The Stellenbosch Dining Route is delighted to announce the first Dinner under the Oaks event, which will take place on Saturday 11 December 2010 from 6pm.
Diners are invited to experience Stellenbosch and its unique "European-style with an African flavour" mix of restaurants, oak trees and atmosphere.
The event brings together ten restaurants with specially prepared menus to be served to patrons at tables in the picturesque Church and Andringa Streets, which will be closed off for the evening.
Music
Entertainment at Dinner under the Oaks includes live music with Schalk Joubert & friends. Schalk is a seasoned musician who has been working over the last ten years as a premiere freelance bass player and musical director with some of South Africa's most popular artists and a variety of international stars.
Art Galleries & Artists
A number of local art galleries will also be open for the afternoon and evening, and diners are invited to visit them and in some cases, meet the artists and sculptors themselves.
Bookings
Participating restaurants include Jan Cats, SGT Pepper, Lafayette Winebar & Restaurant, Café Dijon, 1802 Restaurant, Greengate Eatery, Arpeggio Ristorante, De Volkskombuis, Coopmanhuijs and the Wijnhuis. Menu prices range from R150 to R250 per person, plus a R40 cover charge.
Bookings for the event must be made in advance on the DiningRoute.co.za website, where menus created specifically for the event are listed. Bookings must be paid for in advance, and cannot be made directly with restaurants.
Spend the Weekend in Stellenbosch
Diners attending Dinner under the Oaks are encouraged to spend the weekend in the wonderful town of Stellenbosch and enjoy the many attractions that the region has to offer. Suggestions include the visiting the farms on the Stellenbosch Wine Routes, hiking the trails in the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve and having a picnic at one of the many outdoor venues in the area.
Various local guesthouses and hotels are offering discounted rates for Dinner under the Oaks diners wanting to spend the evening or weekend in the area. Details can be found on www.diningroute.co.za.
Social Responsibility
Most restaurants in central Stellenbosch have been recycling bottles and tins for quite some time, so Dinner under the Oaks automatically has a strong environmental focus. Recycling bins can be also be found in public areas in most parts of Stellenbosch.
Since the theme of the event is restaurants in the streets, and the timing is just before Christmas, the Stellenbosch Dining Route will donate a portion of any profits from the event to a local shelter as a Christmas gift.
Nov 22, 2010
New Prize, New Publication, New Sites
The Month is moving forward!
We're the best emerging small independent commercial newspaper, according to Sanlam / MDDA who made the announcement at the Sanlam / MDDA Awards ceremony for local media on November the 20th. The judges comments and pics are in the Dec edition, out soon.
We're about to launch The Canal Walk Month, a retail oriented publication with the Canal Walk Shopping Centre as its subject and focus. Look out for the first edition in the centre shortly, on issuu, Facebook and the 'Net.
We're using a new blog address; click here for our Winelands Month blog or here for the Canal Walk Month blog.
Enjoy the reads.
We're about to launch The Canal Walk Month, a retail oriented publication with the Canal Walk Shopping Centre as its subject and focus. Look out for the first edition in the centre shortly, on issuu, Facebook and the 'Net.
We're using a new blog address; click here for our Winelands Month blog or here for the Canal Walk Month blog.
Enjoy the reads.
Nov 5, 2010
What's That? Oh, it's That Storage Place
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 | Located next to the Paarl Mall this state of the art facility is ideally situated for ease of storage just off the N1. | ||||||||||||||
Don't forget to talk to us about our unique investment opportunity!
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Nov 4, 2010
Hartenberg does Picnics Too
The R120 menu includes Hartenberg wine with a selection of country cheeses, Eleanor Finlayson’s famous snoek pate, a selection of cold meats and chicken, homemade country terrine, roasted vegetables, crudités and country pickles, a selection of seasonal fruit, dessert and coffee.
All the food is prepared by Hartenberg’s trained staff who take great pride in their home cooked country fare. The picnic lunches are available all summer, weather permitting.
Enjoy bird watching or explore the farm on foot on Hartenberg’s popular wetland walk. Keen hikers will be richly rewarded with wonderful sightings of birds and other wildlife including the elusive African Fish Eagle, a regular visitor to the farm. If you book ahead, the Hartenberg team will be happy to pack a picnic hamper for you to take on the hike.
Hartenberg Wine Estate is situated on the Bottelary Road off the R304 to Stellenbosch. For bookings, call Tel: (+27)21-8652541, Email: info@hartenbergestate.com or visit www.hartenbergestate.com.
Nov 3, 2010
Towerbosch Restaurant Adds Magical Charm to Knorhoek Estate
The concept of ‘down-to-earth’ takes on a magical charm at the new Towerbosch earth kitchen at Knorhoek Wine Estate, one of the best kept Winelands secrets outside Stellenbosch, where unpretentious ‘ouma’s kos’ defines an enchanting haven of old-fashioned culinary bliss. Here on their farm tucked away in a corner of the majestic Simonsberg where lions once roamed, is where the Van Niekerk family have tapped into their romantic surroundings to transform a ramshackle thatched-roof lapa into a mystical white space reminiscent of an enchanting forest retreat.
In a feat of recycling wizardry, Neil Stemmet of Koncept Design & Architecture, who specialises in the creation and transformation of fresh yet timeless spaces of restaurants, hotels and private luxury residences, used raw materials salvaged or hand-crafted on the farm in the renovations and decor.
“My inspiration came from my carefree inner child and love for natural artistry. I decided to steer clear of artificial, modern luxury to make room for an unassuming, homely eat-out destination where the senses are transported to a faraway, enchanting fairytale, almost back to one’s childhood, while indulging in a languid, home-cooked meal,” shares Neil.
This cosy sphere with its bright white detail against dense thatch, weaves a spellbinding touch of timeless elegance with its definitive decorations of antique bric-a brac and rustic chic.
Towerbosch captures the eye and imagination with a bespoke ceiling chandelier installation made of farm twigs painted white and draped with vintage treasures, old crockery and family trinkets.
The floor is filled with unique chairs and tables of all shapes and sizes which give it an eclectic, yet inviting feel. An array of family silverware and mixed china sourced from nearest and dearest cupboards adorns the tables. A large fireplace and comfy library nook with old books and oversized leather sofas, round off a relaxed, homely ambience.
A particular highlight of the restaurant is the heart and soul food from the kitchen, giving life to grandma’s family recipes by serving wholesome feasts from the larder and the land.
Chef and life partners, Westley Müller and Carmen van der Merwe, warmly invite guests to their table – and even into the kitchen for a taste test of what is cooking on the stove – with the a la carte menu depending on their mood and pantry content on the day.
“We pride ourselves in ‘salt-and-pepper’ food bursting with natural flavours. Simple, slow cooked, traditional family meals served on big platters where everyone can help themselves to a delicious selection of heritage fare at their own table,” shares Westley.
“For us it is all about creating a memorable meal, built on the passion and vision of people who love the way they live and want to share it with you. Towerbosch takes you back to a nostalgic, old school dining experience of a lost era in South Africa,” adds Carmen.
There is no rushing of Karoo lamb shoulders or drenching with heavy sauces in their kitchen, where everything is cooked to perfection at a slow pace, with the meaty mains as special as the vegetable accompaniments. No French terms, no fusion of any kind, no fus, only honest food cooked with the best local ingredients with the smallest carbon footprint. Towerbosch combines the taste of traditional and the simplicity of modernity. Think traditional Kaapse Smoorsnoek with curried onion pickle, slow-roasted tomato soup with freshly baked farm-style bread and homemade jams; smoked Sirloin salad with homemade garlic mayonnaise or Springbok pie served with preserved quinces. A firm Towerbosch favourite is the Vicky Wes Lamb Shoulder, slow cooked for 10 hours and flavoured with coriander seeds and cloves. Desserts that will put any sweet tooth under a spell include sago with a grilled sugar crust or a traditional Jan Ellis pudding, and preserved guavas with homemade custard.
On Sunday’s Towerbosch, surrounded by a forest and stream, lights the fire for their Asado lunch which is especially popular amongst families with children of all ages. This al fresco, open braai next to the pool, is typical of the laid-back ‘Argentinean style braai which starts with empanada (filled pastries) on arrival followed by fresh breads and a myriad of succulent meat indulgences with delicious accompaniments including fat-roasted potatoes, cinnamon ‘soet pampoen’, slaphakskeentjies (pickled onions) and tomato and onion salad.
A typical meal at Towerbosch costs R130 for a two-course or R160 for a three-course and includes a glass of Knorhoek’s finest with each meal. The Asado lunch costs R165 per head.
Towerbosch earth kitchen is open for lunch from Wednesdays to Sundays (from 12h00 till 3pm) and for dinner on special request or for private functions with a minimum of 15 guests. The restaurant invites any celebration, whether it is a fairytale wedding or an intimate lunch affair with friends.
Reservations are essential. To book your table contact Tel: (021) 865 2958 or send an email to towerbosch@knorhoek.co.za.
Find Something for Christmas at Allesverloren
Share one of the oldest and most esteemed ports in South Africa this festive season with the Allesverloren Port gift pack, a beautifully presented gift box with a bottle of this well-loved port, a set of port glasses and indulgent Lindt chocolates.
This Allesverloren port has an alluring armoas of fruit cake, honey, raisins and black currant with chocolate and mocha undertones that fill the mouth before ending with a velvety and lingering fruitcake aftertaste. It is perfect for sharing with guests along with cheese and dessert or simply enjoy on its own.
Allesverloren Port is a blend of equal parts Tinta Barocca, Souzao and Pontac grapes with the balance being Malvasia Rey, Tinta Röritz, Tinta Francisca and Touriga Naçional.
Allesverloren dates back to 1704 and began producing wine in 1804, exactly one century after the farm was established. In 1872, Allesverloren was acquired by Daniel Francois Malan and now is run by the fifth generation of Malans on the farm.
The Allesverloren Port gift set is available at leading liquor outlets and is expected to retail for around R160.
Nov 2, 2010
Hartenberg Artisanal Charcuterie, Olive & Wine Tasting
Artisanal charcuterie and olives meet classically crafted wines in a unique taste experience at Hartenberg Wine Estate, one of South Africa’s leading and oldest producers of Shiraz on Bottelary Road in the Stellenbosch Winelands.
Priced at R60 or R100 depending on the choice of wines, these bespoke pairings bring together the expertise of Hartenberg Cellarmaster Carl Schultz, charcuterie artisan Steve Jeffrey and Chrisna Pepler who works her magic with locally grown olives. Both are regulars at Cape Town’s famous Biscuit Mill Market.
Try Hartenberg Sauvignon Blanc with Chrisna’s green olives infused with citrus and lemon grass and the Alsace air dried sausage, both of which enhance the gooseberry flavour and richness of the wine. Hartenberg Chardonnay with its zesty lemon and honey flavours suits a soujouk or chorizo, whilst the smoked olive tapenade is a definite hit. Hartenberg’s Riesling and Pinotage love spicy foods and are among the few wines that can stand up to Steve’s extra hot Italian sausage. Roasted rosemary olives and the Moroccan sumac spiced sausage best bring out the berries of the Hartenberg Merlot. The Hartenberg Estate Shiraz loves all things smoked and goes down sublimely with smoked olives and pancetta.
The charcuterie and olive wine tastings are available Mondays to Saturdays and seven days a week from December. For bookings, call Tel: (+27)21-8652541, Email: info@hartenbergestate.com or visit www.hartenbergestate.com. Hartenberg Estate is situated on the Bottelary Road off the R304 to Stellenbosch.
And Now for Something Completely Different...
FRANCO has been working at establishing Youth groups in the Townships as a way to keep the young people off the streets, off drugs and off alcohol. We work with Minnie Petersons’ YEA and KUSASA.
One of the groups calls themselves Sondelani Productions, supported by FRANCO. They are led by an amazingly proactive young man, and are all from the Eastern Cape , where unemployment and the problems that go with it are rife.
Besides working here, in the Franschhoek townships and for no pay, Sondelani plan a trip to the Grahamstown area to help their own communities establish similar youth groups.
On Friday night, 5th November at 1830 in the NG Church Hall, they are putting on a show which they call “Spring Entertainment” that features some delightful Xhosa male and female choral work and gum-boot dancing.
The show lasts about 1 hour, which allows you to make your restaurant booking, and tickets are R30, available at the door or from Tourism (upstairs, above the pharmacy).
This same group has plans to start cleaning up the township (in conjunction with other groups) and have started a netball league for about 70 girls. They have also been sent by FRANCO on an education trip to Hermanus to see the whales (that none had ever seen before.) and a team-building and leadership camp-out to Villiersdorp.
We have all heard the stories about the youths hanging around the streets, doing nothing and getting into trouble. Well, this group is doing their very best NOT to fall into that trap. They are doing things.
They are spreading the message of no drugs, no booze, responsible sexual behaviour, no lying, cheating or stealing.
This is also an opportunity for returning swallows, or visitors, to see a little local culture. They really need your support.
One of the groups calls themselves Sondelani Productions, supported by FRANCO. They are led by an amazingly proactive young man, and are all from the Eastern Cape , where unemployment and the problems that go with it are rife.
Besides working here, in the Franschhoek townships and for no pay, Sondelani plan a trip to the Grahamstown area to help their own communities establish similar youth groups.
On Friday night, 5th November at 1830 in the NG Church Hall, they are putting on a show which they call “Spring Entertainment” that features some delightful Xhosa male and female choral work and gum-boot dancing.
The show lasts about 1 hour, which allows you to make your restaurant booking, and tickets are R30, available at the door or from Tourism (upstairs, above the pharmacy).
This same group has plans to start cleaning up the township (in conjunction with other groups) and have started a netball league for about 70 girls. They have also been sent by FRANCO on an education trip to Hermanus to see the whales (that none had ever seen before.) and a team-building and leadership camp-out to Villiersdorp.
We have all heard the stories about the youths hanging around the streets, doing nothing and getting into trouble. Well, this group is doing their very best NOT to fall into that trap. They are doing things.
They are spreading the message of no drugs, no booze, responsible sexual behaviour, no lying, cheating or stealing.
This is also an opportunity for returning swallows, or visitors, to see a little local culture. They really need your support.
(Almost) Business As Usual at d'Ouwe Werf
If, like me, you've been watching the progress at d'Ouwe Werf you'll be intereseted to know that:
Nov 1, 2010
Nederburg Concert Series Ends on a Grande Note
The romantic works of French and Spanish composers and Martens’ arrangements of the "Seguidille" (Carmen) and the "Flower duet" (Delibe's Lakmé) were fantastic.
The evening ended with a three course formal dinner in the wine cellar, hosted by cellar master Razvan Macici, paired with wine from the Nederburg Manor Range.
Oct 30, 2010
The November edition is out!
The November edition hits the streets today. Read it online at http://apps.facebook.com/the_month/
From the editorial: Some time ago one of our regular readers was driven to comment that “The Month is almost like a real newspaper!” No doubt, once she’s had a look at our front page, she’ll call saying that “The Month is almost like a real magazine” too. Of course, she’d be correct on both scores as The Month is, after all, Your Winelands Magazine in Newspaper Format.
Read the rest of the paper online.
Oct 28, 2010
We can help you!
The Month is able to generate quality copy as well as design and place ads in the Winelands and Canal Walk editions of The Month and, for those looking for a smaller target-audience, the Franschhoek-Paarl and Stellenbosch Advertisers offer rates that start at only R140 Ex VAT.
Nadine , in Franschhoek, delivers a breakfast smoothie and lunchtime wrap for just R45.00 She also offers other tasty treats such as Salads, Sandwiches, Burgers and Pastas at more than affordable prices. See her ad in the November edition of the Franschghoek-Paarl Advertiser.
Your potential customers won't know about you unless we tell them.
Oct 26, 2010
We asked... and Joanne answered!
I'm sure it wasn't intentional, but as if in answer to our Where's the best place to picnic question this article by Joanne Gibson was published today. One of my most memorable alfresco dining experiences involved a chunk of cheddar, a packet of Provitas, a bottle of Tassies and a young Swedish yacht designer whom I found quite delicious at the time (my taste in wine – and men – has become more sophisticated since then). Suffice to say that a good picnic doesn’t require much more than a patch of grass, a shady tree and a lovely view – and these are not hard to find in the winelands.
Best winelands picnic spots
Author: Joanne Gibson
Published: 26 Oct 10
Read the rest here: http://www.winemag.co.za/article/best-winelands-picnic-spots-2010-10-25
We asked: Where's the Best Place to Picnic?
We asked: Where's the Best Place to Picnic?
You said:
- Franschhoek - 57%
- Paarl - 42%
- Stellenbosch - 28%
- Other - 7%
Read The Month's Picnic Review in the new look November edition - out next week.
Oct 25, 2010
Thought Provoking Pendock: WOSA with peri-peri
From Pendock's blog...
My call for Nando’s to take over marketing SA wine in die buiteland from WOSA in the Sunday Times yesterday has earned me many e-mail bouquets and only one brickbat via SMS so far. Let’s hope the Letters to the Editor are in the post to ignite a public debate – something sorely missing in the bizarrely shadowy world of wine marketing politics. If you live in Paarl or Robertson and couldn’t read the dead tree version, I include the relevant dancing electrons below along with a photo of a dead tree at Fraai Uitzicht yesterday morning.
When WOSA (Wines of SA, the exporters’ mouthpiece) presented a tasting of “South Africa’s Exceptional Red Blends” to US wine educators in Washington earlier this year, eight stunning examples from Badenhorst Family Vineyards, Bellingham, Boekenhoutskloof, De Toren, Kanonkop, Nederburg, Vergelegen and Waterford were poured.
Yet of the eight elegant producers featured Stateside, less than half...
Read the rest here: http://blogs.timeslive.co.za/pendock/2010/10/25/wosa-with-peri-peri/comment-page-1/
My call for Nando’s to take over marketing SA wine in die buiteland from WOSA in the Sunday Times yesterday has earned me many e-mail bouquets and only one brickbat via SMS so far. Let’s hope the Letters to the Editor are in the post to ignite a public debate – something sorely missing in the bizarrely shadowy world of wine marketing politics. If you live in Paarl or Robertson and couldn’t read the dead tree version, I include the relevant dancing electrons below along with a photo of a dead tree at Fraai Uitzicht yesterday morning.
 |
| Fraai Uitzicht yesterday morning |
Veritas for Vauxhall
When WOSA (Wines of SA, the exporters’ mouthpiece) presented a tasting of “South Africa’s Exceptional Red Blends” to US wine educators in Washington earlier this year, eight stunning examples from Badenhorst Family Vineyards, Bellingham, Boekenhoutskloof, De Toren, Kanonkop, Nederburg, Vergelegen and Waterford were poured.
Yet of the eight elegant producers featured Stateside, less than half...
Read the rest here: http://blogs.timeslive.co.za/pendock/2010/10/25/wosa-with-peri-peri/comment-page-1/
Oct 24, 2010
Interesting... How to Judge a Quality Wine
There is wine… and then there is good wine. Everyone has heard the jokes about drinking “cheap wine”, but what they don’t realize is that cheap wine can be cheap in a lot more ways than just price.
Wine has many different characteristics and there are a number of excellent medium quality wines which make ideal...
Read the rest here http://stellenbosch.za.net/
Wine has many different characteristics and there are a number of excellent medium quality wines which make ideal...
Read the rest here http://stellenbosch.za.net/
Oct 22, 2010
Unbroken Graham Beck (Pheasants’) run at Sauvignon Blanc Top 10 Wine Awards
The results announcement at the 2010 Sauvignon Blanc Top 10 Wine Awards was met with celebration at Graham Beck Wines; two place-getting vintages of the Pheasants’ Run securing an unbroken history of achievement at the event.
The wine, whose likening in style to the cult region of Sancerre is affirmed by its vast popularity, is the sole contender to have appeared in the line up every year in the four years since the awards commenced. This, coupled with its second placement for two vintages is another Top 10 first, and a great delight to its maker, Erika Obermeyer; whose love for the cultivar reaches near-obsessive proportions.
“Although enjoyment of the wine is the foremost factor to me, obviously this kind of recognition can’t be beat,” Erika says. “It’s great to be amongst those thought to do justice to the cultivar!”
The quality of entries to the awards overall this year led the convenors at WINE magazine to conclude that there is “little dispute” that Sauvignon Blanc is South Africa’s “strongest category”*.
The Pheasants’ Run wines, 2009 and 2010, were awarded four and a half stars; the perfect score of five stars having been achieved last year with vintage 2009 – this widely recognised as the best vintage in years for Sauvignon Blanc. A single perfect score was awarded for 2010, among a record number of entries that catapulted the cultivar to the biggest category to be assessed by the magazine panel.
Both of the Pheasants’ Run wines won Veritas Gold last month; the achievement of their predecessors including, among others, Veritas Double Gold; Grand D’or and Double Gold at the Michelangelo Wine Awards; a Winemakers’ Choice Diamond Award; and three-times selection as the Best Sauvignon Blanc at the SA Young Wine Show.
The wines were also instrumental in Erika’s selection as the 2008 Woman Winemaker of the Year; and in news announced the same day as the Sauvignon Blanc Top 10, the Pheasants’ Run 2010 had been placed in the Bartho Eksteen Sauvignon Blanc Celebration top ten listing for 2010.
The recent performance of the wider Graham Beck range has included seven Veritas and Michelangelo Gold awards; these spread broadly across varietals. Graham Beck Cellar Master Pieter Ferreira said, “the variety of cultivars performing recently indicates our shared belief in creating ‘nothing less’. We keep this goal to heart regardless of cultivar; whether it’s a still wine or Méthode Cap Classique. I think this makes the recent results all the more significant to our team – and none more so than Erika.”
The full Michelangelo and Veritas results are shown below.
Michelangelo Wine Awards, Gold, 2010
- Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs MCC 2007
- Graham Beck The Game Reserve Chenin Blanc 2009
Veritas Awards, Gold, 2010
- Graham Beck Pheasants' Run Sauvignon Blanc 2009
- Graham Beck The Ridge Syrah 2006
- Graham Beck Bowed Head Chenin Blanc 2009
- Graham Beck Lonehill Chardonnay 2008
- Graham Beck Pheasants' Run Sauvignon Blanc 2010
*Reference: winemag.co.za, 20 October 2010, click here.
Oct 21, 2010
Franschhoek Artists Exhibition at is art
From 11h00 on the 31st of October 2010 to the 28th of November 2010 is art, at Le Quartier Français, will be hosting an exhibtion showcasing the wealth of Franschhoek artistic talent.
Painters on display include: Annemarie van Heeren with her sensitive rendition of ‘bakkie’ people; Johannes du Plessis with his accidental landscapes; Andrea Desmond Smith with her mythical landscapes and figures; Jacqueline Crewe-Brown with her rich and layered canvases pregnant with symbolism; Achim von Arnim and his bursts of colour; Franchois Marais depicts well known figures in his accurate portraiture and Kerrii Evans with her sensitive and masterly paintings.
The ceramicists on display include: David Walters, Sarah Walters, Sue van Rensburg and Vuisa Portina. Each bringing their own distinctive style and technique.
In addition Ingrid Bolton’s fine innovative works on paper, Cindy Douglas’s laser etched Zen stones, photography by our own Alisha Erasmus and Paddy Howes; and Stuart Douglas meticulously finished
furniture will also be on show.
is art will open for a preview of this exhibition on Saturday the 30th of October.
is art is open daily from 10h00 to 17h00. For more information please contact Ilse or Alisha on +2721 876
86443/isart@lqf.co.za.
Painters on display include: Annemarie van Heeren with her sensitive rendition of ‘bakkie’ people; Johannes du Plessis with his accidental landscapes; Andrea Desmond Smith with her mythical landscapes and figures; Jacqueline Crewe-Brown with her rich and layered canvases pregnant with symbolism; Achim von Arnim and his bursts of colour; Franchois Marais depicts well known figures in his accurate portraiture and Kerrii Evans with her sensitive and masterly paintings.
In addition Ingrid Bolton’s fine innovative works on paper, Cindy Douglas’s laser etched Zen stones, photography by our own Alisha Erasmus and Paddy Howes; and Stuart Douglas meticulously finished
furniture will also be on show.
is art will open for a preview of this exhibition on Saturday the 30th of October.
is art is open daily from 10h00 to 17h00. For more information please contact Ilse or Alisha on +2721 876
86443/isart@lqf.co.za.
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