Franschhoek Life- April 2023

taste explore discover

Valley of the Harvest Long Table – a five-course dining experience prepared by five exceptional Franschhoek Valley guest chefs in support of local charities, amidst the breath-taking scenery of Boschendal.

The 2023 Franschhoek Literary Festival 19-21 May. A celebration of books and writers in one of the most beautiful places on earth!

Along with four beers on tap, Tuk Tuk is now also offering guests a broader beer experience, by showcasing a variety of niche craft breweries from the Franschhoek area.

Easter at One&Only

Cape Town

HAUTE COUTURE AFTERNOON TEA

Our traditional Easter Afternoon Tea takes on an Haute Couture theme this year, with bubbles on arrival, delicate sandwiches and sweets, a live pianist and a roving magician. 7–10 April 2023 | Vista Bar & Lounge | 14h00-17h00 | R595 per person.

EASTER STAYCATION & CHAMPAGNE BREAKFAST

Spend the weekend with us and wake up to a Champagne Breakfast with Easter-themed sweet and savoury treats, an Easter kids’ buffet, hot cross buns and a breakfast take on bunny chow. 7-10 April 2023 | Ochre | 6h30-11h00 | Breakfast included in room rates | Reserved for in-house guests only.

KIDSONLY EASTER FUN

Little ones will love our Easter activities at KidsOnly, with fun-filled egg hunts, arts and crafts, and games every day over the holidays, including a chance to find the Easter Bunny. KidsOnly 7-10 April 2023 | 10h00-19h00 | Complimentary to all guests dining or staying with us. reservations@oneandonlycapetown.com | +27 21 431 5888 | oneandonlycapetown.com

Haute Cabrière Unveils the 2021 Haute Collection Vintages

Haute Cabrière’s elegant and limited-release second-generation legacy range, The Haute Collection, continues to evolve and delight with the latest release of the 2021 vintage.

Showcasing the skill, creativity and pioneering spirit of Haute Cabrière’s founding family, the Haute Collection has been masterminded by Takuan von Arnim. Each vintage is released in very limited quantities with as few as 480 bottles available. This range is then the least known and publicised of Haute Cabrière’s wine ranges, earning a unique place in the hearts of dedicated Chardonnay and Pinot Noir fans who find it.

Following sold-out wines from the 2020 vintage, the 2021 release has been much awaited by those in the know. Crafted from meticulously selected vineyard blocks, the 2021 vintage celebrates the classic Burgundian varietals for which Haute Cabrière is known with a focus on: the phenomenal terroir of Franschhoek, the character of their Certified Old Chardonnay Vines planted in 1983, and the unique qualities of aging premium wines in traditional clay Amphorae. Minimal intervention practices are followed for the Haute Collection wines, allowing the nature of the grape to shine. The Amphorae used is handmade in Italy and unlike oak, they do not impart any flavour of their own during the fermentation and aging process. This allows for a pure expression of the natural flavours of the fruit and the micro-climates within the chosen vineyard blocks within the wines.

Unlike most flagship ranges, the Haute Collection stands out amongst its peers as an elegant interpretation of premium wines with gently considered oaking. Unexpected in style, each wine is well-rounded, velvety soft, and sultry on the palate. A showcase of terroir, vintage, skill and beauty. www.cabriere.co.za

Nestled among the rolling hills of the countryside, our restaurant is a destination for foodies and nature-lovers alike. We are excited to host you at some of our upcoming offerings and events that are sure to delight your taste buds and provide a memorable dining experience. You’re welcome to visit our social media platforms and website for more information.

RIVER CRUISING

The Lady Stanford River Cruise, based in the quaint and historic village of Stanford offers leisurely cruises and canoeing down the tranquil Klein River. Meandering towards the Hermanus Estuary to the bird sanctuary, and back, The Lady Stanford is a modern, ecofriendly river boat with a quiet four-stroke boat engine accommodating up to 26 passengers. Daily cruises include sunrise and sunset cruises, and she is available for private boat charters for team building gatherings, bachelor parties and intimate weddings. From the sheltered lower deck, or the open top deck, soak up the countryside, set against a scenic mountain backdrop. The region has an abundant birdlife – more than 250 bird species can be spotted in the wider Stanford area – a true birder’s paradise. The Lady Stanford is part of Cape Country Routes activity options. Reservations: bookings@ladystanford.co.za

ON OUR

ENDOCARE LAUNCHES RENEWAL RANGE

Endocare is a complete range of dermal regeneration and antiageing skincare, resulting from years of carefully documented

Based on exclusive patented technologies, Endocare products regenerate and repair dermal structures to visibly improve intrinsic and extrinsic skin ageing signs.

The Endocare Renewal range is an intensive renewal range formulated with Retinol, which reduces wrinkles, and unifies skin texture for rejuvenated and smoother skin.

Visit Endocare’s Store Location to find your nearest stockist

GUIDED GARDEN TOURS

WITH THE CELLARS-HOHENORT HOTEL & SPA

Set at the foot of the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in the Constantia Valley, The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel & Spa boasts nine acres of beautifully maintained gardens that may be explored during a weekly guided tour, followed by tea and scones served on the terrace or in the lounge of The Conservatory restaurant. Testament to a rich history, the trees in the surrounding forest date back 300 years to when it was known as Klaasenbosch Farm. A myriad of delights await, from the Picnic Garden and Hohenort Lawns, to a structured garden with a beautiful water feature, and several ponds. Eco-zones within the gardens include 950 vines, as well as Herb, Vegetable and Citrus gardens, which grow fresh produce for the hotel kitchens.

The Cellars Hohenort Hotel & Spa Garden Tours are open to the public by reservation, and are presented every Wednesday at 10h00, at a cost of R190pp (includes the guided garden tour, guided garden tour, tea and scones). Bookings are essential.

WIN WIN WIN!

With www.lifebrands.co.za and Old Road Wine Co. Follow the simple steps and you could be the lucky winner.

A case of wine from the folks at Old Road Wine Co. is up for grabs!

All you have to do is: – visit www.lifebrands.co.za and sign up to our newsletter – like and follow JHB Life & Old Road Wine Co. on socials

NEW VINTAGE RELEASE OF LA MOTTE’S 2020 MILLENNIUM

Malbec (12%) and Petit Verdot (3%) in the blend contributes to the intensity of the wine’s colour, there is of course, more to this popular red than its alluring shade in the glass. The classic blend consists predominantly of Merlot (50%) and Cabernet Franc (35%) offering aromatic dark berries and plum with nuances of fruit cake and a subtle toffee sweetness. Complex with barrel-derived spice and charred oak flavours, the wine is beautifully integrated and medium-bodied with mellow tannins and a lingering berry aftertaste.

A trusted choice, not only for its consistent quality, but also for its elegance, accessibility and versatile food pairing ability and just a beautiful wine in your glass. www.la-motte.com

DON’T MISS THE 2023 FRANSCHHOEK LITERARY FESTIVAL

19 - 21 May

Imagine streets buzzing with book lovers, creating a vibrant ambience as they move between a variety of village venues all within walking distance of each other.

A celebration of books and writers with open and progressive discourse from renowned local and international authors and thought leaders. Informal discussions are the hallmark of the festival with spirited debates on a variety of topical issues. While the FLF is still the star of the weekend, the festival promises a weekend that is also about fun, wining and dining and socialising in one of the most beautiful places on earth. www.flf.co.za

Embark on a culinary journey at Ōku Asian Eatery

Lunch daily 12:00-15:30 (last seating)

Dinner daily 18:00-20:30 (last seating)

Bookings 021 023 4695 | reservations@eat-oku.co.za

www.eat-oku.co.za | @oku_eatery

La Motte Estate Opens Artisanal Bakery & Garden Café

There’s something very welcoming, familiar and comforting in the smell of freshly baked bread and this is at the heart of the offering at the Artisanal Bakery & Garden Café that has just opened on La Motte Wine Estate in Franschhoek. Sharing some of their fondest memories of growing-up and living on the farm, La Motte’s owner, Hanneli Rupert-Koegelenberg and her family invite guests to enjoy the historic werf and its profound sense of home, sharing in the delight of simple pleasures such as freshly brewed coffee and artisan bakes, just out of the oven. Under the guidance of master baker Markus Färbinger, of Knysna’s well-known île de pain café, this charming day-time spot celebrates bread in all its original beauty. The team of bakers presents a wonderful daily variety of freshly baked options from the on-site wood-fired oven, designed and produced by Four Grand-mere in France. Expect favourites such as the classic sourdough loaf and La Motte’s popular mosbolletjies as well as the crustique (the predecessor of the baguette), the Cederberger (a dark, malty rye sourdough with spices), flatbreads drizzled with salt and olive oil and The Motte loaf created especially for La Motte. Available to purchase and take home, the variety of breads also form the basis of the café’s daily menu. Reservations online: la-motte.com

Contact: bakery@la-motte.co.za | +27 (0)21 876 8825

Clay Café has Opened in Paarl

After years of exploring the Cape Winelands in search of a perfect location, the family-run Clay Café group have found a home in Paarl on the historic Groot Parys Estate.

Clay Café has been a household brand for over two decades and is anticipated to be a huge hit in the Cape Winelands. The Clay Café brand is a ceramic painting business that started in 1999 in the heart of Hout Bay. The concept merges art, food and good company to create one-of-a-kind creative moments. This is something special for the whole family to enjoy.

Clay Café at Groot Parys looks over vineyards across Paarl to the Drakenstein mountain range, Paarl Rock and the landmark Paarl Monument. The setting is simply breath-taking and the decision was made within minutes of arriving on site in 2021, that this would be the perfect venue for another Clay Café. The Cape Dutch influenced architecture of the farm’s 1709 Manor House building brings a sense of tradition and grandeur to the café. A team of artisans and contractors have spent nine months transforming this grand old lady and bringing her back to her former glory in such a way that families and friends who visit here will be enchanted by her elegance and energy and will hopefully keep coming back for more entertainment, painting, playing and great food!

Chris Irving (founder) and son Michael and partner Jade Bradburn have partnered with well-known culinary consultant, cookbook author and publisher, Tamsin Snyman, to bring her global hospitality experience and expertise to the Paarl Clay Café. The team have plans for a deli and wine shop right next door! Mid-2023 will see the opening of a muchneeded artisanal food retail space at Groot Parys which will be a celebration of all things local, including homeware, gifting and a boutique wine shop.

What to expect from Clay Café Paarl? Choose from over 180 already-made ceramic items to paint and decorate. Indulge in delicious, casual, easy-eating food and drinks while you paint with family and friends in a picturesque Winelands’ environment. Pockets of kids play areas around the property will keep the little bodies well entertained between painting, eating and drinking. www.claycafe.co.za

Welcome to Franschhoek Cellar

021 023 4100

Winner of the Eat Out Retail Capital Best New Restaurant Award 2022

Inspired by over 350 years of winemaking tradition and heritage, Franschhoek Cellar is home to a vibrant and celebrated range of wines. Join for specially curated wine tastings that include artisanal chocolates and cheeses, or for a delicious deli style lunch under the oak trees. Franschhoek Cellar also has a supervised kiddie’s playground, which means fun for the whole family! Two luxury cottages on the premises are the perfect central base from which to explore the Franschhoek Valley and the greater Winelands.

Included in the offering, Franschhoek Cellar has a selection of unique event venues to suit every occasion, from weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, year-end corporate groups to intimate gatherings.

Franschhoek Cellar is a beautiful asset to the Franschhoek wine route, combining the charms of leisurely country life with the elegance of a worldclass venue to suit every need.

The team look forward to seeing you.

For enquiries or bookings, please send an email or call franschhoekcellar.co.za | fhccellardoor@dgb.co.za | 021 876 2086

A Broader Beer Experience at Tuk Tuk Microbrewery

Over the past few months the Tuk Tuk Microbrewery has undergone some key brewing changes. Along with our four Tuk Tuk beers on tap (Lager, Weiss, Blonde Ale and IPA), we are now offering guests a broader beer experience, by showcasing a variety of niche craft breweries from the Franschhoek area. The guys at Karoo Craft Breweries (KCB), in Paarl are brewing our Tuk Tuk Beers, and both KCB and Soul Barrel Brewery are currently showcasing some of their artisan craft brews on what used to be the old CBC (Cape Brewing Company) taps. We would like to extend a warm welcome to Paul Bosman, our new Head Brewer at Tuk Tuk, Paul hails from a small farming community in the Garden Route area. He has a BSc Molecular Biology and Biotechnology and a love for fermentation! He is also the head Brewer at Karoo Craft Breweries and has a palate for most beer styles, if he had to choose however, his personal choice would be IPA’s and Pale Ales, but he also loves a tantalizing, balanced Lager on the odd occasion. In true Tuk Tuk spirit we believe this new offer is a fun and exciting way for guests to experience a wider variety of locally produced beers via our guest taps. The idea is to increase flexibility and occasionally switch out the beers and breweries featured on these guest taps. We are proud of these collaborations and thrilled to be promoting other microbreweries in the Cape Winelands.

To, exciting times! Cheers! tuktuk.co.za

Enjoy a Luxury Family Cape Safari

The award winning 11 000 hectare game reserve is Ideally located on the Garden Route only a four hour drive from Cape Town and offers a one of a kind Cape safari experience. Luxurious accommodation is provided in romantic, stand-alone safari suites or bush villas ideal for families, all with awe inspiring views of the mountainous landscape and passing wildlife. Enjoy exhilarating game drives encountering free roaming Big 5 game species as well as giraffe, hippo, and herds of antelope. Additional activities on offer include the fun Junior Ranger program for kids, mountain biking, Africology spa treatments, guided

Paula Erasmus +27 (0) 83 447 2470 paula@suregiltedge.com · giltedge.travel/business

YOUR DREAM HOLIDAY IS A BIG DEAL

Feel Free to get away with NCL and enjoy huge savings! Whether you’ve been daydreaming of touring ancient ruins in the Greek Isles, hiking to one of Alaska’s pristine glaciers or exploring one of our other top destinations, get more free when you cruise with NCL.

Plus, take advantage of Free Open Bar, Free Speciality Dining, Free Excursions credits, Free WIFI minutes and 3rd & 4th guests sailing Free on select destinations! There’s never been a better time to book your dream cruise.

*NCL terms & conditions apply Full terms available at www.ncl.com Contact paula@suregiltedge.com

The De Hoop Collection Presents De Mond Villa

The De Hoop Collection – a member of Cape Country Routes – and the first private/public partnership in the South African hospit ality industry opened in the De Hoop Nature Reserve in the Western Cape in 2007. The Reserve (in the Overberg region), a short three-hour drive from Cape Town, along the world-renowned Garden and Whale routes, is the perfect holiday destination for families, couples, groups, honeymooners, wedding parties, family reunions and birthday weekends and an ideal stop-over en route from the Cape Winelands to Plettenberg Bay.

The collection offers a wide range of accommodation designed to suit all budgets including the most recent addition, a newly restored and refurbished Villa. De Mond Villa overlooks the beautiful Ramsar vlei, home to spectacular bird life, where wild bush pigs, otters, Rock Dassies and herds of Eland can be spotted. The villa boasts five en-suite bedrooms, awesome interior décor, incredible views, a boma, a swimming pool and more. De

Mond Villa is fully catered and guided at R3 500 per person per night (with a minimum of five guests and includes guided activities).

The De Hoop World Heritage site, offers world-class whalewatching and is a paradise for bird enthusiasts with its more than 260 species of birds including the endangered Cape Vultures. A colony of almost 200 vultures roost and nest in the Potberg Mountains and exciting Vulture hikes

and viewing opportunities are offered. Other activities include interpretive marine walks, hiking, and mountain biking trails, eco boat cruises on the vlei, nature drives, and tennis or boules.

De Hoop is a nature lover’s paradise with unparalleled peace and tranquillity in what may well be one of the Cape’s last unspoiled gems.

www.dehoopcollection.com

Sailing South Africa with Norwegian Cruise Line

On Dec 2022, Norwegian Jade became the first vessel in the line’s 18 ship fleet to homeport from Cape Town, South Africa, offering international and local guests a 12-day Extraordinary Journey along the coast of South Africa and Namibia with an overnight stay in Cape Town and visits to Mossel Bay, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Richard’s Bay, Luderitz and Walvis Bay.

Adding this predominantly South African itinerary is great news for locals looking for a visa free cruising vacation. Norwegian Cruise Line boasts a wide range of cruise experiences to passengers and prides itself on offering a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere where guests can enjoy their holiday without feeling pressured to participate in activities.

There is a wide selection of on-board cabin options, from luxurious suites with private balconies, the Penthouse (including a private butler) and more budget-friendly interior staterooms.

Whichever you choose, the cabins are spacious, well-appointed, and include all the amenities necessary for a comfortable stay. Air conditioning, private bathroom, plush linen etc.) are standard with NCL.

Days at sea can be spent lazing on a sun lounger or equally discovering one of the multitude of activities designed to pander to every whim and fancy. For more active passengers, the state-of-the-art Pulse Fitness Centre is kitted out with all the latest machinery and when the sun is shining, aqua aerobics is a great way to start the day before indulging in a delicious buffet

breakfast. The award-winning Mandara Spa is a welcome reprieve after a busy day while many hours can be spent in the art gallery gazing at the impressive exhibits. On board Wi-Fi and the sanctitude of the ships library ensures that remote working is possible too!

On sea days, deciding what to do next may just be the hardest part of any NCL trip … a wealth of entertainment options from Broadway-style shows to live music performances every evening, promise something for every taste. The bars and lounges are great places to relax and unwind with a pre- or post dinner drink and there is even a casino on board! For something a bit different, guests can join in the fun of karaoke evenings, trivia contests, cooking classes, games and more. And for those travelling with children, NCL has dedicated kids and teen spaces with scheduled activities running throughout the day and night!

12 Days. 7 Ports. 1 Amazing Holiday!

Known for its expansive dining options, every taste and preference is catered for on an NCL cruise. Whether you are in the mood for a gourmet meal or a quick bite, you will find something to suit your palate. The main dining room

serves up delicious a la carte meals, while the buffets and casual eateries offer a wide selection of dishes to choose from. NCL also boasts an array of specialty restaurants, including French Bistro/Italian/South American/Asian and even a food theatre tepenyaki bar! There is also an English-style serving meals all through the day and night … no cruise line does dining like NCL!

Each cruise destination provides an opportunity to explore local culture and the curated day excursions offer unique experiences and insights into an authentic taste of local life. Guests can opt for wine tastings, hanging out with adorable African penguins at Cape Town’s Boulders Beach, game park visits, day safaris from Richards Bay or Addo Elephant National Park near Port Elizabeth. Every port provides unforgettable adventures, and every one of our ships promises marvellous days at sea.

Whether you are looking for a relaxing, laid-back vacation or an action-packed adventure, NCL has the perfect cruise experience for you. With its commitment to providing passengers with a memorable vacation experience, NCL is a great choice for your next vacation. www.ncl.com for all the latest itineraries.

1-13 APRIL

TREE HOUSE HOLIDAY

PROGRAMME AT BOSCHENDAL

Get ready for an autumn adventure at Boschendal with the Tree House holiday programme! The programme offers a variety of educational and exciting activities – perfect for keeping your little ones entertained from exploring the farm and discovering the wonders of nature to getting creative with arts and crafts. 10h00-14h00, R400pp.

BOOK reservations@boschendal.co.za

EASTER AT LABORIE ESTATE 7-10

Enjoy a picnic with family this Easter Weekend at Laborie Estate. Expect seasonally inspired picnic boxes filled with delightfully tasty treats – including hot cross buns and curried pickled fish. Book your Easter picnic on Dineplan.

VALLEY OF THE HARVEST LONG TABLE AT BOSCHENDAL

An unforgettable dining experience amidst the breath-taking scenery of Boschendal. Indulge in a five-course long table lunch prepared by five exceptional Franschhoek Valley guest chefs. All profits from this special culinary event will go directly to local charities FRANCO, Isabelo and the Kusasa Project, for their invaluable work assisting the youth in our community. Time 12h30, R1500pp.

TUES-SUN

CINNAMON THEMED EVENING AT LA PETITE FERME

Indulge your inner gastronome this winter and snap up a seat at the exclusive Wine & Food Experience presented by La Petite Ferme in Franschhoek. Themed Evenings dinners are inspired by a flavour where the chefs choose an ingredient which will be used across all five courses served and paired with an estate wine. R1 450 per person.

BOOK reception@lapetiteferme.co.za

VISIT www.laborieestate.co.za

TUES-SUN

LE COIN FRANÇAIS

Classic and contemporary French fine dining in the heart of Franschhoek.

DINNER – Tuesday to Sunday 18h30-20h30 (last seating)

BOOK reservations@boschendal.co.za

reservations@lecoinfrancais.co.za

BOOKINGS 074 126 0022

ORANGERIE AT LE LUDE

Visit the Orangerie at Le Lude for lunch or dinner to enjoy a beautiful experience of fine French cuisine, award-winning Cap Classique and the splendour of the Franschhoek wine valley. Booking essential.

LUNCH – Tues-Sun 12h00-15h00

(Last seating 14h30)

DINNER – Fri & Sat 18h00-20h00

(Last seating 19h30)

restaurant@lelude.co.za

BOOKINGS 021 876 2961

YAMA SUSHI EMPORIUM

Go where the good vibes are! Come dance like nobody’s watching with DJ Rene every Saturday from 1 April at Country Grand Franschhoek! From 14h00.

Dates: 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 April.

Bookings via Dineplan.

COUNTRY GRAND CONTACT

Savour the flavours of high-quality sushi and Asian-inspired cuisine in the heart of Franschhoek.

Lunch 12h00-18h00

Dinner 18h00-20h30

reservations@eat-yama.co.za www.eat-yama.co.za

BOOKINGS 021 023 4695

franschhoek.org.za