Let ChillGuru show you Hermanus
No sooner have they opened The Wine Glass or the three financial wizards behind Hermanus’ classy new wine bar have already moved on to another adventure called ChilGuru, comprising two colourful tour buses that will be fully operational this week.
On Friday morning a group of distinguished guests, including yours truly, were invited to join them for a test drive and to comment on the experience.
We hopped onto the bus at Fisherman’s Village, just behind Lemm’s Comer, with all 22 of us Fitting comfortably and feeling ridiculously excited to spend 90 minutes out of the office. Our guide on the trip was William Ntebe of the Zwelihle Youth Cafe (among other things; William just seems to pop up like a Jack in the box wherever something exciting is happening in Hermanus!) who kept up a running commentary about the history, sights and attractions of Hermanus. I noted with interest that the tour not only covers the usual tourist highlights but also gives a comprehensive overview of life in our different local communities.
Starting at the Old Harbour and winding its way down Marine Drive towards the New Harbour, the tour bus then proceeded through Zwelihle, with William offering his passengers some fascinating insights into the everyday life of the township residents. Then it was up Rotary Drive to the vantage point on top of the mountain where we all marvelled at the view we’ve seen often enough but never grow tired of. A few scenic pics and selfies later we were heading back down the mountain and continued through the centre of town to Voelklip (at least, that was the plan but a rioting group on the Mi necessitated a bit of a detour at this point – a scenario we are becoming all too familiar with) where our last stop on the trip was the ever glorious Grotto Reach.
Given the current unrest in Hermanus, it is both brave and admirable that the three entrepreneurial owners of The Wine Glass and ChillGuru -Brennan Davis, Jacques le Roux and Mark Kahts -have invested so much in these new enterprises.
The Wine Glass has undoubtedly added a touch of glamour to the Old Town and is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Fronting onto Harbour Road, the premises are chic and spacious, stretching all the way to The Courtyard at the rear, which has been completely transformed.
At The Wine Glass, they have succeeded in creating a stylish but welcoming wine tasting venue, with just under a hundred wines available to taste, savour and enjoy by the glass, by the bottle or in a tasting flight of six wines. There has never been an easier way to explore and appreciate the fruits of our local vineyards. #We pride ourselves in representing a wonderful selection of wines from Rot River, Hemel en Aarde, Stanford, Elim and Agulhas.” says Brennan.” We aim to give our guests a real taste of the area
And while the award-winning wines and bubblies of the Walker Bay and Agulhas wine districts take centre stage; The Wine Glass also offers a range of craft beers from our region and artisanal coffees. And there is no need to go home empty-handed once you’ve discovered your favourites – their wine and beer are available for purchase and can be delivered worldwide.
With an impressive menu of scrumptious food, you won’t go hungry either. Consultant Toni Smith and head chef Zoe Spruyt have created inspiring platters and tasting plates prepared from top quality local ingredients, which can be shared between a couple or a group of friends.
•We want wine tasting to be a relaxed affair that can be enjoyed by everyone.” says Brennan. •Guests should feel free to hang out at The Wine Glass, whether alone or with friends enjoying a tasting, a meal, or simply a cup of coffee and cake.”
The feedback they have received is overwhelmingly positive and I have no doubt that the ChillGuru will likewise be a hit. I can highly recommend the tour not only to visitors but also locals who have not had the opportunity to get to know their town and all its communities.
It’s an entertaining and informative experience to enjoy with family and friends – and of course, you can always park off at The Wine Glass afterwards to quench your thirst and fill your tummy.
You’ll find The Wine Glass at 2 Harbour Road.
Contact 028 312 2553 or visit www.thewineglass.guru.
To book a tour with ChillGuru, call 082 082 0007.