines, but the winemakers have their fun and produce some beautiful wines in their Heritage Collection (the Lady Ann Darling Sauv-Sem is a personal favourite) and the Old Bush Vines range and Hannuwa Amphora Chenin Blanc. Their fortified range is perfect for winter, with a red muscadel, Jerepigo and Cape Ruby to choose from. Their Cap Classique range and 2L Bag-in-Box range have also become hugely popular. We were shown around the cellar by Johandrie and reminded of how much work goes into producing wine and seeing how innovative the Darling Cellars team is. Already planning the next trip to enjoy some more delicious ribs and wines in the countryside. See more info on their tasting room hours HERE. Light meals offered, please enquire and book via tasting@darlingcellars.co.za.