Winner of Fix It With Flair competition announced at Le Franschhoek Hotel

Tuis/Home Magazine, South Africa’s practical guide to beautiful living, converts boring home improvements into imaginative soul food! Their annual Fix it with Flair competition, which invites readers to enter any house revamp or restorative work, again proved to be a huge success. After months of judging, Tammy and Rob Foote from Port Elizabeth were crowned as the overall national winners.

Flip a Coin entertained the guests

The glamorous Fix it with Flair gala event was held at the elegant Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa in Franschhoek. Tammy and Rob clinched the top spot and impressed the judges with their innovative and imaginative renovations. The event was complete with glitz and glamour and guests were entertained by the talented a cappella group, Flip a Coin. Neil Stemmet, along with Tuis/Home’s very own Misi Overturf, Simone Borcherding and in-house DIY-guru Ashley Stemmet, offered guests some practical tips, do’s, don’ts and other inspiring ideas.

The Fix it with Flair competition got under way at the start of this year and do-it-yourself enthusiasts from across South Africa submitted their entries. Every entry had to be accompanied by a full breakdown of the costs of the renovations, before and after photographs of the project as well as a description and explanation of the work done.

Every month, the judges chose two finalists who were announced in the magazine between March and July and by August, the top ten semi-finalists had been selected. The readers then had the opportunity to vote for their favourite home improvement amongst the ten selected semi-finalists. Three finalists were then shortlisted who attended the final judging evening and the winner was announced during a glitzy gala event.

The most important judging criteria were the creative flair with which the improvement work had been carried out. The practicality as well as the amount of work done by the homeowners themselves, was also taken into account.

The home restorations undertaken by the competition winners, Tammy and Rob Foote, will appear in the February 2012 Fix It issue of Tuis/Home Magazine. The home improvements undertaken by the two runners up will also be featured. This issue will also announce the opening of entries for the 2012 Fix it With Flair competition. 

Grande Provence wins at the 2011 International Wine and Spirit Competition

Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate received further international recognition at the 2011 International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) where the Estate was privileged to receive Gold for ‘The Grande Provence 2006’, ’Silver Best in Class’ for the Grande Provence Chardonnay 2010 and Grande Provence Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 and Silver for the Grande Provence Sauvignon Blanc 2011 as well as the Grande Provence Shiraz 2007, all of which are created by Winemaker, Jaco Marais.

Comments Winemaker, Jaco Marais: “It’s indeed an honour to receive not only one, but multiple awards from this prestigious international competition. To be selected from 82 countries worldwide is definitely a milestone for me as well as for Grande Provence.”

This competition aims at setting the international benchmark for the quality of wines and excellence in winemaking and is supported by many of the world’s top wine and spirits producers.

Handel's Messiah in Franschhoek

The beautiful grounds of Lac de la Lune in Franschhoek will be opened for the first time to host a special Christmas presentation of Handel’s Messiah on Sunday 4 December at 4.30pm

The Messiah, undoubtedly one of the most well loved pieces of sacred music, was also a favorite of the composer who wrote it in just 24 days. Handel is regarded as one of the most respected composers of all time, receiving recognition from the likes of Mozart, Beethoven and Haydn who said, “He is indeed, the father of us all.”
 

The Canticum Novum Choir will be accompanied by the University of Stellenbosch Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Louis van der Watt alongside a stellar lineup of soloists: Louise Howlett, Jen Kummer, Siphesihe Mdena and Thesele Kemane.

Lac de La Lune (Lake of the Moon) is situated near the entrance to Franschhoek off Cabriere and Kruger Streets at 7 Anne Marie, and is surrounded by breathtaking views of the mountains. Gates open at 2.30 and the grounds are perfect for visitors to spread out blankets and enjoy their picnic before the concert begins at 4.30pm.  Tickets are R110 and R80 concessions. There is also a seated area available for R220 per ticket.

Tickets are available from Computicket 0861 915 8000 / www.computicket.com/ Checkers and Shoprite stores.  For more information contact Louise on 084 682 1337/howlett@sun.ac.za

Grande Provence wins at 2011 Mundus Vini

At the 11^th MUNDUS VINI International Wine Awards held in Germany this year, Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate, Franschhoek has once again been recognised for its outstanding efforts by receiving Gold for the Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 and ‘The Grande Provence 2006’ as well as Silver for the recently released, Sauvignon Blanc 2011.

Comments Winemaker, Jaco Marais: “It’s an absolute honour to once again be recognised on an international level for the wines we are passionate about creating here in the Franschhoek Valley. These wines are now available at The Tasting Room and The Restaurant at Grande Provence, all of which have been paired to complement the new menu created by Executive Chef, Darren Roberts.”

More than 6,000 wines from 42 countries entered into the 2011 awards and put under thorough examination by an international jury of wine experts.

These accolades stand tall next some of the Estate’s existing wines which have been privileged to receive local and international awards.

'Habitat' at the Gallery @ Grande Provence

'The Gallery' at Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate proudly presents 'Habitat', an exhibition showcasing paintings and drawings by famed South African artist, Brahm van Zyl, opening on Sunday 14, August 2011 at 11h00 and runs until Thursday 8, September 2011.

This exhibition references to 'Habitat' as site specific geographic areas which are inhabited by humans. Large scale city scapes are placed in direct contrast with the landscapes and architecture of the Karoo, reminiscent of the communities that occupied and still occupy these historical sites, creating an additional socio-political reference.

Brahm has developed a deep connection with the historic South African landscape through the research and observation necessary for his accurate and soulful portrayal of the surroundings that inspire and reveal his understanding and awareness of the contemporary term 'Land Art'. He describes this group of paintings and drawings as a portrayal of the ideas that he nurtures and feeds off as an artist who occupies this strange but beautiful world.

During this time, Donna McKellar, features a body of artwork ranging from miniature to large scale landscape paintings which will be exhibited in 'The Project Room' and 'Cathedral' at 'The Gallery'. Donna has previously described her artistic style as 'Romantic realism' but a significant change in her life has led her to explore a more post-modern understanding of living, which emphasises the fragmented, often distorted nature of reality.

Her very realistic signature style is still evident in the work but another dimension of meaning has been added, resulting in a deep, often dark, but also playful expression of emotion.

For further information or a preview, please contact The Gallery at Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate, email: gallery@grandeprovence.co.za - telephone 021 876 8630 to make an appointment. The Gallery is open from Monday to Sunday, from 10h00 till 18h00.

Register on the Stellenbosch Municipality Supplier Database

The Stellenbosch Municipality hereby invites all prospective suitably qualified and experienced service providers who are not yet registered with the Stellenbosch Municipality, to register as a supplier.

Registration forms, electronically as well as hard copies are obtainable from the Database administrator, Ms Abongile Makatshu, at Stellenbosch Municipality, Neethling House, Supply Chain Management office, Room 120. Please call (021) 808 8594 for electronic copies or send email to abongilem@stellenbosch.org or it can be down loaded from our website www.stellenbosch.gov.za

Completed documents can be hand-delivered or posted to Stellenbosch Municipality

P. O. Box 17, Stellenbosch, 7599

No forms will be accepted via fax, email or any other electronic format.

Please take note: If your company is already registered on the Stellenbosch Municipality Database, you need only to submit the information that has changed in your company and any relevant document that has expired e.g. Tax Clearance Certificate, CIDB, COID, etc.

Bastille Day at Backsberg

WARM AWAY THE WINTER BLUES AND CELEBRATE THE SPIRIT OF FRANCE THIS BASTILLE DAY WITH POPULAR FRENCH CHANTEUSE DANIELE PASCAL AT BACKSBERG ON SATURDAY 16 JULY 2011 FROM 18H00

This platinum selling artist is one of South Africa’s most celebrated artists. Her unique style and classic joie de vivre is quintessentially Parisian and synonymous with the spirit of romance of the French café song. Danièle is also the only true exponent of French culture, and sophistication in South Africa.

Imagine strolling down the Champs-Élysées or sipping a pastis in Montmartre….that is where Danièle will transport you. She will enchant you, move you and entertain you.

Daniele will delight in her true style with a selection of well-known French songs by Piaf, Brel, Aznavour, Trenet, Mouloudji, and other highlights from her best selling French Café song album Parisette.

We have transformed our popular function venue into a cosy cafe style concert venue for this event. 

An accordion player will set the mood while guests gather in the boma  or around fire drums in the courtyard for a warming pre-drink on arrival from 18h00.

Then, move in to our heated venue where dinner with a touch of French Flair will be served to your allocated tables.

Brown onion Soup

Lamb Knuckle Ragout

Crepes with citrus syrup

Filter Coffee and chocolate truffle

 FULL RANGE OF BACKSBERG WINES ON SALE AND CASH BAR AVAILABLE

TICKETS:

R180 per person

Booking Essential

  

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO RESERVE PLEASE CONTACT

LEE-ANN   082 495 2006   events@backsberg.co.za

Grande Gold for Grande Provence

At the 2011 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, alias the wine world championship, held in Luxembourg this year, The Grande Provence 2006 received a GRANDE GOLD (Double Gold) medal, only 3 South African wines were awarded double gold status, and The Grande Provence Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 was awarded a GOLD medal.

Out of approximately 7, 000 entries from all over the world, only 30% of these entrants received an award. The wines are also judged blind by an international panel of wine expert judges.

Comments Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate’s Winemaker Jaco Marais: “It’s wonderful news for all the team here on the Estate and incredible to be recognised consecutively for the past three years. Both these wines are now available at The Tasting Room and The Restaurant at Grande Provence.”

Grande Provence gains a double gold at Concours Mondial de Bruxelles

At the 2011 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, aka the wine world championship, held in Luxembourg this year, The Grande Provence 2006 received a GRANDE GOLD (Double Gold) medal. Only 3 South African wines were awarded double gold status, and top off the achievement The Grande Provence Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 was awarded a GOLD medal.

Out of approximately 7, 000 entries from all over the world, only 30% of the entrants received an award. The wines are also judged blind by an international panel of wine expert judges.

Comments Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate’s Winemaker Jaco Marais: “It’s wonderful news for all the team here on the Estate and incredible to be recognised consecutively for the past three years. Both these wines are now available at The Tasting Room and The Restaurant at Grande Provence.”

7th Autumn Music Weekend in Franschhoek

 

14 - 15 May 2011

To coincide with the Franschhoek Literary Festival  www.flf.co.za

Booking for Café Bon Bon  021 876 3936

Tickets for the NGK Church Concerts (60 mins) are available at the door or booking@musicrevival.co.za to confirm a booking. 

For more information www.musicrevival.co.za  

Saturday 14 May 11:00 (NG Church, tickets at the door – R90): The Cape Consort performs Claudio Monteverdi’s Vespro da concerto for six voices and basso continuo (70 mins)

Saturday 14 May 18:00 (NG Church, tickets at the door - R60): Light & After – The poetry and music hour with Kobus Moolman reading from his latest anthology  creatively combined with music performed by pianist Christopher Duigan (70 mins)

Saturday 14 May 18:30 for 19:00 (Café Bon Bon at La Petite Dauphine Tel: 021 876 3936, tickets R350 includes a three course meal and welcome drink): Dinner Concert. MUSIC REVIVAL proudly presents internationally acclaimed soprano BRONWEN FORBAY with Christopher Duigan (piano) in a programme of popular operatic arias from Barber of Seville, La Boheme, La Traviata, Die Fledermaus and a selection of French songs.

Sunday 15 May 11:00 (NG Church, tickets at the door - R80): Liszt vs. Liszt Celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of the greatest pianist of all time, Steinway virtuoso Christopher Duigan plays a selection of Franz Liszt’s most famous compositions.  This programme of virtuoso piano music includes the Hungarian Rhapsody No 2 and Liebestraume no 3. (70 minutes).

Sunday 15 May 15:30 (Café Bon Bon at La Petite Dauphine Tel: 021 876 3936, tickets R100 – concert only): Sunday Finale Christopher Duigan (piano) and guest musicians, Bronwen Forbay (soprano) and Randall Umstead (tenor) from Texas, USA  in an informal Sunday afternoon café concert.  Book a table for lunch from 12 noon, or join the audience in time for the concert.

Stars From Afar at the Franschhoek Literary Festival

At this year’s Franschhoek Literary Festival, 13 – 15 May, authors coming from the UK, USA, Thailand, France, Jamaica, Uganda, Namibia and Zimbabwe will again rub shoulders with some of SA’s top writers.

“Our focus has always been on SA authors writing, or translated into English, with the ultimate goal of raising funds for a new community library,” says Jenny Hobbs, one of the originators and now the Director of the FLF. “But we also enjoy introducing to local readers international writers who are not well known here. And of course, there’s a big welcome for SA writers who live overseas,” she added.

Flying in from America is Zakes Mda, Professor of Creative Writing at Ohio University, though he commutes home regularly. His many commitments include beekeeping in the Eastern Cape, working with the Market Theatre, Johannesburg, and being a director of the Southern African Multimedia AIDS Trust in Sophiatown.

Mda will take part in Perspectives with Antony Altbeker, Justice Malala and SAFM’s Karabo Kgoleng, an event about autobiography with Janice Galloway from Scotland and Namibia’s Jane Katjavivi, chaired by Jenny Crwys-Williams, and Writing From Exile with three fellow SA writers who live overseas, Barbara Trapido, Julian de Wette and Christopher Hope.

Trapido, a book club favourite, is travelling from Oxford to discuss issues round her recent novel Sex & Stravinsky, and will be joined by her chef/writer daughter Anna Trapido, author of the Madiba memoir, Hunger for Freedom.

An FLF favourite coming for the third time from London is Justin Cartwright, whose recent novel Other People’s Money is getting rave reviews overseas.

Janice Galloway and Kei Miller are flying in from Glasgow courtesy of the British Council, both impressively talented and engaging speakers at last year’s Edinburgh International Book Fair.

Galloway is a musician and teacher who is now considered one of Scotland’s top authors. She will be chatting to Ann Donald of Kalk Bay Books, and in an event called Digging Deeper, will join Peter Godwin and forensic scientist David Klatzow to talk about the surprises they uncover in their research, chaired by Michele Magwood.

Kei Miller is a Jamaican poet and novelist who teaches creative writing at Glasgow University, and local writers should not miss the opportunity to hear him in conversation with Harry Garuba, Director of the Centre for African Studies at UCT. He will also appear in Mindfields with poet Finuala Dowling, Doreen Baingana and Christopher Hope, and in Can You Teach Writing? with fellow creative writing teachers Dowling, poet Kobus Moolman and Leon de Kock, Head of English at Stellenbosch.

Doreen Baingana is the Ugandan writer whose Tropical Fish: Stories Out of Entebbe won the Commonwealth Prize for Best First Book in 2006. She will be brought to Franschhoek by the African Arts Institute, and appears also in Secret Women’s Business and Short Stories Africa.

In a new departure, there will be several graphic events at FLF 2011. Graphic novelist Marguerite Abouet, the Côte d’Ivoire-born author of the Aya series which have been runaway bestsellers in France and the USA, is this year’s French Institute writer.

Appearing with her in Serious vs Hilarious is another bestselling author new to our shores: crime writer and cartoonist Colin Cotterill whose novels about a coroner set in Laos in the 1970s have been praised as having, ‘richer plots than Alexander McCall Smith’s SA detective stories, but the same comic charm.’

And there are more. Tony Park is the Australian equivalent of Wilbur Smith, with an equal passion for Africa, spending months here in the bush every year. He and Cotterill will be appearing with our own Mike Nicol in the literary version of Skop, Skiet en Donder.

Zimbabwean writers who have also tapped the bestselling vein include Peter Godwin and Douglas Rogers, who appear together and separately in Zimbos, Bush Wars and Roads Less Travelled, the grand finale of the 70 events at FLF 2011.

Please book early via Webtickets on www.flf.co.za to avoid disappointment.

The FLF is presented in association with Porcupine Ridge Wines and the Sunday Times, and is further made possible through the generosity of Franschhoek guest house owners and voluntary workers who give their time and energy to make it an event to remember. Ticket proceeds and other donations go towards the FLF Library Fund. The full FLF programme is available on www.flf.co.za. Bookings are open and tickets can be booked on www.webtickets.co.za. Ticket prices remain unchanged at R60 per event, unless otherwise indicated.

New Generation Events at 2011 FLF

The 5th annual Franschhoek Literary Festival is on from 13 to 15 May this year, and there are various events designed for younger book fans.

In A Real Tweet on Friday 13 May at 11:30, Sam Wilson (Editor-in-Chief of Women's Lifestyle at 24.com) will chair a wide-ranging discussion about cellphone fiction and other new ways to reach out to new and would-be readers. With Steve Vosloo, founder of the Shuttleworth Foundation's m4Lit project, Kontax scriptwriter Sam Wilson and education specialist Michael Rice.

Also at 11:30, two serious women and two very funny men discuss contemporary comic art in Serious vs Hilarious, facilitated by Andy Mason (What’s so Funny?). Starring Marguerite Abouet, author of the award-winning Aya graphic novels set in Côte d’Ivoire; Colin Cotterill, bestselling crime writer and comics blogger based in South East Asia; Jeremy Nell, maverick South African cartoonist; and Leonora van Staden, an Afrikaans graphic novelist with a feminist axe to grind.

At 13:00 Sarah Lotz (Tooth & Nailed), Lauren Beukes (Zoo Story) and science fiction artist Mer Roberts explore dystopian narratives and technological upheavals in Speculative Fiction, chaired by Delphi Carstens who is writing a PhD on the subject.

Also at 13:00, the Stellenbosch rapping professor Leon de Kock will have some of the poets and rappers in the Umuzi book Letters to South Africa performing their SA versions of Allan Ginsberg’s famous Letter to America.

On Saturday 14 May at 10:00 in Blood, Guts, Sweat & Tears, three doctors who also write – Rosamund Kendal (The Angina Monolgues), Dawn Garisch (Trespass) and James Clelland (Deeper Than Colour) – put aside their stethoscopes to talk about their books with crime writer Jassy Mackenzie.

Also at 10:00, SAFM’s Karabo Kgoleng knocks some myths about young reading on the head in Young, Black and Reading as she talks to literary magazine editor Phakama Mbonambi, Marguerite Abouet and romance imprint Nollybooks publisher Moky Makura.

For anyone who is part of – or trying to understand – the subspecies “teenager’, Sally Partridge (Fuse), Edyth Bulbring (Melly, Mrs Ho and Me) and Sarah Lotz (Tooth & Nailed), share their secrets about reaching the plugged-in generation with Fiona Snyckers in What’s Different About Writing for Teens? on Saturday at 11:30.

Colleen Higgs of Modjaji Press talks romance with Fiona Snyckers (Trinity on Air), Nani Mhlanga (Her Forever After), Sapphire Press editor Lindsay van Rensburg and Nollybooks publisher Moky Makura in Love Stories at 14:30.

Other events of special interest include Off the Wall Poetry at BICCCS Café on Friday, an open mic evening with Hugh Hodge, Karin Schimke, local and Cape Town poets and Youth Affair’s Voices From Our Valley poetry-in-motion theatre production at 18:30 on Friday and Saturday evenings.

There are a number of accommodation options available for students who want to spend the weekend in Franschhoek. See www.flf.co.za, join the Franschhoek Literary Festival on Facebook, or follow the FLF on Twitter @FranLitFest.

The FLF is presented in association with Porcupine Ridge Wines and the Sunday Times, and is further made possible through the generosity of Franschhoek guest house owners and voluntary workers who give their time and energy to make it an event to remember. Ticket proceeds and other donations go towards the FLF Library Fund. The full FLF programme is available on www.flf.co.za. Bookings are open and tickets can be booked on www.webtickets.co.za. Ticket prices remain unchanged at R60 per event, unless otherwise indicated.

WWF urges Franschhoek Tatler readers to go beyond the hour

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) today called on the people  of Western Cape to pledge their support for Earth Hour 2011 and to go beyond the hour.

While Earth Hour is the largest mass participation environmental event in the world, it starts with ordinary people. Every year WWF encourages people across the planet to turn off their lights for one hour in a symbolic gesture to pledge their commitment to combating climate change. This year Earth Hour takes place from 8.30 – 9.30pm on Saturday 26 March.

“WWF encourages everyone in South Africa to take a stand against climate change as it affects all of us, our country and our planet. This year, we are calling on everyone in South Africa to turn off their lights on 26 March and then to ‘go beyond the hour’ and commit to environmentally sustainable action on an on-going basis,” says Zubair Sayed, Executive Manager of Communication and Marketing at WWF South Africa.

Such sustainable actions may include anything from carpooling and recycling to installing solar water heaters and planting veggie gardens.

An online platform that captures and allows individuals, organisations, businesses and governments to share their actions, will act as the tool to showcase and inspire commitments to protect the one thing we all have in common – the planet. South Africans can sign up, share their actions, tell everyone about events they are planning and learn more at www.earthhour.org.za. 

Leopard’s Leap sponsors Dorp Van Die Jaar

Rapport officially announced on Sunday the launch of the 2011 Kwêla Rapport Dorp van die Jaar competition. Leopard’s Leap Wines, KykNET and World Luxury Hotel Awards are again the proud sponsors of this popular, truly South African initiative. Rapport readers and KykNET viewers can nominate the town of their choice within the South African and Namibian borders. The first phase of nominations closes on Tuesday, March 22 at 12h00.

It is widely acknowledged that there is a rise in the dynamic role of small town tourism as a strategy for development. As a result of economic, financial and cultural trends, the importance of small towns have now become increasingly critical. Small town tourism is progressively regarded as a visible path for local and national economic development.

“The importance of small towns plays a role not only in our heritage, traditions and culture but contributes greatly to the economic development and sustainability of our country. This competition provides an opportunity for small towns to showcase not only their wares, landscape and lifestyle but also what they add to the national economic development.” says Hein Koegelenberg, CEO of Leopard’s Leap Wines.

As part of the Leopard’s Leap sponsorship, seven Rapport readers will win an 18 litre bottle of Leopards Leap Shiraz Grenaché 2009. Only to be released later this year, this special collector’s bottle will make a great addition to any home cellar. One lucky winner stands a chance of winning an unforgettable all-inclusive week-long trip to the majestic Cape Winelands, including dinner at three of the 2010’s Eat Out Top 10 restaurants. A further R49,750.00 worth of wine training will be awarded to 50 waiters in the winning town. The ‘Introduction to Wine’ course from the Cape Wine Academy will greatly benefit the level of hospitality of the winning town.

“Leopard’s Leap is proud to be a sponsor in an initiative such as this that promotes the development of small towns such as Franschhoek which is where our hearts lie,” adds Koegelenberg.

Kwêla and Rapport will make weekly announcements with up to date nominations. For more information on Dorp van die Jaar visit www.kwela.co.za or www.rapport.co.za

Crewe-Brown and Taylor exhibit at IS Art, Franschhoek

IS Art at le Quartier Français is opening a two person exhibition by Franschhoek painter Jacqueline Crewe-Brown and Pretoria based sculptor Angus Taylor. 

 ‘The beast of burden’ or the donkey is Taylor’s subject matter for this exhibition.  He uses the donkey, a simple domesticated animal, as a symbol for the anti-monument, anti-elitism – not a thoroughbred horse.  Written words, in Latin, appear on the surfaces of most of his donkeys, evoking the impression of intellectualism.  In Taylor’s eyes, creating a fallacy.  The donkey, the anti elitist animal, decorated with Latin text giving it superficial ‘content’ – much of what we see happening in contemporary art today, where meaningless work is given significance through intellectualisation, by means of clever wording.  Angus Taylor works in granite and bronze.

Jacqueline Crewe Brown’s body of work is a socio-political commentary, dealing with the issues by which we are all surrounded: those of human injustice, loss, war, detention. The trademark, large scale of her canvasses, meets these issues head on.  Her broken and damaged surfaces,  scratching , stitching and diarising and emotional use of colour, revealing the fragility of society  .  Human rights and womanhood is at the core of her work for this exhibition.

 As in Taylors work, text and the written words are integral. The text on Taylor’s work is raised relief, in Crewe-Brown’s work ,it is mainly stitched with thread, also creating a tactile raised three dimensional  effect.

This exhibition opens at IS Art on Sunday the 20^th of February 2011 at 11h00. The exhibition will run until the 22^nd of March.  Please contact Ilse or Alisha for a preview or more information on 021 876 8334 or isart@lqf.co.za. 

Harvest Festival at Mont Rochelle

The 5-star Mont Rochelle Hotel & Mountain Vineyards in Franschhoek is gearing up to host its third annual Harvest Festival on Saturday 12 March. This popular event offers a day of light hearted fun, and an intimate, hands-on harvesting experience for a limited number of wine lovers and vintners, at R490 per person.

Upon arrival at 8am guests will each be welcomed with a gift of their own Mont Rochelle T-shirt, before being served a hearty early morning breakfast. This will be followed by grape-picking among the lush vineyards, with the excitement of the new vintage in the air and the sounds of master accordionist Eric Cloete providing the vibe. Then it’s time for fun and laughter with a stint of traditional grape stomping, followed by tastings of the delicious juice-of-the-vine. Thereafter guests will be taken on a fascinating tour of the wine cellar by winemaker Dustin Osborne, with preview tastings of Mont Rochelle’s wines ‘in the making’.  With appetites piqued, guests will then sit down to a delicious, traditional South African Braai (Barbeque), in the magical garden setting of the Country Kitchen terrace.

Rounding off a perfect day, those up for the challenge may then don their competitive spirit and enter into a round of boules, with teams bravely competing for the winners’ title.

Advance booking is essential. Reservations Tel (021) 876 2770, or email sales@montrochelle.co.za.

SA to take on India in BMW International Polo Series

South Africa’s passionate and glamorous polo community will be able to witness one of the world’s most iconic polo nations in action when India tours here in February as part of the BMW International Polo Series.

On Saturday, 26 February, the lush polo fields of the Val de Vie Estate in the magnificent Paarl Franschhoek Valley will host a classic encounter between India and South Africa.

A day of elegance between man and beast will be matched by a host of celebrities and VIPs reveling in the finest Val de Vie wines, gourmet food, and a display of the latest BMW vehicles.

“Polo is an exciting sport, and we are proud to be associated with a sport that so epitomises excellence and with which we have a long and successful relationship with. People marvel at the ability of man and horse to achieve such perfect unity, and BMW shares this drive for creating perfect partnerships in the pursuit of a passion,” said Guy Kilfoil, General Manager: Communications and Public Affairs at BMW South Africa.

India will bring with them a rich legacy in the sport dating back to medieval times, and which has earned the country the status of being the cradle of modern polo.

“The prestige of this particular contest is highlighted by the fact that India rarely tours South Africa, having done so on only a handful of occasions in the past 20 years,” said Clive Peddle, the Executive Director of the South African Polo Association.

“But equally important will be overall enjoyment of a wonderful event. India are a very hospitable nation and the South Africans were treated with five star luxury on their recent trip. We aim to reciprocate by providing the Indian team with a wonderful time matched by exciting polo.”

Now in its third year, the BMW International Polo at Val de Vie has become one of the most keenly anticipated events on the Cape Town social calendar. It is arguably one of the most sleek, glamorous and sought-after tickets in town.

Chile was the first to tour South Africa as part of this series. Last year the series was highlighted by a 14 to 5 goal victory over Italy, watched by the likes of Ryk Neethling, Ard Matthews, Leanne Liebenberg, Vanessa Haywood and a host of other celebrities.

“The BMW International Polo at Val de Vie is an elegant affair where Cape Town’s elite will enjoy an exclusive, elegant and relaxing day of Polo,” said Michelle van Eyden of SAIL, the Executive Promoter of the BMW International Polo at Val de Vie as well as the highly successful L’Ormarins Queens Plate held recently.

“The gates open at 2pm and tickets are on sale at Web Ticket and at Val de Vie Estate on the day. The cost is only R50 per ticket, excluding food and drink, and we offer a variety of hospitality packages.”

The hospitality packages available from SAIL include the Chukka Club package (www.webticket.co.za) and the Champions Pavilion package (www.sail.co.za).

At R360 per person, guests of the Chukka Club will be granted access to a private area next to the Val de Vie Pavilion, where they can enjoy a complimentary glass of wine , and a limited cocktail style menu. The venue makes for an exclusive environment providing a superb view of the match.

For those seeking an even greater level of elegance and sophistication combined with unrivalled networking and socializing, the Champions Pavilion offers all of this at a cost of R1 400 per person, excluding VAT. Here guests will be able to enjoy an Indian style cocktail menu and a complimentary local bar.

From its ancient roots as the chosen sport of the Sultans of India to the polo fields of Val de Vie Estate, this will be a memorable encounter between two great polo nations.

Boules, bonbons and bring-your-own picnic to GlenWood for Valentine’s Day

Fall in love with sweet summer lazy days again at GlenWood Vineyards in Franschhoek on Sunday 13 February in celebration of Valentine’s Day. Games, old-fashioned candies, grass under the oaks to romp on and a welcome invitation to bring your own perfect picnic are yours to enjoy while sipping award-winning wines in the midst of the Robertsvlei mountains.

Humbugs, sweethearts, liquorice drops and bonbons, or platters of camembert, gorgonzola, gruyere and gouda if you’re sweet enough already; treat your tastebuds while you play at boules – prizes will be up for grabs!

Venture into the valley from 11 am onwards.
Wine tasting – R30
Wine & sweets – R50
Cheese platters – R60
Boules – free, R100 deposit
Contact GlenWood winery: 021 876 2044, info@glenwoodvineyards.co.za

The Groot Drakenstein Six a Side Cricket Tournament

The Groot Drakenstein Games Club will be holding the 51st Annual Six a Side Cricket Tournament, at the Club on Sunday, 6st February.

The beautiful and historic Pickstone Oval, at Groot Drakenstein Games Club on the R45 between Boschendal and the Berg River is, once again, the venue of exciting and high-class cricket.

This tournament, a well attended fixture dating back to the early 1960's, has provided Drakenstein Valley spectators with the opportunity to see many of Western Province and Boland 's top players and such is the popularity of the competition amongst cricketers, that several well known players still manage to appear for their clubs in spite of heavy professional commitments.

This year all the teams appearing are previous winners, except newcomers Brackenfell, who are the Boland Club Champions and Coronations, who were runners-up in 2009.  Coronations have selected their strongest team available this year, could it be their turn? We are sure many members of the Pniel community hope so!

The four teams from the Boland are Coronation CC, Paarl East CC, Brackenfell CC and a Groot Drakenstein Invitation side. Western Province are represented by current holders of the trophy, Cape Town Cricket Club, Western Province Cricket Club, Claremont CC and Fish Hoek CC, who always bring a bus full of supporters.

Matches get underway by 10.00am and teams play for the Trophy and Plate whilst prizes are awarded for the best allrounder, fielder, bowler, batsman and biggest six.

Groot Drakenstein is a licensed club and all drinks are available at the clubhouse with no alcohol being allowed to be brought into the grounds and lots of food will be available.  There is a swimming pool and lots of interest for children as well as adults. Come and make a real family day of it!

R Bertram (Chairperson)

021 8851625 and 0836756161

bertram@iafrica.com

Celebrating the Franschhoek Church Piano

Christopher Duigan

Following the recent drive to raise funds for the purchase of the piano in the NG Church, Franschhoek, a special piano celebration concert marking the completion of this project and presentation of the piano to the wider public will take place at the NG Church on Friday 18 February at 7:00 pm.  With all of the 88 keys of the 7ft Kawai grand piano ‘sold’ to members of the local community the piano will remain in the NG Church and be used for concerts and other musical events that bring top-class performance to Franschhoek. In the last year local audiences have had the opportunity to hear the piano in number of concerts in both the Franschhoek Classic Music Festival and Franschhoek Literary Festival as well as a free concert by visiting pianist Anthony Spiri and other community events. A plaque listing the names of the donors will be mounted shortly.

To mark this special occasion pianist Christopher Duigan, the driving force behind this project, will be performing along with a number of musicians he has invited to join him in a special celebration concert.   These include London-based Joanne Rozario (clarinet) and Johannesburg-based baritone Federico Freschi, both of whom have won a popular following with local audiences. Other artists participating in this once-off event are to be confirmed. All the artists have generously agreed to perform for free, and no entrance fees will be charged, but donations toward artists’ travel expenses will be gratefully accepted after the performance.  True to the exceptionally high standard that Franschhoek audiences have come to expect from Steinway Artist Duigan, the concert will feature a varied and entertaining programme. This is not to be missed!

On the following evening, Saturday 19 February at 7:00 pm, Duigan highlights this wonderful instrument in a solo piano recital of music by Franz Liszt (born 1811).   Entitled ‘Liszt vs. Liszt’, this programme follows on Duigan’s ‘Celebrating Chopin’ performances last year commemorating the 200th anniversary of Chopin’s birth, which he presented in over 40 performances nationally including those in Franschhoek. Tickets for ‘Liszt vs. Liszt’ are R80 and will be available at the door. The programme includes the Hungarian Rhapsody No 2 and Liebestraume no 3, two of the composers most celebrated compositions.  Both performances are 60 minutes in duration.

With the piano now secure local audiences can look forward to more concerts in this wonderful venue. “This piano offers a wonderful performance opportunity for musicians and I am particularly thrilled that the Franschhoek community has contributed so generously to ensure the future of musical performance here” said Duigan. “I personally rank the piano and the venue as one of my favourite performance spaces in the country, a sentiment which been echoed by both artists and audiences alike. The piano is a pianist’s ‘voice’ and any pianist is totally reliant on what each piano is capable of.  This particular instrument is wonderfully flexible and responsive and its pure and even tone make for inspiring music making. In addition the exquisite environs of Franschhoek, the position of the NG Church as an historic landmark in the centre of the village, the superb acoustics, the intimate stage setting ‘in the round’, all contribute to make it an extraordinary musical experience for both performer and audience. It is an honest and real musical encounter.  I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all those who have invested in this project to secure this piano for the future enjoyment of the greater Franschhoek community.”

Speaking on behalf of the NG Church Franschhoek, Karen Minnaar says:  “We are privileged to give a home to such a magnificent piano and to host many enjoyable concerts.  Thanks to Christopher Duigan for organizing these wonderful concerts, for all his effort to make a dream come true (keeping the piano in Franschhoek) and especially for all the heavenly music he produces on the piano. A big thanks to David Walters for his personal involvement and lending a big and generous hand in this project.  His continuous support is valued tremendously.  And then a huge thank you to the community of Franschhoek and especially to each and everyone who made a donation towards the piano fund.  In 15 months 88 keys and 3 pedals were “sold” – a total R159, 250.00.  We could even buy a piano stool!   We are proud to be part of this wonderful generous community of Franschhoek.  We hope to see every donor and all music lovers at the concert on Thursday 18 February!”

For more information on the concerts and the piano fund raising drive please call Karen Minnaar at the NGK Church 021 876 2431.

Valentine's fare at Mont Rochelle Hotel & Mountain Vineyards, Franschhoek

The 5-star Mont Rochelle Hotel & Mountain Vineyards in the heart of the Franschhoek Valley offers the perfect setting to celebrate your love this Valentine’s Day.  Located on a working wine farm far from the hustle and bustle of the city, its fine dining restaurant Mange Tout is dishing up a superb Valentine Weekend Dinner menu, courtesy of talented Executive Chef Leigh Trout who serves up traditional French cooking with a contemporary twist, showcasing his inimitable creative flair.

The Valentine’s Day Dinner Menu will be on offer here throughout ‘Valentine’s weekend’, from Friday 11 February until Monday 14 February (Valentine’s Day) affording couples an exceptionally romantic gourmet celebration in the Cape Winelands.

At R450 per person, savour seductive dishes from Chef Leigh Trout’s 3-Course menu, featuring time-honoured ‘foods of love’, and toast your future with a glass of one of Mont Rochelle’s own fine wines. 

With delectable main courses such as a creative ‘under the sea for 2’ seafood medley of Grilled west coast crayfish, abalone risotto, caramelized scallops, champagne velouté, Cajun style Kingklip, baby calamari salad and ginger and coconut milk steamed mussels; or succulent Sticky duck breast with baby carrots and white balsamic figs, your palate will be suitably seduced.  Rounding off this perfect evening of culinary ‘amour’ is a decadent Death by Chocolate dessert.

Known for its fine dining and impeccable service, Mange Tout offers a feast for all the senses with its tranquil ambience and wrap-around views of the valley.  It was voted among the Top 10 Best Hotel Restaurants in the Eat Out Magazine Awards 2010, and also among the Top 10 for its Tasting Menu. The restaurant is open for lunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:30 to 14:00 and for dinner from Wednesday to Sunday from 19:00 to 21:30.  A light Bar Menu is also available daily. Booking is essential.

Reservations: Tel + 27 21 876 2770

Or click here to book info@montrochelle.co.za

Indulge In A Decadent ‘High Tea’ @ Grande Provence

Set in the midst of the picturesque Franschhoek Valley, the award-winning Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate invites guests to indulge in its newly introduced ‘High Tea’, created by international Executive Chef, Darren Roberts, served from 15h00 until 17h00 every Saturday and Sunday in the breathtaking Sculpture Garden or The Jonkershuis or The Restaurant.

Guests are invited to indulge in the Grande Provence High Tea Platter at the cost of R95.00 for two people consisting of decadent freshly baked scones, homemade plum preserve, whipped cream, chocolate mousse cake, carrot muffins and smoked salmon sandwiches.

Alternatively for something smaller, guests can enjoy scrumptious home baked scones which are available at the cost of R40.00 per person served with homemade plum preserve and whipped cream or enjoy a delectable chocolate mousse cake served with whipped cream at the cost of R30.00 per person.

 

www.grandeprovence.co.za 

Grande Provence Wine Estate - 021 876 8600 or email reservations@grandeprovence.co.za

2011 Franschhoek Literary Festival Bursting at its Seams

The 2011 Franschhoek Literary Festival (FLF) will again celebrate the magic of words from 13 to 15 May, with a gathering of over 90 authors, poets, editors, illustrators and chairpeople taking part in 70 events.

This is almost double the contributors and events of last year and promises to be a bursting, vibrant and engaging festival.

With a continuing focus on good accessible writing and diversity, the many Southern African writers on the programme range from renowned to little-known, and the topics vary from biography, history and politics to poetry, literary fiction and love stories.

FLF events are informal, often spirited discussions between several writers, with some one-on-one conversations. People in the news like Jonathan Jansen, Max du Preez, Karabo Kgoleng, Justice Malala, Jenny Crwys-Williams, Peter Harris and John Maytham will this year rub shoulders with academics, struggle stalwarts, poets, publishers, journalists and first-time novelists still hoping to make it big.

Coming from America this year are Zakes Mda, Peter Godwin and Douglas Rogers. Barbara Trapido will come from Oxford, to be joined by Anna Trapido, the first FLF mother and daughter team. Arriving from Scotland, courtesy of the British Council, are top Scottish writer Janice Galloway and Jamaican poet and novelist Kei Miller of Glasgow University. Making his way from Doha will be satirical blogger Azad Essa. From Nairobi will come prizewinning author Doreen Baingana, courtesy of the African Arts Initiative. The French Institute will be bringing out a French writer (details will be announced soon).

The FLF was started in 2007 by a committee of six volunteers who aimed to create a festival of mostly English-speaking local writers, with a few coming from overseas. The ultimate goal was to raise funds for a new community library where it is most needed. In four years, attendance has more than quadrupled, and it is now one of the leading literary events on the South African calendar.

Thanks to the people who buy tickets and generous funding from sponsors, the FLF Library Fund has also swelled to the point where a new library is being discussed with the local municipality. FLF associates and sponsors Porcupine Ridge Wines and the Sunday Times continue to emphasise that their involvement is specifically to promote reading and encourage writing.

FLF 2011 will pay tribute to the King James Bible on its 400th anniversary in a special language event that will celebrate its magnificent English. Other events of special interest to writers will be On Being Edited with Ivan Vladislaviæ and Tim Couzens, Mindfields, The Write Honourables, Men of Letters, and Do I Give up the Day Job?

Madiba fans will enjoy Writing Mandela, and more of South Africa’s favourite topics will be addressed by Jonathan Jansen and others in Leadership And Innovation, How To Fix Our Schools, and Healing Our Nation. Controversies may erupt in the following panel discussions, 1994 And All That, Conspiracy Theories, Mzansi, Outcasts, and Zimbos. Doctors who write will feature in Blood, Guts, Sweat and Tears.

Friday 13 May will be of special interest to new-generation readers, with events about graphic novels, speculative and cellphone fiction, satirical blogs (notably, Holy Cows to Beefburgers) and works-in-progress. Half-price tickets will be available to those with student cards.

Publishers will again do book launches and hold dinners, and aspiring poets will bring their work to a rousing open mic session. As usual, there will also be performances by Youth Affair, a group of talented youngsters directed by a local rising star of TV soaps, Jeremy Davids, now working on a PhD in Drama.

This year book lovers will once more flock to Franschhoek in the third weekend of May and hurry from venue to venue through village streets which buzz with book talk. All the destinations are within a few minutes walk, including the bookshop and booking facilities in the Town Hall and a great range of cafés and restaurants, small hotels, guest houses, interesting shops and more bookshops.

The full programme will be available on www.flf.co.za towards the end of February. Follow the FLF on Twitter: FranLitFest, and join the Facebook group for regular updates.

The FLF is presented in association with Porcupine Ridge Wines and the Sunday Times, and is further made possible through the generosity of Franschhoek guest house owners and voluntary workers who give their time and energy to make it an event to remember. Ticket proceeds and other donations go towards the FLF Library Fund.

ACCLAIMED INTERNATIONAL PIANIST INGO DANNHORN TO PERFORM AT MONT ROCHELLE HOTEL & MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS (FRANSCHHOEK)

The Mont Rochelle Hotel in Franschhoek has accomplished somewhat of a ‘tour de force’, securing visiting international pianist Ingo Dannhorn for an intimate music recital at Mange Tout, the fining dining restaurant here. The concert will take place on Wednesday, 9 February from 19:00 onwards.  Tickets are available at R150 per person, and include canapès served with selected Mont Rochelle wines.  

Cited as one of the ‘most remarkable pianists of his generation, with fabulous manual skills and a perfect combination of intelligence and a strong sensitivity to sound Valeurs’, Dannhorn is known for his passionate and rousing performances. Classical music enthusiasts will delight in his repertoire for this concert which features the music of Franz Liszt and Frederic Chopin, including a fitting tribute to the 200 year commemoration of Liszt with a rendition of his Sonata in b-minor.  Other pieces included in the repertoire are the Grande Valse brillante opus 18 and Grand Valse brillante opus 34/2 of Frederic Chopin, and Andrzeij Schulz-Evler’s Arabesques of the Blue Danube.

The idyllic setting and tranquil ambience of Mange Tout restaurant on this working wine farm lends itself perfectly to this performance, and guests may inhale breathtaking views of the Franschhoek Valley together with the resonances of the piano keys. 

Bookings: Marika at Mont Rochelle: Tel + 27 21 876 2770

Or email sales@montrochelle.co.za

Franschhoek Health Club Spinathon in aid of Hospice