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.

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.

            

Why do you like Franschhoek?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

 

Anthony Spiri is one of the most versatile and highly-regarded among lied accompanists, chamber music pianists and soloists of his generation. Born in the USA, he studied in Cleveland, Boston and at the ‘Mozarteum’ in Salzburg. From 1988 to 1993 he acted as assistant to Nikolaus Harnoncourt and since 2001 has been professor of piano chamber music at the Musikhochschule in Cologne. He gives master classes and lectures worldwide. Spiri's performance includes music by the great JS Bach (1685-1750) along with compositions by his lesser-known sons.

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

Buy a variety of goodies including Kloovenburg olive oil, balsamic vinegar and olives;  Tierhoek organic jam;  Karoo Gold honey; Onion marmalade; Tillys beetroot chutney and sweet and sour peppers; Spiced preserved oranges; Willow Creek tapenade; 375ml bottle of Vrede en Lust wine as well as homemade marshmallows and  a Christmas cake for two in the form of Cotage Fromage's Christmas Hamper.

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).

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

Austrian International Wine Awards 2010

• Gold Medal: Grande Provence Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Grande Provence Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 and Grande Provence Shiraz 2007.
• Silver Medal: Grande Provence Chardonnay 2009.

Mundus Vini International Wine Awards (Germany)

• Gold Medal: Grande Provence Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Signs That It's That Time of The Month

Stellenbosch Municipality will start with the removal of all “red, white and blue” signs located in the main road of Franschhoek during the last two weeks of October 2010.

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.

‘Fragile Earth’ Glass Exhibition showcases @ The Gallery

Award-winning artist, Jeannette Unite showcases a unique collection of transmogrified glass artwork aptly called ‘Fragile Earth’ in ‘The Project Room’ at ‘The Gallery’ at Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate, Franschhoek which runs from Sunday 10, October 2010 – Wednesday 1, December 2010.
 

Jeannette began experimenting with glassmaking in 1999 and since then her works in glass have become an important addition to her deep and insightful exploration of the legacy of industrial and especially mining, as well as activities on the South African landscape. Glass, with its fragility and strength and ability to reflect and refract colour in exquisite and unique ways, clearly makes for fascinating viewing.

A collection of soils, terra and terroir is incorporated into this exclusive art concept. Inspiration and visual exploration are derived from her journey to the Rift Valley, Kenya, Simon van der Stel’s copper mine in Namaqualand, among others. In the glass, she uses volcanic molten temperature to catalyse colour. www.artunite.com  

Also on exhibition in ‘The Gallery’ at Grande Provence, from Sunday 31, October 2010 until Wednesday 1, December 2010,  is the Painters Who Print – Art on Paper’ exhibition includes the following artists - Kim Berman and Karin Daymond, focussing on landscapes, Johann Louw and Robert Hodgins studies the human form and frailties in the work, Penny Siopis and Judith Mason examine social issues, Deborah Bell and Colbert Mashile wonders into the world of archetypes and occasionally mythical, with Pat Mautloa and Andre Naude analysing the female form. Renowned sculptors Lourens Joubert, Karin Lijnes and Wilma Cruise will also be exhibiting.

For further information on The Gallery at Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate, contact gallery@grandeprovence.co.za. For a preview, please call The Gallery on +27 (0)21 876 8630 to make an appointment. The Gallery is open from Monday to Sunday, from 10h00 till 18h00.