The Month October 2013 by The Month

the month the

OCTOBER 2013

enjoyed where wine is

MAKE THE WINELANDS YOUR PLAYGROUND!

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in my OPINION opinion

about our front page Our stunning cover photo this month was taken by Wessel Badenhorst (wessel@ ajr.za.net), at the ever-impressive Val de Vie Wine and Polo Estate between Franschhoek and Paarl. The Val de Vie polo season starts on the 5th of October, with the first polo event for the season, the fourth BlackBerry Pink Polo th tournament, on the 26 of October. Don’t wait until then, however, to visit the estate, as the Polo Club Restaurant is open Tuesday to Sunday and their award winning wines, delicious meals and the magnificent views overlooking the perfectly manicured polo fields are always sure to please. In fact, the restaurant is the perfect place to end the week, with cocktails and dinner specials forming part of their Sunset Fridays, from 6pm - 9pm. Polo is played in the late afternoon, usually at 5pm, four times a week on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays with polo lessons on a Thursday (info@valdevie.co.za).

Snow Joke!

ith the return to school of many in the Winelands on the 1st of October, I’ve been hard-pressed to find anything to endear the month to me, this year. In the past I’ve looked forward to the promise of warmer weather, but with snow visible from the office of The Month as I type, the only heat I’m interested in is from the fireplace, or a decent Cognac… Of course, here at The Month, we make it our job to find endearing things to share with you, so in the pages that follow there are many to warm your heart, so ‘Don’t Panic’, to quote Douglas Adams, it’s not all doom-andgloom! Add to that the fact that October will see many Christmas cakes doing time in the oven, and in my house that means a bottle of Cognac or two for good measure, and there is certainly a lot to look forward to. We start this month in the company of Douglas Rogers, author of ‘The Last Resort’ and an inviting exhibitor of that always intriguing concept, ‘the human spirit’. He appears at the Cape Town One&Only early in October, where he speaks of his family’s experience as white farmers under the oppressive rule of Robert Mugabe. His talk is a ‘must’ on any list of things to do this month. Our team at the Vineyard Connection takes a look at the story behind a number of interesting wine labels, with some wine recommendations to boot and we follow that with our own take on the ‘Chinese Connection’ as we revisit the sale of the Val de Vie winery and vineyards to the Chinese group, Perfect China, and drink some local wines, made specifically for the Chinese palate. Sticking to the international theme, we join Sunil Krishnan for the 1st birthday celebrations of Moksh Indian Restaurant in Paarl, and discover that authentic Indian cuisine is best left to Sunil’s authentic Indian chefs.

Conscious of your waistlines, we get some help from Franschhoek-based fitness fanatic and personal trainer, Kristy Jolliffe, whose low-carb meal ideas are wonderfully simple and tasty too. We visit two world class wine destinations to enjoy the food of the Restaurant at Newton Johnson, and a little pampering at the Lanzerac Spa, respectively, and leave both fully sated and hungry for more. Feiran Griede heads to Croatia and returns with a lot less money, thoughts of cheese and chestnut omelettes and our double page travel feature, while I take Jim Waite to visit Dana Buys at Vrede en Lust, hoping to convince Dana to take him off my hands and to get to grips with the innovative businessman’s latest venture, PageMan. Entrepreneurs, marketing people and anyone with a vested interest in selling a product or service would do well to read our ‘Real Page-Turner’ piece. Jim returns to the office, however, to review the book ‘Bike, The Longer Road’, by Greg Beadle and gets distracted by going topless, travelling to Chokas Mar and battling to pronounce Xai-Xai. For company, Jim is joined by our guest-writer, Michelle Purchase, who manages all of five minutes with him before she heads for the comparatively normal world of the Rocky Horror Show. To conclude this edition of The Month, we’ve filled the pages of our What’s On? guide with all the things we’d love to do this month, and if you end up doing them too, we hope to bump into each other. In the meantime, enjoy the read!

The lovely photos to support our Hermanus travel feature in September were courtesy of Hermanus Tourism and Evan of www.africanwings.co.za Feel free to contact him on 0825557605

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Roger(s) That! The Month spends some time at The Last Resort, and pulls back the covers on the memoirs of a family under siege.

imbabwean-born, Douglas Rogers, is a renowned author and travel journalist whose novel, ‘The Last Resort’, has won him critical acclaim and heartfelt support since it was first published in 2009. We took some time to learn more of this remarkable man and his family’s story about life in Zimbabwe. Rogers is the son of a white farming family intent on “sticking it out” during the long and tense transition from colonial rule to that under Robert Mugabe. A product of the Prince Edward School, and later a recipient of a journalism degree from Rhodes, Rogers was destined to be a farmer in the Umtali region (now called Mutare), until he bucked the family trend and chose, instead, to travel the world and earn a living by documenting his experiences. With a stint as a newspaper reporter in Jo’burg in the early ‘90s, time at Radio 702 and extensive coverage of the ’94 elections for a number of publications, it was his move to the UK in that year that brought him into the international limelight. Since his first travel piece, about hitch-hiking down the coastline of Mozambique,

for the Sunday Telegraph in 1997, he has visited almost 50 countries and now writes regularly for Travel & Leisure magazine in the US, and the Daily Telegraph and the Guardian in the UK. His articles have also appeared in the Los Angeles Times, the New York Post, the Washington Post magazine, Conde Nast Traveler, El Mundo, the Sydney Morning Herald, the London Times and the National Geographic Traveler. But it’s his 2009 part-memoir, part-travelogue, ‘The Last Resort’, that struck a chord with many expat Zimbabweans and those familiar with oppression, all over the world – particularly here in the Winelands, where many are able to trace familial roots to the farming stock of then Rhodesia.

home he was confronted with “something resembling a Marx Brothers romp crossed with Heart of Darkness: pot had supplanted maize in the fields; hookers had replaced college kids as guests; and soldiers, spies, and teenage diamond dealers guzzled beer at the bar.” In the book, Rogers tells the story of the resolve of his parents, as well as their friends, farmworkers, lodge guests and residents (both black and white), political dissidents and white refugee farmers, painting a picture of resolute hope, no matter the cost. In person, Rogers exudes much of the same trait, and yet, in the flesh, there’s an added sense that he’s intimately human and disarmingly vulnerable. An experience of what is in all respects a very hard life, has made him wonderfully

Rogers exudes much of the same trait, and yet, in the flesh, there’s an added sense that he’s intimately human and

disarmingly vulnerable.

When Robert Mugabe embarked on a violent program to redistribute white-owned land, often to his cronies, Lyn and Ros Rogers (Douglas’s parents) were very much in his sights. Their thriving ‘Drifters’ game farm and backpackers’ lodge in the eastern mountains was one of the most popular budget resorts in the country and a darling of the ‘Lonely Planet’ guide. Soon Lyn and Ros found themselves, literally, under siege, with their friends and neighbours expelled, and their lives in danger. On Roger’s return to his family

malleable. Looking into Rogers’ eyes, there’s an unmistakable reflection of the pain of experience, and the wisdom that goes with it. What stands out though, both when interacting with him and in his writing, is his belief in the potential of Zimbabwe and all people. Douglas Rogers will be speaking at Reuben’s at the One&Only, Cape Town, on the 6th of October. See capetown.oneandonlyresorts.com for details.

the month

WINE

t a T k h o i s o ! L The Vineyard Connection team suggests that sometimes is OK to judge a wine by its label…

e all know that the appeal of art and design are subjective. You might enjoy a Jackson Pollock, but not a Rembrandt; or prefer the colour blue, but not yellow. Our reaction to visuals and imagery is instantaneous and the power of simply ‘catching a glimpse’ remains effective – even in a world bombarded with stimuli. Wine packaging is no different, and at The Vineyard Connection we always get excited when discovering a beautiful new label. Many of our shop visitors stand mesmerised as they try to navigate the hundreds of different designs and typography, so having something that catches the eye in our liquid art gallery, if you will, is always worth sharing. In the last 15 years, there seems to be a push for collaboration between graphic designers and wine estates. Rohan Etsebeth started Fanakalo Studios, with his fellow art school graduates, and it’s clear that they’ve found a niche in the Swartland, with names such as Sadie, Porseleinberg, Alheit and Filia commissioning them for work. “We consciously try not to follow trends,” says Rohan, “but it’s inevitable to let our taste and the trends of the bigger design world play a strong part in what our work looks like. Ultimately we

try to convey a winery or winemaker’s personality through the packaging of the wine on offer. The trends do, of course, play a big role in what the visual execution ends up like, but I guess we are influenced more by global design trends than wine packaging trends. Looking back on what wine labels have shaped the wine industry in the past decade, South Africa has been more conservative than a lot of wine label designs abroad. The New World wine countries, specifically, have been designing much more creative and less terroir-family-crest-orientated wine labels.” Obviously packaging is not just something pretty to look at. It talks to us from where it sits on the shelf. It might be serious, modern, cheerful, classic, humorous, Avant Garde or impartial; much like the person who will buy the bottle and consume it later that evening. So with this in mind, we chose a few very different labels, and found out what made the winemaker go with that specific design.

Hermit on the Hill “The Infidel” – “Avante Garde with a touch of humour” - R81 “A label is often the first contact a consumer has with a bottle of wine, and should communicate the philosophy of the producer, or maybe even insinuate what the consumer can expect to find in his glass. This can range from labels steeped in tradition and heritage, to wines that promise some fun and frivolity. When we made the Hermit on the Hill The Infidel 2012 Naturally Fermented Sauvignon Blanc, we set out to be different in our approach to winemaking. As such, we decided that the label also had to carry through this message, that this is an out-of-the-ordinary, breaking-the-mould type of wine. The wine was made by throwing all the traditional rules of Sauvignon Blanc production out the window, and this reminded me of Dada - an artistic (non-)movement with only one rule: “Never follow any rules.”

Lothian Riesling - “Old European retrospective” - R80 Reminiscent of the typography designs found on bottles from the Rhine Valley, Germany. Ewan Wilson says: “The Lothian Vineyards labels are quite old fashioned, mainly using plain paper. The Riesling label uses our family Coat of Arms which

OCTOBER 2013

was adapted to look like a traditional hock label and it is distinct from our Pinot Noir and Chardonnay packaging. The coat of arms gets matriculated every three or so generations by the Lord Lyon of Scotland. The last time, around 1930, was by our grandfather, George Lothian Wilson. He was in the muslin business and this why there are weaving shuttles on the shield.”

Druk my Niet T3 - “The modern minimalist” - R398 “We love the element of mystery. The packaging is dark and minimal with the T3 the only typography visible. The blend is born from the idea to plant and craft varieties which are most suited to the hot Paarl summers and is unique in the world, bringing together the three Ts: Tempranillo from Spain, Tinta Amarella from Portugal and Tannat from South West France, which all prosper under harsh hot conditions.”

Ashbourne Red - “Classic, detailed and serious.” - R310 This classic, elegant label shows tradition with a long established history, similar to the Chateaux of Bordeaux. “Lord Ashbourne, Anthony Hamilton Russell’s great, great grandfather, was Lord Chancellor for Ireland in the late 1800s. The house on the label is Anthony’s home, Braemar, built in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley the year he planted the first vineyard for Ashbourne. Ashbourne wines do not carry the varieties on the label as a statement of Anthony’s belief that the varieties are more a medium for expressing the character of the site and soil, than the site and soil are for expressing the character of the varieties.”

Rickety Bridge Foundation Stone - “Vintage with contemporary flair” - TBC Designed by the gents at Fanakalo. “Royal blue, gold and cream were used in the previous label. A number of small Victorian details in the frame give it the Rickety Bridge feel. The grapes are all hand-picked and matured in large oval French oak barrels, and this is reflected in the cellar illustrations at the bottom of the label. The winemaker’s two Ridgebacks watch over him while he works on a barrel. The middle part draws inspiration from elements of the old bridge. The barcode sits on the Rickety Bridge farm truck with a case of wine being stacked on-top.”

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for

The Editor enjoys a taste of China in the heart of the Winelands

ith the recent purchase of the Val de Vie winery and vineyards by Perfect China (reported widely in the popular press in August, and discussed in our September edition), there is a renewed focus locally on the influence of the Chinese palate on the world of wine. But what of it? The Editor considers the possible implications over a bottle of L’Huguenot Shiraz… It’s late afternoon in the Winelands; I’m sitting alone at a table in the Polo Club Restaurant at Val de Vie with a glass of L’Huguenot Shiraz in one hand and the business card of Woo Swee Lian in the other. Woo is the President of Perfect China and an hour earlier we’d shared a table and an animated discussion about the Chinese approach to wine. He’s a straight talker, is Woo, complimentary of South Africa and South Africans and excited about the promise of a measurable return the Perfect China investment in Val de Vie and the L’Huguenot label is likely to yield. With an expected production of 1.5 million bottles of L’Huguenot wine in 2014, I didn’t need an interpreter to make sense of the excitement. The Chinese, it seems, like South African wine – but why is that? An interesting answer, I believe, lies in this seemingly unrelated comment from Alun Griffiths MW, the new international director for Beijing’s VATS Liquor and former Berry Bros & Rudd buying director. In an interview with The Drinks Business (thedrinksbusiness.com) a couple of months back, Griffiths identified wines from Spain, and reds from the Languedoc, as particularly attractive to the Chinese. The Drinks Business has him saying: “They like soft red wines, they don’t like high acid wines, with a bit of richness on the palate.” Think a sweet red with a bit of residual sugar – which is why Griffiths opts for the warmth of Spain, or the Languedoc. To those who frequent the

Western Cape Winelands, he may just have well added South Africa; and South African Shiraz in particular. Griffiths goes on to comment on another interesting determinant when it comes to the overt love-affair the Chinese seem to have with French wines. “The Chinese consumer likes a story, and it’s not surprising that France has almost half the market… there is a history behind Burgundy and Bordeaux; there’s a story behind the châteaux.” And without meaning any disrespect to the Spaniards, they’ve always been just too close to the French geographically, and too far behind them oenologically, for their ‘stories’ to hold a candle to those of the French. Our ‘stories’, on the other hand, are far from the madding French crowd, and as a result, rather enticing. More than that, for those who understand the reality of oppression, and the promise of liberation, our wine stories turn every vinous mouthful into an opportunity for a vicarious taste of freedom. It’s no wonder then that the Chinese like South African wine. I pause for a moment, looking up from my notebook to take in the view from the Polo Club Restaurant over the lush green of the Val de Vie polo field, and pour another glass of L’Huguenot Shiraz. As I scroll through the pics I’d snapped earlier, I re-read the line above about that “vicarious taste of success”. The danger, I guess, is that at some point that ‘vicarious taste of success’ may become simply a ‘taste of success’. I certainly don’t want to suggest that counties such as China should be dependent on us ad infinitum, whether for wine or our stories, but I do wonder how long it’ll be before the ‘Made For…’ label is replaced by a ‘Made In…’ one. I call a wine steward over and point to the back label of the L’Huguenot bottle. It’s almost entirely in Chinese. “Do you know what this says?” I ask facetiously. “No, Sir,” she smiles, “but jiāng nǐ xiǎng hē diǎn?” she asks, “can I pour you something (more) to drink?”

WINE

L’Huguenot Shiraz 2010 This is an interesting take on a South African variety that is initially jarring in its atypical bouquet and palate, but is that is nonetheless recognisable as overtly South African. All the expected uncomplicated Shiraz characteristics are there: dark fruit on the nose, with a little white pepper and spice; more dark and red fruit are evident upfront on the palate with a sense of alcohol (although at 13.5% it’s ‘light’ by local standards) and more than a hint of sweetness. The finish is surprisingly short, but pleasing. What was unexpected was the hint of age on the nose that had me thinking of a musty cellar, or mossy courtyard. While not unpleasant, it was unexpected and the kind of thing I don’t think many South African wine drinkers would get terribly excited about. This is definitely a wine crafted to exploit the Chinese perception of a good wine. The other aspect that took a second glass to get used to (and a third to fully appreciate…) was the fact that the wine gives the impression of being well-integrated, despite being relatively young, and strikes me as ‘lithe’ rather than ‘full-bodied’ – which is just as well when you’re likely to knock back a few glasses. It’s a clever red, when you consider who it’s aimed at and a testimony to the clever business the L’Huguenot brand has proved, and will continue to prove, to be.

The L’Huguenot wines are not available locally for tasting, and I am indebted to the team at La Motte/Leopards Leap for kindly letting me loose on a couple of bottles of their current export stock.

Wine & Stud Estate

“ We look forward to warmly welcoming you to our piece of heaven on earth.” T: 021 200 2537 E: info@brenaissance.co.za W: www.brenaissance.co.za

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RESTAURANT REVIEW

the month

I Can Get Some… The Editor gets hot, but not bothered, at Moksh Indian Restaurant in Paarl, again.

t’s hard to believe that Sunil Krishnan opened his Moksh Indian Restaurant in Paarl a year ago. At the time I was happy to report that the friendly staff and tasty food (even the really hot stuff ) were a good start. I was, however, hesitant to go out on a limb – whether chicken or otherwise – and suggest that Moksh was able to live up to the meaning of its name, to ‘attain the highest level of satisfaction’. Claims like that are best proved by time, not the Scoville scale. Now, a year later, I’m inching out a little further out, with another serving of praise for the efforts of Sunil and his team. And not only have they raised the bar, they’ve dropped their prices, in celebration of the year past and the future that lies ahead. The food: Moksh is about Indian food. Authentic Indian food; whether mild, medium or hot. Well-known Indian menu items, such as samosas, chilli bites (spelled ‘chilly bites’ on the menu…), Naan breads and meat dishes push the extensive menu to six pages – excluding the drinks list, and it’s difficult to pick out a favourite to highlight. If you’re into Indian food, you’ll probably be tempted by most of everything you see. Be warned though, practically everything is prepped on site and to order, so you’ll need to allow for about half an hour for

OCTOBER 2013

your mains order to arrive. I tried the veg and chicken curries as part of their popular Sunday Lunch Buffet offering (and added some chopped chili to both as the buffet options are served relatively mild) – both were good enough to see me head back for more. I tend to avoid fish at buffets, but my dining companion enjoyed hers and was particularly complimentary of the Naan bread.

I guess it’s to be expected when the chef is an Indian from India – not Durban That’s quite something from an avowed ‘low carb diet’ follower. Add sambals, popadoms and some delicious pickles to the mix and I can see why the restaurant was relatively full and the staff kept busy for most of the time. The service: Staff are make or break, really; and, while it’s not quite the Hilton, I can see that Sunil is well-aware

of this. While I did need to ask once or twice for dish descriptions to be repeated (I guess it’s to be expected when the chef is an Indian from India – not Durban), and I’m still not entirely sure that I was supposed to eat the hot spicy seed-thing off the table – rather than just look at it, the staff went out of their way to make the afternoon pleasant and relaxed. That they’re relatively relaxed makes Moksh a decent family venue, especially if you’re not trying to fly through lunch or if you have a lively five-year-old in tow… The location: Moksh is, for me, a fair indoor venue. It’s uncomplicated (which is great when you’re likely to drop the odd bit of vindaloo or prawn kadai on the tablecloth) and spacious enough to make a private dinner possible. The food’s the focus though, as I guess it always will be. There is a small courtyard on the ground floor that remains popular with the lunchtime regulars, but given the vagaries of the weather I’m happy to vouch for the indoors. The specials: Of particular interest this month is the current 1st birthday celebration – which for R150 allows two people to enjoy the Sunday lunch buffet mentioned above (it’s usually that price for one!). The buffet includes three starters, veg and various meat curries, salads and dessert. Price-wise it’s almost too good to be true. The verdict: Given the 1st birthday prices, the choice of dishes, and the limited competition, Moksh continues to deliver on Sunil’s vision to be the hottest venue for Indian cuisine in Paarl. Visit Moksh online at MokshRestaurant.co.za

the month

FOOD & WINE

You can’t ask for a more cohesively perfect team - and this amazing blend of talent, experience and passion for wine shines through in each mouthful

Heaven!

Ryan Lawrence is blown away by ‘The Restaurant at Newton Johnson’ Chef Eric enjoys a

e and Louise

break with Celest

nly 7km along the picturesque drive into the Hemel-enAarde valley, just off the R43 before Hermanus, lies the award winning wine farm, Newton Johnson. While there are many great wine producing farms along this stretch of road, Newton Johnson stands out for me. Perhaps it’s the strong family involvement in their operation or their truly ethical approach to all matters ecological that constantly crack the nod. Then again, more fundamentally, perhaps it’s just that they produce simply excellent wine! Uncorked as Newton Johnson wines, back in 1997, when Dave and Felicity Johnson (already deeply involved and highly experienced wine producers) were joined by their two sons, Bevan and Gordan. Bevan is today a master wine promoter, and the marketing and managing director at Newton Johnson, while Gordon is their wine maker extraordinaire. His wife, Nadia, has since joined the team and together they create unbelievable 5-star wines. You can’t ask for a more cohesively perfect team - and this amazing blend of talent, experience and true passion for wine shines though in each mouthful and, believe me, every bottle. All the farming practices at Newton Johnson are sustainable and environmentally friendly, and this overtly evident on the palate when doing a wine tasting in their tasting room. A venue, incidentally, which I guarantee has the best view in the valley. As if the wines and that view were not enough, there’s a restaurant too. Not just any restaurant, this is The Restaurant at Newton Johnson, a highly awaited new venture by renowned chef Eric Bulpitt (formally of the Roundhouse and Jardines). I recently had the privilege of joining a double handful of guests at the pre-opening of The Restaurant and, as Hermanus residents will tell you, locals don’t need a second invitation if there a reason to dress up.

Although the pre-opening was an informal and casual affair, Chef Eric’s team and his fiancée, Celeste, blew us all away with a number of scrumptious delights, with wines to match. While far from pretentious, the thought and effort that had gone into every detail relating to the evening bodes well for the future. We were welcomed with a glass of the new season’s Felicite rosé, followed by beautifully rolled fresh risotto cakes and canapés of duck parfait. With our glasses charged by Celeste and Bevan, the generously portioned starters were served and included a confit duck leg rolled and served with aubergine, roasted beets and a spicy dressing or a beautifully presented pea velouté with radish, carrots, wild herbs and bulrush. Interestingly the wild herbs and bulrushes were foraged by Danish master forager and chef, Thomas Laursen, who is on a roaming sabbatical from Noma in Denmark. This was a subtle, pleasing aspect to the plate, incorporating the essence of what this restaurant aims to achieve. Our main course was equally special, with a choice of root vegetables with Huguenot cheese and hazelnuts or a beef rib-eye with onions and leeks - pickled, fried and roasted. The entire experience was remarkably memorable and could only be topped by the delectable selection of wines that flowed throughout the afternoon; my favourite being the 5-star Newton Johnson Family Vineyards Pinot Noir. The Hemel-en-Aarde valley has a well balanced, full-bodied flavour explosion waiting for you at Newton Johnson vineyards and The Restaurant at Newton Johnson, with lingering tones of brilliance and all round satisfaction. Photographs supplied by Emilia Knight: Cell: 076 837 4231

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OPINION TRAVEL

the month

Feiran Griede heads to the Adriatic and finds sailing the most expensive way to travel 3rd class

fter my near-death experience in the Richtersveld, I’d sworn to give ‘out of my comfort zone’ experiences a miss for a while. But no sooner had I made a rather funny joke about the Editor’s dress sense, than he was on the phone putting me at the mercy of the elements once again. I was to explore the west coast of Croatia’s Istrian peninsula by boat, he said – and so set off with little more than a hastily-acquired skipper’s licence, a basic understanding of map reading, a cell phone weather app and directions to a marina in Pula, the peninsula’s most southerly port. You’ll be surprised at how well-behaved the drivers are (always passing right) but irritated to spend R8 at the motorway service stations to ‘spend a penny’. Signage is generally good, even if vowels appear optional in most Croatian place names (carrying the nearest place at the bottom of the sign, not the top) and wine by the glass is a paltry 100ml - not the generous 190ml you’re used to back home. Still, by and large, the Croatian people are friendly and hospitable, will insist you try their local ham, cheese and chestnut omelette speciality (which is, in a word, interesting...) and seem little fazed at the future opportunities offered as the European Union’s newest member. After some basic paperwork in the marina, I am shown around my transport and hotel for the next seven days – a 32-foot Bavaria single hull - given some maps of the Adriatic in German, and sent on my way with a shrug

OCTOBER 2013

and a smile. Istria, I learn, was formerly known by its Latin name, Histria, and is the largest peninsula in the Adriatic Sea. “The ‘bilge pump’, Sir – when would I use that?” I ask. “When you’re sinking,” comes the deadpan reply from the burly ex-army deckhand who spat in the water when I mentioned I had one or two Serbian friends back in Cape Town. Like 4x4-ing, sailing lures one with the notion of discovery and has its experts, novices and a whole spectrum of die-hards in between, either busy doing essential things like tidying their ‘sheets’, ‘flaking’ their sails, adjusting their mooring lines or, like me, opening a bottle of Dornberg Pinot Noir from Slovenia, enjoying the sunset and wondering what all the fuss is about. It takes me until 4am to realise what all the fuss is about as I’m woken to a middle-of-the-night rain storm, bedding soaked through and no longer wondering where the expression ‘batten down the hatches’ comes from. But I digress… A little anxious, I decide to first do local – and on land. Pula’s claim to fame is that it’s home to one of the largest, most complete, still-standing Roman Amphitheatres. Built in the first century to house 23,000 gladiator spectators, it’s an impressive sight and stands near to one of the original Roman gates marking the entrance to the ‘old town’ where bars, cafes and restaurants offer an innocent, almost immature, approach to tourism evident in their non-understanding of the first rule of service; that the answer is always ‘yes’ – but nice enough. Anchors away on day two and further up the coast is beautiful Porec, another harbour town with a small, busy, well-preserved core of Roman streets. The Istrian towns I saw all had fascinating old buildings, narrow streets (with washing lines between), enticing market places and an opportunity to eat al fresco everywhere. Yet, happy to be on terra-firma, I realise that sailing is like extreme camping - not for the faint-hearted. What appears to the outside world like a toothpaste advert full of beautiful, tanned people enjoying themselves - is actually seriously hard work. Yes, the rewards are there, but danger lurks under every innocent term: draft, depth, current, tide, swell. Knowing well The Month’s way to confront fear is to embrace good food and wine, I opt to try one of Porec’s fine restaurants – and am enticed in with, well, large

the month

TRAVEL

What appears to the outside world like a toothpaste advert - full of beautiful, tanned people enjoying themselves - is actually seriously hard work

pixelated pictures of plated food! Look, I’ve criticised The Month’s official photographer on more than one occasion but here he’s desperately needed. Still, home to the striking Basilica of Euphrasius with uncovered mosaics that date back to the 4th century, and a 16th century bell tower that affords views for miles around, it is a beautiful place if you can avoid the attentions of a handful of dodgy t-shirt salesmen.

If Pula is 1-ply and Porec 2, Rovinj is decidedly 3-ply, with puppy-patterns. Visually prominent, the old town juts from the Istrian coastline with some panache and, since it was once under Italian control, many locals are bi-lingual artists, gallery or boutique shop owners. Clearly the favoured haunt of the Istrian locals who can be seen (often nakedly) tanning on the rocks surrounding the small neck of land, it’s a notch up on the rest in its historical, gourmet, art and retail offerings – and a ‘must see’ for any visitor. Pacing the cobbled streets with ice-cream in hand or admiring the luxury super-yachts in the harbour is a fitting end to any summer’s day. The Istrian peninsula of Croatia remains a rural place – there are only 4 million people in the whole country – with few roads and little evident need of a Police presence. The place is clean and the people unaffected and, whether they want it or not (and the overwhelming feeling is that they don’t), tourism is coming their way in big numbers. Across the water, Venice is twice the price and twice as busy.

With just 1000 words to play with however, it’s difficult to do the place justice – except to say that, steeped in history, Istria’s appeal is to the discerning traveller with time on his hands who comes well-prepared for the quirks that go with Croatia becoming Europe’s newest addition to the tourist menu. And by boat? Well, as Buzzy Trent says, “waves are not measured in feet or inches, they are measured in increments of fear,” so with stronger sea legs perhaps, I’ll consider a return trip to this fascinating place next year and let you know!

the month

OPINION

the month

We want to get rid of posters, not newspapers!

A Real Page Turner The Editor is introduced to a likely turning point in the local marketing industry, PageMan

“H

ave a look at this!” yelled the Publisher a week or two back, “This is going to be the death of us!” I’m used to his rants, so I’ll admit that I didn’t give it much thought until I heard the repetitive thud of Jim Waite’s head knocking the paper-thin wall that separates the entirely inappropriately named ‘interview room’ from my office. Thud, went the wall; brrr went the pencil in the cup on my desk. (Ever since the rolling blackouts Eskom used to wring a little sympathy from us, I keep a pencil as a backup word processor.) Thud; brr. Thud; brrr. The death of us, no – but the death of Waite, I began to hope so… “What the…!” I burst in on Jim. His red eyes met my angry gaze without energy and seemed to suck what fight I had from me in an instant. “It’s the end of the world as we know it, Ed,” he sighed, “I tell you, for once the Publisher has it right.” The ‘it’ turned out to be PageMan, a possibly revolutionary, and certainly very clever new marketing product from one of my favourite local businessmen, Dana Buys, the owner of the Vrede en Lust wine farm. In a nutshell, the PageMan concept is an advert on steroids. At first glance I felt inclined to agree with both Jim and the Publisher – something that has never happened simultaneously – PageMan may well spell the end of print media as we know it, I thought. In need of answers, inspiration and a drink, I bundled Jim into the company car and headed out to catch Dana at Vrede en Lust’s new ‘Bistro & Bakery’.

“We want to get rid of posters, not newspapers!” laughed Dana, “and yes, I’ll take few ads to prove it.” Did I mention that he’s one of my favourite local businessmen? Turns out that PageMan runs on specifically configured Android devices, running ad campaigns targeted at people likely to frequent a particular venue, such as a wine estate tasting room or a retail outlet. The Month is certainly not under attack, but if we had any cents we’d be well-advised to run a couple of campaigns of our own, Dana concluded. One of the really useful aspects of the concept is PageMan’s ability to run a time-specific campaign, to highlight an upcoming event, such as Mother’s Day perhaps, and then adjust the campaign to maximise its impact in the run-up to the event, on the day of the event and then after it too. It’s far more enticing and effective than a poster, that’s for sure. While the PageMan app currently records statistics such as which images or videos were shown where and when within a campaign, a future addition will be the ability to interact with the ads and the user-specific data generated as a result will make for an extremely powerful tool. Dana demonstrated Vrede en Lust’s PageMan setup to me, where they have three screens in the tasting room and another in the hospitality office. There are no external ads running in those venues, rather Vrede en Lust products, such as their accommodation offering, wedding and events info and wines, are highlighted using audio, video and text. The concept has proved

itself Dana informed me and the next logical step is to place similar devices in a retail outlet to get his brand’s very specific message across. “Let’s say a brand owner, such as Vrede en Lust, wants to add an Android tablet to a wine display at Makro, say. We’d control the device and schedule completely, and have every opportunity to share a very specific, yet entirely dynamic, message with shoppers. There’s no other system that allows for such a level of control, without limiting the content that is quite so simple to use.” And it’s not just in shops that were likely to be exposed to the PageMan’s message. A large property group, Dana informed me, is currently working to harness the PageMan offering to give their clients a lot more information about their local and international properties than the little photos currently in use. While external ads are not really PageMan’s main focus, more than 200 screens will soon be deployed at key airports and in this case the Airports Company will sell ads and manage the process. I see entrepreneurs and marketing companies lining up for this one… If you’d like more information about PageMan visit them online at PageMan.com, but hurry! Jim Waite has already done some sums on his calculator watch and determined that it’s best to be on the early uptake with this one. No doubt the Publisher will be getting Waite’s resignation letter soon and a sales pitch to run an ad campaign with his new-found venture.

+27 (21) 862 4525 tanya@mellasat.com www.mellasat.com

Presents

The Pop-Up Restaurant A ﬁne dining experience

SEPTEMBER2013 OCTOBER 2013

Sat 2 nd Nov 12:00 – 15:00, 18:00 – 21:30 Sun 3 rd Nov 12:00 – 15:00

always dreamt of having a veggie garden where the vegetables would tower over my children as they walked down the paths, enticing them with a smorgasbord of flavours and smells. And there really is a lot of power in the mantra of choosing the life you would like to lead. Although my children are growing rapidly and the new veggie garden is not, as yet, towering over them, I still garner such satisfaction from watching my fussy ‘I-don’t-eat-vegetables’ 4-year-old picking fresh mange tout by the handfuls and happily crunching all their sweet nutritious goodness right there in the garden. I was amazed to find out from a local organic farmer that although a national supermarket chain was buying her produce to sell at the local store, the poor veggies had to travel 300km to the nearest city and its distribution depot and then back again before landing up in the local store’s display fridge. Instead of travelling 15km from farm to shop, they were travelling 600km just because they had to be part of the formalised distribution process. Crazy, but true especially when those lovingly grown organic veggies would have lost most of their nutrition on the journey. Veggies only have a set amount of nutrients and begin losing them the minute they are harvested as they consume their own nutrients to stay alive. The shorter the distance between farm and fork, the better. My joy is multiplied when I see my children eating straight out the garden, because the distance for nutrients to travel is merely from hand to mouth! I would far rather wander down the paths of a veggie garden with all its interesting diversions than down the aisles of a supermarket and ITS diversions with two small children. You don’t live in the country? Well, you can grow them on a stoep in a high rise flat - all you need is a few containers and a sunny spot. Plants basically need good soil, sunlight and water and remember, plants thrive on a whole lot of love. Growing your own veggies in the city is all about your choice to do so. The benefits to your family in terms of nutrition and less exposure to pesticides are marked, plus you’ll be doing your bit for the planet by not supporting the pesticide infused agricultural system which takes its toll on local ecosystems. Don’t wait; go dig out those old gardening gloves and try out your green fingers. When on holiday or eating out, there are establishments around the country that have committed to growing organic food not only for themselves, but for their guests too. Let’s take a quick tour from Gansbaai to Hoedspruit for a virtual visit with some veggie growing guest houses. Farm 215 is a private nature reserve in an undisturbed valley between Stanford and Cape Agulhas in the

the month

advertising GO GREEN

n w o r g e m o H eshness comes fr n ia Rh s t s e g first, sug Berning

Veggies only have a set amount of nutrients and begin losing them the minute they are harvested Overberg. In the reserve is a small-scale sustainable and strictly laid-back guesthouse offering tranquillity and an overpowering sense of space. Besides their many ethical practices which include planting trees for tourism and empowering the local community, guests are also treated to fresh organic produce grown right there on Farm 215. Sounds to me like a truly healthy break from the city. Further up the coast in the heart of the Garden Route is Fynbos Ridge Private Nature Reserve with a guest house and self-catering cottages set in the fragrant fynbos and spectacular views of the Tsitsikamma mountains. Delicious dining and alfresco breakfasts are available or they invite you to pick your very own salad from their organic vegetable garden. A holiday treat that is indeed good for the body and soul, to be enjoyed with a clear conscience.

Skipping straight to the bushveld, you’ll find Garonga Safari Camp, an eco friendly oasis for the discerning visitor. Situated in the greater Makalali Conservancy west of the Kruger National Park, this unassuming sanctuary promises an intimate wildlife encounter in an unhurried environment where you can unwind, sleep deeply and be yourself. Yes, you better believe it, they too grow their own organic vegetables in that dark red soil and serve the bounty to all their guests. With Spring finally in the air may you feel inspired to grow your own food, eat your own food and support the places that do the same. For more information on places growing or serving organic food go to www.ecoatlas.co.za and if you book to stay at Farm 215 through the Eco Atlas site for the month of October, you will receive a 30% discount on your entire stay.

Monneaux Restaurant at the Franschhoek Country House & Villas

MONNEAUX RESTAURANT • FRANSCHHOEK COUNTRY HOUSE & VILLAS Tel: +27 (0)21 876 3386 • email: info@fch.co.za

For more information visit our website at www.fch.co.za

the month

girls’ trends

Summer! Slim Down For

Franschhoek Fitness fanatic, Kirsty Jolliffe, cuts The Month team down to (a healthy) size…

ollowing a healthy diet, or more importantly a healthy lifestyle, is hard work indeed – especially if the Editor’s waistline is anything to go by. We approached fighting fit Kirsty Jolliffe, of Franschhoek, for a little timely advice on the no carb/low carb fab that seems set to stay. Kirsty says: There’s been some hype about carbs, for sure. And with good reason. Carbohydrates are essential in any diet, as they provide the body with the fuel it needs for physical activity and proper organ function. Having said that, there’s no doubt that when it comes to working on your figure, whether it be slim and trim or toned and muscular, a high protein diet is the way to go. Protein boosts your metabolism, through its thermic effect during the digestion process, and helps to build and repair lean muscle. The trick, then, is knowing what the right carbohydrates to eat are, when to eat them, and how to incorporate them into a protein-rich diet. But, rather than eat your way through mountains of theory – try these meal-time options on for size (Or should that be “for a smaller size”? – Ed).

Oats with almonds and dates Half a cup of oats 1 egg white (half a scoop whey protein powder) 10g sliced almonds 4 diced dates Pinch of salt ½ teaspoon honey

Cook the oats and salt in a cup of water. As the mix starts to boil add the egg white, almonds and dates. Boil for a minute or until firm. Serve with honey and fat free milk, if desired.

Scrambled eggs with smoked salmon (+/- 30g protein)

2 eggs Salt and pepper Minced chives 80g smoked salmon 10ml fat free milk

Beat the eggs, milk, chives, salt and pepper together. Heat up a nonstick pan (or use ½ a teaspoon of olive oil in a normal pan) and cook the eggs very gently, stirring the whole time. Remove from the heat and serve immediately with the sliced salmon on top.

Chicken kebabs 500g chicken breasts cubed 2 cloves of garlic minced 2 tablespoons olive oil Zest and juice of one lemon Cayenne pepper Fresh coriander 1 cup halved button mushrooms 1 cup cherry tomatoes 2 baby marrows chopped 1 red pepper chopped

In a bowl mix the chicken, garlic, lemon zest, juice, cayenne pepper and fresh coriander. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours. Heat a grill pan; thread the chicken onto a skewer, alternating with the mushrooms, tomatoes, baby marrows and peppers. Drizzle with a little olive oil and grill until the chicken is cooked through. Can be served with a mix of fat free Greek yogurt, chopped cucumber and lemon juice.

All Encompassing Beauty We’re reminded that beauty is more than skin deep, with a visit to the Lanzerac Spa lunch. With sweeping views of the estate’s vines and the imposing Stellenbosch mountains, the setting is rivalled by few and adds a lot to the overall experience. We were interested to learn of a new product range being used at the spa, the well-established Italian beauty brand, RVB. The skincare line “combines 100% natural and organically derived ingredients promising innovative skincare that supports sustainable development, fair trade and respect for nature and the human body.” Not only does the range target the outside, but the body’s functional activities and emotions are kept in balance through the use of specific massage techniques and natural ingredients which we’re told “enter the nervous system directly, allowing organs to ‘purify’ themselves.”

Textures and colours are also used to stimulate the senses and affect the mood, elevating the spa experience to something truly heavenly. The Lanzerac Spa is the exclusive Winelands stockest RVB, whose patented 51+3 HYALU COMPLEX™ is known to improve cellular communication, stimulate micro-circulation and metabolism and enables the skin to detoxify, moisturize and regenerate itself more efficiently. RVB also adheres to eco-friendly certified production processes, using solar energy and reducing water consumption where possible and even their packaging is produced from sustainable and responsibly managed forests. We’re convinced that the Lanzerac Spa is a good place to be, from skin to soul – we hope to see you there! Lrac Hotel logo gold 7/23/13 4:25 PM Page 1 C

CY CMY

The Month Reader Offer / Promotional Offer: 1/3 off the price of any RVB facial treatment exclusive to The Month readers, valid for the month of October 2013 only.

The Month Reader Competition:

ccording to their website “The Lanzerac Spa is a tranquil boutique Wellness Centre that captures the essence of the estate by blending pure relaxation with unparalleled five star facilities.” Anyone who has visited the estate will appreciate the magnitude of claim made by this quote – for Lanzerac is a truly breath-taking place. We popped into the spa to see if the fuss is justified. The spa itself is a luxurious place, with treatments and packages for both men and women. It’s fully equipped with hydro facilities, an intimate indoor swimming pool, a Vichy shower, sauna room and heated Jacuzzi. The outdoor pergola area is a good option to laze about or enjoy one of the fresh pastries on offer, or even a light

OCTOBER 2013

Prize Giveaway #1 Holistic Beauty Bio-Hydra Multi-moisturising 24hr cream (50ml) HB Eye/lip cream (15ml) HB Bio-Age Precious oil (30ml) Total value R1500 Prize Giveaway #2 A 60 minute RVB intense hydrating skincare facial Total value R480

To enter, email lanzerac@themonth.co.za. T&Cs apply. For more information visit the Lanzerac Spa online at LanzeracSpa.co.za. Tel: 021 883 9444

Jim Waite’s Book Review

the month

GUYS’ trends

Bike, The Longer Road by Greg Beadle, published by MapStudio

“G

o topless” reads item number nine in a list of ten “Things to do in Cape Town” on page 17 of Bike, The Longer Road. I’m not into motorbikes, but my initially casual flick through Greg Beadle’s book about multiday bike trips in Southern Africa has suddenly become more focused. I turn the page in anticipation, but instead of the expected, I read: “Fill up at the Engen filling station on the northern side of town and head out on the N7, following the signs to Keetmanshoop. If you haven’t started to feel excited about this journey before, emotions will start to surface as you leave Springbok behind.” I long ago realised that mother’s warnings about “those bikers” were largely unfair, and borne from her overt desire not to fork out money on the 50cc RZ and associated paraphernalia I coveted for much of the seven years I spent in high school, but Beadle’s intimate, yet clean, first-hand diary-like account of travelling from Cape Town to Windhoek catches me off-guard. Thoughts of that RZ resurface and mother’s voice is replaced by the wife’s, who, on entering the study, takes no more than a casual glance at the page I’m reading and says simply, “Don’t even think about it!” It’s too late. Beadle’s account of five multi-day routes in Southern Africa, to places such as Windhoek, the Etosha Pan, Harare, Blantyre, Xai-Xai, Mbabane and the Garden Route has me well and truly hooked. And while I’m unlikely to get either a 50 or one of the adventure bikes he’s obviously well acquainted with, taking in the 180-odd

easy-reading pages of Bike, The Longer Road, transports me to about as close to the dusty road to Sesfontein, or the old Portuguese holiday town of Chokas Mar, as the wife will allow. All without the need of a kidney belt. Beadle’s experience astride a motorbike is obvious, and he shares his insights easily; peppering each page with instructional anecdotes, useful tips and the odd bit of history or local insight so as to make for a thoroughly entertaining and truly useful little book. GPS coordinates and relatively detailed maps support his narrative and pictures of the bikers in action and the places visited add context and colour. And in case mother needs to know, yes, all the people have their tops on. Bike, The Longer Road, is an entertaining read and a useful guide to anyone ready for a really long bike ride or in need of a little motivation to take a step up from simply gunning their BMW Dakar out to Franschhoek on a Sunday. Visit mapstudio.co.za where the book is currently on sale for only R200.00

I long ago realised that mother’s warnings about “those bikers” were largely unfair, and borne from her overt desire not to fork out money on the 50cc RZ… I coveted for much of the seven years I spent in high school

A member of the audience wasted no time in sharing that

fact that “that

girl really gives me the creeps!”

Jump to the Left!

ichard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show, produced by Eric Abraham and The Fugard Theatre, runs at The Fugard until Sunday, 12 January 2014 - but you’d be well-advised not to wait until then to share in this iconic theatrical piece. As it’s iconic – expect more than just a performance well done; there’s no doubt your fellow audience-goers will be very much a part of the experience. Mine were. With much cheering the cast on, laughs in all the right places and, of course, loud shouts to Frank-n-Furter to make his/her wonderfully (in) appropriate jokes, I felt as though I was part of the production, rather than simply watching a play. The somewhat novel experience of having an arrestingly clad cast member greet me at the main door, and again at the entrance to the theatre, set the scene – as did a member of the audience who wasted no time in sharing that fact that “that girl really gives me the creeps!” From the set to the costumes, the lights

Michelle Purchase suggests that few horror shows rock like Rocky’s

to the choreography, and the wonderfully accomplished actors themselves, this was is a spectacular performance that justifies repeat viewing; especially if you’d like to do it justice. The Rocky Horror Show was first performed in June 1973, and was created during the Punk Rock and Experimental eras. The director of that show, Matthew Wild, did an outstanding job and set a benchmark for many who have subsequently tackled this arresting musical; he would be proud of Abraham. Paul du Doit (Brad) and Jenny Stead (Janet) ooze charisma and energy on stage, with Jenny’s voice sending goose bumps all over me every time she sang solo. Andrew Laubscher (Riff Raff) gives a notable performance, and his exit at the end of the performance is particularly memorable. Daneel van der Walt (Magenta) and Dominique Maher (Columbia) are sublime and matched only by their rather funky

outfits, despite not commanding centre stage. Shaun Smit (Rocky), a firm favourite of the women in the audience, shone in the second half in particular while Pierre van Heerden (Eddie/Dr Scot) and Adrian Galley (Narrator) both acquitted themselves with aplomb. The star, however, is unquestionably Brendan van Rhyn, who plays the role of Frank-n-Furter. In drag, and fresh from a stint at Madame Zingara, van Rhyn gives the audience a show of a lifetime. His physique, make up and appearance in a corset and heels (which made many a man in the audience question how he is able to stay upright), along with his ‘dirty’, but ohso-very-appropriate interjections, make the show. Add to this his phenomenal voice, and it’s no wonder I’m not the only critic to rave about the show. A novel part of the show is the option to buy a ‘participation pack and programme’ combo, which includes items to be used in

specific scenes and songs during the show. It’s a brilliant idea and gets the audience thoroughly involved, as demonstrated by one audience member dressed in his Kimono and corset. Standing up and dancing to most songs, it was clear that he was in his element and added an interesting sense of freedom to those of us who would otherwise be tempted to be bound to our seats. While not every performance is billed as an official ‘Dress Up Evening’, I encourage you to do just that as you won’t be alone and are sure to add to the Rocky Horror Spirit. Tickets are available via Computicket (Computicket.com) or The Fugard Theatre Box office (021 461 4554) and ticket prices range from R90pp to R210pp, depending on where you’re seated and on which day you book. The show starts at 8pm on Tuesdays through Fridays, and at 4pm and 8pm on Saturdays. Please note that the Rocky Horror Show is not suitable for children under the age of 16. the month

WHAT’S OPINION ON

OCTOBER

2013

the month

WHAT’S ON IN THE WINELANDS OCTOBER 2013

1,2,3

TUES, WED, THURS / 1, 2, 3 OCTOBER / 9AM / MOUNTAIN SHADOWS FARM, PAARL / KIDDIES’ BAKING CLASSES

Mountain Shadows’ Chef, Laura Truter will host kiddies’ baking classes during the school holidays. Programme: 1st Oct: Cupcakes: Garden flowers and garden bugs, Chocolate brownies 2nd Oct: Cupcakes: Jungle animals, Banana bread 3rd Oct: Cupcakes: Butterflies & soccer balls, Piped meringues Bring your apron or purchase a most gorgeous kiddies’ apron, prices ranging from R100-R150. Cost: R150pp Email: laura@lauratrutercatering.co.za. Cell: 082 458 4586. www.lauratrutercatering.co.za

5&6

SAT & SUN / 5 & 6 OCT / 10AM – 5PM / DURBANVILLE HILLS / SEASON OF SAUVIGNON. The festival is dedicated

to all things Sauvignon blanc, and includes tastings of Durbanville Hills’ flagship range as well as Sauvignon blancs from all the wine producers in the Durbanville area. On both the Saturday and Sunday you can take part in an interactive sensory tasting where you can discover for yourself how sweet, sour, bitter and savoury flavours change the taste profile of a Sauvignon blanc. Entertainment for the kids, live music and food from a number of stalls will be on offer as well as picnic baskets and charcuterie platters. The Eatery restaurant will also be open for breakfast and lunch. Sensory tastings on both days start at 11.00. Cost: Entry is free. Wine tasting which includes a crystal glass, costs at R50 per person. Sensory tasting experience at R60 per person. Booking is essential for picnic baskets, breakfast and lunch at The Eatery as well the sensory tasting. To book or for more information contact: Simone Brown: 021 5581300. Email: sibrown@durbanvillehills.co.za

Pink Polo

SAT / 26 OCTOBER / VAL DE VIE ESTATE, PAARL / POLO SEASON, PINK POLO & MARKETS. Polo Season at Val de Vie starts 5 October 2013 and hosts its fourth

BlackBerry Pink Polo on Saturday, 26 Oct. This annual event is a ‘must attend’ on your social calendar. BlackBerry has been the headline sponsor since the inception. Pink Polo is in aid of Reach for Recovery which is part of the Cancer Association of South Africa. Polo is played in the late afternoon, usually at 5pm, four times a week on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Polo Lessons on a Thursday (info@valdevie.co.za) Val de Vie Markets are on selected Sundays - come and enjoy fresh goods and Pongracz Bubbly Tastings. Cost: Pink Polo Market: R50 per person: Pink Polo Drive in: R1 500 (one car with 5 guests) Info: www.valdevie.co.za/events/calendar.html

1-6

TUES – SUN / 1 - 6 OCT / STANFORD / STANFORD STRETTON BIRD FAIR

Guided birding trips along the Kleinrivier at different times during the festival with top-class birding experts including Vernon Head, chairman of Bird Life South Africa as well as the Cape Bird Club. Included are some non-birding events of an ecologically-important nature. Children from local schools will enjoy the ever-popular Eagle Encounters. In addition, Dave de Beer a recognised Overberg bird expert will be heading up a number of field outings in order to track down the rich abundance of local birdlife. Contact: Liz Hochfelden: 082 766 8319 or 028 341 0164 for more information (Photograph: African Fish Eagle by Don MacIver)

12 October

SAT / 12 OCT / 12:30PM – 6:30PM / DIEMERSFONTEIN, WELLINGTON / PINOTAGE ON TAP. It’s been called the

best party on the winelands calendar; an event of growing proportions that sees thousands of loyal patrons make the annual pilgrimage to Diemersfontein in Wellington. This year’s Diemersfontein Pinotage on Tap will, for the ninth time, successfully satisfy all with high quality barrels of Pinotage. The event will offer Chenin Blanc and Shiraz and with it, beer from Darling Brewery. To get you on your feet are the much talented artists of Gangs of Ballet, Newton’s 2nd Law and Natasha Meister that will musically entertain you throughout the day. A market of food stalls and treats will be included in your ticket price. Tickets: Computicket. Contact: Rene: 021 864 5050

25&26

FRI & SUN / 25 & 27 OCT / 10AM – 5PM / KE-MONATE RESTAURANT, SIGNAL HILL, DURBANVILLE / BIRTHDAY FESTIVAL. Two days of fun-fair activities for

the whole family; food stalls & new wines to celebrate the new season. Cost: R 50pp Children under 12 Free Contact: 021 976 7343 Email: funtions@kemonate.com www.signalgun.com

OCTOBER 2013

25 october FRI / 25 OCT / 12 – 5PM / FRANSCHHOEK / FRANSCHHOEK OPEN GARDENS

Enjoy gorgeous gardens and the special festival atmosphere that only Franschhoek can provide! 10 spectacular gardens on show – from small to medium-sized gardens in the village to farm gardens, indigenous gardens and ‘out of town’ gardens. join in the festivities in the centre of town – a tea and bubbly garden, live music, a fresh goods market and our hugely successful PLANT SALE. Cost: R100 pp for a weekend pass. Half price (R50 pp) Sunday afternoon only from 12 noon onwards. Tickets available on the day in the centre of town in front of the Town Hall. All proceeds go to the Lions Club of Franschhoek in aid of Fleur de Lis, Home for the Aged. Enquiries: Franschhoek Info Office: 021 876 3495. www.franschhoek.org.za Emma Sadleir, media law consultant, will be at Bridgehouse as she discusses responsible use of social media. Date: Tuesday,

22nd October. Time: 7:30am. Cost: R150 pp (includes continental breakfast). For more info contact Jenny Jones. Jenjon@bridgehouse.org.za or 021 874 8100

Good news!

The Babylonstoren cookbook, Babel, is in stock again at their farm store and is available in English, Afrikaans, German and soon in Mandarin too. Contact: hanlie@babylonstoren.com www.babylonstoren.com

22 oct 2&3 SAT & SUN / 2 & 3 NOV / 12PM / MELLASAT VINEYARDS, PAARL / POP-UP RESTAURANT.

Mellasat Vineyards presents a pop –up restaurant, which promises to be a fine dining experience! Contact: Tanya: 021 862 4525. www.mellasat.com

the month

WHAT’S ON

What’s On? GREATER CAPE TOWN AREA

3 – 12

Rocking the daisies 3 – 6 october

THURS – SAT / 3 – 12 OCT / BAXTER THEATRE, CAPE TOWN / DANCE FESTIVAL

18-20

FRI – SUN / 18 – 20 OCT / BREEDE RIVER, ROBERTSON / WINE ON THE RIVER. Taking place

The Baxter Dance Festival, which has been an annual event since 2005, aims to provide both emerging and established dance companies and choreographers with an opportunity to present their work. It is the perfect environment to experience and see work by established professionals, as well as exciting up-and-coming dance practitioners. The Main Programme runs from 3-12 October 2013 and will feature work by established professional companies, as well as the newly commissioned works. The Fringe Programme will run during the day on Sunday, and will include work by youth groups and dance schools, school groups, traditional African dance groups. Tel: 021 685 7880 for more information.

on the banks of the Breede River, the Robertson Wine on the River invites to you to the valley! Come and taste over 300 of the most excellent wines brought to you from 42 different wineries. Enjoy the atmosphere with friends and family and let the kids have a fun filled day in good weather and beautiful surroundings. Listen to live music, browse through the arts & crafts lane, enjoy lunch in this beautiful setting or sample any of our local produce on show. Wine sold on site @ cellar price. Wine Tasting, Cheese Tasting, Olive Tasting, Coffee Tasting, Chocolate Tasting, Nougat Tasting and much more! Contact: Robertson Wine Valley: 023 626 3167

26&27 SAT & SUN / 26 & 27 OCT / GREYTON / ROSE FAIR. This year the Greyton Rose Fair brings

THURS – SUN / 3 – 6 OCT / CLOOF WINE ESTATE, DARLING / ROCKING THE DAISIES. Now in its sixth year, Rocking the Daisies is the fastest grow-

4-6

FRI – SUN / 4 – 6 OCT / CTICC, CAPE TOWN / INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW

More than just a boat show, this year’s event will capture the imagination of the whole family from the showcasing of exotic boats, the best the boat building industry has on offer to the widest diversity of boating related products and technology available. Designed to attract both local and international visitors, exciting events, demonstrations and competitions with fabulous prizes are planned for both the CTICC and at the V&A Waterfront. CTIBS will present the biggest wakeboarding competition South Africa has ever staged, along with talks on a diversity of topics geared to appeal to all sailing, fishing, boating and water sports enthusiasts. Programme of times available on the CTIBS website or at the show). Another popular attraction is the Fishing Village at the CTICC where one can compete for prizes including fishing rods, tackle and lures. Contact Shirley Roos Tel: 083 3848595 or 021 788 1954

ing eco-friendly music and lifestyle festival in South Africa. Taking place at the Cloof Wine Estate in Darling (Western Cape), the festival will once again offer the best in live entertainment, lifestyle exhibitions and gourmet food. Rocking the Daisies will be full of cutting edge, quality music, art fields and facilities aimed to cater for everyone from child care to comedic relief. Rocking the Daisies has made it its mission not only to educate others on greener lifestyles but also how to take it home and incorporate it into their own lives. www.rockingthedaisies.com

11 – 13

FRI – SUN / 11 – 13 OCT / WINERIES, BREEDE RIVER VALLEY, RAWSONVILLE / BREEDEKLOOF OUTDOOR FESTIVAL. This fun-filled weekend

spans the entire Breedekloof region, with all events taking place at the wineries and cellars. Besides being able to sip award winning wines, activities include a variety of live music, quad-biking, helicopter flips, paintball, archery, clay-pigeon shooting, wine-blending and a tagged fishing contest. Taste buds will be tantalised with a range of delights, from oysters to spitbraai and a skaapkop dinner. One of the main focuses of the Breedekloof Outdoor Festival has always been the sporting activities and this year will be no exception, with events such as the gruelling Breedekloof Outdoor Challenge; the Deetlefs Night Run, a 5km and 10km run through the vineyards at Deetlefs Estate and a Mountain Bike Fun Ride hosted by Slanghoek Cellar. For additional information see: Breedekloof Wine Route.

SAT / 12 OCT / 10AM – 3PM / SEAFORTH BEACH, SIMONSTOWN / PENGUIN FESTIVAL. Penguins are such delightful creatures and the Si-

mons Town Penguin Festival is a celebration of this proud little animal. On Saturday come down to the Seaforth Beach for the annual African penguin Awareness Day beach release, come and watch these little guys waddle back to their natural habitat. This year’s festival features a cooking demonstration by a celebrity SASSI chef, a snake and reptile show, a raptor show, live spider exhibit, food stalls and loads of ‘edutainment’ for the kids. Visitors will also have the opportunity to meet and take pictures with SANCCOB’s famous ambassador penguins, all with the aim to raise money for SANCCOB. Info: Tel SANCCOB: 021 557 6155

you its 22nd annual showcase, delicately displaying beautiful roses of all shapes, sizes and colours. This event attracts the attention of more and more appreciative visitors that also aid in the funding of the community’s development. Funds raised will go toward supporting a pre-school crèche for the children of local farm labours. The event themed ‘All You Need Is Love’ will run over 26 and 27 October and will include judging and prize-giving on Friday, thereafter welcoming the public on Saturday and Sunday to experience and explore the beautiful roses. In addition, a variety of gardens, not far away, will welcome those that wish for a quiet stroll. Contact: Gill Moore: 028 254 9601

30 oct

WED – SUN / 30 OCT – 3 NOV / 9AM / SIMONDIUM COUNTRY LODGE, SIMONDIUM / FESTIVE IDEAS . The Festive Ideas Market will

take place at Simondium Country Lodge, in Simondium. Festive Ideas is exactly what the name says, innovative ideas & goods for all celebratory occasions. This market will feature over 70 speciality exhibitors who will be producing exclusive and unique products especially for Festive Ideas. There will also be workshops hosted by the various exhibitors which visitors are welcome to attend. Tel: Wilne or Hanneke: 021 874 1046

THE FINE PRINT The views expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Month or its affiliates. Having said that, we generate practically all of the material printed in each edition ourselves; please don’t reproduce any part of it without the Editor or Publisher’s permission (we’re generally quite generous – so just ask). The Month subscribes to the South African Press Code and if you feel we’re not living up to that, please call the Press Ombudsman on 011 484 3612. We regard our sources as reliable and verify as much of what we print as we can, but inaccuracies can occur and readers using information in The Month do so at their own risk.

the month

PROMOTION

the month

EXPERIENCE THE VAL DE VIE LIFESTYLE

FLAVOURS OF PROVENCE

R5,995m

FRENCH ELEGANCE

R4,3m

Stunning new home with designer interior located on a 1000mÂ˛ plot bordering an olive grove. Offering 4 bedrooms and spacious living areas. Furniture as optional extra.

Double storey home with 4 bedrooms and staff accommodation. Elegant finishes throughout with attention to detail. Great open plan living with designer kitchen.

STYLISH COUNTRY HOME

EXCEPTIONAL VALUE

R5,5m

Quality throughout this elegant property, with loads of charm. 3 bedrooms including Grande Master Suite, a study, TV lounge and open plan living area.

What a lovely find. A 5 Bedroom home bordering a green belt with views of Paarl Rock. Open plan living area, kitchen, scullery and large covered entertainment patio.

Val de Vie Estate is nestled in the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley. Property Sales on Show & Open 7 days a week. | +27(0)21 863 6101 | +27(0)82 55 333 96 | property@valdevie.co.za | www.valdevie.co.za OCTOBER 2013

R2,995m

OPINION PROMOTION

the month

LAVENDER FARM GUESTHOUSE Deep in the heart of the Franschhoek Valley is a secret getaway with softly scented lavender fields faintly reminiscent of Provence and a majestic mountain backdrop to create the perfect setting for your romantic escape. We offer 14 spacious & elegantly furnished rooms with fireplaces and each with their own private verandah. Take walks through the spectacular lavender fields, a photographer’s paradise, or relax by the pool. Tel: 021 876 2671. No1, Verdun Road, Franschhoek, Email: info@ldf.co.za. Web: www.ldf.co.za. RATES: From R990 per couple, including breakfast

INAUGURAL CELEBRITY GOLF DAY IN AIDCome OF THE SUNFLOWER home to a legendFUND 27 home SEPTEMBER 2013 Find your dream today, contact Pearl Valley Properties on 021 867 8000 or properties@pearlvalley.co.za

Join Paul Adams, Mark Bayly, Jeremy Fredericks, Jeremy Harris, Corné Krige, Brian McMillan, Michael Mol, Ryk Neethling, Ryan O’Connor, Breyton Paulse, Matthew Pearce, Barry Richards, Reuben Riffel, Jean Smyth, Benito Vergotine and many more!

R5 000 PER FOURBALL (THREE PLAYERS + ONE CELEB) • Fourball Alliance – 2 scores to count

• Halfway and dinner included

• 32 Fourballs available

• Great prizes!

• Auction and entertainment

• 12h30 Shotgun start FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT SHELLEY DIESEL ON 082 570 6037 OR SHELLEY@INGRIDDIESEL.CO.ZA

www.pearlvalley.co.za • info@pearlvalley.co.za • tel +27 21 867 8000 • come home to a legend • #PlaythePearl

SEPTEMBER2013 OCTOBER 2013

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2013/09/12 1:14 PM

the month

PROMOTION advertising

The Home of Pierre Jourdan

RESTAURANT OFFERINGS

SUMMER IS BACK! JOIN US FOR OUR DELICIOUS PICNICS AND WINES, THE PERFECT INGREDIENTS FOR A MEMORABLE, LAZY-DAY-OUT IN WINE COUNTRY. GOURMANDS RAVE ABOUT OUR PICNICS AND KEEP COMING BACK – YOU WILL TOO. FOR FAMILIES, WE CREATE DELICIOUS CHILDRENʼS PICNICS THAT ARE DESIGNED BY PARENTS WHO ʻGET ITʼ.

TASTE OF SPR ING 4-Course Lunch Menu* Served Tuesdays – Sundays. R 295 per person, incl. wine. VINTAGE TASTING MENU 6-Course Dinner Menu* Served Fridays & Saturdays. R 595 per person, incl. wine.

CONTACT US RESTAURANT E restaurant@cabriere.co.za T 021 876 3688 TASTING ROOM E hospitality@cabriere.co.za T 021 876 8500 Haute Cabrière located on Franschhoek Pass (Lambrechts Rd/R45) Franschhoek Valley, 7690

* offered in addition to a la carte menu

S 33° 54’ 51.63”

E 19° 8’ 7.90”

www.cabriere.co.za OPEN 365 DAYS A YEAR FROM 9AM TO 5PM. TO BOOK CONTACT VISIT@WARWICKWINE.COM OR 021 884 4410 ON THE R44 BETWEEN STELLENBOSCH & PAARL

www.tripadvisor.com

Facebook: WarwickWineEstate Twitter: Love Warwick Wine @WarwickWine

Paulina’s

Tel 021 876 2129 | www.ricketybridge.com Open daily 11:00 - 16:00

Visit Paulina’s restaurant at Rickety Bridge wine estate in the picturesque Franschhoek valley. Sit on a sunny verandah and sip a glass of fine estate wine while drinking in the stunning views of lush vineyards and the surrounding mountains. Enjoy a delicious bistro style lunch from our exciting new Summer menu. Paulina’s restaurant can also be booked for year end functions.

Everything on the menu is given extra zest by the striking beauty of the setting

Now Open daily on Vrede en Lust Wine Estate

All day breakfast - Wood-fired oven - Freshly baked artisan bread - Sunday buffet lunch