Franschhoek Life May 2023

taste explore discover

After thousands of meticulous sketches and clay models, our obsessive nature led us to the perfect grille for the all-new Lexus RX. Crafted to flow seamlessly into the RX’s dynamic shape, the spindle grille was transformed into an audacious spindle body. This architecture-inspired design feature is just one of many unparalleled details you’ll uncover in the all-new Lexus RX.

THE

Embark on a culinary journey at Ōku Asian Eatery

The

3-Course Lunch & Dinner with Jazz Music by Lionel R475pp | With Wine Pairing R650pp

12:00 - 14:00 | 18:00 - 20:00

The Bistro

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

MOTHER’S MONTH AT BACCO

THIS MAY, BACCO IS OFFERING A SPECIAL

MOTHER’S DAY FOOD & WINE PAIRING

FEATURING A GLASS OF THREE SELECTED NEWLY RELEASED WINES

WITH THREE MATCHING DISHES FROM OUR MENU

for only R500p/p

IT IS A NOT-TO-BE-MISSED OPPORTUNITY TO CELEBRATE MOM WITH THE GENEROSITY AND WARMTH SHE ALWAYS LAVISHES ON HER FAMILY.

BACCO WINE ESTATE IS OPEN FOR WINE TASTINGS AND LUNCH BOOKINGS FROM MONDAYS TILL SUNDAYS, FROM 11:00 AM TO 16:30 PM

The team at Baccō believes that time is the ultimate luxury, and fine wine and food enthusiasts will certainly want to linger here. From the beautiful sights of carefully tended vineyards and the

magnificent state-of-the-art winery,to the tasting room and restaurant where every sip and bite are made to be savoured. It is a holistic feast for the senses, fit even for the gods as the name Baccō suggests.

At Dusk | We Dine

Tuesday to Saturday 6pm - 8pm (last seating)

WINTER SPECIAL

6-course for R895 per person including a glass of bubbly on arrival. Bookings | reservations@duskrestaurant.co.za | 021 023 4100 www.duskrestaurant.co.za | @dusk_restaurant_

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

Chardonnay 2022, Baccō Vermentino 2022, and Baccō Rosé 2022

WINEMAKER MARTIN SMITH WORKS CLOSELY WITH AN EXPERT TEAM OF VITICULTURISTS TO CREATE AGE-WORTHY WINES THAT ARE AN EXTENSION OF THE VINEYARD SITE.

The latest wine releases includes exciting new vintages under the estate range. The Bacc ō Chardonnay 2022 is creamy with a fresh citrus edge, the Bacc ō Vermentino 2022 brims with exotic fruit and mineral inflections, while the Bacc ō Rosé 2022 is succulent yet complex.

Bacc ō Estate, located in the scenic Cape Winelands, is a relatively new destination in the SA wine industry, but a dream long in the making for the Jankelowitz family. Owner Nathan Jankelowitz has

combined his construction expertise, extensive travels and passion for wine to create a rare and immersive experience for visitors.

Nathan and his daughter Carla's love of modern Tuscan culture is evident in the estate's architecture, wine and food. Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef Carla has created an indulgent dining experience with her unique brand of Cicchetti – nourishing small plates combining classic Italian flavours and the finest local produce.

www.baccoestate.co.za | info@baccoestate.co.za.

Experience Exceptional with De Toren Private Cellar

From the beginning, the vision was to create something truly exceptional. By embracing the best of the old and blending it with the best of the new, De Toren’s approach over the past decades has remained to continuously evolve in their pursuit of excellence. De Toren’s philosophy of exceptional care extends to every single aspect of their winemaking journey and beyond and was the inspiration behind establishing itself as South Africa’s first-ever gravity-fed cellar. Driven by a pioneering spirit and inspired by the untapped potential of its unique hilltop location on the flanks of the Polkadraai Hills, the estate sought to reinterpret the concept of Bordeaux wines in South Africa.

The estate celebrated its first-ever wine release in 1999 with the maiden vintage of the iconic De Toren Fusion V. This multi-award-winning wine’s name originated from the meticulous blending process of ‘fusing’ together the five noble varietals of Bordeaux of which Cabernet Sauvignon remains the dominant cultivar in this world-famous blend. Renowned for their meticulous attention to detail and an approach to craftsmanship that remains amongst the finest in the world. The estate boasts the most magnificent views, spanning from the Stellenbosch mountain ranges to the scenic Cape Peninsula and even the majestic Table Mountain. All of which can be experienced by wine lovers, collectors and connoisseurs when visiting De Toren for an exceptional experience. The experiences range from Premium walk-in tastings hosted in the exquisite wine bar or on the patio with its panoramic views to Luxury and Icon Tours, available by appointment, and hosted by a senior member of the team. Curated charcuterie platters are also available for guests to feast on, and with winter upon us, De Toren’s plush tasting lounge with its cosy fireplace is bound to become a favourite amongst red wine lovers.

For more information on this boutique estate, its acclaimed wine range and curated experiences, visit www.de-toren.com | email: info@de-toren.com

Welcome to Franschhoek Cellar

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

MAY

THE PEARL FISHERS

AT ARTSCAPE

Cape Town Opera’s production of Bizet’s masterful opera, The Pearl Fishers (Les pêcheurs de perles), returns. Bizet’s 1863 opera, composed to a French libretto by Eugène Cormon and Michel Carré, centres on two men’s rivalry in their love for the same woman. The production features celebrated South African tenor Levy Sekgapane.

BOOKINGS tickets.computicket.com

14 MAY

SPOIL MOM AT FRANSCHHOEK COUNTRY HOUSE & VILLAS AND MONNEAUX RESTAURANT

We are celebrating the heart and soul of our families this Mother’s day. She is an icon for unconditional love. She is the glue that holds us together and adds a sparkle to everyday. Let us show how much we love you MOM!

INFO 021 876 3386

BOOKINGS www.fch.co.za www.monneaux.co.za

PINOTAGE FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL

The highly anticipated Pinotage Food and Wine Festival is set to take place at the legendary Markötter Sports Grounds in Stellenbosch. This year’s festival promises an exciting showcase the very best of South African Pinotage wines. Expect wine tastings, live entertainment, delicious food and private tasting with some award winning wine personalities.

BOOKINGS Quickett.co.za qkt.io/QsV6Ogdal/

14 MAY

MOTHER’S DAY LUNCH AT LANZERAC

A mother is she who can take the place of all others, but whose place no else can take. Celebrate, make memories and treat her to a delicious four-course lunch guaranteed to be as special and unique as she is. Enjoy decadent desserts and plentiful platters served right to your table. R590 per person. Reservations and pre-payments required.

BOOKINGS 021 887 1132 discover@lanzerac.co.za

FRANSCHHOEK THEATRE

BOOKINGS www.franschhoektheatre.co.za

LA MOTTE ARTISANAL BAKERY & GARDEN CAFÉ

Share in the delight of simple pleasures such as freshly brewed coffee and artisan bakes, just out of the oven. Join us for breakfast, brunch or lunch or stay for afternoon drinks. 08h00-16h00 (Kitchen closes at 15h00).

BOOKINGS la-motte.com 021 876 8825 | bakery@la-motte.co.za

MOTHER’S DAY AT BOSCHENDAL

Treat your mom to an exceptional soilto-fork Sunday lunch experience this Mother’s Day at Boschendal. Join us on the farm on the 14th of May to delight in an exclusive set menu she’ll adore at our Werf Restaurant.

INFO boschendal.com/special-events/ mothers-day-at-boschendal/

WINTER SPECIAL AT

LE COIN FRANÇAIS

7-course for R795 per person including a glass of bubbly on arrival.

reservations@lecoinfrancais.co.za

BOOKINGS 074 126 0022

HIGH

TEA

AT ORANGERIE

Visit the Orangerie at Le Lude for our Morning and Afternoon Tea, served daily. Includes a glass of Le Lude Brut or Brut Rosé, a decadent ensemble of canapés and confectionery, and a selection of the finest TWG Tea.

Morning Tea 10h00, 10h30, and 11h00 Afternoon Tea 15h00

Booking essential 24 hours in advance.

BOOKINGS 021 876 2961 restaurant@lelude.co.za

WINE & DINNER EVENING AT GRANDE ROCHE

Nestled at the foot of the magnificent Paarl Rock is a small, luxury hotel unlike any other. Where the atmosphere of a bygone era brings a sense of gracious, unhurried living. We host a monthly Wine and Dinner Evening where Executive Chef, Kevin Grobler, joins hands with a local winemaker to produce a memorable evening of fine food and wine.

BOOKINGS 021 863 5100 info@granderoche.co.za

LA PETITE FERME DAZZLES WITH FOOD & WINE EXPERIENCES

Indulge your inner gastronome this winter and snap up a seat (or two) at the exclusive Wine & Food Experience presented by La Petite Ferme, mountainside estate in Franschhoek, the culinary capital of South Africa.

Chef Ricardo Watsons’ Themed Evenings are inspired by one flavour/ingredient which is used across all five courses served and paired with an estate wine.

His love of creating South African heritage dishes and employing a mix of cooking methods is evident in the carefully curated set menu. Be prepared to be dazzled!

WINEMAKER’S

DINNER AT MONT ROCHELLE

Mont Rochelle’s Winemaker’s Dinners are officially back! Each month until December, you’ll have the chance to join winemaker, Michael Langenhoven, for a tour of the historic cellar and learn about all things wine. This will be followed by a delicious five-course dinner at The Country Kitchen, perfectly paired with Mont Rochelle’s award-winning wines. Starting 1st June, from 18h30. R1095pp.

BOOKINGS 021 876 2770

HOT

WINEMAKER’S DINNER AT BOSCHENDAL INFO boschendal.com/special-events/ winemakers-dinner/

Enjoy an unforgettable evening of celebrating the best of our soil-to-fork dining with award-winning wines. Every first Thursday, from 1 July, we invite you to come for an unforgettable culinary experience hosted by our expert chefs and award-winning winemakers. R690 per person including a three course dinner with wine pairing.

The Themed Evenings – the last Friday of July, August and September include a five course dinner with wine pairing at R1 450 per head.

Friday 28 July – Citrus

Friday 25 August – Mushroom

Friday 29 September – Chocolate

To reserve your table for a La Petite Wine & Food Experience mail reception@lapetiteferme.co.za www.lapetiteferme.co.za

Experience Autumn Bliss in the Winelands

Paarl is the ideal destination for a quick escape from the city. With a wide range of experiences to enjoy, visitors are spoiled for choice.

Babylonstoren is a favourite stop with plenty of activities to entertain the entire family. It has a spectacular fruit and vegetable garden, unique accommodation with great food and wine offerings and a meander through the wine museum is a MUST!

Painted Wolf Wines; Fanglasstic, boutique glass painting studio; Stillman Distillery (home to craft rum and gin) and Soul Barrel Brewing Company (a highlight for beer lovers) are all part of the many offerings at The Simondium Guild.

Rhebokskloof Wine Estate has earned its reputation as a family-friendly destination. Book an idyllic picnic overlooking the dam or indulge at the pizzeria on the farm.

Autumn is perfect timing for a visit to the Cape Winelands.

Just further along is the historical town of Wellington. The vast area offers a wide range of attractions, and it is an artisanal heaven.

Visitors can easily create a self-drive itinerary for a day visit or stretch it to a mid-week or weekend stay. Taste award-winning wines and indulge in seasonal dishes, while discovering the hidden gems. For nature lovers, Rooshoek Farm game drives treat visitors to buffalo, antelope, feral pigs and other animal sightings in their natural habitat. As part of the Renosterveld Conservancy, it is also a haven for a wide variety of birds and fynbos.

Jacaranda Wine Estate with only 3,5 hectares under vines, is registered as the smallest wine estate in South Africa. Wine lovers can enjoy an intimate wine tasting on the veranda of the beautifully restored Cape Dutch

Winding Down in Wellington

homestead. There are also beautifully renovated farm cottages for overnight stays.

Three generations of Sonnenbergs have grown Diemersfontein Wine and Country Estate from a modest family haven to an internationally recognized wine brand. The latest addition to the estate is Hope Restaurant serving up delicious, hearty fare.

A final pit-stop should include Villamar Restaurant and coffee roastery. Described as a place of culinary and coffee perfection, Villamar embraces visitors with the enticing smell of freshly roasted coffee, baked breads, patisserie fresh out of the oven and nobody can resist their perfectly made gelato!

For more fabulous ideas to explore Paarl & Wellington, visit www.visitwellington.co.za and www.discoverpaarl.co.za

Cape Country Routes – a leading group of owner operated and managed accommodation and activity establishments in the Western and Eastern Cape has just welcomed its newest member to the fold: Val du Charron Wine & Leisure Estate. Set on a working vineyard with its own cellar situated in the heart of the charming town of Wellington.

The estate boasts two restaurants – The Grillroom – a bespoke steakhouse with seafood, poultry and vegetarian options and Pizza Vista, based in the farm’s historic cellar – the best place to enjoy rigorous Italian food with fine wine! Val du Charron is an ideal location to savour the culture of South African wine making and its products. The cellar produces hand crafted premium red and white wines for export wine tastings and The Theatre of Wine, vineyard and cellar tours are a unique experience for locals and tourists alike.

Famed for the spectacular MTB and running trails, the routes, starting from VDC offer excellent opportunities for both novice and skilled riders.

Luxury accommodation on the estate comprises of the guesthouse with each suite claiming a balcony and views of the vineyards/garden and the beautifully, imposing Hawekwa Mountains. Three spacious suites with plunge pool and private patio and built in fire place, make up The Coach House, an exclusive winelands getaway for discerning

escape, offering one of the most distinctive accommodation experiences in the Wellington Winelands.

Val du Charron, winner of the prestigious Drinks International Most Innovative Approach Wine Tourism award, combines the rich traditions and natural beauty of the area with modern day comforts and technology to produce not only

Franschhoek Wines to Shine in The City of Gold

As one of the most significant indoor-outdoor art experiences in Africa, RMB Latitudes brings together artists and exhibitors from across the continent. The event features traditional art fair booths from Africa’s leading galleries, as well as unique exhibition spaces designed by curators and artists. For the 2023 edition, Franschhoek wines will be the proud wine partner to the event. The event offers an excellent opportunity for the region to promote its exceptional wines and profile the renowned wine estates of the abundant valley.

According to Franschhoek Wine Valley, CEO – Ruth McCourt said, the event is a significant opportunity to showcase the exceptional wines in the valley and promote Franschhoek as a whole. With a focus on discovering and developing new artistic talent, as well as highlighting artists who are emblematic of our contemporary era.

Tickets start from R250, children under 12 at R50. For information and ticket sales visit latitudesartfair.com/tickets/

The Franschhoek Wine Valley is proud to announce its association with the upcoming RMB Latitudes showcase. The threeday event will take place from May 26 to May 28, 2023, at Shepstone Gardens, Hope Rd, Mountain View, Johannesburg.

IMAGE COURTESY OF GRANT DUNCAN-SMITH