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.
Continue Reading
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/
View Full Post and Comments
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.
Continue Reading
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
View Full Post and Comments
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
View Full Post and Comments
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
Continue Reading
In case you still don’t have plans for Valentine’s Day choose from the wide selection of romantic offerings the Franschhoek Wine Valley members have put together for you and that someone special. Choices range from Valentine’s Day specific treats to turning February into a month of love. With so many to choose from it might be the perfect excuse to turn one day of romance into a weekend getaway.
Continue Reading
February is harvest time in the winelands and the perfect time for Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate to roll out the barrel for their annual Harvest Festival in Franschhoek on Saturday, 23 February 2019.
Get ready to pick and stomp grapes with the whole family to the jovial beat of the Kaapse Klopse in the vineyards followed by a harvest table heavily laden with delicious fare and the chilled sounds of live contemporary music.
Continue Reading
Cost : R700 per person
When : 30 January 2019
Time : 10:00 – 15:00
Presented by Willem Pretorius & Ernst van Jaarsveld
To book click here
Please meet us at the Farm Shop
Bonkei is an artistic representation of a mature tree that suggests a scene in nature. South Africa has a rich tradition in this art form and has developed its own style of bonkei that is recognised abroad. We were also one of the first countries outside the East to start growing its own bonkei with local species.
Come and join this workshop with Willem Pretorius as host and learn how to create your own bonkei. Several different styles will be on show and you will learn how to prune, care for and maintain bonkei.
Lunch will be served at the Greenhouse Restaurant and is included in the price.
For more details visit www.babylonstoren.com
Continue Reading
Allée Bleue, the family-owned Estate near Franschhoek in South Africa is primarily a working farm with nearly 80 hectares planted to fruit and olive trees adding to the tranquillity which our setting reflects. Our wines are justly famous, having won hundreds of awards over the years and the Allée Bleue fresh herb range is available in most large retailers in the Western Cape.
We produce peaches, nectarines, a large variety of different plums, pears and most of the persimmons grown in this country. Much of the produce is exported, but locals can enjoy the fruit at selected retailers country-wide as well.
We are inviting visitors to Allée Bleue in 2019 to experience the seasons with us and share in the farm’s bounty as it is harvested. Try out the specially created dishes in our Bistro, buy fresh fruit at our public outlets and collect the free recipe cards as they are released every month.
Continue Reading
;){kind=logo}
