Oct 30, 2010
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.
That's Wild... and Some People Are Going to be Even Wilder!
South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced the change in the management of the Wild Card from Infinity with immediate effect.
The Wild Card is a programme that provides nature lovers with unlimited access to some of Southern Africa’s premier conservation areas.
According to Glenn Phillips, Managing Executive Tourism Development and Marketing at South African National Parks (SANParks), this move will enable SANParks and all its partners – Big Game Parks of Swaziland, CapeNature, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and Msinsi Resorts and Reserves - to ensure more relevant benefits to our loyal Wild Card holders, as well as greater control of the Wild Card Programme itself.
“Over the past year, through comprehensive research and customer feedback, it has become evident that we need to move the Wild Card Programme to more advanced technology that will enable SANParks and its partners to provide relevant benefits to our loyal card holders.
Phillips said, the current Infinity Wild Card will be replaced with the distinctive New Wild Card, as the ‘old’ card will no longer be accepted at Wild Card partner parks and nature reserves, after 31 December 2010.
“It is against this background that we call upon all Wild Card holders to please update their membership details timeously, in order for them to receive the New Wild Card as well as continued access.
Updates must be completed at any one of the Wild Card partner websites, at www.wildcard.co.za or alternatively contact our call centre on 0861 GO WILD (46 9453).
Applications for renewal of expired cards and new purchases may also be processed on-line,
Phillips further explained that the issuing of Infinity Cashback rewards will also cease with immediate effect. Wild Cardholders, who still have Cashback rewards, will be able to redeem their Cashback rewards, using the old Infinity Wild Card, at any of the current Infinity redemption partners. For more information on Infinity redeemable points or Cashback rewards, kindly contact Infinity directly on 0861 23 4002.
SANParks had planned to ensure a seamless transition to the new programme, however the limited access to accurate cardholder records and personal contact details, has necessitated this urgent call to action. SANParks and its Conservation Partners appreciate the support of our most loyal customers.
Partners to the Wild Card programme include SANParks (www.sanparks.org ), Big Game Parks of Swaziland (www.biggameparks.org ), CapeNature (www.capenature.co.za ), Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (www.kznwildlife.com ) and Msinsi Resorts (www.msinsi.co.za ).
The Wild Card is a programme that provides nature lovers with unlimited access to some of Southern Africa’s premier conservation areas.
According to Glenn Phillips, Managing Executive Tourism Development and Marketing at South African National Parks (SANParks), this move will enable SANParks and all its partners – Big Game Parks of Swaziland, CapeNature, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and Msinsi Resorts and Reserves - to ensure more relevant benefits to our loyal Wild Card holders, as well as greater control of the Wild Card Programme itself.
“Over the past year, through comprehensive research and customer feedback, it has become evident that we need to move the Wild Card Programme to more advanced technology that will enable SANParks and its partners to provide relevant benefits to our loyal card holders.
Phillips said, the current Infinity Wild Card will be replaced with the distinctive New Wild Card, as the ‘old’ card will no longer be accepted at Wild Card partner parks and nature reserves, after 31 December 2010.
“It is against this background that we call upon all Wild Card holders to please update their membership details timeously, in order for them to receive the New Wild Card as well as continued access.
Updates must be completed at any one of the Wild Card partner websites, at www.wildcard.co.za or alternatively contact our call centre on 0861 GO WILD (46 9453).
Applications for renewal of expired cards and new purchases may also be processed on-line,
Phillips further explained that the issuing of Infinity Cashback rewards will also cease with immediate effect. Wild Cardholders, who still have Cashback rewards, will be able to redeem their Cashback rewards, using the old Infinity Wild Card, at any of the current Infinity redemption partners. For more information on Infinity redeemable points or Cashback rewards, kindly contact Infinity directly on 0861 23 4002.
SANParks had planned to ensure a seamless transition to the new programme, however the limited access to accurate cardholder records and personal contact details, has necessitated this urgent call to action. SANParks and its Conservation Partners appreciate the support of our most loyal customers.
Partners to the Wild Card programme include SANParks (www.sanparks.org ), Big Game Parks of Swaziland (www.biggameparks.org ), CapeNature (www.capenature.co.za ), Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (www.kznwildlife.com ) and Msinsi Resorts (www.msinsi.co.za ).
Saturday Summer Concerts at Solms-Delta
The Saturday Summer Concert season at Solms-Delta wine estate starts on 27 November and runs (excluding Christmas and New Year weekend and Sat 8 January) until 5 February 2011. Soak up the sun, scenery and sounds of this magical concert series while indulging in a glass of wine and a hearty Kaapse braai buffet.Local favourites Delta Soetstemme, Delta Langbroeke and Lekker Lekker Delta will be joined by the popular Radio Kalahari Orkes and much loved Hannes Coetzee as well as Les Javan (Solms-Delta’s musician artist-in-residence). Go to events and summer concert updates on www.solms-delta.co.za for the latest programme information
Time: 6.30pm to 9.30pm. Bookings: Fyndraai 021-874 3937 ext 115 or restaurant@solms-delta.co.za
Cost: R170.00 p/p. Children under 12yrs – R85.00.
Oct 19, 2010
Jazz on Friday now at Col'Cacchio, Starts 29 October
The new season of Jazz on Friday, featuring the Cape Dutch Connection, kicks off on 29 October 2010 and continues every Friday until 1 April 2011 from 5.30pm - 8.30pm.
This season, the band will be playing at a new venue, Col'Cacchio Pizzeria in Huguenot Street, Franschhoek.
Band leader Derk Blaisse says the venue, which they tried out at a performance during the Bastille Festival in July, is perfect. "The garden at Col'Cacchio has a wonderful country feel and is set against the backdrop of the Franschhoek mountains. Being in the main road we have the advantage of attracting passers-by and the vibe of being in the middle of a cosmopolitan village. I think we are going to have a fantastic summer season."
The hugely popular Jazz on Friday is now in its 12th season and attracts hundreds of music lovers each week. Says Blaisse: "It is very much part of the Franschhoek tourist season and is the only place in the Winelands where you will find top jazz musicians from the Cape playing every week."
Cape Dutch Connection is a jazz quintet with vocalist Charlette Dickson, Wesley Rustin double bass, drummer Jack Momple, Derk Blaisse on piano and a guest soloist on saxophone, clarinet, flute, trumpet or trombone.
The band plays jazz in the style of Benny Goodman, George Gershwin and Cole Porter as well as Brazilian Bossa Nova's in the style of Stan Getz and Astrud Gilberto, and even some Cape Goema.
Guest artist Willie van Zyl will join the band for the first Jazz on Friday session. A regular guest player with Cape Dutch Connection, Van Zyl is an acclaimed South African saxophonist and a member of the Navy Band in Simonstown and Gary Deacon's quartet. According to Blaisse, he has an exuberant style of play and a great sense of humour.
Col'Cacchio, at 66 Huguenot Street, has a fabulous menu of Italian food with all the familiar pizzas, as well as pasta and salads.
Tickets are R140 per couple and include a bottle of wine. To book call Andrew on 071 401 6054, or email franschhoek@colcacchio.co.za
For more information about Jazz on Friday go to www.capedutchconnection.co.za.
This season, the band will be playing at a new venue, Col'Cacchio Pizzeria in Huguenot Street, Franschhoek.
Band leader Derk Blaisse says the venue, which they tried out at a performance during the Bastille Festival in July, is perfect. "The garden at Col'Cacchio has a wonderful country feel and is set against the backdrop of the Franschhoek mountains. Being in the main road we have the advantage of attracting passers-by and the vibe of being in the middle of a cosmopolitan village. I think we are going to have a fantastic summer season."
The hugely popular Jazz on Friday is now in its 12th season and attracts hundreds of music lovers each week. Says Blaisse: "It is very much part of the Franschhoek tourist season and is the only place in the Winelands where you will find top jazz musicians from the Cape playing every week."
Cape Dutch Connection is a jazz quintet with vocalist Charlette Dickson, Wesley Rustin double bass, drummer Jack Momple, Derk Blaisse on piano and a guest soloist on saxophone, clarinet, flute, trumpet or trombone.
The band plays jazz in the style of Benny Goodman, George Gershwin and Cole Porter as well as Brazilian Bossa Nova's in the style of Stan Getz and Astrud Gilberto, and even some Cape Goema.
Guest artist Willie van Zyl will join the band for the first Jazz on Friday session. A regular guest player with Cape Dutch Connection, Van Zyl is an acclaimed South African saxophonist and a member of the Navy Band in Simonstown and Gary Deacon's quartet. According to Blaisse, he has an exuberant style of play and a great sense of humour.
Col'Cacchio, at 66 Huguenot Street, has a fabulous menu of Italian food with all the familiar pizzas, as well as pasta and salads.
Tickets are R140 per couple and include a bottle of wine. To book call Andrew on 071 401 6054, or email franschhoek@colcacchio.co.za
For more information about Jazz on Friday go to www.capedutchconnection.co.za.
Free Piano Recital - JS Bach and Sons (Tuesday 16 November 7:30 pm)
Anthony Spiri – piano | Tuesday 16 November 7:30 pm | NG Church, Franschhoek
Donations collected toward concert expenses and NG Church Piano Fund
Oct 18, 2010
MCC Enthusiast, Pierre de Klerk, Joins Graham Beck Winemaking Team
The chance to work with “bubbles” under the tutelage of Pieter Ferreira was the driving interest behind Pierre de Klerk’s decision to apply at Graham Beck Wines for the position of Winemaker, Robertson: that, he says, and the flagship Robertson Syrah. Having started with the close-knit team on Monday 4 October, Pierre is effusive about the time he’s spent in the vineyards and cellar so far.
“Bubbles are by far my favourite white wine – and I can’t possibly be in a better place than this,” Pierre says. “Syrah is my choice of red and the way it’s done here speaks volumes about the terroir and the style of winemaking.”
Pierre’s extensive experience in the Napa Valley and Rhône, and with local cellars of the highest calibre, recommend him highly to the Graham Beck team. Coupled with this is his strong belief in seeking premium quality – which he feels can best be achieved by continual benchmarking.
“The best wine to me is the one that shows such balance that you can’t pinpoint the influence of any one thing. Tannins that are perfectly ripe and don’t overpower the fruit; and each component of the wine in perfect harmony - this is the benchmark that I always seek to achieve.”
Born and raised in Stellenbosch, Pierre began his career with a Bachelor of Science in Viticulture and Oenology. His first harvests were with Rust en Vrede and Chateau de Panery in the Rhône Valley in 2004; followed by Haskell Vineyards, Ernie Els and Duckhorn Vineyards in Napa Valley in 2005; and finally Zevenwacht Wines later the same year, where he remained until his appointment at Graham Beck Wines.
Pierre’s new role will involve operational work with the Graham Beck Robertson still wines, and Méthode Cap Classique. His appointment completes a three-strong team that includes Cellar Master Pieter Ferreira, and Graham Beck Franschhoek Winemaker Erika Obermeyer.
Cotage Fromage Christmas Hampers go on Sale
R395 and stand a chance to win the a lucky draw to be done on 10 January 2011. The prize is one night's stay for two at Vrede en Lust, two bottles of Vrede and Lust wine and a complimentary breakfast for two at Cotage Fromage. (Terms and Conditions Apply).
Jozi gets Grapes, Glitz and Glamour with Stellenbosch at Summer Place
Teaming up with Sanlam Private Investments, the inaugural Stellenbosch at Summer Place brings grapes, glitz and glamour to the City of Gold, to showcase the finest wine, food, art and crème de la crème of the Stellenbosch winelands, on Wednesday 10 November 2010.
Savour the true spirit of Stellenbosch in style and rub shoulders with 50 top Stellenbosch winemakers. From De Toren to Dalla Cia, Kanonkop to Kleine Zalze, delight in 200 of the finest wines from the country’s premium wine region.
Meet five of the finest Stellenbosch chefs who will lend their gourmet flair with their signature dishes :
Savour the true spirit of Stellenbosch in style and rub shoulders with 50 top Stellenbosch winemakers. From De Toren to Dalla Cia, Kanonkop to Kleine Zalze, delight in 200 of the finest wines from the country’s premium wine region.
Meet five of the finest Stellenbosch chefs who will lend their gourmet flair with their signature dishes :
- Bertus Basson, Overture
- Daniel Vercuiel, Volkskombuis
- George Jardine, The restaurant at Jordan Wine Estate
- Grégory Czarnecki, The restaurant at Waterkloof
- Michael Broughton, Terroir at Kleine Zalze
Tickets for Stellenbosch at Summer Place cost R395 per head and include wine tasting and gourmet delight throughout the evening. As tickets are limited, immediate booking is essential to avoid disappointment. The evening starts at 18:30 for 19:00. For more information and ticket sales contact Christa at Tel: (021) 886 8275, or click HERE.
FWVTA Congratulates Franschhoek's Winning Wines
Veritas Awards 2010
- Double Gold
Glenwood Vigneron's Selection Chardonnay 2009 - Gold
Boschendal 1685 Chardonnay 2009
Dieu Donné Merlot 2008
Graham Beck Bowed Head Chenin Blanc 2009
Graham Beck Lonehill Chardonnay 2008
Graham Beck Pheasants' Run Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Graham Beck Pheasants' Run Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Graham Beck The Ridge Syrah 2006
La Petite Ferme Merlot 2008
Môreson Pinotage 2008
Môreson Solitaire N/V
Vrede en Lust Marguerite Chardonnay 2009
- Gold Medal: Grande Provence Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Grande Provence Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 and Grande Provence Shiraz 2007.
- Silver Medal: Grande Provence Chardonnay 2009.
- Gold Medal: Grande Provence Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Signs That It's That Time of The Month
Removed signs will simultaneously be replaced with the appropriate official brown tourism signs with the symbol applicable to accommodation establishments.
Please contact the office at 021 876 2861 if you require further information.
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