Booze Traveler Season 1 Episode 14 South Africa: Hidden Gems
- TV-PG
- February 23, 2015
- 42 min
-
7.4 (10)
As Booze Traveler season 1 approaches its end, host Jack Maxwell embarks on a journey to explore South Africa's hidden gems in the season finale episode. With its amazing culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious drinks, South Africa proves to be an ideal place for the show's final destination.
The episode starts with Maxwell taking a drive through the country's breath-taking countryside, with the majestic Drakensberg Mountains in the distance. He joins a local chef, Adriaan Maree, for a tour of the scenic farm-to-table restaurant, Fermier, in Pretoria. Maree shares his passion for ethical and local ingredients that he uses at his restaurant.
Maxwell moves on to Johannesburg, where he gets a taste of Umqombothi, a traditional beer that is brewed by women in rural areas. He then makes his way to Plettenberg Bay, where he visits a local wine farm called Newstead Lund Family Vineyards, one of the best-kept secrets in the area. He gets to meet the winemaker, PJ, who takes him on a tour of the vineyard and its different wine-making processes.
Maxwell then meets Gareth and Andre, two bartenders in Cape Town. They take him to a small bar called Outrage of Modesty in the city center, which is renowned for its unique cocktails. The trio spends the night drinking and sharing stories.
The episode takes a serious turn as Maxwell visits Elsenburg, a wine-making college located north of Cape Town. He learns about how South Africa still grapples with its segregated past, which has affected the wine and alcohol industry. Maxwell speaks with two students who want to make a difference in the industry.
The season finale ends with Maxwell visiting the Zulu tribe in rural South Africa, where he experiences Africa's rich culture, dances, and tradition. He drinks Umqombothi with locals, shares meals, and exchanges stories.
Booze Traveler's South Africa: Hidden Gems shows the melting pot of cultures and history that has helped shape South African society. Maxwell gives a nod to the country's past, but the episode portrays a nation that is working towards a better future. The episode highlights the diversity of South Africa's underexplored drinks, where every beverage has a story that transcends stereotypes.