I grew up in Hermanus and so I thought Stanford was an area I knew, but a lot has happened since then! I was surprised to discover that there are 8 wineries in the Stanford Wine Route; viz Boshrivier Wines, Misty Mountains, Raka Wines, Sir Robert Stanford Estate, Stanford Hills, Springfontein, Vaalvlei Wines, Walker Bay Vineyards (Birkenhead Brewery), each offering a unique sense of provenance and hospitality. From Grappa stills at Sir Robert Stanford - also one of the oldest wine farms in the Overberg, to fisher stories at Raka from the inimitable Piet Dreyer, to meeting my cousins who run the very family friendly Stanford Hills where they created a massive bonfire and served the most delicious pork belly, moroccan lamb, mushroom gnocchi and malay chicken curry. Stunning steely Sauvignon Blanc from Stanford Hills and rich deep red Biography Shiraz from Raka - and a sunset pink Rose and light Pinot Noir from Sir Robert Stanford which had everyone looking very dreamy! I personally loved their Hansom Cab!