ART & WINE IN FRANSCHHOEK

Art and so much more this October in Franschhoek

With the changing of the seasons the warmer weather is a welcome relief. Perfect for exploring one of South Africa’s premier lifestyle destinations, namely the Franschhoek Wine Valley. Home to awardwinning wines, internationally acclaimed restaurants, exquisite art as well as an array of cultural and outdoor offerings. This October make the most of your visit as it coincides with Art Franschhoek as well as the Franschhoek Open Gardens Festival.

Over the years research has shown that Franschhoek attracts many high-end visitors to the Cape, many of whom include art loving tourists. This has allowed the industry to adapt locally with a number of serious galleries in Franschhoek, such as EBONY/CURATED and Everard Read, to showcase world-class exhibitions on a regular basis. In recent years art has become relevant and soughtafter, and as such so has the art attraction in Franschhoek, which is home to 19 galleries. The demand for fine art has in turn lifted Franschhoek’s aspirational presence so much more.

From 22 to 24 October visitors to Franschhoek will be treated to a weekend of art appreciation as galleries ‘open their doors’ for this year’s Art & Wine In Franschhoek. The weekend is dedicated to showcasing some of their spectacular works of arts and exhibitions, as well as highlighting the diversity of the galleries in and around Franschhoek, offering both the connoisseur as well as the amateur exquisite artworks to view in a non-sterile space.

This year art enthusiasts have something slightly different to look different. As the title, ‘Art & Wine In Franschhoek’ implies, participating galleries will be partnering up with a wine farm, restaurant and accommodation establishment to allow for a more diverse cultural offering. Art enthusiasts can choose to leisurely browse the galleries situated along the village’s main road,

Carol Cauldwell, Rabbit Dandelion, bronze edition of 15, height 89cm. Opposite: La Motte Historic Cellar for Classical Music Concerts.

and within comfortable walking distance from each other. Alternatively choose to view the artworks on display at some of the wine farms, which include The Gallery at Grande Provence and La Motte Museum. Joining these galleries in this year’s line-up include Art in the Yard, EBONY/CURATED Bordeaux House, Everard Read Gallery, Oink At Farm Sanctuary SA and Artemis.

Not only will visitors be treated to exquisite artworks, but with Franschhoek being in full bloom during this time, the valley’s gardens are also spectacular sights to behold. Over the weekend of 29 to 31 October garden fanatics and nature lovers will be able to view some of the valley’s breath-taking gardens at the annual Franschhoek Open Gardens Festival. Gardens range from small village gardens to beautiful large farm gardens. This year there are 10 gardens on show. Tickets cost R200 per person to view all of the gardens on show and are valid for the entire weekend, and can be purchased from La Motte Wine Estate or the NG Church Hall in Franschhoek.