FRINGE EVENTS AT THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL THE FRANSCHHOEK LITERARY FESTIVAL 17 - 19 MAY 2013

Festival goers to this year’s FLF will not only be entertained by the jam-packed FLF programme, but can also enjoy a number of fringe events taking place over the three days of the festival. 

Friday 17 May: David Walters and The Ceramics Gallery present

SGRAFFITO – WORDS ON POTS

Inspired by the FLF, SGRAFFITO (inscriptions or drawings scratched or printed onto pottery) will exhibit works from Sue Howard, Ralph Johnson, Susan Lomas, Yvonne Martin, Ineke Nicolle, Ella-Lou O’Meara, Linda Patterson, David Walters & Sarah Walters.  The gallery is open from 10am to 5pm.

Saturday, 18 May: Noseweek editor Martin Welz will chair four extraordinary activist-experts talking about news stories that every South African ought to know (more) about – but government would rather you didn't.  Featured speakers: Richard Young on the arms deal, David Klatzow on criminal prosecutions, Shaheen Moolla on the destruction of South Africa’s ocean fish stocks and Mariette Liefferink on the rising flood of acid mine drainage and radioactive fallout.

    “Live news” sessions and showings of documentaries will take place at the Protea Hotel Franschhoek on Saturday, May 18, between 10am and 3pm.

Check the Noseweek website at www.noseweek.co.za for more details.

 Friday 17 to Sunday 19 May: See the FLF programme for 5 classical music concerts by Music Revival

including the FREE Concert Voices for Africa in the NG Church on Saturday at 6pm,

starring Beverley Chiat, new talent from the Anzwi Omzansi competition and the local Simunye Choir.

Sunday 19 May: Students from the Waterfront Theatre College will present a collection of original, literary inspired performances, based on 5 literary plot types: the quest, voyage and return, rebirth, overcoming the monster and rags to riches, on the streets of Franschhoek. The short street theatre performances will entertain festival goers as they move from one event to the other.  

Find out more at www.flf.co.za.

For any enquiries or further information on the festival, authors or events please contact Claire Richards at publicity@flf.co.za or on 082 044 6446

Top young talent for Tour de Boland

It will be the clash of the future champions when international star Nolan Hoffman leads the invitational Boland ASG junior team against a strong World Cycling Centre Africa (WCCA) contingent at the Bestmed Tour de Boland from Tuesday.

Nolan Hoffman

The Franschhoek-based sprinter, who returned from the UCI World Track Championships at the end of February, will mentor the five youngsters from Wellington during the four-day tour, which is presented by ASG.

They are Marc Kerr, Timo Cooper, Wian-David Slabbert, George King and Corne Helberg. Barbados’s top junior rider Jesse Kelly will join them as a special guest.

“I’m looking for a win and at the same time to help the young riders,” said Hoffman, who usually rides in the colours of Tasol-GT.

“We have a lot of talent in SA. The only way to improve as a rider is in races and we need the longer tours to become internationally competitive.”

The four-time Paarl Boxing Day 25-mile winner said the Boland event was perfectly timed to test his legs ahead of the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour the following week.

His squad will face off against three WCCA teams, featuring six members of the MTN-Qhubeka feeder team, including JC Nel (South Africa), Getachew Yohans (Ethiopia) and Till Drobisch (Namibia).

The MTN-Qhubeka development outfit is looking strong following their victory in the team time-trial event at the national road championships this past weekend.

According to WCCA director JP van Zyl, Nel and Drobisch were expected to lead the charge in the individual (stage one) and team time-trial (stage two), while Calvin Benecke and Emile Jacobs were the strongest hopefuls for the road race (stage three) and criterium (stage four).

“The tour is well balanced in its challenges and is one of our major goal races,” said Van Zyl. “It can be viewed as a talent identification tour, where we will see who will become the big names of the near future.”

The former Olympian said the purpose of the Potchefstroom-based centre was to develop African talent and prepare young riders to race internationally at a professional level.

“There aren’t many tours in South Africa, or Africa for that matter. Road racing needs more competitive events and it is our duty to support those that make the opportunities available. We are proud and honoured to be competing.”

Van Zyl said the tour had all the elements to become a major event on the international calendar including beautiful scenery, good weather and mountainous terrain to promote challenging racing.

The daily stages start and finish at the Allée Bleue wine estate, which is equidistant from Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl.

The event wraps up on Friday with a 40km fun ride through the winelands, which includes a complimentary pancake and coffee stop in Franschhoek. All finishers will receive a stemmed Allée Bleue glass filled with the wine of their choice.

For more information, visit www.bolandcycling.co.za. Find the event on Facebook or follow @TourdeBoland for updates.

Johannes du Plessis shows new works

Detail of 'Stars Falling Over Paarl Mountain'

Franschhoek painter and sculptor Johannes du Plessis will be showing his latest works at Gallery 88 in Main Road, Paarl from 27 October 2012. The exhibition is entitled ‘Provenance’.

Du Plessis describes himself as a contemporary expressionist. His new works were inspired by landscapes and are sometimes reminiscent of his earlier more realistic works.  Appropriately the exhibition will be opened by Prof Izak Rust, a retired geologist. For more details contact Gallery 88 at 021 863 3552. 

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Die Franschhoekse skilder en beeldhouer Johannes du Plessis bied vanaf 27 Oktober 2012 ‘n uitstalling van sy nuwe werke aan by Gallery 88 in Hoofstraat, Paarl.  Die titel van die uitstalling is ‘Herkoms’.

Du Plessis, wat homself as ‘n kontemporêre ekspressionis beskryf, se nuwe werke is deur landskappe geïnspireer en herinner soms aan van sy vroeë, meer realistiese werke.  Heel gepas word die uitstalling deur Prof Izak Rust, ‘n afgetrede geoloog, ge-open. Vir meer besonderhede skakel Gallery 88 by 021 863 3552.

Renowned French Chef cooks at La Motte for Plaisirs de France Celebrations

Chef Florent Boivin

Renowned French Chef Florent Boivin, one of the Meilleur Ouvrier de France* will be joining forces with Pierneef à La Motte Chef Chris Erasmus for a gastronomic celebration of note to introduce Plaisirs de France – the Franschhoek celebrations for Seasons of France, a cultural exchange program between South Africa and France.

Chef Boivin is from the famous Paul Bocuse institute in France and has an intrinsic knowledge of French gastronomy. He has worked in different Michelin star establishments, such as Maison Troisgros in Roanne, Le Jardin des Sens in Montpellier and Maison Decoret in Vichy and has participated in the opening of new restaurants all over the world, including D’Sens in Bangkok, Raffles Hotel Restaurant in Singapore and Héritage Hotel Restaurant in Mauritius.

For the Plaisirs de France celebrations, he joins Chef Chris Erasmus in the Pierneef à La Motte kitchen to design a French-inspired 6-course fine-dining menu combining French flair with local quality ingredients. Expect a fusion of flavours – from foie gras to springbok - all paired with award-winning wines to ensure a culinary experience par excellence!

The banquet style dinner takes place on Friday, 12 October in the elegant Pierneef à La Motte restaurant on   La Motte Wine Estate in the Franschhoek Valley.

The dinner with wine costs R690 per person and reservations can be made at Pierneef à La Motte on +27 (0)21 876 8800 or pierneef@la-motte.co.za

Plaisirs de France will see the Franschhoek Valley celebrating its French heritage for a month from 15 October to 15 November. This initiative is part of the Seasons of France cultural exchange program between South Africa and France that reinforces the strong bond that unites the two countries.

For more information on La Motte please visit www.la-motte.com and for more information on Plaisirs de France, http://franschhoek.org.za/events/event/a-month-of-french-flair-in-franschhoek/

Grande Provence Proudly Presents 3 New Wines for Summer

Viognier Chenin Blanc Blend

Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate, part of Huka Retreats, situated in the Franschhoek Valley, is proud to present 3 new white wines to its existing award winning collection.

Comments General Manager and Winemaker, Karl Lambour, “We are very proud to unveil and present our latest wines that are now available in The Tasting Room on the Estate. Each new wine has also been introduced with our new menu at The Restaurant and The Owner’s Cottage; perfect for the approaching summer season.”

Grande Provence Sauvignon Blanc 2012 - a medium bodied, well balanced white wine with lots of tropical fruit, guava, lime, rip fig and a touch of green pepper.  The aromas follow through onto the palate in the form of rich fruit flavours, balanced by a zesty acidity.  These two attributes combine to deliver a fresh, lingering after taste.  The Sauvignon Blanc 2012 can be enjoyed on its own or served with seafood, chicken dishes or fruity salads.

Grande Provence Chardonnay 2011 – an elegant full bodied, well balanced white wine with outstanding fruit and wood integration.  The Chardonnay has upfront citrus, almond and creamy aromas complemented with vanilla and butterscotch.  Matured for 11 months in 60% first fill and 40% second fill French oak barrels.  Best served with smoked fish, seafood with creamy sauces, pork dishes and ripened soft cheeses, or simply on its own.

The Grande Provence Chardonnay 2011 has won Gold at the Michelangelo International Wine Awards 2012.

Grande Provence Viognier Chenin Blanc 2012 – an elegant, full bodied blend infused with flavours of dried apricot, spices and cream giving a long, dry finish to round off this perfectly balanced blend.   The Viognier Chenin Blanc can be enjoyed with grilled quail smothered in candied walnuts and grilled pear with a honey glaze sauce as well as with roasted pork belly or creamy chicken a la king.

Purchase these award winning wines and if you buy 12 bottles or more we will ship these free of charge, anywhere in South Africa.

The Estate proudly offers guests The Owner’s Cottage, The Restaurant, The Winery, The Jonkershuis, The Gallery, The Sculpture Garden and The Shop.

For general enquiries or to order wines please contact Ralton Adams on 021 876 8600 or email ralton@grandprovence.co.za.

Own a piece of history

Keerweder dining room

Strauss & Co is delighted to have been entrusted with the sale of the contents of Keerweder – the handsome Cape Dutch homestead on one of the oldest farms in Franschhoek, situated at the foot of the Franschhoek mountains against a backdrop of orchards, rolling vines and English rose gardens.

In 1692 Keerweder was the first farm in the Franschhoek Valley to be allotted by the Dutch East India Company to a European.   The name originates from the high mountains surrounding Franschhoek which were insurmountable obstacles for travellers who, unable to pass over them, had to turn back, hence 'keeren weder' which in Dutch means ‘to turn back’.

 Pristinely restored over twenty years ago by the current owners, Keerweder has been furnished with items befitting the period and the grandiosity of this magnificent home and reflects their knowledge and passion for South Africa’s diverse and interesting history.

Collectors and decorators alike will be presented with a unique opportunity to acquire rare and beautiful pieces, encompassing furniture, paintings, prints, carpets, silver, ceramics, garden statuary and even cars from the 680-lot sale.

 From VOC to Hylton Nel, the sale spans several centuries and a myriad of tastes with estimates ranging from a few hundred rands into the millions for the more important pieces.   Each item has been carefully selected and researched by the owners whose academic interest is manifest in their impressive collection of reference books which will also be on the sale.  Everyday household items such as linen, curtains and kitchenware will also form part of the auction.

The core of the collection is formed by a large selection of Cape and Colonial furniture offering outstanding opportunities to collectors at every level.   Chief among these is a highly important Cape armoire sporting silver escutcheons by the celebrated silversmith Johan Hendrik Vos, as well as an intricately engraved lock-plate after a design by Jacob Hoefnagel, (estimates R800 000 – R1 million), two ‘Burgomaster’ chairs (R80 000 – 100 000 and R60 000 – 80 000 respectively) and a commode from the Herbert Prins Collection (R120 000 – 150 000).

The sale also features eye-catching and unusual furniture from other parts of the world such as a rare 19^thcentury Chinese painted and gilded marriage bed (R80 000 – 90 000), an elaborately carved Persian bed with panelled canopy (R15 000 – 20 000), and a palanquin or sedan chair (R20 000 – 30 000).   

Painting highlights include Camelthorn Tree, Kalahari by JH Pierneef, master of the South African landscape (estimate R800 000 – R1,2 million) and, in keeping with the Cape Dutch theme of the house, several  mid 18^th century Dutch portraits, the most impressive of which is a 17^th century double portrait which dominates the dining room (estimates R100 000 – 150 000).

Stephan Welz, Managing Director of Strauss & Co commented: “It is an honour for Strauss & Co to be handling this important sale. The Cape has a long tradition of house sales, the most important being undoubtedly Koopmans-de Wet House in 1913, today a National Monument.  I was fortunate enough personally to have been involved in the sale of the contents of many  renowned properties over the years including, amongst others, Newlands House, Ellerman House and  Mostertsdrift .

 Not only is the sale of Keerweder another feather in our cap but it offers opportunities to many to own a piece of history, and will surely take its place among those major house sales which have become landmarks in the history of collecting in South Africa”.

There will be viewing for three days prior to the sale, on Friday 19, Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 October and all are welcome.

The sale will take place in situ throughout the day on Monday 22 October 2012. The three sessions will commence at 10am, 2.30pm and 5.30pm.

Bastille Festival in Franschhoek sees Belle époque at La Motte

Belle époque 'Beautiful era' - the golden age of art and culture in France in the early 20th century.

La Motte staff ready for Bastille Festival

An exhibition of famous French tapestries and ceramics, a classical music concert dedicated to French composers, a special menu of French cuisine, beautiful baguettes and internationally acclaimed wines – all elegantly presented – will give some French flair to the La Motte celebrations during the annual Bastille weekend on 14 & 15 July 2012.

As a cultural exchange program between South Africa and France, this year a French Season in South Africa will commence formally in July and continue into November. This initiative reinforces the strong, deep bonds that unite the two countries and La Motte’s program for the French festivities will ensure that any and all of the French visitors will feel right at home while offering our local supporters a taste of the culture, art and gastronomy of France!

Taste the range of award-winning La Motte wines presented from La Motte’s welcoming tasting room with a special French theme or from the Food & Wine Marquee on the town square. The 5-star Platter 2009 Pierneef Shiraz • Viognier will also make out part of the flight of French and Franschhoek wines available for tasting at the VIP tent in town as well as the Technical Tasting for the public that will take place at Grande Provence on Sunday morning*.

Pierneef à La Motte restaurant will offer live café music and a dedicated French menu with favourites such as Ladal Layoinnaise, Pâté de campagne, Lamb rack Provençal,  Boeuf Bourguignon, Apple tarte tatin and Bergamot crème brulee, to name but a few. And as a further celebration of the French food culture, the La Motte Farm Shop with its artisan breads will be selling lovely freshly-baked baguettes to take home and enjoy.

The La Motte museum is host to the inspiring tapestries and ceramics of acclaimed French artist, Jean Lurçat and the monthly classical music concert presented from the historic cellar on the estate, will be featuring the beautiful duo of Zorada Temmingh and Elna van der Merwe on two pianos with a celebration of French composers.  Well-known for their wonderful arrangements of classical masterpieces, this once-off performance for La Motte has them jogging through Saint-Saëns’ ‘Carnival of the Animals’, while shortening Bizet’s ‘Carmen’ to ten minutes and dancing along with a habañera, a bolero and a cake walk.

For reservations and more information:

Pierneef à La Motte restaurant: +27(0)21 876 8800 (dinner reservations only)

Classical Music Concerts: Angela at +27(0)21 876 8000 or concert@la-motte.co.za
The Concert takes place on Saturday, 14 July and starts promptly at 19:00
Cost: R170

Hours:  The wine tasting room, restaurant, farm shop and museum will be open on 14 and 15 July from 09:00 to 17:00.

For more information about La Motte, please visit www.la-motte.com or call +27(0)21 876 8000 and for more information on the *Bastille Festival, go to www.franschhoekbastille.co.za