Franschhoek Life October 2022

taste explore discover

Franschhoek Culinary Collective at Leopard’s Leap – A showcase of talented chefs each presenting five courses together with a local artisan/supplier and local wine estates.

Bushmans Kloof offers an unforgettable wilderness experience entirely unequalled in South Africa. Combining pristine mountain landscapes with indigenous wildlife, five-star luxury, and gracious hospitality.

La Motte’s 2022 Vin de Joie Rosé. An elegant French-style Rosé, polished and perfect for relaxed get-togethers, lengthy lunches, delightful on its own or paired with food.

Franschhoek Cellar

– FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Franschhoek Cellar is a destination that has something for everyone. Not only can guests stay over at one of two luxury cottages, Rose and Protea, it is the perfect central base from which to explore the Franschhoek Valley and Cape Winelands. Located close to the working cellar and overlooking the breathtaking mountain vistas, this is an ideal spot to explore the fine restaurants, attractions, and shops within the picturesque Franschhoek Village. For those wanting to relax and unwind, there is no need to venture too far as an array of experiences are on offer from your doorstep. Specially curated wine tastings to alfresco dining and a supervised kids playground mean fun for the whole family!

Inspired by over 350 years of winemaking tradition and heritage, Franschhoek Cellar, proudly rooted in its place, is home to a vibrant and intriguing range of award-winning wines that evoke a sense of history and wonder.

Franschhoek Cellar’s kitchen is open daily, serving light meals, delicious lunches, and snacks, using the freshest locally sourced ingredients – the very best in leisurely Winelands cuisine.

Both winemaker and chef have joined forces to create dazzling food and wine experiences, showcasing the finest wines alongside Franschhoek’s famous artisanal cheeses and chocolates.

Franschhoek Cellar also has a special selection of unique event venues with an option to suit every occasion, be it weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, year-end corporate functions or private gatherings.

Located next to the wine tasting emporium, The Venue can accommodate 350 guests cocktail style and 220 seated, making it one of the largest in the Valley. A warm ambience is created by soft lighting and the earthy decor make it an equally good fit for more intimate weddings while the neutral colour palette provides the perfect canvas for any decor.

The Platform Bar & Bistro boasts exquisite mountain and vineyard vistas. Fashioned around an old railway platform and re-modelled to mimic a train carriage, it is a welcoming space with air conditioning in summer and fireplaces in winter, perfect for intimate celebrations of any kind, accommodating up to 80 guests.

Franschhoek Cellar is a beautiful asset to the Franschhoek wine route, combining the charms of leisurely country life with the elegance of a world-class venue to suit every need. 021 876 2086 franschhoekcellar.co.za

A daily burst of lavish nature, Country Grand Franschhoek is an idyllic escape from the fast-paced city life. We welcome you to indulge in our refined country cuisine and celebrated wines. The atmosphere is postcard perfect, with views that never fail to take your breath away.

A perfect marriage of rustic and grandeur, Country Grand offers an intimate escape in the heart of South Africa’s most celebrated wine area. With iconic style and playful luxury, this charming venue captures the quintessential charm and colloquial effervescence of the vineyards while offering a quaint and relaxing escape ‘a world away’ for you, your loved ones, and especially for an event or function in the Franschhoek mountains.

Contact details: (e) Country@GrandAfrica.com (t) +27 (0) 21 569 9352

Address: Dieu Donne Vineyards, Uitkyk Street, Franschhoek, South Africa

TAKE A CULINARY JOURNEY ACROSS SOUTH AFRICA

Join Country Grand Franschhoek for an unforgettable food and wine experience where six delectable dishes are perfectly paired with local wines. This is sure to be one of the most Grand nights of your life.

FRANSCHHOEK OPEN GARDENS

Franschhoek is in full bloom, and gardening fanatics and nature lovers are flocking into the valley to enjoy this year’s yield. 29 - 31 October 2021, R200 pp for weekend. Buy: www.webtickets.co.za/fhkopengardens

Celebrate theJoy of Spring

WITH LA MOTTE’S VIN DE JOIE ROSÉ Spring is here! And with it, in what can be described as perfect timing, the release of La Motte’s 2022 Vin de Joie Rosé.

This elegant French-style Rosé promises joy. Whether it is social or simple – celebrating with loved ones or enjoying a solitary sunset – enjoy your special moments with a glass of La Motte’s dry and delicate Vin de Joie Rosé!

The 2022 La Motte Vin de Joie Rosé offers a pale salmon pink with a tinge of onion skin, typical of a Mediterranean-style rosé. The nose charms with subtle, but well-defined melon, rose petal and nectarine with alluring notes of Turkish delight in the background. The palate is juicy, with a refreshing acidity and lovely lingering nectarine on the aftertaste.

Polished and perfect for relaxed get-togethers and lengthy lunches, this refined Rosé is a delightful glass on its own and a versatile choice with food.

Enjoy with the simplicity of leafy salads and Mediterranean plates, finely sliced Charcuterie and seafood in all shapes –from summertime sushi to comforting soups in winter.

Available at La Motte or la-motte.com at R99.

ANNOUNCING THE LATEST EDITION TO THE HAUTE CABRIÉRE RESERVES

CHARDONNAY RÉSERVE 2021

Haute Cabrière has extended its Chardonnay offering with the introduction of the Haute Cabrière Chardonnay Réserve maiden 2021 vintage.

As a winery founded in Franschhoek four decades ago, Haute Cabrière is committed to expressing the uniqueness of the Franschhoek terroir and to further the valley’s reputation as one of the South Africa’s leading wine regions in terms of quality and provenance.

The grapes for the Haute Cabrière Chardonnay Réserve originate from two sites. The first is a vineyard planted in 1983 and the second in 2003.

A combination of 2nd, 3rd and 4th fill French oak barrels was used for aging 60% of the Chardonnay for 11 months. The use of wood allows the wine to form structure and palate weight.

The unwooded 40% element was kept in stainless steel tanks on ts lees, for the same 11 months, before being blended with the barrel-aged component. The wine shows zesty citrus notes complemented by an austere minerality with persistence on the palate, depth and a lasting finish. It is absolutely ready for drinking now, but true to the character of fine Chardonnay, it will gain added complexity and bring further flavour elements to the fore if aged over the next five to 10 years.

Available from Haute Cabrière’s cellar door, online store and select retails national wide.

CAPTURE YOUR PRECIOUS MOMENTS

Leatherpress was born from the desire to curate leather journals and notebooks that match the worth and value of the thoughts written within them.

With a proud South African heritage, it’s the attention to that puts Leatherpress products in a class of their own.

All Leatherpress products are bound using the time-honoured sewing technique developed by Irish American bookbinder David McConnell Smyth in the 1800s.

Choose yours from three beautiful collections: HERITAGE INSPIRE ARTISAN

In this digital age take a step back and embrace the comfort and longevity of a beautifully created journal or notebook.

Available online and in-store at all Exclusive Books

www.exclusivebooks.co.za

BOSCHENDAL LAUNCHES

BESPOKE HAMPERS

The new range of bespoke hampers and gifting for every occasion include a “Live Our Farm” hamper with Boschendal produce, tea towel and olive oil pourer, and a Wine Basket with two bottles of Boschendal’s award-winning wines and eight wine glasses. The “Farm Pantry Box” offers a delectable range of tasty homemade treats, olive oil and wine, while the Pamper Day Box gives that special someone a luxurious and relaxing selection of bath salts, hand and body cream and a beautiful, scented candle. Other hampers range from teatime treats to olive oil and biltong and the Chocoholic Box is simply a MUST have!

All hampers are available at the Boschendal Farm Shop or online. www.boschendal.com

WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF

15 Sep – 8 Oct 2022

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woof is a dark comedy about a couple who decide to have some dangerous fun with a younger couple on a searing night. Follow them on their mysterious journey …

Theatre on The Bay https://bit.ly/3dy4Vrh

THE REAL DEAL

At REAL Diamonds, we celebrate all facets of love and pride ourselves on giving you the perfect diamond to symbolise it. We only use lab-grown, or as we call them, nurtured diamonds, which are identical to earthmined diamonds - the only difference being that they are carefully created in a lab making them conflict-free, eco-friendly, sustainable, affordable and 100% REAL. After all, nothing sparkles like a clean conscience. Contact us for a wide range of bespoke creations and magnificent jewellery.

REAL DIAMONDS

KINDS

FOR

0661905951

realdiamonds.co.za

Lab-Grown or Mined Diamonds?

Nothing sparkles more than a clean conscience, except maybe lab-grown or as we prefer to say, nurtured diamonds. But what are nurtured diamonds and why for the past five years have they started to take the ma rket by storm, with many people choosing nurtured over mined diamonds to celebrate their love, their life or just for the joy of buying a beautiful stone.

THE REAL DEAL

A lab-grown or nurtured diamond is not a fake diamond, it is identical both chemically and physically to a mined diamond. They have the same brilliance and shine and they’re not simulants like cubic zirconia or moissanite are classed as. A nurtured diamond is the real deal – the only difference – they are grown in a lab rather than the complex alignment of factors that gives birth to a mined diamond.

KINDER TO YOUR WALLET

Everyone loves a good deal, whether you have the cash to splash or whether you’re on a tight budget. The simple truth of the matter is that nurtured diamonds retail up to 75% less than mined diamonds so you can smile all the way to the bank knowing you got a quality diamond for a fraction of the cost.

EARTH FRIENDLY

Any mineral resource exploitation causes irreversible damage to the natural environment and mined diamonds are no exception. On average, for every one carat that is mined from the ground, up to 250 tons of earth is removed, 127 gallons of fresh water is used, billions of gallons of water is contaminated with acid mine runoff, 143 pounds of air pollution is emitted, and countless gallons of fossil fuels is consumed*. On the flip side, nurtured diamonds are grown in a lab meaning very little impact to the earth at all.

*Source: Ryan Shearman is the founder and CEO of Aether Diamonds.

MAKE LOVE NOT WAR

At Real Diamonds we believe in all kinds of love, and to support this our diamonds are 100% conflict-free. It makes for an easier conscience, a happier purchase and a true seal of love.

CLEAN CUT PRICING

Basically, you pay for what you get. Mined diamonds have infinite nuances of colour, clarity, cut and carat, which all have an impact on how a mined diamond is priced, making it quite confusing. A one carat mined diamond can be completely different to the next one, whereas nurtured diamonds are manufactured to the same exacting standards time and time again, ensuring consistency and clean-cut pricing.

GENUINE CERTIFICATION

All nurtured diamonds are certified by the exact same standards as mined diamonds.

Contact Real Diamonds for bespoke jewellery creations or for a wide range of off-the-shelf pieces in rose, white or yellow gold with beautifully set nurtured diamonds. Contact info@realdiamonds.co.za or realdiamonds.co.za.

AT HOLDEN MANZ 15-16

OCTOBER

UNCORKED

Saturday & Sunday enjoy wine tasting, scrumptious wagyu burgers & spit roast. Be entertained by music from Neo the saxophonist & band plus more music by DJ StormZ. 11h00-18h00. R220pp.

On Saturday join us for a sumptuous Rosé brunch with unlimited Rothko Rosé. 11h30-14h00. R395pp. Booking essential.

BOOK events@holdenmanz.com

OCTOBER

VODACOM SHOP CELEBRITY GOLF DAY AT VAL DE VIE

Secure your four-ball in the Vodacom Shop Celebrity Golf Day in aid of the Val de Vie Foundation. Spend a glorious day in the company of sport stars and captains of industry on one of South Africa’s top three courses – the Pearl Valley Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course at Val de Vie Estate.

INFO & BOOK marketing@valdevie.co.za

OCTOBER

FRANSCHHOEK CREATES

From the 27th Oct to 3rd Nov – it’s all about the arts in Franschhoek’s valley of dreams. Aesthetes and patrons of the arts, can look forward to ‘Franschhoek Creates’ – a week of curated gallery exhibitions, interactive showcases and a feast of visual storytelling. All are welcome and encouraged to support the immense local talent on display in a week that was created to celebrate all things artisanal, visual and musical.

INFO www.franschhoek.org.za

OCTOBER

A showcase of talented chefs; Riffel Reuben, David Schneider, Darren Badenhorst, Richard Carstens & Chris Erasmus. Five courses, each presented by one of the celebrity chefs with a local artisan/ supplier. Local wine estates will be presented course by course. Arrival canapes by Leopard’s Leap Chef Christiaan & Cap Classique from Haute Cabrière. At Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards.

BOOK www.webtickets.co.za

One of the latest dish creations at Le coin Français is the Chocolate Mushroom, served with a dark chocolate crémeux, dulce mousse, textured brownies, and matcha moss. This dessert was inspired by Chef Darren and Chef Marcus’ first foraging trip together when they came across a Fly Agaric mushroom, which is the same mushroom found in Alice in Wonderland. This inspired them to create a dessert that resembles the whimsical and playful nature of the novel.

BOOK reservations@lecoinfrancais.co.za

reservations@eat-yama.co.za

VARIETAL GLASS SPECIFIC WINE TASTING AT LA MOTTE

Experience varietal characteristics like never before in this informative tasting experience using varietal-specific Riedel stemware for a tasting of the latest La Motte vintages.

Monday to Friday 09h00-17h00. R250 per person. Reservations are essential.

tasting@la-motte.co.za

BOOK 021 876 8820

JOIN US ON THE TERRACE AT LE FRANSCHHOEK HOTEL & SPA

Executive Chef Kyle Norris and his team believe in sustainable, honest and local food that showcases fresh, seasonal ingredients in our Terrace Menu. Come and experience culinary excellence!

reservations@lefranschhoek.co.za

BOOK 021 876 8900

Our picnics are back! Enjoy a beautifully packed picnic box filled with delicious treats and seasonal delights. Book a spot on our lush lawns, in our vineyards, or book a picnic table. Vegetarian and kids picnic boxes are available.

FRANSCHHOEK CULINARY COLLECTIVE

MURA SPECIAL AT YAMA

BOOK 079 737 1849

Enjoy a delicious 20-piece sushi platter for R395 per person and add a Sake tasting for R200 per person.

LE COIN FRANÇAIS

PICNICS AT LABORIE ESTATE

A Lodge with Heart

The Western Cape is home to many breathtaking sites and discovering Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat located at the foothills of the raw beauty of the Cederberg Mountains is no exception. Set over 7500 hectares of private reserve with natural jagged peaks, deep valleys, and home to a South Af rican National Heritage Site holding over 130 examples of ancient Bushman rock art (dating back at least 10,000 years), Bushmanskloof is an exceptional getaway.

The five-star luxury lodge is a member of the familyowned and run Red Carnation Hotel Collection and the loyal, long-serving staff team led by Deputy General Manager, Michel Bouic are testament to this legacy.

Their passion and commitment to the comfort of guests ensure a truly unique Cederberg experience. 14 spacious rooms, two suites and two villas each with private terraces and panoramic wilderness views, set amongst lush, indigenous gardens are individually decorated with handpicked art, décor and antiques, especially selected by Toni Tollman. Heritage furniture and a few family pieces complete the look and celebrate the history and culture of the region.

For something more private and catering for groups and families, Koro Lodge lies in a quiet corner of the reserve.

A restored farmhouse with wide wrap-around terrace and dedicated chef, lodge host and wilderness guide are on hand for the ultimate bespoke escape. This exclusive villa can host up to six adults maximum and four children and is the perfect getaway for those looking for a fully inclusive experience or intimate celebration, with exclusive catering for Halaal and Kosher guests if required.

The cuisine at Bushmans Kloof is simply sublime. From lavish breakfasts to daily afternoon tea laden with the bounty of the organic garden, Executive Chef Wilhelm Maree and his Kitchen Team, create memorable dishes for every meal! But dinners at Bushmans Kloof are the

true show stopper affairs with culinary delights and astounding settings competing for centre stage!

Unforgettable experiences are designed daily – taking weather and season into account – from a la carte menus that include traditional South African “braais” to curated signature dishes served amidst a thousand candles in the spectacular, rustic Kadoro or under a million stars in the unsculptured, unfiltered, natural landscape.

Flame-grilled feasts cooked over open fires, picnics on the banks of the sparkling Boontjies River, romantic dinners or lavish banquets, are just a handful of the extraordinary dining experiences on offer.

The rich, biodiverse landscape is also malaria-free, making it ideal for outdoor fundi’s. Hiking, biking, swimming, canoeing … are just some of the activities.

Sip sundowners at sunset or laze among a blanket of wild flowers while peeking at gemsbok, black wildebeest, the rare Cape zebra and if you are lucky, grab a glimpse of the lesser spotted Cape Mountain leopard. Visitors to the area are spoiled with unique access to the revered and spiritual culture of the Bushmen, who roamed the area for millennia, through the abundant ‘galleries’ of rock art found in caves throughout the reserve. As custodians of these sacred places, the role of care and preservation is taken very seriously. The knowledgeable guides led by Zenobia Van Dyk, who was our exclusive guide during our stay, are fonts of knowledge in all matters historical

and botanical, especially pertaining to the local area and the Cape Province in general.

For guests wanting to wind down, Bushmans Kloof is also home to a peaceful sanctuary spa where one can rejuvenate, restore and replenish with personalised Spa journeys, using internationally recognised eco-brand, Tata Harper and the signature B|Africa products that draw on indigenous flora, from baobab tree oil to Cape aloe and Rooibos.

Bushmans Kloof is deeply committed to safeguarding the fragile ecosystems within the area, implementing energy-saving initiatives assisting conservation efforts such as the annual cedar-tree planting ceremony with the local community to supporting the Cape Leopard Trust and working with Cheetah Outreach to introduce Anatolian sheepdogs to the region, to help protect both cheetah and livestock. The nearby Elizabethfontein Primary School benefits from sponsorship and support too.

Bushmans Kloof offers a wilderness experience entirely unequalled in South Africa. Combining pristine mountain landscapes with indigenous wildlife, The award-winning lodge offers five-star luxury and gracious hospitality, alongside an array of unforgettable experiences. With excellent SA resident rates and packages, there is no better time to make the journey.

bushmanskloof.co.za

Cedar Seedling Nursery BreedsHope for Generations to Come

Arbour week is an annual highlight on the environmental calendar. This year, CapeNature and the Heuningvlei community joined hands in launching the Heuningvlei Cedar Seedling Nursery, in aid of saving the critically endangered cedar tree.

The endemic Clanwilliam cedar tree Widdringtonia cedarbergensis) occurs only in the Cederberg mountains and represents one of a 1 000 surviving conifer species in the world. It grows very slowly, only reaching seed bearing maturity when it is about 20 to 30 years old. Cedar tree restoration efforts started in 1987 and a cedar tree planting event is held every year together with Bushmanskloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat. To date 7 000 to 8 000 seedlings have been planted into the Cederberg Wilderness area.

A bioprospecting initiative driven by the Bodyshop, using a technology called “head spacing”, (whereby the natural scent is extracted and artificially reproduced for fragrances, lotions and soaps), assisted the establishment of the Heuningvlei Cedar Seedling Nursery – made possible

through initial investment by the Bodyshop, CapeNature and Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat. The first nursery of its kind and which will be owned and managed by the vibrant community of Heuningvlei and will actively contribute to supporting the livelihoods of the community. The seedlings will be germinated in the nursery by local community members and when ready, will be sold and planted out during the annual Cedar tree planting season. A hidden gem in the majestic Cederberg mountains, the town of Heuningvlei, epitomises sustainability and this project is a testament to what can be achieved when tourism, conservation and community spirit come together. To find out more about the annual cedar tree planting event https://bushmanskloof.co.za/about/sustainability/cedartree-planing-event.

Constance Moofushi Maldives

A GOURMET DREAM ESCAPE

Settle into a luxury haven perched over a turquoise lagoon, experience barefoot chic and unwind in the overwater villas at Constance Moofushi. In addition to its exceptional setting, top facilities and first-class hospitality, the property is a gastronomic oasis. The variety of excellent menus and drinks make it a true epicurean escape.

The main restaurant, Manta, has been given a new look, using local materials with recycled shells and corks. The renewed food display stations allow the chefs to showcase their work and present live spectacles during decadent breakfasts and sumptuous dinners while interacting with the guests. Expect daily-changing themes at dinner where the Executive Seychellois Chef, Daniel Agathine, and his team of chefs from around the world offer a stunning array of delicious dishes and the sommeliers help you choose the perfect accompanying wine.

At Manta, the whole world is on your plate. You will be spellbound by the appetizing seafood barbecue, sushi, pizzas, Maldivian specialties, Thai-style meats and the perfect cheeseboard. For dessert, homemade ice creams and sorbets accompany the various pastries. From the classics to more surpising flavors, you will want to try it all!

An amazing cocktail selection also awaits you at the cosy and lively Manta Bar for an aperitif or after-dinner drinks.

Right on the beach, the Totem bar is the perfect spot to

enjoy a freshly blended juice or mocktail. Here, healthy and fresh ingredients are the stars. The Totem Wagyu Beef Burger is sublime while the new Fish Burger with dark Sesame Bun is a must try.

A tempting à la carte menu every night like Tuna, freshly caught and cooked to perfection await at Alizée Restaurant. With wave-side tables set right on the beach, you will be lucky to enjoy an exquisite barefoot dinner under the stars.

Positioned as a front-runner in gastronomy and sommellerie in the Indian Ocean, Constance Moofushi epitomizes Constance’s culinary spirit, combining haute cuisine and regularly welcoming renowned chefs to share their passion, ideas and culinary traditions. The resort has also won several awards from The World of Fine Wine for World’s Best Wine Lists as well as from the Wine Spectator in recognition of its cellar, outstanding wine lists and the expertise of its sommeliers.

Constance Moofushi offers all-inclusive stays which

guarantee your peace of mind and a fully lived experience: from your villa on the stilts, the delightful menus concocted by the chefs, access to 125 wines from the cellar, unlimited cocktails and snacks and even meditation sessions on the beach, everything is included. If you are a food enthusiast, be sure to book a ticket for Constance Moofushi.

A private island in Maldives’ South Ari, Atoll, Constance Moofushi is a diving paradise. Just 25 minutes by seaplane from Malé. The eco-resort offers unique experiences, where guests can spot manta rays and dolphins, dine with feet in cool lagoon waters and nighttroll for fish with locals. A ribbon of villas stretch out to sea on stilted jetties, and activities include marine biology talks, beach volleyball, cookery classes, wine tasting and watersports. The Constance Spa offers biomarine treatments overlooking crystal seas.

To book your Constance Moofushi dream escape visit www.constancehotels.com

Thule’s Newest Rooftop Tents

UNPLANNED GETAWAYS

JUST GOT INFINITELY EASIER

An unplanned getaway is one of life’s ultimate freedoms. You can decide on a whim that you want a new adventure – and just go for it. Quite literally.

The newly launched Thule Basin and Thule Basin Wedge are the latest in the Swedish brand’s range of Rooftop Tents, which are a gamechanger for (lastminute) travel. No need to worry about flight or accommodation availability.

With Thule’s new rooftop tents as part of your camping arsenal, you can aim to leave one afternoon and be all set.

The Thule Basin and Thule Basin Wedge are musts for adventure camping. The Thule Basin is a hard-shell rooftop tent that automatically deploys and pops straight up to provide a spacious living area.

These two-person rooftop tents double as cargo carriers, saving you space in the car for your gear. Both tents offer super quick set up – they go from closed to ready for use in just under one minute! This means more time exploring and less time setting up camp.

Flexibility and safety as top priorities. The ultimate hybrid system: simply use the patented canopy zipper system to convert the tents to cargo carriers. The easy to install mounting brackets securely lock the tents to your vehicle – plus it takes half the time to install.

Once installed, simply open one side of the tents for easy access or release both ends to open them up as rooftop tents. Just use the ladder on either side of the tents to get up and down.

The insulated roof helps to control the temperature inside the tents and reduce noise- ideal for naps under the trees or at night. Comfort is essential for Thule. These tents are waterproof and durable, thanks to the breathable cotton and polyester canopy – so you’re safe from the elements and any roaming animals. Both tents offer a ‘sleeping footprint’ of 206cm x 109cm, and a foam mattress with a removable cover. Now, all you just need to decide is on the shape that best suits your lifestyle.