Proposed Development at Lavender Farm

An email with an attachment from Auberge La Dauphine, claims that Robert Maingard is building illegally at Lavender Farm on the Verdun Road. The building appears to be taking place in land zoned for agricultural use only.

The attachment reads:

Maingard strikes again!

To those concerned residents of Franschhoek who attended the meeting in the Town Hall at the beginning of 2009, you may wish to know that Mr Maingard has struck again!

He owns Lavender Guest House which is in Verdun Road, off the Excelsior Road (on the way to Le Franschhoek Hotel). He submitted and had agreed in October 2008 plans to increase his 4 bedroom guest house by 10 rooms to a 14 bedroom (mini hotel) by adding rooms to the existing building even though a number of neighbours objected. One of the reasons given for his application at the time was that additional bedrooms would “supplement his wife’s income!”

He has now started building something very different from what was originally agreed. This is WITHOUT THE CORRECT PLANNING APPROVALS. He is building in his Lavender field (agricultural land!) 10 self contained luxury units. His building firm put the footings in on the Reconciliation Public Holiday (probably in the hope that no-one would notice), and the builders are due to finish by the end of February (presumably working all over Christmas to get the buildings up before anyone can object).

The Stellenbosch Municipality visited the site on 17 December and put a Stop Order on the building work on 18 December. However, Mr Maingard can simply pay a R1000 fine (which is laughable for a multi million rand construction) and now has 30 days in which to get as much of the building done as possible before the Municipality can go for an Interdict.

Residents of Franschhoek. This man has shown complete contempt for the village and the Municipality. If you feel anything for our beautiful village and the value of YOUR property (which can ultimately be affected by his blatent disregard for any rules and regulations as we have seen with the fiasco with the Hugeunot Hotel), please express your concerns to

Louisa Guntz, Planning and Environment, Stellenbosch Municipality, PO Box 17, Stellenbosch 7599

AND PLEASE COME AND SUPPORT US ON WEDNESDAY 30 DECEMBER WHEN WE WILL BE HOLDING A DEMONSTRATION IN VERDUN ROAD FROM 7AM TO 6PM. WE WILL INVITE CARTE BLANCHE, 3^RD DEGREE, THE ARGUS, THE TATLER TO COME AND SEE AND REPORT ON WHAT MAINGARD IS DOING. PLEASE JUST TURN UP ANYTIME DURING THE DAY TO ADD YOUR SUPPORT.

Days later ...

The local council order work on the project to stop and issue a 'stop order'. Work ceases and a second email is sent. Attachments include the stop order and Robert Maingard's lawyer's letter in response to the circulating emails.

The stop order:

The lawyer's letter:

A visit to Colmant Estate and a chance meeting with Robert Maingard at Lavender Farm yield:

Plans - old and new:Approved rezoning application:Approval for the site development plan:

La Motte’s classic concerts kick 2010 off in style

On Saturday, 30th January La Motte will host the first of their classic concerts for 2010 at their estate in Franschhoek. The featured artist is Polina Burdukova on cello, with piano accompaniment Kerryn Wiesniwski.

Polina started her shimmering musical career in Moscow, and has since travelled, played and studied all over the world. She moved to South Africa in 1991 and we have had the pleasure of hearing her play ever since.

In partnership with Kerryn Wiesniwski, a piano soloist in her own right, they will be presenting a programme of works ranging from Shostakovich’s Sonata in d minor for cello and piano to exuberant compositions by the Czech composer, Popper.

This concert will be presented at La Motte estate and guests will be welcomed with a glass of La Motte wine and at the end of the concert, a light finger dinner. The concert starts at 7pm and entrance is R125, 00 per person.

La Motte is situated on the R45 just outside Franschhoek, approximately 45 minutes drive from Cape Town. Bookings for the concert can be made at the La Motte tasting venue or by phoning 021 876 8801 for Angela.

Visit http://www.la-motte.com/ for more information. We regret that no refunds can be made if the booking is cancelled and the bookings are only valid after receipt of admission.

Crop Spraying - Letter to Paarl Post, from Tatib

Pesticides can cause hay fever

WE refer to the article titled "Hay Fever Blues" as published in Paarl Post on 26 November.

* It is a well documented fact that exposure to pesticides causes "hay fever" symptoms - upper respiratory tract irritation, infection, sinus problems and asthma to name but a few.

* Exposure to pesticides also causes more serious problems like central nervous system damage, respiratory problems and even cancer.

* It is unlawful to spray your vineyards in such a way that spray drift (of pesticides) is allowed to be blown into the residential areas.

* The medical effects of unlawful spray drift have been well documented in the Western Cape and internationally.

* Many of the pesticides that are used on the vineyards in places like Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek have been banned in other countries as they are considered to be highly toxic.

* Every citizen has the right to live in an environment that is not harmful to his/her health and well-being - this is enshrined in the Constitution.

* The statement that "this is a small price to pay for living in this magnificent valley" is irresponsible. One cannot and should not peg a price on one's health.

Several Paarl medical doctors actually attended The Air that I Breathe (Tatib) Foundation's recent meeting in Stellenbosch and confirmed that they have a large number of patients suffering from exposure to pesticides.

You are sitting on a ticking time bomb. You need to alert your local Municipality for the sake of your health, especially that of your children.

For more information, contact tatib-foundation@gmail.com or Prof Mark Swilling at swilling@sun.ac.za

Team TATIB

Franschhoek Uncorked

The 2671 official attendees at this year’s Franschhoek Uncorked Festival can regard themselves some of the luckiest people in the world. Not only did they get a chance to drink many of Franschhoek’s finest wines for just R60, but they were blessed with the most glorious weather for the day on Saturday and much of Sunday afternoon. Add to that the free shuttle service, food and entertainment, activities for the kids and an opportunity to benefit from some special festival discounts and the experience will go down as one of Franschhoek’s best ever. The world won’t end if you don’t get a World Cup ticket but it may as well if you don’t get a 2010 Uncorked Glass!

Read more in The Month

5 Minutes with Derk Blaisse

We catch up with Derk Blaisse from the traditional local jazz band, the Cape Dutch Connection, as he prepares for another season of Friday night jazz at La Brasserie. We ask him about the band, how it all began and, for those that haven’t yet had the pleasure of listening, what style of music he plays..

Read more in The Month

Not Too Far from Franschhoek: Napier

From the November edition:

... Along the main road, the charming facades of faithfully restored buildings sit side-by-side newer and less-authentic buildings. There is an aesthetics committee of sorts and it must have its work cut out! Stop at Pascal’s if you’re not in the mood for pub-fare, but again, be prepared for a chat. Local proprietors all understand the value of the personal touch and there is no shortage of time here. While there, you may even meet Daniel Pascal herself or Cape Town’s Max du Preez, who is one of the many famous South Africans who own property in the town. Pay a visit to military buff, Leon Visser, who makes very well-priced pewter chess sets and can literally chat the hind-leg off a donkey.

Read more about Napier in The Month

Winelands Experience on the Move

The Month (TM) recently spoke to Richard Dellar (RD) from Franschhoek-based tourism company, Winelands Experience. We noted that he has become a familiar face around the Franschhoek Valley and asked him to tell us how long he’s been living and working in Franschhoek and how he’s spent his time here.
RD: Like most people, I fell in love with the valley on my first visit in the 70’s when I attended a conference at the old Swiss Farm Excelsior (now Le Franschhoek). At the time I was working for Stellenbosch Farmers Winery in marketing. My wife and I bought an apartment at La Petite Provence in 2001 but moved here permanently in 2003. I bought a share of Winelands Experience in 2006 and have spent the last three years building our presence in the Franschhoek tourism industry.
TM: But rumour has it that you’re retiring and moving on.

Read the rest in The Month

Best Uncorked Festival Ever

This year’s Franschhoek Uncorked Festival in October will go down as one of Franschhoek’s most successful and well-supported festivals ever. A glorious sunny Saturday morning greeted the first of the more than two and a half thousand visitors to the 24 wineries and set the scene for much of what was to follow over the weekend. Not even the wet and chilly Cape weather on Sunday, which threatened to put a damper on things, could detract from the sense of warmth and camaraderie that seemed to flood the valley. The balmy weather, which enveloped Franschhoek and the surrounds on Sunday afternoon, made for the ideal end to a fabulous festival. It couldn’t have been scripted more perfectly.

Read more in The Month

Unbelievable ADSL offer

The Month's technology partner, Winelands IT, is offering Internet users in the Franschhoek Valley an opportunity to purchase bandwidth at an unbelievable flat-rate of R75 per GB and is applicable to top-ups as well, for a limited time only.

STOP PRESS
Swallows: Get ADSL for R50 per GB per month - no need to pay Telkom or MWeb-rates when you're only in town for a few months a year.

Contact support@winelandsit.co.za for more information.

Franschhoek Uncorked Festival Programme

The official Franschhoek Uncorked Festival Programme is here: http://www.generator.co.za/FHoek_Uncorked_programme_2009.pdf

cosecha Cuisine

Noble Hill is a boutique vineyard and winery tucked between Kanonkop and Paarl Mountain, just off the R45 Klapmuts Road close to Franschhoek. The winery has made a name for itself under the strong leadership of the Tillery family, son Kristopher Austin in particular. A tech-savvy professional, Kris recently launched the first ever Twitter-enabled stand at WineX in Cape Town and is already reaping the rewards of Nobel Hill’s social networking activities. The Month visited the winery for a different kind of social recently, as lunch-time visitors to cosecha, their Spanish- themed restaurant.

According to the menu, cosecha is a Spanish word for ‘harvest’ and reflects the restaurant’s location next to the harvest area where grapes are sorted and crushed. The Spanish theme exists to express the family’s desire to "bring the farm-fresh, Latin flavours of [their] South Western roots to Cape Town." The décor, while too new to display patina, is unpretentious and authentically Spanish. Time, rust and a little moss will no doubt whisk visitors into a different world in the not-too-distant future.

We enjoyed Beef Enchiladas (R75) and Tiger Prawn Taquitos (R48) with a glass of Shiraz Mourvèdre and a ’09 Sauvignon Blanc respectively. The shredded beef fillet, served in corn tortillas with enchilada sauce, rice and beans was delicious. The portion was substantial. The prawn dish looked particularly appetising, served in flour tortillas with a fresh salsa and guacamole. The chilli, lime and coriander in the dish add zing but should be mild enough for delicate palates. Both wines are good. The Sauvignon is herbaceous (and was highly rated in the August edition of The Month) and the Mourvèdre is smooth and gets better as it stands in the glass.

The Month will return to try a cosecha picnic in the summer (they’re already available). The Vineyard Basket includes meat, cheese, salmon, a chicken and Peppadew salad, pasta and seasonal salads, olives, bread and dessert! For a Mediterranean twist, try the Garden Basket which sacrifices the meat and fish for a mezze platter with hummus, couscous, pesto dip, spanakopitas and seasonal veg. Order a bottle of wine from the farm and the meal is complete. Surprisingly everything is served on proper dinnerware and includes the cutlery you’d find on the cosecha table. No plastic. Baskets for two are R218 and for four expect to pay R392. Kids’ meals are R45. The fabulous surroundings, with the lovely view and a dam that allows fishing, make this is a picnic spot with few rivals.

Contact cosecha on 021 874 3844

Franschhoek's Hot Chilli Sauce & Roasted Chilli Jam

Next time you drive on the Simondium/Klapmuts road, stop at "THE JAM JAR". An absolute feast of all sorts of preserves; jams, syrups, fruit, sauces and more, all handmade by Jill. It is difficult to name the best product, but two are outstanding.

Hot chilli sauce (the search for the perfect chilli sauce might be over) - it is a very hot, pourable, not sweet but sharp, chilli sauce. This is a man’s sauce and will spice up any meal.

Roasted chilli jam – scoopable, with a delicate sweet flavour of roasted red peppers and chilli. Wonderful to eat with cheese, cold meats, or just on hot buttered toast.

Available from:
The Jam Jar
Tel: 021 874 1637
Hot chilli sauce: R19.50
Roasted chilli jam: R24.00

ASTAR Art in Franschhoek with Ashleigh

Ashleigh Temple-Camp, who has just completed the ASTAR Art Teacher Course, is launching a ‘Creative Beginnings’ course this October, designed to open the door to the creative spirit. The course will be presented at the Artemis Barn, belonging to artists Andrea Desmond-Smith and Kobus Stander, and is suitable for beginners and advanced participants.

ASTARis a non-judgmental approach to art-making in which the creative process is the focus, rather than the art products. There are no planned outcomes or expectations. Participants are encouraged to work spontaneously and to trust their creative process. They are invited to express themselves honestly and to honour all that is made with acceptance.

At the start of each session, the facilitator guides the group through an inspiration process. This creates a focus for the art-making activity. These processes are designed to bypass the critical, controlling mind so that participants are able to let go of fear and surrender to the creative process. "This has been an absolute awakening. Ifeel alive like never before," said a student of the process.

Course designer, Lindy Solomon says "There are great healing benefits when you express yourself creatively in a safe, non-judgmental space. At the heart of the ASTARpractice, is self-acceptance which is a fundamental key to healing. Rediscovering and honouring your creative self is essential in the journey towards wholeness. Creative expression awakens the life-force within and enlivens us. The art-making process is often relaxing and restorative as it engages the ‘don’t think’ mind and encourages playfulness. Learning to trust the process and find intuitive solutions in art-making encourages the same attitude in life."

Ashleigh is further offering a variety of children’s art and craft classes in the school holidays and next year plans to run a colour energy course once a week for eight weeks. Contact Ashleigh on 083 2085608 or email temple-camp@vodamail.co.za.

Franschhoek Open Gardens Festival, 24 & 25 Oct 09

Franschhoek’s famous Open Gardens Festival will take place from the 24th to the 25th October 2009. Ten spectacular gardens will be on show and visitors will pay only R100 for a Weekend Pass. This year will be quite different from anything seen to date as the town centre will host a Fresh Goods Market; music for all to enjoy; plant sales and the presence of a number of gardening experts including the legendary Keith Kirsten. The Lions Club of Franschhoek will man a ‘garden’ of their own with tea, bubbly, wine and food on offer. There will be Tussy Mussy workshops on Saturday and Sunday at 11:30 at R20 per person.

The Open Gardens include:
La Rive a "Stunning English country garden filled with swathes of soft pinks, blues and whites."
Andy Higgins’ La Providence which is a "large landscaped garden with massed rose beds and beautiful water features."
Aliki Starke’smedium sized "town garden, strikingly laid out with mixed flower beds, boxed areas and secret corners."
Carl and Sonia Atkinson’slarge garden "shaded by huge old oaks; lovely herbaceous borders, interesting pond and unusual plantings."
Die Eike, home of Rene and Piet van der Westhuyzen. This is a "new farm garden with wide expanses of lawn, rose garden, special features and beautiful mixed borders."
Hennie de Necker’sformal town garden "full of colour and interesting plantings; it is hard to believe the garden is only one year old."
Fay Bentley’ssmall garden, regarded as "a jewel; an example of mixed plantings complimenting each other."
Sabine Bosman’s Klein Champagne. The park-like garden is large and includes "shaded river frontage, meandering paths and a lily covered lake."
Kleinhof belonging to Jacques Botha. This is a "very different garden. Expect old trees, arbours and thousands of bulb plantings but no lawn."
The Cottage Garden. "Atamed old garden surrounding an historic cottage, quaint and pretty with old almond and pomegranate trees.

Talks in the Franschhoek High school hall include: Keith Kirsten (10:30 Saturday and Sunday; R60); Marie Fazard of Ludwig’s Roses (14:30 Saturday; R30) and Bridget Kitley, who will speak about herbs (14:30 Sunday; R30).

Buy your tickets online at www.webtickets.co.za or in Franschhoek on the day.

Franschhoek Uncorked, 10 and 11 October 2009

Get ready for the Franschhoek Uncorked Festival on the 10th and 11th of October 2009 from 9AMto 5PM. In celebration of spring, local Franschhoek wineries, both big and small, will showcase their new releases on that weekend.

Most Franschhoek’s wineries participate in this festival and vineyard tours, barrel-tastings, a micro-brewery tasting, delicious food and wine pairings, art exhibitions, fresh goods markets and a fynbos trail all form part of the festival. Live music performances, with something to suit everyone, will also be on offer. Children are welcome and a number of kids’ activities will be on offer.

Buy a "Festival Passport" for R60 and enjoy free wine tasting at participating wineries for the duration of the festival. Afree shuttle service will ensure that passport holders get to and from the wineries without effort. Some of the showcased wineries include Dieu Donne, Franschhoek Vineyards, Glenwood, Graham Beck Wines, Grande Provence Estate, La Motte, La Petite Ferme, L’Ormarins (Anton Rupert Wines) , Môreson, Plaisir de Merle, Rickety Bridge Winery, and Vrede en Lust.

Passports are available at Franschhoek Wine Valley Tourist Association; any participating wineries or online at www.webtickets.org.za

July Question of The Month

Franschhoek is undeniably one of South Africa’s top tourist destinations. As a premier tourist attraction most of the businesses in the village, from restaurants to rest homes, are in some way affected by the work done on our behalf by the Franschhoek Wine and Tourism Association.The

Month has chosen to pose the July Question of The Month to various businesses asking for comment about the perceived value that the FWVTA brings to Franschhoek. The question to the businesses is as folows:

· If you are a member of the FWVTA - What value does the Association add to your business?
· If you are not a member of the FWVTA – Why are you not a member? and/or What do you expect from an organisation such as the FWVTA?

Arthur McWilliam-Smith of Akademie Street Guest Houses replies - Read Here
Jessica Gretschel of Black and White replies - Read Here
Jenny Prinsloo, CEO of FWVTA, replies - Read Here

Read more of the answers in July's The Month

July Question of The Month - Jenny replies

Jenny Prinsloo, CEO of FWVTA, says:

FWVTA : What’s it all about?

• Besides being the official destination marketing organization for the Franschhoek Valley, FWVTA is involved with an increased number of festivals and events, safety and security issues, working towards creating a sustainable environment in the Valley, and practicing responsible tourism.
• We have increased the number of Franschhoek festivals to attract more visitors to the Valley particularly over the less busy winter months and slower seasons. Our festivals have appeal over a wide target market including food and wine, sports and the outdoors, classical music and literature, and arts and crafts. Last year and this year we have achieved huge media coverage from festivals and foreign journalists that we hosted. This has kept the Franschhoek Valley “in lights” throughout the year.
• Through the Director of Community Safety at the Stellenbosch Municipality, we facilitated the 10 police patrols on duty 24 hours in the Main Road in Franschhoek, from the start of the summer season until the present. We are currently in discussions with the Director on the erection of security cameras. Two cameras have been earmarked by the Municipality to date, one for Groendal and one for the Franschhoek Main Road. We are investigating options to erect three cameras in the Main Road.
• As part of responsible tourism, FWVTA has a community development programme in place which includes projects such as the Umdilaya waiter service training, the Youth Ambassadors top achiever project, the Franschhoek Literary Festival social development programme, the community Bastille Festival programme, the Streetsmart project benefiting street children, the schools and teachers excursion programme, and the MTB Grand Prix and development cycling project. A list of local community businesses and suppliers has been compiled.
• FWVTA launched its sustainable environment programme with Earth Hour in March, where all the restaurants in the Franschhoek Main Road switched off their lights on 28 March, in a worldwide initiative to create awareness about climate change. We are working on various “greening” projects, tree planting, composting, recycling at festivals, and carbon measurement analysis in our wine cellars. Documentation on Franschhoek’s BWI, IPW, ISO9000 and other compliance initiatives will appear shortly on our website.

What’s in it for FWVTA Members? Membership benefits include:

• Presentations and networking sessions every second month on value-add topics e.g. MATCH; fraud prevention in your business; the relevance and importance of digital marketing; the benefits of “green” grading for accommodation establishments; how the Chamber of Commerce can help small business during the economic downturn etc.
• Marketing opportunity to take an exhibition stand at Franschhoek Festivals organised by FWVTA
• Marketing opportunity to be represented at tourism trade shows and roadshows
• Access to the services provided by the Chamber of Commerce, Stellenbosch chapter, via FWVTA’s membership of the Chamber
• Representation on SA Wine Routes and WOSA; co-ordination of cellar door service training and wine courses for cellar staff
• Free directory listings in all official FWVTA promotional publications
• Free descriptive listing, including photo gallery, on the FWVTA website
• Free advertisements on the new Classifieds section of the FWVTA website
• Free telephonic advice from our Human Resource Consultant e.g. hiring, contracts, maternity leave, etc as well as discounted personal consultations
• 20% discount on BnBSure policies from Incompass Insurance
• 10% discount on advertising in the Franschhoek A-Z directory
• 5% discount on glassware orders over R500 from Chrystal Direct
• All FWVTA members are automatically also members of Cape Town Tourism. This includes representation on their website, through their offices and also on their digital kiosk system.
• Use of the FWVTA logo on publicity material – subject to approval of FWVTA
• Access to stocks of maps and promotional materials at the FWVTA office or at the Info Centre
• Marketing opportunity to display brochures at the FWVTA office and the Info Centre
• Access to members email addresses database
• FWVTA is recruiting new members so that more retail businesses, emerging businesses, professional practices, accommodation establishments, restaurants, Vignerons, farmers, industries, learning institutions, conference venues, wellness centres and other organizations may participate in our marketing initiatives on behalf of the Valley. We are implementing a new digital marketing and PR campaign in the new financial year 2009-2010. We will be contacting potential members soon, and would also welcome potential members contacting us on tel 021 8762861, or visiting us at address 1st Floor, 62 Huguenot Road, next to the Pharmacy.

Read more of the answers in July's The Month

July Question of The Month - Jess replies

Jessica Gretschel of Black and White says:

According to my lease contract I hold for my boutique, I am forced to be a member of the FWVTA. Although the FWVTA does not contribute to any direct influence on my boutique I do believe that what attracts tourists to Franschhoek in general has a lot to do with the efforts of the FWVTA. I would like the FWVTA to get the message across that the valley has more to offer in terms of specialized retail shopping rather then simply being an Eat, Drink and Sleep destination. Franschhoek is becoming as much a shopping destination.

July Question of The Month - Arthur replies

Arthur McWilliam-Smith of Akademie Street Guest Houses says:

Having been involved in the tourism industry in Franschhoek since before the start of the FWVTA I would suggest that anyone who does not see how vital the Tourism Association has been to the growth of this town does not have an ounce of business brain – or perhaps is a Johnny-come-lately and hasn’t seen what has happened over the last twenty years.

The Melleting Pot

Who is Patric Mellet?

An excerpt from his blog gives only part of the answer: "There was no particular Damascus moment of deciding that I would engage in the struggle and follow the resistance road. It just emerged as a natural path to take from a childhood hallmarked by poverty and pain, and the Apartheid system that dominated our existence and reinforced hopelessness. Through the liberation movement a path of hope beckoned in my teenage years. In taking this path – the resistance road, I experienced a profound transformation of my own life. There was no glamour in taking this path in the early seventies, when as a result of such a decision; one was branded as a radical terrorist by the establishment."

Patric is featured in the July edition of The Month. Don't miss the chance to 'meet' this fascinating man.

March On!

Until a week ago the tag line of Franschhoek's Bastille Festival: "a celebration of freedom", was in danger of being seriously undermined because of the calling off of the proposed Freedom Walk/Run. The event failed to attract a sponsor and the FWVTA was compelled to move ahead with their plans without it. The Month happened to learn of the cancellation of the Freedom Walk at a meeting with Cnlr Gordon Pfeifer. A concerned call to Charlotte van Zyl (of the Delta Trust) soon put things right. Thanks to Solms Delta Wine Estate for their generous sponsorship of this year's event. How fitting that their minstrels will lead the procession into town this year. Vive le True Community Spirit, vive.

Place Vendome Takes Shape

Bradley Tyler and Peter Hager's Place Vendom is taking shape and set to transform the entrance to Franschhoek South. The latest news is that The Corkscrew will inherit some of the look with a new coat of paint and a 'werfmuur' to complement its neighbour.

Delaire Graff Estate re-opens

Laurence Graff, Chairman of Graff Diamonds International Ltd, re-opens Delaire Graff Estate in June 2009 after a complete rebuild. Delaire, one of South Africa’s finest vineyards, was acquired by Graff in 2003 who vowed to make it one of South Africa’s ultra-premier wineries and prominent restaurant and hotel destinations. Delaire’s unique location on the crest of the panoramic Helshoogte Mountain Pass is noted for its high altitude vineyards, excellent soils and cooling sea breezes.

The contemporary architecture has been designed to combine a 230 ton wine cellar, a unique restaurant and artworks representing some of SA’s finest contemporary artists. The grounds have been designed and re-landscaped by Keith Kirsten and native plants and trees have been used to ensure that, ecologically, the land surrounding the vineyards is spectacular and will form a beautiful backdrop to the winery itself. Some of South Africa’s leading sculptors have been commissioned to create works for the exterior which will be a significant part of the Delaire experience.

General Manager, Johann Laubser, comments “our Executive Chef, Christiaan Campbell, is creating exceptional cuisine with fresh, vibrant menus. The Delaire restaurant will offer an exceptional dining experience.” The lunch menu is light and vibrant in form with many of the dishes being baked or roasted in wood fired ovens. The evening menu shows great delicacy and elegance in its presentation and tastes without departing from signature bold flavours. Guests are able to dine on the terrace under a canopy of pin oak trees or within the spectacular interiors whilst enjoying the breathtaking views Delaire allows of the Stellenbosch valley and mountains.

Delaire Wines blended by Chris Kelly, who has twice been a finalist in the Diners Club South African Winemakers Awards, perfectly match Delaire’s ‘sunshine cuisine’. Delaire wines are available from the estate, are listed in several important wine manuals and distributed worldwide so can also be enjoyed at home. The Delaire Hotel and Spa will open in 2010 and offer, along with luxurious treatments, the unique experience of sleeping amongst the vines.

For further details please contact: Tanja von Arnim on 021 8858160 or tanja.vonarnim@delaire.co.za

For more Franschhoek news, visit The Month Online.

Mother's Day - 10th May

Résidence Klein Oliphants Hoek invite you to join them on Mother’s Day for a special menu to celebrate the most important day of the year; a three course meal for just R250 per person, excluding drinks.

After a welcome aperitif, enjoy a starter of caramelised onion and brie quiche served on a bed of mixed salad. Main will be a choice of either roast platter of pork, leg of lamb and sirloin served with potatoes, sweet potatoes and butternut wedges or a delicious seafood platter with prawn, kingklip and salmon trout served with leek and new potatoes. Dessert is pannacotta with chocolate or berry compote.

For more details contact Delphine on 021 876 2566.

For more Franschhoek news, visit The Month Online.

Beauty Day

Dennehof Health & Beauty hosts an informative talk on the latest developments in Anti-Ageing Technology at the Eikehof Farm on 16 May at 10:30. Refreshments will be provided.

RSVP before 9 May to Marianka 087 671 8918. A 40% discount applies to treatments booked on the day.

For more Franschhoek news, visit The Month Online.

News from The Youth House

The Youth House Library is up and running and is managed by youth worker, Msindisi Kwini, who welcomes all youth organisations to make use of its resources. Further, he invites youngsters to come and take part in the planned activities.

Jerome Julies, one of Franschhoek’s Youth Ambassadors, will run Hip Hop sessions every Monday through Thursday from 16h00 - 18h00 at the Mooiwater House.

All interested young people are invited to attend .The first session took place on Monday 6th April, where Bradley Leibrandt, a ten year old break dancer from Protea Street, won a cd after he was chosen the best dancer.

Portia Bokwe started with drama classes at the old Dalubuhle Primary. More than ten interested young actors attended this first workshop. Portia plans drama classes from Monday to Friday from 18h00 - 19h00.

All interested actors and actresses are invited to join the group in preparation of a production for Youth Day and the Bastille Festival.

Also, athlete Simon Sendzeko, would like budding runners to join in athletic activity. For more information on any of the above call Kwini at 083 856 1276

For more Franschhoek news, visit The Month Online.

Chanson a le vent

by Chris von Ulmenstein of Whale Cottage Franschhoek

What was meant to be an Easter weekend treat turned out to be a very windy affair at the new L’ermitage restaurant.

The restaurant has been very low key since its opening in December, and this appeared to have been its first big function.

Daniele Pascal, the French born but South African based chanson singer, entertained the audience with a mix of Brel and Piaf, with some local Afrikaans liedjies thrown into the pot as well.

The L’ermitage hotel has a beautiful setting at the edge of a dam on The Fransche Hoek Estate, and the full moon crept over the Franschhoek mountains during the evening, giving the setting a very romantic feel. The organisers had decided to host the function outside, on their terrace and lawn, not taking into account the south-easter which came up soon after the start of the evening.

The staff tried valiantly to appease everyone, and could not meet the request for blankets. The restaurant did not have enough tables inside to allow one to move inside. Pascal had to battle the wind in the first half – ironically she sang the beautiful Laurika Rauch hit “Kinders van die Wind”.

Miraculously the wind dropped before she came back on stage for the second half. Well into her sixties, Pascal openly talked about her recent hip replacement operation. When singing about love, one does not see her age, as her face and soul light up.

A set menu was offered at R 350 per head, which included a bottle of French wine – the 2007 Merlot was too light for the South African palate, which expects a more full-bodied wine. The starter was a choice of soups, but the waiters just assumed that all patrons were having the seafood soup, without taking the order upfront. No bread was served with the meal, even though side plates were laid on the very small tables for two. When asked for it, slices of white sandwich loaf were brought to the table. A remark about it to the manager quickly led to its replacement with some tasty whole-wheat bread. The main course was a small portion of chicken, and the dessert a small portion of chocolate brownie and mint cream. I could have sworn there was salt instead of sugar in the brownie. Coffee had to be paid for as an extra.

The service received from Emmi, Pearl and Santjie during the evening was outstanding, who must have heard nothing but complaints about the wind and the resultant cold.

L’ermitage plans to host live entertainment once a month, and will even introduce classical concerts in its conference centre. The organisers have promised that future events will be held indoors.

For more Franschhoek news, visit The Month Online.

Grande Provence “Big 5”

The Grande Provence “Big 5” Luncheon for Multiple Sclerosis - just got even better! The annual ‘Big 5’ luncheon held in aid of The Multiple Sclerosis Society of South Africa (MSSA), now in its third successful year, will take place at the 5-star Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate in Franschhoek on Sunday the 24th of May.

Tickets can be purchased from the Estate, starting at R750 per person. The non-profit organization MSSA benefited by R36,440 in 2007 (the first year of the initiative), and again in 2008 by a staggering R60,250. These great results have been possible as the entire ticket price of ‘The Big 5’ luncheon (with no deductions) are passed on directly to the charity on each occasion.

The “Big 5” 2009 event features five leading South African Chefs led by Executive Chef Jacques De Jager from The Restaurant at Grande Provence, Bertus Basson from Overture, David Higgs, Chef and partner of Rust en Vrede, Peter Tempelhoff, Group Executive Chef of The Collection and Chris Erasmus, Executive Chef of Ginja and Myoga. This team of South Africa’s most celebrated chefs will present a fabulous five-course gourmet meal, complemented by award-winning Grande Provence wines.

Talented performers including James Stewart, Zanne Stapelberg, James Grace, Marimba Vibrations and singer/songwriter Beshara have kindly donated their time and talent to entertain guests on the day. Other generous sponsors supporting the day to date are ‘To- Nett’s Decor’ who have sponsored tables, chairs and linen, Franschhoek Flowers for the table decorations and Natasha Sunkel photography.

During the “Big 5” luncheon, five spectacular items will be auctioned by Master of Ceremonies Ryan O’ Connor, of 94.5 KFM fame, who is also the Patron of M.S in South Africa. For reservations please call Mandy Smith at Grande Provence Wine Estate on 021 876 8600 or e-mail reservations@grandeprovence.co.za

For more Franschhoek news, visit The Month Online.

Grande Provence “Big 5”

The Grande Provence “Big 5” Luncheon for Multiple Sclerosis - just got even better! The annual ‘Big 5’ luncheon held in aid of The Multiple Sclerosis Society of South Africa (MSSA), now in its third successful year, will take place at the 5-star Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate in Franschhoek on Sunday the 24th of May.

Tickets can be purchased from the Estate, starting at R750 per person. The non-profit organization MSSA benefited by R36,440 in 2007 (the first year of the initiative), and again in 2008 by a staggering R60,250. These great results have been possible as the entire ticket price of ‘The Big 5’ luncheon (with no deductions) are passed on directly to the charity on each occasion.

The “Big 5” 2009 event features five leading South African Chefs led by Executive Chef Jacques De Jager from The Restaurant at Grande Provence, Bertus Basson from Overture, David Higgs, Chef and partner of Rust en Vrede, Peter Tempelhoff, Group Executive Chef of The Collection and Chris Erasmus, Executive Chef of Ginja and Myoga. This team of South Africa’s most celebrated chefs will present a fabulous five-course gourmet meal, complemented by award-winning Grande Provence wines.

Talented performers including James Stewart, Zanne Stapelberg, James Grace, Marimba Vibrations and singer/songwriter Beshara have kindly donated their time and talent to entertain guests on the day. Other generous sponsors supporting the day to date are ‘To- Nett’s Decor’ who have sponsored tables, chairs and linen, Franschhoek Flowers for the table decorations and Natasha Sunkel photography.

During the “Big 5” luncheon, five spectacular items will be auctioned by Master of Ceremonies Ryan O’ Connor, of 94.5 KFM fame, who is also the Patron of M.S in South Africa. For reservations please call Mandy Smith at Grande Provence Wine Estate on 021 876 8600 or e-mail reservations@grandeprovence.co.za

For more Franschhoek news, visit The Month Online.

Muirhead Trio at Backsberg

This month Backsberg will be heating things up for you with the funk and jazz mix that is The Muirhead Trio.

This band is formed around lead guitarist Bruce Muirhead – a well-oiled jazz muso, film music composer and teacher. He’s done various international gigs and more recently performed at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. The band enhances his undiluted jazz style – treading new and fresh territory as a collective.

In Bruce’s words, they’re “navigating between the tried and trusted, and new impulses.”

Join Backsberg for their Jazz and Mediterranean Platters in the perfect intimate setting. Relax and enjoy delicious freshly-baked ciabata bread filled with slices of spit roasted lamb, Italian-style cured meats and delicious cheeses matched with preserves, sundried tomatoes, olives, feta, and a trio of home-made dips served with savoury biscuits and farm-style bread. Backsberg wines will be available for purchase as well.

Tickets: R 125 p.person
Date: Friday, 29 May 2009
Time: From 18:30 onwards
Venue: Backsberg Estate Cellars,
Simondium Rd., Paarl

Bookings Essential.
Contact Lee Ann on (021) 875 5141 or
Email events@backsberg.co.za

For more Franschhoek news, visit The Month Online.

Noble Hill Wins!

Noble Hill Olive Oil Wins First Place at International Wine and Olive Oil Design Awards.

It was quite a surprise when a tiny Valley upstart claimed first place at the International Wine and Olive Oil Design Awards held in Porto, Portugal recently. Noble Hill Wine Estate’s Virgin Territory brand olive oil was named the winner at a gala dinner held at the Palácio da Bolsa.

Virgin Territory is cold extracted, extra virgin olive oil, harvested by hand at Noble Hill Wine Estate in the Franschhoek Valley. The oil is a blend of Frantoio, Kalamata, Manzanillo and Mission olives and has the distinctive spiciness of a premium, small-batch product. “We wanted to make something special, since we only produce about 700 bottles of oil each year. For the packaging we decided to try something new and it has really paid off,” noted owner K. Austin Tillery.

As part of Noble Hill’s continuing commitment to sustainability, the packaging for Virgin Territory is designed to be completely re-usable: the bottle is fitted with a high-quality re-usable stopper and the label has been replaced with a fitted rubber band: perfect for keeping a good grip and re-usable for any number of household applications. Finally, a dropless pouring disc is included for easy pouring and even easier refilling.

For more information, please contact wines@noblehill.com or call 021 874 3844

For more Franschhoek news, visit The Month Online.