Winelands explorer june 15

WINELANDS

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EXPLORER JU N E 2 0 1 5

THE HEART OF THE BOLAND

Warm up this winter at the Join us for complimentary homemade country soup and award winning dessert and red wines

Buy your festival pass for only R100 Tickets only available online: www.webtickets.co.za No ticket sales on the day of the festival Limited tickets available

Accommodation special: Stay 2 nights and the 3rd night is free!

For more information visit: www.breedekloof.com or call 023 349 1791

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NEWS

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Welcome to the Winelands Explorer

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he Boland is one of the most beautiful regions in the world.

Although this area has no officially defined borders it is generally accepted to include Somerset West, Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek, Malmesbury and Worcester. Within this area we find several wine routes, small towns, large business hubs, a diverse spread of art galleries, sporting venues and a myriad of festivals.

To give our readers a better glimpse of what’s on, where to go and what to do in the Boland,

we have decided to publish the Winelands Explorer. This unique publication is distributed in conjunction with Hermanus’s Village Explorer but will focus exclusively on content from the Boland.

As is the case with the Village Explorer, we offer readers not just advertising but a jolly good read. With journalistic and photographic experience spanning more than three decades it is our aim to tell the local stories about food and wine, arts and culture, shopping, adventure and nature activities.

Focusing on what’s on, where to go and what to do, the Winelands Explorer is a practical guide those who want to discover and enjoy the natural beauty and unique lifestyle of our region.

The Winelands Explorer is aimed at readers who enjoy life. Those who take the time out to enjoy the finer things in life. Those who enthusiastically enjoy a healthy lifestyle and who, on most weekends, can be seen meandering through our lovely region treating themselves to all it has to offer.

Cover image: Hanno Lategan

Publisher De Waal Steyn 083 700 3319 dewaals@outlook.com Editor Hedda Mittner 083 645 3928 hedda@hermanus.co.za Graphic Designer Madré Rossouw 083 570 8797 madrerossouw@gmail.com

WARM UP THIS WINTER AT SOETES & SOUP: 24 – 25 July 2015

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oose yourself this winter on the most scenic wine route in the Cape Winelands and beat away the wintery blues at the annual Breedekloof Soetes & Soup 2015 festival, taking place on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 July. This fun-filled event hosted by wineries in the Rawsonville, Slanghoek, Goudini, and Breede River areas, combats the chills by serving complimentary cups of steaming homemade country soup accompanied by a glass of multiple award-winning soetes (dessert wines) including Hanepoot, Muscadel, Noble Late Harvest, Red Jerepigo and Port.

Your festival pass only costs R100 per person and this year there are limited tickets available, so buy yours early online at www.webtickets.co.za Please note: no tickets available on the day. Your pass includes your enamel mug, wine glass and coupon booklet for the soup tasting.

Wineries also offer discounts of between 10% and 25% on red and fortified wines during this weekend giving you a great excuse to stock up for the winter.

Highlights during the weekend include live entertainment, soup & wine pairing, a farmer’s market, chocolate soup & port tasting, cooperage demonstrations, craft beer, an art exhibition, various stalls and children’s entertainment.

To make this an extra special weekend, our diverse range of accommodation facilities are offering you a Soetes & Soup weekend special: only pay for two nights, the third night is free.

Visit www.breedekloof.com for more information, or call (023) 349 1791.

EVENTS DIARY

Winelands Events Diary

JUNE 2015

Thursday 4 June

Thursday 11 June

Saturday 20 June

Lanzerac Winemaker Dinner Series The second in the exciting Winemaker Dinner Series will showcase the well-known Lanzerac wines as well as the hotel’s signature dishes. Limited to a maximum of 20 guests, this intimate yet fun and educational event will be held in the Taphuis, the hotel’s historic Cape country bar believed to be one of the oldest in the Western Cape.

Taste the Helderberg Wine & Food Festival The NH Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West is set to be a one stop wine route when Taste the Helderberg 2015 serves up an exclusive evening of quality wine and food unique to the area between 17:00 and 21:00.

Avontuur Cab Franc Carnival Join thirteen of the best-known Cabernet Franc producers at Avontuur Estate between Stellenbosch and Somerset West from 12:00 – 17:00 for a wonderful winter celebration.

The theme for June is Chardonnay, Merlot and Pinotage and includes a delicious threecourse dinner.

The event starts at 18:30 when guests will be welcomed with a glass of the maiden Lanzerac MCC while the sun sets over the vineyards of the beautiful Jonkershoek Valley. The cost of the dinner, inclusive of all the wines, is R375 pp and bookings can be made at 021 886 5641.

Thursday 4 – Sunday 7 June Robertson Wacky Wine Weekend This popular family-friendly wine festival is now in its 12th year and takes place at participating wineries all across the Robertson Wine Valley.

With more than 40 wine farms and boutique producers taking part, this year’s Wacky Wine Weekend is set to feature affordable topnotch wines, hearty country fare, great local entertainment, sporting events and children’s activities during a four-day celebration.

Visitors can purchase their Wacky Wine passports at the first port of call at R120 pp. This acts as registration to the whole weekend and takes the form of a stylish tasting glass, along with a programme and “Friends of the Valley” vouchers. Please note that because of the zero tolerance policy regarding drinking and driving it is recommended that you assign a designated driver in your group, book a buddy bus or call a taxi.

While many of the festival’s activities are free to passport holders, some events are individually priced and may need to be booked in advance with the relevant wine farm. Get the full programme from www.wackywineweekend.com, send an email to manager@robertsonwinevalley.com or call 023 626 3167.

Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 June Soup, Sip & Bread Festival Food and wine enthusiasts can nose, sip and taste their way through the heart-warming offerings of wine farms on the verdant Durbanville Wine Route this weekend.

This friends-and-family-friendly winter feast takes a laid-back approach to the art of food and wine pairing, as vintners join hands with chefs to find soulful partners for the variety of soups, chowders and gumbos from around the world. Although the cooler weather calls for red wine with blazing fires, don’t be surprised if sauvignon blanc, the valley’s signature white, makes a guest appearance with a creamy mussel bisque.

Participating wineries include Altydgedacht, D’Aria, Diemrsdal, Durbanville Hills, Hillcrest Estate, Klein Roosboom, Phizante Kraal Wines and Signal Gun. For more details, go to www.durbanvillewine.co.za/festivals/soup-sip-and-bread

The Helderberg area is a booming sub-route of the Stellenbosch Wine Routes and stretches from Somerset West to Stellenbosch and Sir Lowry’s Pass Village, with some of the country’s finest cellars, restaurants and eateries calling it their home.

One of the great five red varietals of Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc usually disappears into the ubiquitous Bordeaux-style blend, but in South Africa this more elegant refined cousin of Cabernet Sauvignon has been coming into its own over the last decade with a dedicated fan base growing by the day.

Now in its 7th year, the annual Taste the Helderberg is your ticket to tasting more than 100 fines wines from at least 25 stellar cellars and signature dishes from eminent chefs and artisan producers from this thriving Winelands region. Participating wineries include Avontuur, Hidden Valley, Ken Forrester Wines, Longridge, Lyngrove, Peter Falke, Vergenoegd and Waterkloof Estate.

The inaugural Cab Franc Carnival will be an intimate event where lovers of this varietal can interact with the winemakers and taste the country’s best Cab Francs from Avontuur Estate, Camberley Wines, Cape Chamonix, CK Wines, Doolhoof Wine Estate, DrukMy-Niet Wine Estate, Hermanuspietersfontein Wynkelder, Lynx Wines, Mont du Toit, Ormonde Vineyards, Raats Family Wines, Ridgeback and Nelson Family Vineyards.

Limited tickets for Taste the Helderberg 2015 are available at the cost of R80 per person, which includes an elegantly branded wine glass. For more information visit www.wineroute.co.za or call 021 886 4310. Tickets will also be available at the door.

Tickets are R120 pp which includes the tastings and a tasting glass, and tasty eats will be available from the food stalls. For more information, contact 021 981 0216 or bjorn@cvomarketing.co.za or book your tickets at www. plankton.mobi.

Thursday 11 June & Friday 12 June Leopard’s Leap Cooking Classes – Karoo Kitchen Join Gordon Wright, the author of Veld to Fork, and experience all the Karoo has to offer – honest cooking using the freshest ingredients. This interactive cooking class hosted in the exquisite restaurant kitchen of Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards in the Franschhoek Valley will appeal to enthusiastic foodies who love having fun in the kitchen and around the dining table.

Veld to Fork focusses on slow food from the heart of the Karoo and Gordon will be sharing his experiences and recipes from the book, specifically venison.

The class ends with a jovial meal enjoyed in the company of new friends and Leopard’s Leap wines.

The morning class on 11 June starts at 09:30 – 13:30. The evening class on 12 June is from 18:00 – 23:00. The cost is R650 pp. Contact 021 876 8002 to book or visit www. leopardsleap.co.za

Sunday 14 June JC Le Roux Father’s Day Breakfast Raise a flute to Dad this Father’s Day and add a hearty breakfast or lunch at Le Venue restaurant at The House of J.C. Le Roux in the Stellenbosch Winelands on his special day. With a great selection of dishes perfectly prepared by Chef Renshaw Adams, fathers can kick back and relax in the stylish restaurant or soak up the sun on the welcoming al fresco deck.

The celebration breakfast costs R135 pp and will be served from 09:00 to 11:00; the celebration lunch is R195 pp and is served from 12:00 to 15:00. Booking is essential; call the restaurant on 021 865 8200 or visit www.jcleroux. co.za

Sunday 21 June Muratie mid-year Trail Run Muratie wine estate is the base for some of the most beautiful trail systems in the Western Cape as part of the Simonsberg Conservancy. Don’t miss this single-track heaven with awesome views, climbing in the forest just above the cellar with various trails bringing you back to the finish.

Pre-entries will receive discount and all finishers will be awarded with a medal and drinks. There are lots of prizes to be won including Muratie wines from the estate.

Registration opens at 07:45 and there will be coffee for sale from early morning. The trails start from 09:00 and the restaurant will be open for lunch, so be sure to book a table.

Pre-entries (closing 16 June) for the 7km trail are R85 pp and R110 for the 12km. Late entries (taken on the day of the event) are R100 (7km) and R130 (12km). Contact Dirtopia on 021 884 4752 or visit www.dirtopia.co.za

Sunday 28 June Delheim Cheese Fondue & Jazz Sundays Ward off the winter blues with Delheim’s popular Cheese Fondue & Jazz indulgences, every Sunday lunch from 28 June until 30 August. Their cosy ‘downstairs’ tasting cellar sets the scene for families and friends to huddle around fondue pots and ease into a laidback Sunday afternoon in the company of quality estate wines and jazzy tunes from 12:30 until 15:30.

Delheim swirls their cheese fondue to an authentic Swiss recipe that oozes deliciousness and makes its way to your table with oven fresh baguette dippers and vegetable crudités. Guests can also order starters from Delheim’s Garden Restaurant à la carte menu at an additional cost. To add to the fun there will be a weekly general knowledge quiz on various Delheim topics and great prizes are up for grabs.

The cost is R200 per person and includes a warming glass of Glühwein on arrival, a shared cheese fondue and the soulful, live music. Bookings are essential; contact Delheim at 888 4607/ 079 7353 257 or send an email to restaurant@delheim.com to secure your table.

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wine

Life is beautiful at Almenkerk

Almenkerk produces elegant, well balanced wines that are intriguing to every sense. The flagship range consists of Almenkerk Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Syrah and is complimented by the Lace Range which consists of the Lace Red blend, Lace Sauvignon Blanc and the Lace Rosé.

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here are few places in our country that emanate the beauty of winter as spectacularly as the Elgin Valley. The mountains and valleys covered in perennial mist and shrouded in dark clouds spring to life in the rainy season and create a winter wonderland that is a must on your winter travel list.

Lace White An expression of the riper fruit on the farm, this wine is upfront fruity, yet possesses all the hallmark features of cool-climate wines: elegance, core of minerality & balance.

And nestled in the heart of the Elgin Valley is the Almenkerk Wine Estate. A sanctuary of beautiful vistas, a haven of fabulous wines and a preserve of family friendliness that is seldom encountered anywhere. Owned by the Van Almenkerk family and run by the husband and wife team of Joris and Natalie, Almenkerk’s wine has been described as a liquid form of architecture, rivalled only by the beauty of the award-winning tasting room.

With Joris taking charge in the cellar and Natalie responsible for most everything else Almenkerk is essentially a family run operation.

Sisters Lieselotte and Annelies help with sales and in the tasting room, while patriarch Joep acts as a business mentor and manager of sales in his beautifully appointed De Brasserie Restaurant in Strand.

“Our story began in 2002 when we moved to South Africa and started looking for a farm with perfect terroir and a cool climate that was also a nice place to live,” says Natalie.

“We were already far into our quest and seriously considering a promising property in Stellenbosch when a friend insisted we go ‘over the mountain’ and visit the Elgin Valley. Barely a week later we signed the papers and could call ourselves the proud owners of an apple farm!”

Since then the Van Almekerks have invested all their passion and energy into establishing an estate that produces award-winning wines.

“The decision of what to plant and where to plant it has been a project on its own. We used consultants and professors with combined experience of over a century. On top of that, we based our choices on infrared and satellite imagery, soil samples, and electromagnetic scans of the soil as well as the input of the previous owner and the workers who have been living on the farm for generations,” says Natalie.

“We now have 15 ha of vines in production, while still enjoying 8 hectares of apples and pears. The aim is to build a family estate for the next generations and to build a reputation that will stand the test of time,” she says.

Almenkerk is well worth a visit. They are located on the Viljoenshoop Road just south of the N2.

The turnoff is right next to the Peregrine Farm stall. follow the road for 6.0 km and voila, you're there. You can call them on 021 848 9844 or email: info@almenkerk.co.za CELLAR DOOR TASTINGS AND SALES Winter: Tuesday to Saturday, 10 – 16:00 Summer: Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 – 16:00.

Lace Red Blend of Shiraz (36%), Merlot (28%), Cabernet Sauvignon (18%), Cabernet Franc (17%), Viognier (1%). Palate of upfront layered fruit supported by 15 months ageing in French barriques.

The wine was allowed natural fermentation and extended skin contact before malolactic fermentation in barrel. Natural acidity and purity of fruit make for an elegant wine with a lingering finish.

Lace Rose What started off as a fun side-line project has turned out to be quite a serious wine.

A break from most rosés, this wine is lightly wooded and has a light salmon colour. It is made up of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, picked earlier, in order to get the vibrant fruit flavours.

The aroma is of strawberries and some citrus characters. On the palate these fresh fruit flavours are complemented by a savoury character and some light wooding.

Almenkerk Chardonnay A classic example of a cool climate, single vineyard wine. Minimalist approach with natural settling and wild yeast fermentation in exclusively French oak barrels.

Fresh citrus fruit and crisp acidity are balanced by gentle wooding (20% new) and extended lees contact. The result is an elegant Chardonnay with a core of minerality and a lingering finish. Will reward cellaring (5-10 yrs).

Almenkerk Sauvignon Blanc A classic example of French-style restraint and elegance. A core of Minerality – typical cool climate – drives this wine. The winemaker makes use of traditional winemaking techniques such as lees contact (sur lie) paired with modern techniques i.e. inert press.

This combines into a wine with an elegant nose and a texture that lingers. Will improve in the bottle for up to 5 years.

Almenkerk Syrah – Elgin’s high elevation and diurnal variation, with warm days and cool nights, allow for long ripening time. This translates into complex aromas including dark plum & blackberry and warm, earthy, spicy, slightly meaty notes. Natural settling and wild yeast fermentation.

Aged for 16 months in exclusively French oak barrels. Elegantly structured, full-bodied palate.

Supple texture with fruit concentration. Fine grained tannins and a long lingering finish. Will reward cellaring.

WINE

Diva

a divine

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t is delightful. It is innovative. It is vivacious. It has attitude. In short, it is a Diva.

Diva, South Africa’s only Zinfandel based MCC, recently launched by Blaauwklippen was conceptualised to celebrate the estate’s 333rd birthday this year.

As the grand old dame of wine estates in Stellenbosch, Blaauwklippen has gained international recognition for its Zinfandel wines after the variety was first planted in 1978. Zinfandel is an exotic and unique red cultivar which originated on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast and found its way, through Austria, to Italy where it was called the Primitivo. Later it was adopted by the Americans as the “Californian Grape”.

Under the astute management the past 12 years of Blaauwklippen Celler Master Rolf Zeitvogel the farm developed this interesting variety into ten different guises from reds, a white Zinfandel, a Noble Late Harvest and now the first Zinfandel Methode Cap Classique.

Apart from Zinfandel, Blaauwklippen also produces a highly acclaimed range of wines that includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Malbec, Viognier, Chenin blanc and Sauvignon blanc. Add to that the grappas, the Before & After Aperitif, the pot stilled brandies and one can soon see after 333 years Blaauwklippen is exploring the full picture of what is possible with grapes.

Blaauwklippen boasts a brand new and well-appointed tasting room, a bistro, a grappa and brandy lounge, children’s activities, beautiful lawns for picnics, a function and events centre and a gift shop.

Blaauwklippen is also well known for its Sunday Family Market. The market has a range of stalls from fresh produce and homemade products to crafts and plants.

Rolf is the only non-American ZAP (Zinfandel Advocates and Producers) member and he has a special bond with this variety he works with every day.

“When you work with Zinfandel, you learn a lesson every day,” says Rolf. “One of them is that this cultivar has a temper and the name pays tribute to the temperamental, challenging, but very rewarding nature of the Zinfandel grape.”

According to Rolf the Diva is the result of a challenging 2013 harvest, where early picked grapes on 30 year old vines were ‘rescued’ due to the delayed ripening of the grapes. The grapes from this block seemed ideal as a sparkling base wine.

“With Blaauwklippen’s rich and colourful Zinfandel history, we are widely regarded as the SouthAfrican market leader when it comes to the production of this grape varietal that enjoys immense popularity in the USA. The 2013 Diva MCC, with the colour of sun ripened straw, was a natural evolvement for us. The base wine was kept on the lees for eight months before the start of the second fermentation in the bottle as per the traditional method. After disgorgement, the wine was aged for 13 months in the bottle,” says Rolf.

The result is deliciously refreshing. The wine offers yeasty aromas with crisp apple and hints of citrus.

The palate continues to reward you with bracing acidity and a rich mouthfeel leading to a long, lingering finish Just 1500 bottles have been released, with another 3000 left aging on lees for future release and ‘Diva’ is only available at the cellar door, priced at R135.

www.blaauwklippen.com | Blaauwklippen Vineyards. R44, Stellenbosch | Tel (021) 880-0136 | Twitter: @Blaauwklippen

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RECIPES

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Soup up your Winter!

By Inemari Rabie Photographer: Daniela Zondagh

Moroccan lamb soup This recipe is easy to prepare but start early so that is has enough time to cook.

Serves 8 Ingredients 5 ml cayenne pepper 10 ml ground black pepper 5 ml ground coriander 7.5 ml ground ginger 5 ml turmeric 10 ml ground cinnamon 1.5 kg lamb shanks 45 ml olive oil

2 onions, chopped 2 carrots, peeled and chopped 2 celery sticks, chopped 3 garlic cloves, chopped 45 ml tomato paste 500 ml red wine 2 × 400 g whole peeled tomatoes 200 g dried apricots 200 g pitted dates 100 g whole/flaked almonds, lightly toasted 2 l good quality lamb or beef stock 500 ml cooked lentils

Method 1. Combine all the spices in a bowl. Massage half of the spice mixture into the meat. Cover and refrigerate for 3-4 hours.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan. Cook the lamb in batches on both sides until browned.

Add the vegetables, garlic and the rest of the spices and cook for 5-6 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook out for 1 minute.

3. Add the wine, tomatoes, apricots, dates, almonds and stock. Cover and simmer for 4-5 hours or until the lamb is tender. Add the lentils and serve in front of the fire with a good glass of shiraz.

Thai Orange Sweet Potato Soup with coriander crème fraîche Serves 6

Method

Ingredients

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent.

Add the ginger, garlic, chill, lemon grass and curry paste and cook for 1-2 minutes or until aromatic.

2. Add the sweet potato and vegetable stock and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the sweet potato is tender.

3. In the meantime, prepare the coriander crème fraîche. Place the coriander, cashews and olive oil in the bowl of a food processor and blend until finely chopped. Add 80 ml coconut cream and blend until combined. Stir the coriander pesto through the crème fraîche and set aside until needed.

15 ml olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 3 cm ginger, finely grated 10 ml garlic, finely chopped 1 red chilli, deseeded and chopped 30 ml lemongrass, finely grated 15 ml red curry paste 1 kg orange sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped 1.5 l vegetable stock 60 g fresh coriander, chopped 50 g roasted cashews 80 ml olive oil 250 ml crème fraîche

Place half the sweet potato mixture in a jug blender and blend until smooth. Transfer to a clean saucepan. Repeat with remaining mixture. Place back on the heat and bring to the boil. Stir in the rest of the coconut cream and spoon into serving bowls. Serve with coriander crème fraîche, sweet potato chips and fresh bread.

Wild mushroom, mascarpone and sage tart Makes 8 tartlets

45 ml sage, chopped

Ingredients

Method

375 ml (225 g) flour 5 ml salt 125 ml butter, cubed 40 g parmesan cheese, finely grated 30 ml cold water 15 ml olive oil 30 ml butter 1 red onion, thinly sliced 10 ml castor sugar 500 g mixed wild and portabello mushrooms, thinly sliced 125 ml mascarpone 2 eggs, beaten 50 g parmesan cheese, finely grated

1. For the pastry, place the flour and salt in the bowl of a food processor. Add the butter and process until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the cheese and water and mix until the pastry comes together into a ball.

2. Lightly grease 8 small loose-bottomed fluted tart tins. Turn the pastry out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to a 3 mm thickness. Line the tart tins with the pastry. Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

3. Preheat the oven to 180°C. In the meantime, heat the oil and butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and sugar and cook until soft and lightly caramelised. Season

Creamy seafood and chorizo chowder Serves 6-8

Method

Ingredients

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the leeks, garlic, sweet potato and chorizo and cook for 5 minutes or until the leeks has softened.

2. Add the flour and cook stirring for 2 minutes. Gradually stir in the stock and bring to the boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 20 minutes or until slightly thickened.

Add the corn, seafood and cream. Cook for another 10 minutes or until the seafood is cooked through.

30 ml olive oil 2 leeks, trimmed, washed and thinly sliced 10 ml garlic, finely chopped 300 g sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1,5 cm pieces 50 g chorizo, thinly sliced 60 ml flour 1 litre chicken stock 250 ml corn kernels 600 g mixed seafood 125 ml cream 30 ml fresh dill, chopped

with salt and ground black pepper. Remove from the pan.

4. Increase heat to high and fry the mushrooms in batches until all the moisture has evaporated.

Season and add it to the onions. Set aside to cool.

5. In a separate bowl, mix the mascarpone, eggs and grated cheese together until smooth.

Stir in the mushroom mixture, parsley and season to taste.

6. Prick the base of the pastry with a fork. Line the cases with baking paper, baking beans and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the paper and beans and return to the oven for 5 minutes or until pale-golden. Spoon the mushroom mixture into the pastry cases and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and set. Serve with rocket.

SPORT

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New MTB course for the Bos

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he dream of two local cyclists to create a mountain-biking (MTB) track that will promote the sport in the region and on which big competitions can be hosted became a reality when the Western Province Cross Country Champs were held on the new MTB trail above Coetzenburg recently.

The 5,3 kilometer route was built on land that belongs to Stellenbosch University (SU) and the university also funded the building of the track.

Hanno Lategan, former Matie student and chairperson of Maties Cycling Club and Dr Corrie Müller, a local dentist took hands with SU role-players to work on this project.

Lategan and Müller met each other years ago when Müller became involved with Paul Roos Gymnasium's cycling team. Lategan is a former learner of PRG, an active cyclist and is currently coaching some of the PRG cyclists. The desire to have a place to train spurred them on to action.

sport discipline of mountain-biking. Making land available and creating facilities to be used for recreational and sport purposes support SU's commitment to develop sport and enable access to SU's resources for the community."

Besides the WP XCO MTB Champs (the competition course starts at the soccer field behind the Coetzenburg athletics stadium) the SA XCO MTB champs will be hosted on the trail on 18 July. Before then some work will still be done on the technical elements of the course.

The trail climbs approximately 210 m and according to Müller and Lategan beginners will be able to complete the course, although they might have to get off their bicycle and push in certain parts.

"We shared a dream. We wanted a track good enough to host a world championships event, but you will only host two or three big events a year. What happens the rest of the time? It has to be a training facility that is open to everyone and where young cyclists can train to become good enough to compete at international level one day," they say.

One of the advantages of this trail is that it will hopefully put a stop to the illegal building of MTB trails in the mountain. "In the past foot paths became cycling paths, MTB enthusiasts formed their own trails and school children would occasionally lay out a course," says Müller.

"If one person out of a hundred, especially a child, says: 'I can master this course, I want to become a mountain-biker', we have succeeded in our goal."

The new course was built by the very experienced Bennet Nel of Ace of Spades.

Ilhaam Groenewald, Chief Director: Maties Sport, is very excited about the initiative. "SU now has MTB trails that comply with international standards and this offers new opportunities for the

"Another advantage is that more cyclists in the mountain make the mountain safer for all," adds Müller.

Mountain-biking’s treasure chest T

he mountains and farms around Stellenbosch and Somerset West are like a treasure chest filled with jewels for the mountain-biking community. The biggest jewel of them all seems to be Jonkershoek in Stellenbosch. The G-spot, Eden and Coetzenburg in Stellenbosch as well as the Bottelary Hills are some of the other prime spots. Then there are also those willing to get in their cars and drive over Sir Lowry’s Pass to Oak Valley outside Grabouw.

We name some of the top spots: Jonkershoek is not only the locals’ favourite spot, but also has international recognition. According to www.mtbroutes.co.za - one of the best websites for all the general information on MTB trails – it is important to remember that Jonkershoek is a commercial forest. This means trails will change because of regular harvesting. Some of the details about the routes will be the same, but be prepared to adapt if you don’t know Jonkershoek that well.

Jonkershoek is a favourite because of the nice gravel and jeep track roads for beginners and the irresistible combination of single tracks, rock gardens, hard climbs and fast downhills for the more experienced.

Jonkershoek offers a number of different routes to choose from.

You can cover up to 45km, making this the perfect ride in one location. And remember: During the summer you will share the routes with some of best mountain-bikers in the world! Cash required to pay for entry permit at the gate.

The best way to describe the lure of the G-spot is to compare it to that secret surfing spot. The only way to know exactly where it is, is to get there on your bike and experience the ride for yourself. The only thing mountain-bikers are willing to give away about this perfect spot is that it is located somewhere in the mountains between Coetzenburg and Eden.

It is a hand-made route with some epic single tracks. The Gspot was built mostly with downhill racing in mind. There are a lot of jumps. Every jump has a “chicken run”, though, if you don’t have the courage to take the jump.

Eden is the area above Paradyskloof outside Stellenbosch (next to the R44) and the pine plantation is home to a maze

of single tracks. Combining Eden and the G-spot for some serious technical riding is mountain-biking heaven, according to some.

Another riding location is the mountains above Coetzenburg in Stellenbosch. A lot of people use these routes behind Stellenbosch University’s sport complex for running as well.

The Bottelary Hills connects wine estates such as Hazendal, Middelvlei, Overgaauw and Zevenwacht with trails covering a total distance of more than 80km. It is important to remember that all the trails are on private land and that you will need a permit to use these routes. For more information on the various routes that appeal to riders of all capabilities visit www.bottelaryhillsmtb.co.za.

The WCC Helderberg MTB Trail has a concept of being a through route from Somerset West to Stellenbosch. The route has also been laid out in such a fashion that you can start at any of the wine estates and do sections of the route. It is a club member’s only route, meaning that when you ride the route you must be a Wannabees Cycling Club member. Visit www. wannabees.co.za for more info. The trails cover farms on both the west and east side of the R44.

Driving over Sir Lowry’s Pass will lead you to Grabouw’s magical routes. The starting point for these amazing routes is at the gate of the Grabouw MTO Forest. There are various route options which are marked with different colours. These routes are used for the Totalsports Xterra Grabouw and the Oude Molen MTB Challenge. It is open to public the whole year with a MTO permit.

Oak Valley just outside Grabouw estate was one of the first wine estates to open its gates to mountain-bikers and creating routes for public use. There are three marked routes: a 14 km Green Route for the family; a 24 km Red Route for stronger riders; and the 32 km Black Route for more advanced riders.

Lebanon Forest is a prime spot. Visit www.oakvalleywines. com/mountain-bike-trail.

In the same area you’ll find the Thandi Paul Cluver Trails consisting of two loops on Thandi and Paul Cluver. Riders first do the Thandi Loop and thereafter the Paul Cluver loop. There is also a BMX Track for kids and BMX fanatics.

Paarl Wellington Franschhoek Paarl Central

R3.5m

This fantastic property for sale is a true gem for someone looking for an income producing property or guest house. All six bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms, with some television sets and bar fridges included. Two of the bedrooms could be self-catering flats with their own private braai areas. Relax and braai at the pooldeck or indoor at the built-in braai.

SOLE MANDATE Eugénie 082 567 6856

Overberg

Eugénie Kempff | 082 567 6856 | eugeniek@realnet.co.za Louis Visser | 078 4511150 | louisv@realnet.co.za Klein Parys

R1.59m

Excellent value for money! Price negotiable! This 4 bedroomed, low maintenance face brick home offers a lounge with fireplace, a dining room, a well-fitted kitchen with many cupboards. The outside bedroom has an en-suite bathroom. Upstairs is a spacious flat or large living area with beautiful panoramic views. One of the 3 garages is separate and has an interleading door which could serve as a large study, office from home, another living area or even a 4th bedroom.

Frieda 073 228 9854

Paryskloof

R2 995 000

This is a meticulously built, 4 bedroomed, open-plan family home for sale in a security estate only 40 minutes from Cape Town, 20 minutes from Stellenbosch and Franschhoek has mountain views all round. Relax and enjoy outside entertainment with friends and family at the pool. The large living areas flows onto the outside, covered, private patio. The extra spacious garage, covering 63 square meters is suitable for storage, woodwork, a workshop, various crafts etc.

DUAL MANDATE

Eugénie 082 567 6856

Riaan Smuts | 082 7700335 | overberg@realnet.co.za

Caledon Web ref. 766327

R 1,799,000

This historic three bedroom house was build round about 1861.

Beautifully restored with new roof and roof structure, re-plastered and painted, new Oregon window frames and stairway, new floor boards, fully re-wired and re-plumbed. Lovely dining room area with big windows overlooking the garden. Three small storerooms on basement level of house and large loft above barn. Beautiful barn outside with built-in pizza oven, kitchen area, beautiful Oregon door.

Huge garden that leads down to the river.

Mariaan 0823307085

Stellenbosch 6 Pebble Street Web ref. 755725

tesselaarsdal - THIS CAN BE YOUR VIEW!

Tesselaarsdal Web ref. 766032

Smallholdings from R 299 000 Mountain land 5ha R799 000 Farmland 4ha from R499 000 This little rural town is in the Overberg close to Caledon and Hermanus

Tesselaarsdal farm in the Overberg near the Hemel en Aarde Valley.

This upper-class house is a real family home and ideal to enjoy your lifestyle farm. Here is a large ±200m² barn, a big dam, 2 boreholes, and a lot of water tanks for drinking water. The property has some of the best views over the valleys and is very private. The farm is about 18.4 ha, and ideal for some sheep or cattle, or planting some fruit trees or olives. There is a large wine cellar under the house, and a large swimming pool.

Riaan 0827700335

Riaan 0827700335

R 3 700 000

Soretha Carroll | 083 7093250 | sorethac@realnet.co.za R3 295 000

This well-appointed home is located on a corner stand in a tree-lined street with ample parking. The home boasts 3 generously large ensuite bedrooms with loads of cupboards. Open plan living and dining room is ideal for family get-togethers and entertainment. Top class finishes throughout this home will make the most discerning home buyer smile.

Soretha 083 709 3250

Sandbaai / Onrus

Schoongelegen Web ref. 758074

R10 900 000

This 2 hectare property boasts a north-facing homestead. This recently refurbished homestead has an easy flow for large family living and entertainment. It consists of large living room /dining room, separate flat, spacious kitchen, three bedrooms, 3 en-suite bathrooms, wine cellar, loft storage, bar, four garages, small stable, a small dam, sparkling swimming pool and much more.

Jacques 083 380 2121

Hannah 071 298 5400

R4 950 000

This luxurious home offers open plan living areas complete with fireplaces and air-conditioning. An additional formal lounge leading out to the patio and undercover pool completes the public space. The family accommodation consists of 4 large bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. To top this well-appointed family home there is a temperature controlled underground wine cellar, 3 garages and staff living quarters.

Tiaan 072 756 8033

Cornel Janse van Vuuren | 083 7048636 | onrus@realnet.co.za

Hemel & Aarde Estate Web ref 764299 R3,875 000

WHEN LUXURY AND SECURITY IS NON-NEGOTIABLE FOR YOU This magnificent double-storey home which boasts two entertainment areas offers 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms (2 en-suite). The double garage has direct access to the house.

25 Saffraan

SANDBAAI Web ref. 767320

RealNet agents Hannah, Cornel and Lou Anne operate in Vermont, Onrus, Hemel & Aarde Estate and Sandbaai.

“For us it’s not about selling properties, but helping people change their life styles”

www.realnet.co.za We make it happen!

R1,085 000

LOOKING FOR A HOME WITH A SEPARATE COTTAGE? STOP RIGHT HERE! This cottage-style house on a large 1061 m² plot offers a main house with two bedrooms, 1 bathroom and single garage, as well as a separate, spacious 1 bedroom cottage with own living area and kitchenette.

Cornel 083 7048636