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! b a F FEBRUARY 2015

Birds of a feather flock to Stanford 4

Fab! Your monthly lifestyle supplement published by

HERMANUS/HELDERBERG/STELLENBOSCH

Gaming with a difference 5

c i p E An

battle awaits

8, 9

aKing rock by

Woordfees

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Fab! FEBRUARY 2015

PAARL

STELLENBOSCH

HELDERBERG HERMANUS

Pair this rotolo with a light beer For South Africans, a traditional braai is always on the cards.

Cooking and pairing food with beer is a trend which is gaining traction.

Beer is an excellent accompaniment to food with its many flavours and textures.

The common rule when pairing beer with food is to look for common flavours between the two. Here is a yummy recipe, by Pete Goffe-Wood, to pair with a light beer: Caramelised butternut and goats’ cheese rotolo, crisp sage and pine nuts: Ingredients: ) 2 kg butternut, peeled ) 1 tbsp nutmeg ) 2 tbsp cinnamon ) 50 g soft brown sugar ) 100 g butter ) 1 egg ) 1 log chevin goat’s milk cheese ) 1 cup parmesan ) 3 x 100 g fresh pasta sheets ) 1 egg white ) extra virgin olive oil ) ½ cup pine nuts ) 1 cup sage leaves ) 20 g rocket ) butter Method: 1. Cut butternut into large chunks and place it in a roasting tray.

2. Season with spices, sugar, salt and pepper and dab with butter.

3. Bake in a hot oven (200˚C) until the butternut has cooked and is caramelised.

4. Put cooked butternut in a bowl and add the egg, crumbled goat’s cheese and half a cup grated parmesan and seasoning.

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5. Lay one pasta sheet on top of a clean tea towel. Brush the bottom long edge with egg white. Lay another pasta sheet along that edge so that they just overlap (about 2 cm).

6. Repeat this process with a third piece of pasta. You should end up with a large rectangle.

7. Spread the butternut mix evenly over the paste, leaving a 2 cm gap the length of the edge nearest you.

8. Brush this with egg white. Using the tea towel, roll up the pasta towards you into a neat roulade, enclosed in the tea towel.

9. Tie each end of the rotolo tightly with string and place in a rectangular bain-marie (itshould fit in the bath with ease), filled with boiling water.

10. Poach the rotolo for 40 minutes, turning it after 20 minutes to make sure it cooks evenly. Remove from the water and leave to cool. Remove the tea towel or it will stick to and tear the pasta.

11. When the rotolo is cooled, brush with olive oil and refrigerate.

12. To serve, cut the rotolo into thick slices, brush with butter and warm in a pan or under a grill until golden brown.

13. Heat a little butter in a pan, add the pine nuts and sage leaves and fry until the sage is crisp and the pine nuts are golden brown.

14. Spoon this garnish over the rotolo.

15. Sprinkle the rest of the Parmesan and some rocket leaves dressed with olive oil.

Recipe serves eight.

– Extract from “A Life Digested” by Pete Goffe-Wood; submitted by SA Breweries

Johannesburg, South Africa

R11 999 Make use of the special offer for SADC citizens plus permanent residents and travel stylish in luxury at a heavily reduced price to Pretoria. Overnight in a 4-star hotel close to the Montecasino in Sandton and fly back Included in the tour price: • Overnight trip on the 5-star Blue Train - CPT to PTA • All meals and drinks on the train • Personal attention and pampering by your butler • Short excursion en route at historical Matjiesfontein • 2 Nights’s accommodation (B&B) in Fourways, Sandton • 1 Dinner in Sandton • Transport from PTA station to Hotel to JHB airport • Flight from JHB to CPT • Transfer from CPT airport to CPT CBD • Safe parking in CPT • Departs on a Wednesday from CPT Note: A normal train ticket only (one way) costs R13 795 pp. Our price is for the whole package

TRAIN TOUR

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From the left are JD Rossouw, winemaker at Boland Cellar, Chanté Neitz, and Rolanie Lotz, Rhebokskloof winemaker..

Rocking around Paarl Paarl is celebrating its 2015 harvest in spectacular style with the OmmiBerg ‘Round the Rock’ festival on Saturday, 7 March.

Participating members of the Paarl Wine Route will be hosting a jam-packed programme featuring young-wine tastings, harvest activities, special entertainment for kids and wine promotions.

Wine lovers can revel in the opportunity to be among the first to taste the young, unfiltered wines from the 2015 harvest. These wines can only be tasted in Paarl and if the region’s past performances at the South African Young Wine Show are anything to go by, visitors will be in for a rare treat.

Harvest season is a special time in this award-winning wine region and each farm will host special harvest activities to give visitors a glimpse into the magic of winemaking.

There are fun activities for the whole family ranging from Grape Games, tractor and trailer rides through the vines, grape stomping, guided cellar tours and barrel tastings to making harvest focaccia, blending competitions, wine-making exhibitions with grape identification competitions, cork spitting, wine barrel golf challenge, games of boules, jenga or croquet, as well as vineyard horse rides and quad bike trails.

To ensure that the whole family can participate in this fabulous outing, each farm has organised specific child-friendly activities. Kids can take their pick from petting zoos, Junior Cheese Master classes, traditional kids games such as egg and spoon, sakresies, apple bobbing and wheelbarrow races to jumping castles, water slides, pony rides as well as face painting, temporary tattoos, gaming stations for teens and creative corners for the arty ones.

Bring along an appetite and savour the

gourmet offerings, from harvest breakfasts to German specialities like Flammkuchen and hog-on-the-spit, cheese tastings, bread and sorbet stands, special lunch offers, tapas and wine pairings, foot-long cheese grillers, sosaties, toasted sandwiches, gourmet fast foods, cheese and meat platters, a la carte menus at participating restaurants as well as harvest food stalls and deli stands.

For one day only, wineries will be offering special wine promotions and visitors can get hold of great wines at incredible prices.

The different farms are offering a musical medley where guests can enjoy a glass of wine, laze on the lawns and listen to the soothing sounds of performers such as Newton, Andriette Norman, Idols singer Lize Mynhardt, Nic Stephens, Viljoen Retief, Slow Jack, saxophonist Mario Arnolds, 5th Avenue and Mark Haze.

Early-bird tickets for over-18s are priced at R100 from www.webtickets.co.za or R120 on the day at participating estates, while accompanied children younger than 18 enter for free.

The ticket price includes access to over 15 participating wineries, tasting of unfiltered wine, live music and selected events.

Guests are advised to pre-book sit-down meals and special activities as these are payable separately.

The Paarl Wine Route is divided into five regions, namely the Voor-Paardeberg, Klein Drakenstein, Suid-Agter Paarl, Paarl and Simonsberg. Some of the participating wineries include Boland Cellar, Druk-MyNiet, Fairview Wines, KWV, Laborie, Landskroon, Mellasat, Nederburg Wines, Olsen Private Vineyards, Perdeberg Cellar, Rhebokskloof Wine Estate, Spice Route and Windmeul Cellar.

For a detailed programme on this funfilled vineyard to cellar festival, visit www.ommiberg.co.za.

STELLENBOSCH

HELDERBERG HERMANUS

FEBRUARY 2015

Fab!3

Dié musiekfees ’n groot trekpleister MICHELLE VAN DER SPUY Diegene wat hul kalenders dophou sal weet vanjaar se US Woordfees is net om die draai.

Dié fees, wat vanjaar sy 16de bestaansjaar vier, duur van 6 tot 15 Maart en word jaarliks in die Eikestad gevier.

Die gewildheid van die fees is onlangs onderstreep met ’n nominasie vir die Fiësta-toekenning vir die gewildste fees in Suid-Afrika.

Feesgangers kan vanjaar weer uitsien na ’n verskeidenheid van opvoerings, vertonings en besprekings.

Die Sanlam Musiekfees gaan die voete verseker laat jeuk en die boude lekker aan die skud kry met optredes deur Bobby van Jaarsveld, Chris Chameleon, Elvis Blue, Mr Cat & The Jackal en aKing.

Een van die groot musikale trekpleisters by vanjaar se fees is die Johannesburgse groep Mi Casa wat tydens die Woordfees Karnaval op 13 Maart gaan optree.

Met treffers soos “These Streets”, Heavenly Sent” en “Jika” sal hulle sonder twyfel die gehoor aan die dans hê, so moet hulle nie misloop nie.

Die fees is ook bekend vir sy indrukwekkende teaterstukke.

Orgie, die sesde boek van die ge-

Mr Cat & The Jackal tree by hierdie jaar se Sanlam Musiekfees, deel van die US Woordfees, op. liefde Afrikaanse skrywer André P. Brink wat onlangs oorlede is, is tot teaterstuk verwerk en word op

9, 11 en 14 Maart by die Klein Libertas-teater opgevoer.

“Dit is die poëtiese aard van Or-

Baie pret vir die kinders MICHELLE VAN DER SPUY Die jongspan hoef beslis nie by die huis te bly terwyl ma en pa die US Woordfees geniet nie.

Daar is meer as genoeg aktiwiteite wat spesifiek vir kinders aangebied word, soos die karnaval op 14 Maart met ’n mallemeule wat vir groot pret gaan sorg. ’n Biertent sal lafenis vir droeë kele bied, maar slegs aan diegene wat ouer as 18 is.

Daar is ook kindertoneel-produksies wat die perfekte manier is om jou kinders aan teaterstukke bekend te stel.

Een hiervan is Kinkel en Konkel, die storie van twee tuindwerge wat mal is daaroor om mooi tuin te maak met hulle groen vingers.

Nadat Tuinebaai se groen vingers gesteel is, het Burgemeester Blombak en Inspekteur Tuinslang alles gedoen om dit terug

te kry, maar kon dit steeds nie vind nie.

Met die Jaarlikse Tuindwerg Danskompetisie om die draai, oefen Kinkel en Konkel hard om die spesiale goue tuingrawe te wen sodat hulle weer mooi kan tuinmaak, maar Doringdrika, hulle aartsvyand en jaarlikse danskampioen, het ander planne vir hulle.

Kinkel en Konkel se vertoning tydens die US Woordfees vind plaas op 8 en 13 Maart om 10:30 by die Weltevreden-landgoed.

Kaartjies vir die vertoning kos R60 en kan by Computicket gekoop word.

Twee geliefde kykNET-karakters, Tjiff en Tjaff, gaan ook ’n draai by die fees kom maak. Hulle bring ’n klomp nuwe liedjies en dansies saam met hulle.

Tjiff en Tjaff en hul maatjie Mimi kan op 7 Maart om 10:30 by Weltevreden gesien word.

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gie wat my nog altyd aangegryp het,” vertel Juanita Swanepoel, wat verantwoordelik is vir die ver-

werking van die teks vir die verhoog. Sy tree ook as regisseur op.

Siener in die suburbs, met groot name soos Shaleen Surtie-Richards en Christo Davids, kry vanjaar ’n Kaapse Vlakte-baadjie en word van 6 tot 8 Maart by die Spieramfiteater opgevoer.

Daar is hierdie jaar egter een groot verandering: die fees gaan as ’n totaal kontantlose omgewing funksioneer.

“Dit sorg vir ’n veiliger feeskern omdat daar baie minder kontant op die perseel sal wees. Dit is ook ’n oulike manier om by jou eie feesbegroting te hou,” verduidelik feesdirekteur Saartjie Botha.

“Agter die skerms kan ons ’n beter idee kry van feesgangers se behoeftes, wat weer help wanneer ons begin met die beplanning vir Woordfees 2016.”

Feeskaarte, wat by alles van kosstalletjies tot die karnaval gebruik gaan word, sal van 3 tot 5 Maart

by FNB se Stellenbosch-tak teen R10 te koop wees. Dit kan ook by die Woordfeeskantoor in Ryneveldstraat te koop wees.

Tydens die fees sal die kaarte by die Erfurthuis, De Vette Mossel, die Plataankafee en die Van der Stel-sportterrein te koop wees.

Opgeleide assistente sal by al die feesvenues wees om feesgangers te help om hul kaarte te herlaai.

Al wat jy nodig het is kontant of ’n debiet- of kredietkaart.

4

Fab! FEBRUARY 2015

STELLENBOSCH

HELDERBERG HERMANUS

WALKER BAY BIRD FAIR Amber from Poland

Stanford

now available at

The quaint little village of Stanford will become the centre of the greater Walker Bay region for the first ever Walker Bay Bird Fair from Friday 27 February to Sunday 1 March.

Stanford Bird Club and Hermanus Bird Club have joined forces to host the Walker Bay Bird Fair.

This event is modelled on the highly successful British Bird Fair, held every year at Rutland Water, now in its 25th year and regarded as the biggest wildlife event in the world.

Tim Appleton MBE, founder of the British fair, will officially open the Walker Bay Bird Fair on Friday 27 February and attend the event as guest of honour.

The Fair will offer something special to everyone, from serious twitchers to casual garden birders.

There will be several opportunities to spot common and rare birds on land, on the river and on the ocean, under expert guidance.

For instance, attendees may see the iconic

Certificate of Authenticity

This unique piece of handcrafted jewellery is a genuine amber artifact

Amber is fossilized resin from ancient trees. The prehistoric sap was deposited in the Baltic Sea region between 40 and 60 million years ago. Amber is lightweight and occurs in all shapes and sizes Only Baltic amber is available in a wide colour range. Including white, yellow, green, orange, red and brown. Visible inclusions in amber consist of air bubbles, plant material or even a perfectly preserved insect fossil. The popularity of amber extends beyond its use in jewellery. Amber is known to have metaphysical properties that are said to provide health, good fortune and spiritual healing.

No two pieces are alike and all are treasured

9 Queen Victoria Street STANFORD 7210 Tel: 028 341 0797 / 082 628 7772 E-mail: thejunkshop@telkomsa.net

Cape Rock Jumper and the Ground Woodpecker at Rooi Els, the African Fish Eagle and the shy Little Bittern on the Klein River, Albatrosses and Petrels on cruises to Dyer Island, and Denham’s Bustard and a variety of waders on a trip to De Mond.

Three exhibition marquees on the Stanford Village Green are hosting a variety of presentations and workshops.

Top international and South African bird specialists will explain the wonderful symbiotic relationship between insects, birds and animals, teach birders to identify raptors, show them how to take better bird photographs, and more.

Speakers will include Vernon Head, Chairman of BirdLife South Africa, Mark Anderson, CEO of BirdLife South Africa, Dr Anton Odendal, Trevor Hardaker and the awardwinning photographer Albert Froneman.

The marquees will include a vendor exhibition area, and easy access to the Stanford Village Food, Wine and Crafts market on Saturday 28 February.

The Fair will also comprise a bird photogra-

phy competition, a bird-ringing demonstration and finally, on Sunday 1 March, a live raptor display.

Get more information on the Walker Bay Bird Fair at www.stanfordbirdclub.co.za.

For bookings call Liz Hochfelden on 082 766 8319 or 028 341 0164 or send an e-mail to walkerbaybirdfair@gmail.com.

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: Italian pastries. Sweet and savory Croissantes. Greek yogurt, juices and smoothies.

Broad selection of imported coffees, teas and chocolate, also available for take away.

Agent Details: Jill Smith 6 Queen Victoria Street Stanford 7210 Tel: +27 (28) 341 0708 Fax: +27 (28) 341 0964 Cell: +27 (83) 700 4103

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STELLENBOSCH

HELDERBERG HERMANUS

FEBRUARY 2015

Fab!5

The rise of the Geeks DALEEN FOUCHÉ A battle rages between friends in a shop in the heart of Somerset West.

The weapons of choice are wits, cards and figurines.

This is the Battle Bunker, a gaming club supported by a store that sells anything and everything related to board and card games.

When entering the shop, people of all ages can be seen sitting around a table, glaring at each other from behind a handful of cards.

They are playing Magic, one of the most popular card games in the world. Magic is not played with traditional cards, but with cards decorated with fantastical characters that wield special abilities. The idea behind the game is to build an army and battle your “enemies”.

Magic is one of three games played on a regular basis at the Battle Bunker. Club members also play Yu-gi-oh, another card game, and Hammerhead, a battle game that is not played with cards or on a board, but with figurines that are put together and painted by the players themselves. The object of the game is to grow your army and do battle. “Warhammer is like chess, just a lot more complicated,” says Warren MacNicol, owner of Battle Bunker.

Warren says although the Battle Bunker may seem like a strange place to many, it offers a place for like minded people to meet.

“It is a haven for the geeks.”

Geeks used to be stereotyped as the kids seen with broken glasses patched up with sticky

Warhammer figurines hand painted by Warren MacNicol, owner of the Battle Bunker.

Warren MacNicol, owner of the Battle Bunker, displays some of his Warhammer figurines that are hand painted.

PHOTOS: DALEEN FOUCHÉ

tape, but Warren believes that geeks are becoming ever more popular. “In the past, the coming of age girl would have posters of Bruce Willis on her room wall, but now it’s replaced with posters of Mark Zuckerberg [inventor of Facebook].”

He says this can be seen in the growing popularity of games like Magic. Three years ago, South Africa ended in 97th place (of 97 countries) in the international Magic tournament.

Last year, South Africa won 12th position in the same tournament.

Warren says that although computer games do form a big part of the Geek subculture, the Battle Bunker focuses on board and card games; games in which there is human interaction. He says he has seen kids aged eight and nine who could not look people in the eye but who, within three months of joining the club, made friends and improved their social skills – and even their school marks.

Warren explains that board and card games require strategic thinking and the games often attract very smart people. The club boasts architects, biochemists and computer programmers among its members.

The club hosts movie nights on Wednesdays and the Terminator films are currently on show. Star Wars and Indiana Jones were recent films shown at the Battle Bunker. On Saturdays there are paint classes for Warhammer figurines and games are played on a regular basis.

But players also need to eat and that is where Melissa Rouchy comes in. Melissa teamed up with Warren last year and sells snacks, sandwiches, subs and cooldrinks to the hungry players and says her turnover has tripled since joining the Battle Bunker.

Warren says you do not have to be a geek to join in the games. “It might seem intimidating at first, but stick it out and you will have loads of fun.”

To find out more about Battle Bunker, find them on Facebook.

GEORGE ’S GREEK RESTAURANT CORNER KLEIN HELDERBERG ROAD & R44 SOMERSET WEST info@georgesgreekrestaurant.co.za

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Fab! FEBRUARY 2015

STELLENBOSCH

HELDERBERG HERMANUS

Cellars to take part in the Bot River weekend include the likes of Barton, Beaumont Wines, Benguela Cove, Eerstehoop, Feiteiras, Gabriëlskloof, Genevieve MCC, Goedvertrouw, Luddite, Maremanna, Rivendell and Wildekrans. Above is the crew.

Bot River Barrels & Beards 2015 – a harvest celebration Delight in a weekend filled with bold wines, raging beards and genuine hospitality when the wine community of Bot River celebrates their harvest with a trio of unique events, culminating in their signature Barrels & Beards showdown on Saturday 18 April.

Your expedition into the laager of this winemaking clan kicks off with a laid-back, sunset session on the ‘stoep’ of the legendary Bot River Hotel on Friday evening, 17 April.

One can ease into the weekend a la Bot River style and mingle with the locals over a few beers, and then amble over to the rustic Shuntin’ Shed for wood-fired pizzas ‘on the tracks’. The winemakers will be there in their bearded glory, so be sure to grab a seat next to one to find out what makes Bot River tick.

Saturday morning, 18 April, tempts the more serious winos and cellar buffs to attend a Best of Bot River Tasting at Luddite Wines, owned by affable winemakers Niels and Penny Verburg. During this enlightening tasting, a selection of

terroir-driven Bot River wines will be ‘blind tasted’ against international wines of the highest standards ranging from rare Rhône vintages to New World gems.

Your fun-filled weekend concludes with the ever-popular Bot River Barrels & Beards post-harvest celebration when the winemakers’ self-imposed shaving ban (which starts on 1 February and lasts throughout the entire harvesting period) ends on a high and hairy note at the family-run Beaumont Estate on Saturday evening, 18 April. At this annual celebration

Stellenbosch to showcase at ITB Berlin synonymous with awardThe beauty and numerous winning restaurants, lifestyle offerings of Stelbeautiful scenery, rich lenbosch, one of the counCape Dutch heritage, a try’s most popular towns cultural mix, modern arand tourist destinations, chitecture and outdoor will again be showcased activities. on the international stage The convention will see next month. the international launch Dubbed the food and of the town’s winter prowine capital of South Afrigramme, which encourca, Stellenbosch offers loages enthusiasts to swap cals and visitors an array their winter hibernation of experiences – things to for an extended stay in do and places to see.

Stellenbosch and to imThe town’s destination merse themselves in marketing campaign, bucket-list encounters on Stellenbosch Experience, offer. will showcase its offer“ITB is an opportune ings and mingle with Stellenbosch is renowned for its wine and food, and platform for Stellenbosch some of the world’s top cit- visitors and locals embraced the street restaurant culto market itself as the ies and towns at the ITB ture of the town. most inspiring and innoBerlin in Germany from Wednesday 4 to Sunday 8 March. to follow up and engage with the con- vative town all year round,” says As the world’s largest tourism tacts we made last year, while also Annemarie Ferns, Stellenbosch 360 convention, ITB Berlin offers the attracting even more travellers to CEO. “Our biggest treasure is the richly perfect international platform for our beautiful region during winthe sharing of top international ter,” says Stellenbosch Wine diverse cultural heritage of our people and we invite visitors to come Route’s CEO, Annareth Bolton. trade.

“With the world becoming more and dine with the locals, enjoy home Launched by Stellenbosch Wine Routes and the town’s tourism aware of Stellenbosch’s engaging made cuisine, savour stories of yeswing, Stellenbosch 360, last year, the assets and creative urban culture, teryear and share in the relaxed marketing campaign made its inter- and with our enhanced digital pres- lifestyle that a Mediterranean clinational debut at ITB Berlin 2014. ence across all social media net- mate and scenic beauty rouses.”

For more information on the StelIt was launched to promote the re- works, our global audience is growlenbosch Experience initiative visit gion as a benchmark for excellence ing exponentially.

Stellenbosch is imbued with near StellenBlog at http://blog.winein the field of wine tourism and encourages the growing number of vis- limitless potential and our wine route.co.za or email Mariette du at info@destiitors to appreciate Stellenbosch as tourism can only grow from Toit-Helmbold nate.co.za. a multifaceted destination, which strength to strength in 2015.”

Alternatively visit www.wineBesides its five esteemed suboffers more than just wine tasting or www.stellenwine routes producing world-ac- route.co.za tours.

“We are excited to return to ITB; claimed wines, Stellenbosch is also bosch.travel.

of good food, wine and company the winemakers flaunt their facial fur and wacky whiskers during an amusing ‘beard parade’ when the boldest beard in Bot River is crowned by esteemed judges – who take their job very seriously.

A new addition to this year’s hairy hullabaloo will be the launch of an exclusive Bot River Auction Reserve 2013 wine, which will be auctioned off on the evening. For one night only, guests will have the opportunity to get their hands on this premium red blend, made with only the finest grapes from the Bot

River area, with proceeds going towards paying for an extra teacher for Bot River Primary School. Only 100 magnums and 300 750 ml bottles will be produced to go under the hammer.

Besides a chance to get your piece of this Limited Release action, the Bot River Barrels & Beards 2015 party includes complimentary barrel tastings of the latest wines, a hearty farm-to-fork dinner and music entertainment led by a marimba band. Wines will be on sale on the evening.

Wine and food feast this Sunday Other attractions include live It’s that time of the year when Eikendal Cellar and Lodge opens music, tractor rides, golfing, its gates for its annual Weintaufe cheetah viewing and lucky draws.

Harvest Celebration.

There will also be entertainThe event, which promises to be a celebration of superb wines, ment for the little ones with a good food and family fun, will be jumping castle, jungle gym and face painting. held on Sunday 1 March.

Tickets, at R40, will be availaThis year will see the estate, situated on the R44 between Som- ble at the gate and will include erset West and Stellenbosch, cel- a free glass and tasting from the ebrate 34 years of winemaking. barrel. Children under 12 enter At the Weintaufe, the spotlight free.

The gates will be open from will fall on the cellars, its flagship Chardonnay 2015 as the first 10:00 until 17:00; the official baptism and tasting of the new charwine of the harvest.

After the baptism of wine, donnay will take place at 12:00.

For more information, contact guests may also sample it from the barrel under the watchful eye the estate on 021 855 1422 or info@eikendal.co.za. of winemaker Nico Grobler.

A new attraction at this year’s wine christening will be the famous Cucina di Giovanni restaurant, which will lend mouthwatering market style fare to the event, ranging from gourmet pizzas to dreamy desserts.

The cellar’s entire wine col- The annual Weintaufe Harvest Celebration will be lection will also held at Eikendal Cellar and Lodge on Sunday 1 be on sale.

March.

PHOTO: SAMPIXIE

STELLENBOSCH

HELDERBERG HERMANUS

PAARL

FEBRUARY 2015

Fab!7

Play in Paarl this March PAARL is celebrating the 2015 harvest in spectacular style with the OmmiBerg 'Round the Rock' festival on Saturday, 7 March.

Participating members of the Paarl Wine Route will be hosting a jam-packed programme featuring young wine tastings, harvest activities, special entertainment for kids and wine promotions.

UNIQUE TASTINGS: Wine lovers can revel in the opportunity to be amongst the first to taste the young, unfiltered wines from the 2015 harvest. These wines can only be tasted in Paarl and if the region's past performances at the South African Young Wine Show are anything to go by visitors will be in for a rare treat.

HARVEST FUN: Harvest season is a special time in this awardwinning wine region and each farm will host special harvest activities to give visitors a glimpse into the magic of winemaking.

There are fun activities for the whole family ranging from Grape Games, tractor and trailer rides through the vines, grape stomping, guided cellar tours and barrel tastings to making harvest focaccia, blending competitions, wine making exhibitions with grape identification competitions, cork spitting, wine barrel golf challenge, games of boules, jenga or croquet as well as vineyard horse rides and quad bike trails.

COOL KIDS STUFF: To ensure that the whole family can participate in this fabulous outing, each farm has organised specific childfriendly activities. Kids can take their pick from petting zoos, Junior Cheese Master classes, traditional kids games such as egg & spoon, sakresies, apple bobbing and wheelbarrow races to jumping castles, water slides, pony rides as well as face painting, temporary tattoos, gaming stations for teens and creative corners for the arty ones.

GOURMET DELIGHTS: Bring along an appetite and savour the gourmet offerings starting from harvest breakfasts to German specialities like flamkuchen and pig on the spit, cheese tastings, bread and sorbet stands, special lunch offers, tapas and wine

pairings, footlong cheese grillers, sosaties, toasted sandwiches, gourmet fast food, cheese and meat platters, a la carte menus at participating restaurants as well as harvest food stalls and deli stands.

WINE SPECIALS GALORE: For one day only, wineries will be offering special wine promotions and visitors can get hold of great wines at incredible prices.

MUSICAL VARIETY: The different farms are offering a musical medley and guests can enjoy a glass of wine, laze on the lawns and listen to the soothing sounds of performers such as Newton, Andriette Norman, Idols contestant Lize Mynhardt, Nic Stephens, Viljoen Retief, Slow Jack, saxophonist Mario Arnolds, 5th Avenue and Mark Haze.

BOOK NOW! Early bird tickets for over 18s are priced at R100 from www.webtickets.co.za or R120 on the day at participating estates, while accompanied children younger than 18 enter for free. The ticket price include access to over 13 participating wineries, tasting of unfiltered wine, live music and selected events. Guests are advised to pre-book sit-down meals and special activities as these are payable separately.

The Paarl Wine Route is divided into five regions, namely the Voor-Paardeberg, Klein Drakenstein, SuidAgter Paarl, Paarl and Simonsberg. Some of the participating wineries include Boland Cellar, Druk-MyNiet, Fairview Wines, KWV, Laborie, Landskroon, Mellasat, Nederburg Wines, Olsen Private Vineyards, Perdeberg Cellar, Rhebokskloof Wine Estate, Spice Route and Windmeul Cellar.

For a detailed programme on this fun-filled vineyard to cellar festival, visit www.ommiberg.co.za.

For a detailed programme on this fun-filled vineyard to cellar festival, visit www.ommiberg.co.za.

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Fab! FEBRUARY 2015

PAARL

STELLENBOSCH

HELDERBERG HERMANUS

All you need to know about where to watch the Epic Adrenaline and excitement are ahead with the Absa Cape Epic coming to the Boland towns of Worcester and Wellington.

Several spectator points will let you get in on the action: Stage 3 – Oak Valley to Worcester on Wednesday 18 March ) Eagle’s Cliff Wine Estate near Worcester.

Apart from a good dose of riding action, visitors can enjoy wine tasting and other eats and drinks when riders pass through Eagle’s Cliff (yes, the cellar itself!). The leading riders are expected from 09:48 and the back of the pack at 13:07. ) HTS Drostdy. Riders are expected to cross the finish line at the race village between 11:40 and 16:51.

Stage 4 – Worcester to Worcester on Thursday 19 March ) HTS Drostdy. Starting time is 07:00. The finish is between 11:40 and 16:21. ) Fairy Glen Game Reserve. Here spectators can arrange a game drive after the riders have gone, or enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while the riders pass through. The lead is expected at 08:02 and the back at 10:04. ) Glen Heatlie farm, in the direction of De Doorns. Visitors will have to follow the N1 past De Wet Cellar, cross the railway bridge and turn right just before entering the cutting to the Hex River Valley. Here spectators can lay their hands on some refreshments while riders pass through between 08:39 and 11:19. ) Karoo National Botanical Gardens. No

introduction is necessary to this iconic Worcester asset. Riders are expected between 10:27 and 14:54.

Stage 5 – Worcester to Wellington on Friday 20 March ) The start at HTS Drostdy will once again be at 07:00. ) The only spectator point along the route is on an unnamed farm on the Wolseley road (R43), in the Botha area. It is expected to “delight spectators with its views of the riders descending into the Wolseley valley”. Spectators will have to follow the Wolseley road off the N1 for 15,8 km and turn right onto a gravel road marked Botha Muurbalklub. After 1,6 km, turn left onto a gravel road, then right after another 250 m. An open field on the right will be reached after 200 m more. Riders are expected between 08:29 and 10:28. ) CPUT campus in Wellington. The first riders are expected at the race village from 11:32 and the last ones at 16:35.

Stage 6 – Wellington to Wellington on Saturday 21 March. ) The start at CPUT is at 07:00 with riders expected back between 10:30 and 14:36. ) Welbedaght Wine Farm. Here race fans can start their day with a hearty breakfast.

The leading riders will arrive from 07:15 with the back of the pack expected at 09:15. ) Linton Park Wines on the Slangrivier road. It promises to combine race excitement with old-world ambience when riders pass through between 07:45 and 10:00. ) Bosman Family Vineyards: Lelienfon-

Kids cheer on riders during stage 4 of the 2013 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race from Saronsberg Wine Estate in Tulbagh to Wellington.

PHOTO: SAM CLARK/CAPE EPIC/SPORTZPICS

tein farm on the Hex road from CPUT, is another spectator point for the day. Rider action can be seen between 08:05 and 10:40. ) And another Wellington spectator spot is the picturesque Doolhof Wine Estate. The first riders are expected from 09:03 and the last at 12:37.

Stage 7 – Wellington to Meerendal on Sunday 22 March ) Riders will leave CPUT at 08:00 for the final stage of the race. ) The only spectator point along the route is at Vondeling Wines, where riders can be seen in action between 08:46 and 10:17.

WORLD CLASS CYCLE RACE: Cycling enthusiasts can look forward to such scenes in Wellington and Worcester, when the Absa Cape Epic takes place.PHOTO: KELVIN

TRAUTMAN/CAPE EPIC/SPORTZPICS X1PRHR2M-FE260215

WINE & OLIVE ROUTE

Welcome to our valley!

Hope you enjoy your visit and make use of the opportunity to visit our wine cellars and olive farms.

Various tour packages available

...for the wine lover ...food connoisseur ...and the adventurous X1PRTJDR-FE260215

STELLENBOSCH

HELDERBERG HERMANUS

PAARL

FEBRUARY 2015

Fab!9

Got a bike? Come explore the Epic FRANS LE ROUX

top is well worth it when you see the anything from 1-4 hours in these forests. ) Number 3 astonishing views from there.

The latest addition to Paarl’s already Just remember: the route caters for all experience levels and runs on a pub- splendid single-track routes are the lic gravel road all the way, so beware slopes of Rhebokskloof Wine Estate.

Major construction work, many of other cyclists and motorists. To get up and down shouldn't take longer than man-hours and loads of effort have gone into designing some of the best manitwo hours. cured single-tracks around. ) Number 2 Take the 20 km loop. With most of it Possibly some of the best tracks can be found in the Hawekwa plantation. being single track, you could be kept Your starting point can be anywhere in busy for hours.

It is not the easiest of routes, so if you Paarl, or you can drive up to the start of the trails by using Sonstraal Road and are a novice, rather try something else first. You also need a day or year permit. taking the Hawekwa exit. more info, visit Once on the gravel road, a rutted For drive of about four km greets you. You www.paarlmtb.com/rhebokskloof cycle past some houses on your left and the real fun starts: endless jeep-tracks, short and intense single tracks and beautiful forest views, will be part of every metre you ride.

Be warned, Hawekwa is big and novices can easily get lost.

Take someone along who knows the area and sur- Rhebokskloof offers some truly breathtaking views. If you roundings well. have the time, make sure to try the splendid new singlePHOTO: FRANS LE ROUX You can spend tracks.

It’s almost that time of year again; the gruelling Cape Epic, greatest mountain bike spectacle on the planet, is just around the corner.

Wellington is gearing up to welcome Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike riders and supporters in style when the race passes through this town. The festivities take place on the weekend of 20 and 21 March.

PHOTO: KELVIN TRAUTMAN/CAPE EPIC/SPORTZPICS

Watch the Epic cyclists while sipping wine in style LISE BEYERS It’s Cape Epic time in Wellington and the town is going to be in a hustle and bustle during the weekend of 20-21 March.

On 20 March a huge procession is being organised in Wellington, starting at the WelgeleëPlein,allthewayupChurch Street and returning to the shopping centre. The Wellington Klopse, drum majorettes, the horse brigade from the SAPS and locals on decorated bicycles, dressed in green and white costumes, will all welcome the riders. This is taking place around lunch time, just prior to the cyclists’ arrival – scheduled around 14:00.

Green and white will be the official Wellington Town colours for the Epic. The entire town will be decorated with green and white pom-poms, which are being made by local school children, students and other organisations. Bicycle motifs will be stencilled on the procession route, on the pavements in the town.

Bosman Family Vineyards will be hosting a Bubbles and Breakfast on 21 March between 07:30 and 12:00 in celebration of this great sporting event.

Come and enjoy the morning on this beautiful historical estate and get a closer look at the cyclists, as Bosman Family Vineyards is one of the Wellington watering points.

Breakfasts will be available (R100-R120) which include coffee, bubbly and a complimentary wine tasting.

Welbedacht’s No.6 Restaurant will also be open for a special Epic breakfasts throughout the weekend. The restaurant will also be providing Epic Specials for the full duration of the ABSA Cape Epic.

Linton Park is offering a burger breakfast, MCC and orange juice with wine tastings starting at 09:00. They will also be creating a welcome fly-over for all to see and enjoy.

Doolhof will also be organising a special breakfast, wine tasting and a fly-over.

Val du Charron welcomes the Cape Epic once again to the beautiful Bovlei, just outside Wellington. The race is passing directly through the working farm and we welcome visitors for breakfast with the best views!

Wine tasting will be freely available, but this March tastings are particularly special at Val du Charron. This is because March sees Val du Charron crowned as the winner of the Most Innovative Wine Tasting Experience in the world, as judged by Drinks International Magazine for their Theatre of Wine.

The picturesque Aux de Hex Boutique Hotel, which offers spectacular views of The Hawekwa Mountains, will also be hosting breakfasts.

With this in mind, and being an avid mountain biker myself, I want to give readers a short personal preview of the event: In less than a month, hundreds of professional riders from across the world, will bring their skills – and their expensive bikes – to Paarl and Wellington and treat Drakensteiners to lots of exciting close-up cycling action.

Here are three of my favourite routes.

They vary in levels of difficulty, but all have one thing in common: breathtaking views over the beautiful Drakenstein valley. ) Number 1 This one is easiest of the three routes, so if you find yourself in Paarl, with mountain bike, helmet and water bottle, start with this one.

The route begins with a seemingly endless yet rewarding climb. Ride up the famous Jan Phillips gravel road towards the entrance of the gated Paarl Mountain Reserve. After some 10 kilometres, you reach a security boom which can be lifted.

Keep to the left, as you now head towards the world-renowned Paarl Rock.

A short, but intense climb to get to the

We are offering an

EPIC BUFFET BREAKFAST

Wellington Droëvrugte, Neute en Souse Winkel PRODUCT RANGE OF WELL KNOWN, TRADITIONAL BRAND NAMES

Die oorspronklike, nou groter, beter met groter verskeidenheid en persoonlike diens.

21 March 2015

Continental and full English with tea/coffee and/or juice for R85 a head from 07:30 am - 10:00 am on the lawns.

Ring side seats as the bikes go straight past. Best views ever!

Bookings advisable!

• Vir 1ste keer onder privaat bestuur met uiters kompeterende pryse (Geen franchise kostes) • Occasional ex-factory and odd bin specials • Produkte vervaardig onder strengste voedselveiligheidstandaarde in HACCP en ISO 9000 geakkrediteerde fabrieke

Bovlei Road • Wellington • 021 873 1256 stay@vdcwines.com • www.vdcwines.com

Au’ d e Hex A ’ H e x u Boutique Hotel

Hoofweg 23, Wellington (langs ou SAD gebou en Build-It) Tel: 021 864 8690 jviljoen55@telkomsa.net X1PREPKW-FE260215

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SATURDAY 21 MARCH 2015

Spectator and water point open for the public from 08:30.

FREE ENTRY!

WELLINGTON

PRIME

Fine wines for tasting Music Slushpuppies Coffee

SPECTATOR SEATS 500m from finish line @ R100pp

SPECIAL EPIC BURGER AND WINE GIVE AWAYS

20 March 2015 - Stage 5 21 March 2015 - Stage 6 Secure parking @ R100 per car

GOURMET LUNCH & WINE

For more information contact: 021 873 6911

Book: reception@audehex.co.za or 021 864 3074 | www.audehex.co.za X1PRFUU9-FE260215

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10

Fab!FEBRUARY 2015

PAARL

STELLENBOSCH

HELDERBERG HERMANUS

Top cyclists prepare for annual Tour de Boland The stage is set for a road cycling battle when South Africa’s top professional teams gather for the five-day Bestmed Tour de Boland from Monday 2 to Friday 6 March.

Fielding a full complement of six riders each, the squads will enliven the 465 km Pro-Am race through the Cape winelands as they jostle for position in the peloton.

Aside from familiar foes, the local teams will also face stiff competition from Australian ProContinental team Drapac, headed

by South African export Dylan Girdlestone.

Race director Carinus Lemmer says this year’s edition, presented

by Pinarello, promises to be the most closely contested tour to date.

“In the wake of the recent national and continental road championships, we’re expecting all the riders to be on top form and ready to deliver some of the best performances of their careers.”

The MTN-Qhubeka feeder team will be without the services of two-time champion Nic Dougall, who was promoted to their ProConti outfit this season.

However, Eritrean Meron Teshome, who won last year’s penultimate stage to Riebeek-Kasteel, will be back to put his climbing skills to work for the team alongside the likes of national under-23 road champion, Jayde Julius.

Franschhoek-born sprinter No-

South Africa’s top pro teams will come up against international competition at the Bestmed Tour de Boland, presented by Pinarello, from Monday 2 until Friday 6 March.

PHOTO: CAPCHA lan Hoffman will delight local fans as he spearheads the Abantu attack in preparation for his Cape Town Cycle Tour title defence.

Hoffman and teammates Reynard Butler and HB Kruger are currently honing their form representing SA at the Tour of Gabon.

Also at that tour is Willie Smit, who will join his fellow EuropcarSA riders at the Boland event.

Bonitas, led by Luthando Kaka, should bring a competitive attack, which includes Herman Fouché and JC Nel. Not to be discounted is the Gi-

ant team which features stage race specialist and 2009 Tour de Boland winner Johann Rabie, alongside Carl Pasio and Martin Wesemann.

Putting his home ground knowledge to work for his Lights

by Linea teammates will be Stefan

Ihlenfeldt, who won this year’s Tour de Stellenbosch.

While the bigger teams are expected to dominate the tactics, one or two pairings could throw the cat among the pigeons.

Cannondale-Blend’s seasoned climber Darren Lill, who powered up Franschhoek Pass to scoop the final stage win last year, is one such rider.

Teammate and former Tour of Egypt winner Waylon Woolcock, who took a solo win into Tulbagh on stage two last year, could help Lill to shake things up.

Switzerland’s multiple Cape Epic champion Christoph Sauser and Tankwa Trek winner Erik Kleinhans will pair up in the colours of Aramex to drive the pace on their local training routes.

The tour starts in Paarl on Monday 2 March and finishes at the Taal Monument above the town on Friday 6 March.

The stages of the rave are as follows: ) Stage 1: Paarl to Worcester via Franschhoek – 114 km ) Stage 2: Worcester to Op-dieBerg via Ceres – 111 km ) Stage 3: Ceres to Tulbagh – 30 km individual time-trial ) Stage 4: Tulbagh to RiebeekKasteel via Piketberg – 138 km ) Stage 5: Riebeek-Kasteel to Paarl via Wellington – 74 km For more information, visit www.tourdeboland.co.za.

Also follow the action on Facebook or follow @TourdeBoland on Twitter.

STELLENBOSCH

HELDERBERG HERMANUS

PAARL

FEBRUARY 2015

Fab!11