Talk of food turns the conversation to the Verburgs' recent 'Croatian cruise', a spontaneous decision to 'go away with fun-loving friends, somewhere exotic, cheap and undiscovered'.
This translated into island hopping on a 44-metre hired yacht, skippered by Nicholas (a seasoned sailor), crewed by Niels (similarly at home in boats 'since I was a laaitie [youngster]') and catered for by the wives (with Suzanne packing an entire campsite braai upon hearing the Croatians were great meat-eaters). Pete and Sue proved able deckhands, with joie de vivre, derring-do, and strong livers.
The grid duly did duty installed astern on the transom atop thick layers of damp newspaper to prevent damage. Great food, surprisingly good wine (which led to hilarious games of night-time hide-and-seek in the winding cobbled streets of historic Dubrovnic), and friendship tested (and not found wanting) by the confines of a boat have made the game for a repeat experience.
The Verburgs' youngest son Kim, arrives with a buddy whose parents live at nearby Arabella golf estate. They're Dutch and Niels, born of Dutch parents, instantly reverts to the mellifluous language.
Another car trundles up the road. Burly, bearded Thomas, who helped build their cellar, is here to check out the quarter-hectare of tilled soil below the lawn. Glass in hand, he and Penny survey her handiwork. Turns out she'd spent the entire day before planting their first Chenin blanc vines. 'She could hardly walk,' says Niels with sympathy, and not a little pride. Penny just rolls her eyes. But she's pleased as punch.
The setting sun turns the quiet Overberg hills golden as Niels Verburg eventually carves a tender, succulent Luddite suckling pig. Plates and cutlery are brought out and the ravenous gathering settles down around the stoep table to enjoy 'lunch'. Luddite Shiraz is opened, including, with typical generosity of spirit, a rather special magnum of the 2000 vintage.
For his favourite choc berry pavlova, Niels brings out a bottle of Donnhoff Riesling, from the Nahe in Germany. 'Riesling is one of my favourite wines and this one is just stunning, and it's such a good deal. We just can't do it as they can.' He says this while eyeing Penny's patch of budding Chenin. Knowing Niels, there'll be something exceptional emerging here one day soon to enjoy with his pavlova: a barrel-fermented dry wine, maybe, or a luscious Sauternes-style soetes [sweet wine]...
The stars are out, but it's still surprisingly warm for a spring evening in the Overberg. Thoughts turn to home. A member of the soporific party, a born-and-bred Overberger living an 'expat' life in Cape Town, checks her mobile for the first time that day and hears of her aged, ill mother's sudden but peaceful passing. The news is quietly shared with Penny, who knew the old lady. The Verburgs immediately dispense life-affirming embraces and tots all around of some of Niels' special Oude Molen VOV Rare Vintage Selection brandy.
'To Joan...,' he growls. And everyone raises a glass to the circle of life, so richly celebrated each day on Luddite farm.
Chocolate berry pavlova recipe by Niels Verburg paired with More Luddite Shiraz or a Riesling....
Barbecued Luddite suckling pig recipe by Niels Verburg paired with Luddite Shiraz wine....