IT’S A MAGICAL place, north of Sir Lowry’s Pass on one of South Africa’s less-travelled routes, high up the slopes of the Helderberg with a fantastic view of False Bay that stretches to Cape Point in the distance. The Idiom tasting room and restaurant at Da Capo Vineyards is home to some impressive reds, including a good Cape Blend and Bordeaux-style blend, but also wines made from Italian varieties. The Bottega family are proud of their roots.

Not that the portfolio doesn’t include white cultivars. Among the accolades for The Idiom Collection in 2018 is an outstanding review on Winemag.co.za for the 2015 vintage of the barrel-fermented Semillon. According to the winemaker: “Potpourri bouquet with notes of quince and white pepper… lanolin and vanilla custard… will benefit from cellaring.” Smart packaging; Italian designer feel. R200 a bottle from the cellar. Alc 13, R/S 2.2, TA 5.8, pH 3.7

And the restaurant? À la carte menu. Wine pairing recommendations. “A fusion of Italian and South African cuisine in a modern vernacular.” Plus amazing pizza, apparently. Can’t wait!