Not only do we celebrate the start of a new season today, but we also raise a glass to it being International Cap Classique Day, which was initiated in 2019 by the Cap Classique Association. Not only is Cap Classique the largest wine growing category in South Africa, but the Franschhoek Wine Valley is home to the country’s only Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) Route. A route which you can tailor make to suit your MCC needs. With the weather warming up why not plan your Franschhoek MCC experience for your next outing to the winelands. Cheers to MCC and a new season!
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The town became a winter wonderland this weekend
Surrounded by snow capped mountains, with snow even dusting the pass and some vineyards.
Whether you hiked up to the snow or enjoyed shopping and dining around log fires - we hope you had an unforgettable weekend.
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TUK TUK Franschhoek offer half day or full day wine tours through selected wine farms in the Franschhoek Valley. Come and enjoy a fun and unique experience of the Cape Winelands.
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The Huguenot Memorial Museum is one of the first museums in the Western Cape Province to receive permission to re-open its doors for public visitors. This also include the Monument and the First SA Perfume Museum.
The Western Cape minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Minister Anroux Marais, welcomed the announcement to re-opening of the Cultural Affairs and Sport sector. This follows the President’s address and the Alert Level 2 Regulations gazetted by the Department of Co-Operative Governance, provided that all the mandatory health protocols are in place.
Read more here
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We are excited to announce that the reserve has a new trail: THE WINELANDS TRAIL. Starting at the MRNR car park and connecting with the LOWER CATS SE PAD TRAIL, this new trail is in full view of the Franschhoek valley at all times and is a lovely 3,5 km circular route with a spectacular view from start to finish.
If a 3,5 km hike is a bit short for you the Winelands Trail can also be walked as part of the Lower Cats se Pad trail. At its lower end the Winelands trail branches off the Lower Cats se Pad trail close to the Franschhoek Pass road, the upper end of the trail is close to the MRNR car park. It is about 1,8km long one way with a vertical reach of about 110 metres.
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Franschhoek Vignerons Included In Pinotage Report
The results of the inaugural 2020 Prescient Pinotage Report have been released, which saw Môreson’s Widow Maker 2018 secure a spot on the Top 10 list. This wine made a big impression with the judging panel, which they described as a wine with a heady and exotic nose and notes of dark berries, lilies, incense and oak spice. The palate is rich and full – there’s plenty of dense, sweet fruit to go with smooth tannins and the finish is long and dry.
This maiden report was convened by Winemag.co.za, and this year there were 57 entries received from 33 producers. The entries were tasted blind by a three-person panel, and the scoring was done according to the 100-point quality scale. The panel was chaired by well-known industry influencer Christian Eedes, who was joined in the judging process by Roland Peens and James Pietersen, both of Wine Cellar.
Joining Môreson, although not listed in the Top 10, but receiving excellent results were the Chamonix Greywacke Pinotage 2017 (91 points) and the Allée Bleu Black Series Old Vine 2018 (91 points).
The following producers scored 80+ for their wines:
Allée Bleu Single 2018 (89)
Bellingham 2018 (89)
To read the report and view the full results click on this link https://winemag.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Prescient-Pinotage-Report-2020.pdf.
We’re so proud of these producers. Well deserved!
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Allée Bleue Excels In Prescient Shiraz Report
The results of the 2020 Prescient Shiraz Report have been released, and Franschhoek producer Allée Bleue has been listed as one of the Top 10 for its Shiraz 2018 (wine of origin Franschhoek). The judges described this Top 10 winner as having a pretty nose with notes of flowers, fresh herbs and musk to go with red berries while the palate is light-bodied with pure fruit, fresh acidity and fine tannins. Lovely definition and energy.
This annual report is convened by Winemag.co.za, and this year there were 70 entries received from 56 producers. The entries are tasted blind by a three-person panel, and the scoring is done according to the 100-point quality scale. The panel is chaired by well-known industry influencer Christian Eedes, who is joined in the judging process by Roland Peens and James Pietersen, both of Wine Cellar.
Sharing the spotlight with Allée Bleue, although not listed in the Top 10, but receiving excellent results were the Babylonstoren 2018 (91 points) and Boschendal 1685 2018 (91 points) for their respective Shiraz wines.
The following producers scored 80+ for their wines:
Allée Bleu Single Vineyard Syrah 2015 (88)
GlenWood Grand Duc Syrah 2017 (84)
La Bri Syrah 2017 (88)
Old Road Wine Co Pepper Wind Limited Release Syrah 2017 (89)
Wildeberg 2019 (89)
To read the report and view the full results click on this link https://winemag.co.za/wine/best/shiraz/.
Well done to all!
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Tuesday, 18 August marks a special day on the wine calendar as we celebrate International Pinot Noir Day. According to Master Sommelier Madeline Triffon, Pinot Noir is regarded as the most romantic of wines, with so appealing a perfume, so sweet an edge, and so powerful a punch that, like falling in love, they make the blood run hot and the soul wax embarrassingly poetic.
A fantastic wine, but a temperamental grape. Typically rich in colour with complex flavours, this varietal is largely considered one of the most self-indulgent wines ever made. Elegant and berry-like, its velvet colour is the perfection addition to any occasion. International Pinot Day celebrates this wine and the regions throughout the world in which it is cultivated, the Franschhoek Wine Valley being one of them. The Franschhoek Vignerons with Pinot Noir in the ranges tick all of the boxes when it comes to a wine with these characteristics.
Read more here
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In the words of Hilary Clinton, “Women are the largest untapped reservoir of talent in the world,” and it is with this sentiment in mind that on 9 August we celebrate women across South Africa.
Here in the valley we are proud of the remarkable women who call Franschhoek home. They represent the various sectors in the valley – from wine, accommodation, retail, community and restaurant – and we greatly appreciate their efforts.
Franschhoek is steeped in rich history and this also includes the line-up of formidable women. With so many awe-inspiring women to mention we want to highlight a few who have made it their life ambition to get Franschhoek and its offerings noticed.
See more details here
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Although wine sales and distribution are currently not allowed, the industry is still doing its best to keep wine messaging top of mind. Industry competitions being one of them, with the latest being the announcement of the Top 12 Champions in the 8th annual Shiraz Challenge, which was hosted by cultivar association Shiraz SA. Breaking from tradition, as well as embracing the new normal, the winners were announced via an online awards ceremony.
Read more here
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