various wines . I managed to identify almost all perfectly and believe that I managed to impress our host . The mango got me though , I thought it was an over ripe peach . I will blame my blocked nose caused by allergies . Tasting was a real revelation , I learnt how the same Cap Classique can take on a totally different taste when enjoyed from an assortment of different-shaped glasses , it really blew my mind . There were dry and sweet varieties on offer . I really liked and appreciated how Graham Beck Estates only make bubbly . Why mess with a lengthy list of cultivars when you can rather just perfect one ? That said , the farm does grow and use two types of grape . Chardonnay and
Pinot Noir . If you ever pass this way , make sure to stop for a tasting and to grab yourself a little stash of bubbly at estate prices . I highly recommend taking the extra time to partake in the VIP tasting experience with Pieter .
In Montague , we stopped to meet one of the characters of Route 62 . Gerrie Heyns is the local snake catcher . With the farms surrounded by mountains and nature lapping at the road , the area does have a lot of venomous reptiles lurking around . Gerrie is the man that is called to catch and release the snakes , preventing the reptiles from facing a tragic ending at the hands of a local .
Gerrie also runs courses and does talks in the area to educate the community . His company is appropriately called , ‘ Snake Lives Matter ’.
The best thing about this somewhat eclectic snake man , is that he puzzles in perfectly to the Route 62 ‘ rock ‘ n roll ’ vibe . If you parallel the stretch with the more famous , Chicago - LA route , you will know , that rockers are everywhere . Gerrie is a red blooded , heavily tattooed rock legend , who drives a big old matt black Chevy truck . He most certainly would not be out of place if transported to the US route that is often emulated by our local Route 62 .
Our next stop , an hour ’ s ride
TRAVERSE 71