On the road in July🌍

Greetings Vondelingers

I am writing to you from California, where I have been visiting various wineries and almond farms and trying to pick up a few tips from these incredible American producers. A few days ago, Bridget and I went to visit Mariah Vineyards, northwest of Napa. They are the first vineyard in the world to have a “Land to Market” endorsement, associated with the Savory Institute in Colorado. The most beautiful place is high up in the mountains and is run by the most amazing family.

We also visited some almond farms in the Central Valley of California and processing factories. The scale and expertise is jaw-dropping and the size of the operations is quite extraordinary.

Meanwhile back at Vondeling the dams are full and we have had snow on the mountains.

Last Saturday in “The London Times”, there was a large article on South African wines and we were delighted to see that the Vondeling Babiana white blend was one of their most highly rated wines. Click here to see what they had to say.

I was sent a wonderful picture this weekend of someone enjoying a delicious lunch on the northern Natal coast.

Finally, I am happy to report that our Wednesday early morning chapel service has resumed after we had to close it down due to Covid. Everyone who works on Vondeling and the neighboring farms, gathers in the chapel for 15 minutes, sings a hymn and listens to the preaching of Pastor William and Pastor Keith see here below.