Signal Gun Wine tasting - December 2008 I heard about this outing from a friend, Peter Brandt, and it sounded like something the club members might enjoy. I called Estani De Wit to book for the club. We met at Clara Anna Fontein Nature Reserve at 9 am. Estani and her husband, MJ, met us there and after everyone had completed the indemnity forms and received their bottle of Signal Gun wine and tasting glasses, we had a quick briefing. With MJ taking the lead in his Landcruiser, we had a leisurely drive through the reserve. Saw a fair bit of game, zebra, springbok, eland, wildebeest, bontebok. We had our first tasting of a white wine here high up overlooking the rest of the reserve. This was the Durbanville Hills Rhinofields Sauvignon Blanc. After this first tasting, we left the reserve and went next door to Hoogeberg Hill. We started off driving through the vineyards, and then after going through a large security gate, we left the vineyards. Here we saw plenty wildlife again, the same as at Clara Anna Fontein, with the addition of Klipspringers and Gemsbok. Here we did the 2nd tasting - I think it was a Signal Gun Sauvignon Blanc. We had a Springbok and Bontebok keeping an eye on us to make sure we did not spit any wine out. The views from the top of the hill were magnificent. We then went past the cannon, for a quick drive through Hillcrest. Here there was some confusion on people not keeping an eye on the vehicle behind them, and subsequently Greg managed to get lost. I think it was the confusion of going through 3 gates and only having to close 1 that caught him out! After Greg caught up, we did the quick drive and went back to the cannon. Here we had the best tasting of the day, the Signal Gun Shiraz (I have to get a case of this wine!). After the tasting it was time for the cannon to be fired. These cannons were used to signal the Burgers to report to the Castle in Cape Town to defend the Cape. This particular gun has been restored and Gerry de Vries from the Cannon Association of South Africa was there to prepare the gun. After giving us a talk on the guns, I had the privilege of firing the cannon. Biggest Bang I have had all year! Most of us stayed behind for a picnic and just enjoyed the company and the views. The last vehicle left justafter 2pm. Thanks to all those that came along. Russell (Another fully booked trip - 15 vehicles)