Winter brings out the best that Franschhoek has to offer – cozy warm fireplaces, robust red wines, soul comforting food, memorable experiences, breath-taking scenery and so much more. Traditionally a quieter time in Franschhoek there are also a number of establishments in and around the Valley who are offering Winter inspired packages too good to refuse. Catering to most experiences what better excuse to breakaway for the weekend to a luxury guesthouse or boutique hotel. Snuggle up to their cozy fireplaces while enjoying a good book and sipping on local wines.
We recently invited a number of influencers to the valley for a 24-hour winter experience in Franschhoek. Based on their experiences which you can read all about below, Winter is a truly magical season in Franschhoek and one of the best times to explore the area.
Thea Beckman (Southern Vines)
https://www.southernvines.co.za/2019/05/24/why-we-love-franschhoek-in-winter/
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Holden Manz Estate’s Cabernet Franc 2017 and My Wyn’s Les Grandes Horizontales 2015 have each secured a spot as one of the Top 6 Wines at this year’s Cabernet Franc Challenge. Now in its 4th year the competition highlights quality wines produced by some of South Africa’s most passionate winemakers. Regular star performer, Holden Manz, was the venue for the awards ceremony which took place on 16 April.
Read more here http://ow.ly/p9cW30oGq8I
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On a daily basis we work towards maximizing our level of health and wellness to live long, full, and healthy lives. The pursuit of health, personal growth, and improved quality of life relies on living a balanced life as well as promoting a holistic approach to health (mind, body and spirit) and not just encourage physical activity. The Franschhoek Wine Valley is home to a range of invigorating wellness offerings, with treatments catering to all needs. These include spa treatments, wellness retreats, herb gardens, outdoor activities and so much more. With Winter knocking on our doorsteps what better time to give your body (and mind) a healthy boost it needs to get through the colder month.
Read more here http://ow.ly/bm4R30oGqbi
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One hundred and fifty writers, chairs, and subject matter specialists; more than one-hundred events, a tiny staff contingent, a seemingly tireless group of dedicated volunteers – and truly glorious sponsor: All we need now is you marvellous readerly types to make this another successful, delightful and unforgettable festival.
We hope you’ll find just the right mix of literature, politics and current affairs, special interest, poetry, creativity, light reading, humour and controversy to keep you on the edge of your seats. We’ve tried to spread the authors out, so to speak, so if you miss your favourite in one event, you should find them in another. Please take your time to browse through the programme and familiarise yourself with the authors before heading off to www.webtickets.co.za.
Download the full 2019 programme here
See the full list of the 2019 Authors here
And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter @FranLitFest and Instagram @franlitfest for author news, any unavoidable last-minute changes, and interesting bookish links.
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The weather is perfect to embark on the wide range of outdoor offerings, which range from mountain hikes, MTB trails, exploring the valley by bike, horseback riding and so much more. Don’t just come for the day. Plan to spend a night (or a weekend) which allows ample time to discover the other offerings the Valley is known for – award-winning wines, world-class restaurants, internationally acclaimed art galleries and so much more.
Some of the activities include:
Wine tasting on horseback
Cape Winelands Riding
A unique way to enjoy wines from the valley as well as take in the sights and sounds, wine tasting on horseback is a must on your list of things to do when visiting. Paradise Stables takes you to Rickety Bridge and Mont Rochelle where you travel by horseback through the vineyards before enjoying a wine tasting at each of the establishments.
Cape Winelands Riding offers a unique riding experience for the discerning rider. Their packages include a one to two hour ride through the vineyards and orchards, to full day packages as well as overnight stays. Private wine tasting experiences and lunch can also be included.
La Motte Hiking Trail
La Motte Hiking Trail
The La Motte Hiking Trail offers the ideal opportunity to explore some of La Motte’s greatest natural assets and the breathtaking vistas of the Franschhoek Wine Valley. The Sustainable Hike is a further expression of La Motte’s commitment to the highest conservation and biodiversity standards and the protection of precious indigenous flora and fauna in the mountain area surrounding the estate and the adjoining Wemmershoek mountain range. The perfect opportunity to explore abundant birdlife, a protea garden, sustainably farmed vineyards, a wealth of flora, resident mammals and reptiles and the breathtaking vistas of the valley. On Monday mornings guests can enjoy a Guided Hike where an experienced and passionate guide shares information on the flora and fauna as well as the region. Included in your hike is an easy to read trail map, bottle of water as well as light refreshments when stopping for a breather at the Lapa.
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Congratulations to Haut Espoir and La Bri who were amongst the winners announced at the 2019 10 Year Old Wine Awards, which was hosted by Winemag.co.za. 92 entries from 42 producers were received, and the entries were tasted blind, by a three-person panel, with the scoring done according to the 100-point quality scale. The judging panel was chaired by Christian Eedes who was joined by Roland Peens and James Pietersen. According to Eedes and his fellow judges they felt that the 2009 vintage was generally considered one of the greatest of the modern era – the 2008 winter was cold and wet facilitating good moisture reserves in the soil while unseasonably cool weather in late December and early January meant a late start to harvest. Fruit came into cellars in superb condition – ripe but with high acidities. These conditions made for the production of award-winning wines, which was the case for Haut Espoir and La Bri, respectively.
In the Shiraz category, Haut Espoir scored 93 points for its 2009 Shiraz, whilst in the Red Blends category La Bri also scored 93 points for its 2009 Affinity.
Image by La Bri
To read more about the awards and to download the full report click on the following linkhttps://winemag.co.za/10-year-old-wine-report-2019/
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Despite the recent fires that broke out in the Franschhoek Wine Valley mountains we’re pleased to announce that it’s business as usual and the region is still looking as beautiful as ever. During this time, it was remarkable to observe how the Franschhoek Community came together in an hour of need to support the farmers, volunteers and especially the local firefighters. As a result of the courageous efforts of all involved and the support from all our visitors during this time Franschhoek is ready to welcome visitors back for an unforgettable Franschhoek experience.
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Enjoy a morning or afternoon tea in Ruth Paulse's beautiful garden set amongst fruit trees and a vegetable garden. Ruth is famous for her delectable carrot cake and her produce is likely to come fresh from her own garden.
To book a guided tour to Die Teesakkie please contact Franschhoek Adventures on 072 999 8581 or email hello@franschhoekadventurecentre.co.za.
For more details visit www.franschhoek.org.za
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Cost : R200 per person
Date : 1 & 2 March 2019
Time : 17:00 – 20:00
Presented by Terry de Waal & the garden team
Please meet us at the Farm Shop
Book Here
As we’ll be working with sharp objects, children must be accompanied by an adult. Maximum two children, 5 to 12 years old, per adult.
Join your own kids for some pumpkin fun! With a hop, skip and jump we’ll go over the enormous Atlantic Giant pumpkin into the Snail, covered with climbing calabashes and gourds, for an exciting treasure hunt. As we walk through the belly of the Puff Adder, children of all ages will learn about the different varieties of pumpkin: Turk’s turban, flat white boerpampoen, deep orange Cinderella, delicious golden hubbard squash, speckled swan, best-to-eat muscat and, of course, Halloween. With the help of their parents, children will cut, scoop, hammer and hug their pumpkins into shape until sunset. As we’ll be working with sharp objects, children must be accompanied by an adult. Maximum two children per adult.
After all the hard work, it’s time to light the candle inside the pumpkin and enjoy pumpkin treats from the Greenhouse.
For more details visit www.babylonstoren.com
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The prestigious Veuve Clicquot Masters Polo Cape Town will return to Val de Vie Estate on 2 March 2019. Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Paarl-Franschhoek mountains, this stylish sporting and social event marks the peak of the South African polo season.
The ninth annual event, a highlight on the Western Cape calendar, will focus on the sport that has shown a sharp rise in popularity and skill in Africa over the past few years. It is expected that more than 3000 prestigious guests, many from neighbouring countries and provinces, will pay homage to the high-speed, high-skill game of polo while sipping Veuve Clicquot and celebrating summer. What’s new at the 2019 event is the extension of the VIP area where guests will have the opportunity to track the live polo match on oversized screens and remain engaged with the game.
Colour has always been at the heart of Veuve Clicquot and is a source of the champagne’s creativity and inspiration. It was in 1816 that Madame Clicquot developed the first riddling table designed to guarantee a crystal-clear wine and thus enhance the purity of colour of her champagne. She also created the first blended rosè in order to create a more intense colour and taste. This is the inspiration behind 2019’s “Colourama” theme that promises several artistic interpretations of the Veuve Clicquot heritage and a live fashion experience against the background of the game.
In line with Veuve Clicquot polo matches in New York and Los Angeles, the spotlight is on understated but elegant daywear in chic colour blocking ranging from sunburst yellow to blush-pink. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes for the much-anticipated divot-stomping during half time of the polo match. This year ‘Best Dressed’ falls away, conforming with the international celebration of polo with focus on the game, social and business networking and the Veuve Clicquot lifestyle experience. The day will also begin earlier to allow guests to make their way to after-party venues in surrounding towns.
Renowned as one of the best polo events in the world, the 2019 Veuve Clicquot Masters Polo will be attended by influencers, thought-leaders and VIPs from across the African Continent.
EVENT DETAILS
Date : Saturday 2 March 2019
Time : 2pm to 7pm
Venue : Val de Vie Estate (Paarl-Franschhoek Valley)
Theme : Colourama
Hashtag: #vcmasterspolo
NB: This event is not open to persons under the age of 18 years
Click here to purchase your tickets for the lounge or email hospitality@vcmasterspolo.co.za
TICKET OPTIONS
Veuve Clicquot VIP: R4300 per person*
Ticket includes Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label as your signature drink for the day, a VIP hospitality lounge experience with luxurious seating, VIP canapé service and gourmet grazing tables, premium Veuve Clicquot Bars with a Private Butler Service, VIP Entry and parking, and a premium view of the polo pitch with full security.
Clicquot Garden: R1300 per person*
Ticket includes access to the Clicquot Garden lounge area on the lawn including seating facilities, one glass of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label per person, a lunch menu and panoramic views of the polo field and fashion show. A cash bar will be available including the sale of Veuve Clicquot by the glass or bottle at a special event price.
Clicquot Picnic: R380 per person*
Ticket includes access to the picnic area. A cash bar is available including the sale of Veuve Clicquot by the glass or bottle at a special event price. Gourmet Food Trucks will also be available.
No food or drink may be brought onto the estate.
*All prices are inclusive of VAT
MEDIA
For additional event information, still images and footage, or to arrange an interview with participating Veuve Clicquot Masters Polo representatives, please contact media@vcmasterspolo.co.za
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