Magnificent morning in the vineyards

The vernal vineyards of Groot Constantia were the setting for yesterday's walk. That had a nice ring to it, didn't it? Unfortunately it is not spring, and so they are the autumnal vineyards, and very beautiful they are, with the vine leaves just starting to turn yellow, orange and deep rust. It was a fairly gentle stroll, with an initial very steep incline to get us to the highest point of the vineyards to enjoy the stunning views across to the distant mountains and False Bay.
Although there is no shade along the way, the vines are mature enough to provide the height of a small tree and so there was ample opportunity to sit by the wayside and enjoy a grape or two. The bulk of the harvest appears to have been picked, as only the lower parts of the vines still bear

grapes, and these dark purple, tiny, tightly packed bunches must be destined for something very sweet if the sugar content is anything to go by. The pips are disproportionately large in relation to the grape, which was quite surprising. Rather like the avocado variety that only has 1cm of flesh around its pip - you feel cheated.
We passed others in the vineyards - a group of young students, perhaps of viticulture, listening to a lecture on the cultivars - three people sampling the grapes very studiously, perhaps winemakers - and a man in a newly dug over field taking GPS readings, perhaps for a building? There were no other walkers, but I would highly recommend the farm for this activity, being safe and accessible, but mostly because of the opportunity for an excellent meal and a glass or two of their finest wine after your exercise, in the pleasant shade of ancient oaks planted possibly 333 years ago!