the month the discerning reader’s guide to the good life
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THE MONTHLY WINE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTED FREE WITHIN THE WESTERN CAPE
SEPTEMBER 2011
from the editor FROM THE EDITOR
IN THIS EDITION.....
DISCERNING BUYERS LOVE WINE...
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he Month has come a long way, from local Franschhoek newspaper to Cape-based lifestyle magazine, in just three years. Although in excess of 20,000 copies are snapped up in Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek, Somerset West, Durbanville, Cape Town, the Atlantic Seaboard and the Southern Suburbs, our ongoing challenge is not to grow our distribution but to refine it to attract the most valuable reader our advertisers seek; the discerning buyer.
Rhebokskloof: A Brand Reborn Celebrating Cap Classique Happy Birthday Kaapse Vonkel The GVC is Sexy Too Annadale's Royal Affair
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Viognier: The 'New World' Chardonnay 100 Women 100 Wines
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Miko Chardonnay is a Winner
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A Feast of Fun with Jenny Morris and Blaauklippen
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Anita Mendiratta Captures the Spirit of Wine Tourism
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September WINES offer Good Value Zo Cool: ZOKU Product Review Wine of The Month:Quando Pinot Noir 2009
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Stoked to be Sand Boarding at Atlantis Weddings Made Easier 5 Minutes with Wedding Co-ordinator Aleit Swanepoel
16 Get
the Goods at Franschhoek Uncorcked 5 Minutes with "Farm Boy" Muso Niel Rademan
17 Fashionably Yours for Spring 18 Theatre Programme 19 What's On 20 Property 23 Rocking the Runway at Canal Walk 24 Driven: The Lexus CT 200h Prick Up Your Ears to Survive the Recession
25 Dodging the Short Ball to Survive the Stock Market Crash
The Folly of a Devalued Rand
27 History in Stone at Laborie 28 STOP Fashion Show Pics and More
In addition to having a welldeveloped taste in food and likely brewing his own coffee, the discerning buyer takes an active interest in wine
The ‘discerning buyer’, whilst not necessarily wealthy, seeks advice about everything so as to make informed choices. The discerning buyer does not respond to consumer-driven sales pitches or read advertorial, but rather takes an active interest in lifestyle related topics, property, the economy and in addition to having a welldeveloped taste in food and likely brewing his own coffee, the discerning buyer takes an active interest in wine. Whilst we’ve always had an overt focus on the Winelands, we see wine as the common thread to our content and distribution, rather than the physical location. In the coming months this will become more apparent as we focus on wine (rather than the Winelands) and adopt a more targeted distribution to discerning buyers and tourists - principally through outlets where wine is sold. Despite the subtle refinement of our focus, The Month will continue to carry articles that cover more than just wine. Food, restaurant and product reviews, articles on lifestyle, art, wellness, travel, green issues, the economy, personalities and the outdoors will always be compiled in an accessible and humorous manner to serve as a ‘What’s
On?’ guide to ‘the good life’ in the Cape. In short, it will remain the kind of free publication (with limited, high-quality advertising) that discerning buyers and tourists want to read. “And all this is important because?” you ask. It’s important because the disappearance of mainstream print publications and the changing nature of the South African print media scene mean that many wine lifestyle, wine tourism and wine retail related businesses feel unsure about the best way to spend their limited marketing budgets. I believe that The Month’s ability to respond dynamically (and organically) to the very real pressures our advertisers face, makes us hard to resist. More than that, we value people, we love positive news and we have shown that there is a measure of charm offered by dead-tree editions over their necessary and useful online counterparts, and our inherent approach to wine makes much of the concern about the proposed ban on alcohol advertising somewhat of a damp squib. And now that the self-promotion is done, let me summarise this month’s edition: We feature wine news and reviews, places to go, things to do, things to buy and wear, people to know, something from the past and we learn from Clare Mack of spill.co.za, on page 8, that women buy 80% of all wines in South Africa – so it seems the discerning buyer is, in fact, not brewing his own coffee after all… I’ll end, as this edition does, with a mention of the efforts of the STOP organisation that put together a fab fashion show at Val de Vie recently (shown on our back page). After the illegal sale of drugs and weapons, the most profitable criminal business is human trafficking; 27 million people are trafficked worldwide and many of them are children. It’s a sobering thought and a reminder of just how blessed we are – so don’t waste this month, and enjoy the read.
THE TEAM Editor: Brett Garner 083 260 0453 brett@themonth.co.za Publisher: David Foster The Clear Thinking Group 084 827 3986 david@themonth.co.za Sales and Marketing: Lize Briedenhann 082 883 6218 lize@themonth.co.za Graphic Design & Layout: Nicole de Vries 076 837 8990 design@themonth.co.za Photography: The Month Distribution: Primedia CONTRIBUTORS WINE Johan Delport winemaker@waverleyhills.co.za Lorraine Geldenhuys lgwines@gmail.com Dominic Adelbert dominic@cybercellar.com WINE TOURISM Anita Mendiratta mendiratta@mweb.co.za FASHION Annamé Lotz CanalWalk.Shopper@stuttafords.co.za MOTORING Michele Lupini michele@carsinaction.co.za FINANCE Dave Rundle dave@rundle.co.za HISTORY Marguerite Lombard mlombard@mweb.co.za
Front Page Picture: Frances Zwiers Freelance Photographer: Food, Family Portraits and Events
e: franzwiers@gmail.co.za t: 076 904 9096 w: www.franzphotography.weebly.com
COMPETITION: All competitions close on the 24th of the current month (unless otherwise stated); winners will be contacted by phone or email, must be over 18 (unless otherwise stated), must be prepared to allow their names to appear in print in The Month, and may be required to pay delivery costs; the Ed’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into - unless the Ed is having a really great day. SMS: SMSs charged at R1.50/SMS. Free SMSs do not apply. Errors billed. Sender must have the bill payer’s permission. You may be contacted in the future by SMS unless you opt-out.
LOOK OUT FOR DETAILS OF OUR OF EXCITING NEW DISTRIBUTION POINTS IN NEXT MONTH’S EDITION
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.
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SEPTEMBER 2011
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Rhebokskloof: A Brand Reborn
Brett Garner visits the “other side” of Paarl Mountain rin Louw, she has seen to the introduction of a new portfolio of wines based on varietals such as Shiraz, Mourvèdre, Grenache and Pinotage. All leaf roll virus infected vineyards have been removed, the vineyard and winemaking processes have been upgraded and refined and the estate has embraced wine lifestyle tourists rather than just wine drinkers. Their offering includes family-friendly picnics in addition to the accessible menu of the on-site restaurant, a free child-minding service on the weekends, quad-biking, horse riding and a Fynbos hiking trail.
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o any self-respecting South African wine lover, the name Rhebokskloof will have become surprisingly familiar of late. It’s not that the wine estate has been unheard of up until now – it’s just that their most recent offerings and their fresh approach to interacting with the media has meant some bang for their marketing buck and a decent stable of wines to boot. Rhebokskloof is yet another example of the Paarl region’s attractive and value-for-money offering. It also lends credence to our own view that Paarl and surrounds collectively stand as a ‘must-do’ on the itinerary
of any Winelands traveller – even more so as Rhebokskloof is a mere 60km from Cape Town. With a legacy that stretches back some 300 years, the estate has spawned many fine wines; but that history also brought with it an inheritance of antiquated winemaking and viticultural practices and, as with many of our local vines, leaf roll virus and the absence of terroir-honouring varietals. That, as they say, was then…
Shiraz will make a strong showing in the Rhebokskloof line-up, as will Shiraz blends and Chardonnay, which is hardly surprising given that the Rhebokskloof flagship, the Black Marble Hill Reserve Syrah 2008, won a Silver Syrah Du Monde (where 383 entrants from 24 countries competed in May), for
the third time running. Obviously the international judges enjoyed the “bold and generous Shiraz styling with dark plum aromas, aromatic spice and black pepper nuances from the oaking,” as described by Anton du Toit, MD of Rhebokskloof. The new Viognier Shiraz blend is worth a look and The Month has systematically worked through most of the Pearlstone range (which has replaced the Rhebok range) and found the wines generally accessible, upfront and well-priced. When next you’re stuck for options, or need some place different for that staff do, product launch or conference, head out to Rhebokskloof and soak it all in; past, present and future.
For more information contact Rhebokskloof Wine Estate on 021 869 8386
Today winemaker Rolanie Lotz is instrumental in ringing the changes at Rhebokskloof where, together with vitculturalist Ka-
C A PE SUN DAY LUNCH BUF F E T MAINS Gr ille d m ar inate d lo c al veg et ables P ick le d sn o e k and c alamar i Br ais e d lam b ne ck t amatie bredie Ge b raai de aar t appe ls wit h chive vinaig rette But te re d ge e l r ys wit h vi n ke l f lavour s and r aisins Wilds-bok frikkadelle and grilled boerewors with gestoofde uie and wilde kruie Cr is p le af s alad wit h to m ato , Mozzarella and p esto C hicke n and s hr imp breyani DESSERTS Chocolate banana bread and butter pudding with custard and marinated winter fruit S e le c t io n o f lo c al che e s e s wit h cr acker s, ge sto o fde vr ug te and Dik D elt a preser ved mak at aan
R 125 p/p Ch ild ren und er 12 R6 0 EXECUTIVE CHEF Sh a un Sch o eman
T o book ema il re staurant@solms-de lta.c o.za or call (021) 874 3937 ext 115
SEPTEMBER 2011
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Read All About it
Celebrating Méthode Cap Classique
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i Burger’s much-anticipated book, Celebrating Méthode Cap Classique, is here at last. The beautiful coffee table book traces our wine-making roots right back to Phonecia in 1500 BC, and winds its way through the 1660s Champagneera of Dom Perignon to the early 1970s when a handful of intrepid South African winemakers chose to challenge the prescriptive wine industry of the day. These pioneers of Cap Classique made bold, highly individual attempts to master a new kind of wine in South Africa - bottle-fermented bubbly made in the traditional French style. The book presents a fascinating insight into the contemporary production of premium quality sparkling wines, where South Africa’s top producers follow the stringent guidelines of the traditional, bottle-fermented méthode Champenoise in the creation of their unique and diverse Cap Classiques. Each of the country’s top bubbly producers is featured; providing
rare insights into not just how Cap Classiques are made but who makes them, and more importantly, how they are enjoyed! Pieter Ferreira, cellar master at Graham Beck Estate and Chairman of the Cap Classique Association has written the foreword and Celebrating Méthode Cap Classique is filled with uplifting quotes, expressions, poetry and pictures. Allan Mullins, wine master both at Woolworths and for the award-winning Taste Magazine, explains how to pair food and Cap Classiques and a highlight of the book is the inclusion of scrumptious examples of food and Cap Classique pairings for brunch, lunch and dinner. Well-known local chefs have provided their recipes for a variety of exceptional dishes which include pairings of Cap Classique and cheese, Cap Classique and Lindt chocolate desserts and exquisite Cap Classique cocktails, created especially for the book by the Cape Grace Hotel.
For more information, contact Di Burger di@stackedpublications.co.za www.stackedpublications.co.za
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SEPTEMBER 2011
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Happy Birthday Kaapse Vonkel! The Editor gears up for a Bubbly excess
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ubbly lovers have been promised birthday bashes of the year when MCC pioneer Simonsig Estate pulls out all the stops for the 40th anniversary of South Africa’s iconic Kaapse Vonkel in September and October. Whilst the September event is aimed at journos (and hell yes, The Month will be there), the four events in October will be for all. We’ve been promised that the festivities in honour of Simonsig’s patriarch Frans Malan’s first French-style South African bubbly made in 1971 will “kick off with flutes of Kaapse Vonkel and fresh oysters on arrival followed by a trip down memory lane exploring the chronicles of this famous sparkler through the estate’s open air museum.” On display will be antique winemaking machinery and some of the first bottles of Cap Classique made by the late Frans, four decades ago. From their Stories of the Wine series, Simonsig share the following about the Kaapse Vonkel: When Frans Malan made the first bubbly he decided to
SEPTEMBER 2011
name it Kaapse Vonkel (meaning Cape sparkle), which at the time he thought would become the generic name for all locally-made Cap Classiques. However, when other wine estates followed suit and gave their own names to their bubblies, Kaapse Vonkel retained its name, and today, more than 300 000 bottles in comparison to some 10 000 in the early days, are crafted annually. Back in 1971, the first Kaapse Vonkel, which was priced at R3 per bottle, then the most expensive local wine on the market, was made of Chenin blanc grapes as opposed to the classic Champagne varietals – Chardonnay and Pinot noir. It was only in 1987 that Frans Malan’s son and reigning Simonsig cellarmaster, Johan, introduced Pinot noir and Chardonnay and 10 years later, Kaapse Vonkel became the first Cap Classique to use all three of the traditional grape
varieties used in Champagne when Pinot Meunier was introduced in 1997. Guests will be given a chance to degorge their own bottle of Kaapse Vonkel in the working cellar (all the while being fortified with canapés and the odd tipple, no doubt) before moving on to a lavish three-course affair as only Simonsig’s signature restaurant, Cuvée, could pull off. A number of local musos, including South Africa’s leading electric cellist, Carol Thorns, will add to the mix and sparkle. The ‘Kaapse Vonkel Turns 40’ celebrations take place on 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th October and the cost is R400 per head or R350 per head for group bookings of six or more. Seating is limited and early bookings are advised. The ticket includes the degorged bottle of Kaapse Vonkel to keep as a reminder of the experience.
Tickets are available at Computicket or directly from the estate. For more information contact Simonsig at Tel: 021 888 4915 or send an email to events@simonsig.co.za.
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The GVC is Sexy Too The Editor tries Val de Vie’s GVC big-body white and is reminded of Ryk Neethling
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al de Vie bills itself as a Wine and Polo Estate, but as I’m more comfortable around a wine glass than a horse, my focus on a recent visit there was firmly on the cellar and winemaker Harold Versfeld; although with Harold, there’s always a little horsing around. Between the smiles and jokes Harold did little to hide his excitement at the 2007-vintage GVC’s more attractive features. The grapes for the wine, a 39% Grenache blanc, 36% Viognier, 25% Clairette blanche blend, were picked in the cool of the early morning, chilled and kept like that overnight before being handsorted. The Grenache blanc was sourced in the Piekeniers Mountains near Citrusdal, whilst the Viognier is from the Wellington area and the Clairette blanche from the Swartland. Each component adds a distinct terroir-specific touch and gives rise to a wine that is noticeably layered and develops appreciably as it stands in the glass. As the components are oaked the wine is weighty, but the 13.4% alcohol and good acidity complement this
and floral/citrus aromas and flavours remain evident. There’s a great fresh finish to this wine that begs for more – which some will say means it should go well with food. Whilst it does go well with earthy flavours, I suggest you enjoy at least a couple of glasses before your meal, and that you allow the wine to warm up a little in the glass in that time so as to fully appreciate its many nuances. It’s one heck of a wine and in many respects reminds me of the clever Ryk Neethling red – a blend of Shiraz (and other varietals) and sex-appeal. Perhaps this is Val de Vie’s secret and what makes it so attractive to readers of The Month, the ability to mix the best of very different worlds and create something attractive to the aspirant.
A Royal Affair
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Heritage Day Market! 24 September 2011
at Annandale Wine Estate Lize Briedenhann talks weddings with Hempies du Toit
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ause for a while in the Annandale tasting room, as the ever popular Hempies du Toit chats to his admiring fans, and your eye will no doubt be drawn to the framed newspaper article that tells of Hempies’ 1984 Grand Prix d’Honneurs award for the best Cabernet Sauvignon in the world, which he won whilst at Alto. In a world where so much has changed since then – it’s good to know that some things stay the same. The illustrious ex-Springbok rugby player recently cracked the nod to supply the wine for the royal wedding of Prince Albert II of Monaco and Charlene Wittstock, so there will no doubt be a couple of new framed articles on his walls soon. “I’ve known Charlene and her father for a long time through the South African sport scene,” he told us, “and
when they asked me last year November if I would supply them with Annandale wine for the wedding reception, I felt so extremely honoured.” The honour was well-timed as Hempies’ 2005 Annadale Merlot was ready for bottling and the vintage coincides with the year the couple first met. Annadale is traditionally known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, but this firstrelease single-cultivar Merlot has been wellreceived and its popularity shot through the roof after word got out that it was the “wedding wine” of royalty. As a result Hempies concedes that Merlot may just have to remain integral to the Annadale range now. But don’t think you can get your hands on this sought-after wine just yet. “I have enough of the Merlot here to satisfy demand,” he says, “I just don’t think it’s right to start selling any of it without checking with the royal couple first; after all, it has their names on it as well. It has been such an honour, and I don’t want to misuse it.” The label was designed and approved in Monaco, before being printed and placed on the bottles in Stellenbosch. One thing’s for certain; if you intend queuing for your stock of Annandale Royal Merlot, you’ll be in the same queue as The Month. See you at Annandale!
For details, email info@annandale.co.za
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Visit the market and enjoy National Braai Day with a variety of goodies on the braai, Micro Brewery Festival, live music and lots of entertainment for the kids. Sample our award winning wines, freshly baked breads, coffee, cheese, olives, charcuterie and much much more … IN THE OLD BARREL CELLAR LABORIE WINE FARM | MAIN ROAD PAARL T. 021 807 3390 | www.laboriewines.co.za | 33 45’ 57.64” S 18 57’ 31.84” E Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/laboriewines
Wine Tastings Mon - Fri: 10h00 - 16h30 Sat: 10h00 - 17h00
Tutored Tastings Mon - Fri: 10h00 - 15h00 By Appointment Only
t: 021 887 0649
info@neilellis.com
www.neilellis.com
Helshoogte Rd, Stellenbosch
SEPTEMBER 2011
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SEPTEMBER 2011
The ‘New World’ Chardonnay
Dominic Adelbert, of cybercellar.com, turns his attention to Viognier Viognier, a white cultivar that has made a bit of a resurgence in the wine industry of late, is referred to by some as the ‘new world’ Chardonnay, and was made extremely fashionable in the early 1990s in the form of the wine Condrieu, which stems from the Rhône. In France, Viognier has been blended along with Syrah since the mid-2000s for co-fermentation - which tends to add more perfume to the bouquet of the wine and more elegance to the overall palate. In South Africa, the practice is similar and the result is a number of excellent Rhône style blends, in addition to the many single varietal wines on offer. I’ve chosen to look at the latter this month, given that Viognier is easy to enjoy on its own and it allows for any number of expressions of the winemaker. Eagles’ Nest Viognier 2009 R130 The bouquet offers ripe peach, apricot and jasmine flowers on the nose, whilst white stone fruit and a complex spice finish are evident on the palate. Excellent acidity and subtle oak flavours ensure a crisp velvety smooth finish.
Idiom Wines Viognier 2010 R150.50 This luscious wine, deep in texture and flavour, has a striking bouquet of candied fruit, honey, nougat and cloves. The mouthfeel is opulent and reveals clear stone fruit and fresh citrus flavours.
Elgin Vintners Viognier 2010 R100.50 An elegant, powerful wine layered with finesse and style where fresh apricots, peaches and apples abound on the nose and palate. Eight months in Romanian oak ensure a rich, full entry with just a hint of wood. Combined with a lime and citrus freshness, the wine has a satisfying hold on the front palate and a rich, enduring finish. Food Pairing Suggestions Viognier is ideally paired with foods with an excellent depth in flavour and texture. Thai green curries with a good amount of chilli; prawn tom yam with coconut milk; apricot and lavender chicken; smoked snoek; Moroccan tagines and of course shellfish, such as crab and crayfish. Creation Wines Viognier 2010 R91.50 Pale gold, clear and shiny, this wine is lavishly fruity, yet restrained on the nose. An offering of fragrant white peach aromas combines well with a rich, creamy character. On the palate there is a crisp minerality and bounce with wellintegrated natural acidity. All wines featured in this article are available through Cybercellar.com, prices quoted are per bottle, with a minimum order of six bottles and were correct at the time of going to print. T&C apply, EAOE. Cybercellar.com, the international gateway to South African Wine, is also a rich source of food tips, winepartnered recipes, winemaker stories and news, and features the largest selection of South African wine online.
latin lovers, Don’t Miss This!
Enjoy a relaxed latin vibe at Noble Hill and Cosecha Restaurant for Franschhoek Uncorked, on the 3rd and 4th of September. Enjoy a fresh sangrita and taste Noble Hill wines as you savour a latin pulled pork sandwich or buy a gourmet taco or two (to go with the guacamole, chips and salsas) as you chill on the lawn, with live music on both afternoons provided by the Studerbakers. Noble Hill Cabernet will be on sale for the weekend at a special cellar-only price.
No reservation necessary, open seating. Contact details on ad below.
RETAIL SPACE AVAILAB LE · 40m2 Shop · 19m2 Shop
TE RRY-L E E G E O R G E (082) 650 9194 SEPTEMBER 2011
fresh, latin-inspired cooking with vineyard views 021.874.3844 www.cosecharestaurant.com
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the month 100 Women 100 Wines SEPTEMBER 2011
THE MONTH
Our Staff Reporter gets Clare Mack to spill some beans...
W
hat do you get when you put 100 women and 100 different wines in the same room? A really good time, no doubt! And that’s exactly what can be expected on the 27th and the 28th of September – with pictures on our The_Month Facebook page – when 100 women from different parts of the country will be called upon to judge the wines presented to them. The Victoria and Alfred Hotel will play host to the event in which wines will be categorised according to what “best suits a particular mood and occasion, and not only [according to] its ‘bouquet’ and ‘vintage’.” Categories include Girls Night Out, Celebration, Sunday Lunch and Kiss and Make Up.
Friend of The Month, Clare Mack of Spill. co.za, and the brain child behind the event, suggests that “Eighty per cent of all wines purchased in SA are bought by women, so why shouldn’t women get to judge their favourite wines and recommend these to their friends? For a weekend the 100 women will forget about connoisseurs and terminologies but will have fun drinking wine that suits their palates and recommend which wines best match specific occasions.”
We think she has a point, and a pretty good idea to boot; for more information contact Clare at 073 842 1701 or clare@spill.co.za.
It’s a Winner!
Mont Rochelle Miko Chardonnay 2009
M
ont Rochelle recently released the second iteration of their flagship white, the Miko Chardonnay 2009. The wine is already every bit as good as its 2006 predecessor, and according to “those in the know” it’s probably going to be even better.
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Served with everything from a starter to dessert, the wine was unveiled at a sumptuous launch and not once did it fail to impress or encourage debate. Think distinctly oaked Chardonnay with a bright straw colour and all the aromas to match; apricot and citrus flavours upfront give way to white pepper and the well-integrated oak gives it lots of structure and a decent finish. With or without food, this is a must-have for both old and new world style Chardonnay drinkers. With only 2400 bottles produced, and available from the cellar at R250, this wine should sell fast.
See advert on pg 11 for contact details.
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A Feast of Fun!
Lize Briedenhann joins Jenny Morris and Blaauklippen for a ‘dram’ competitive lunch
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t’s not every day you’re given the privilege of sharing a kitchen with South Africa’s Giggling Gourmet, Jenny Morris. Besides recently signing with the Food Network for its first South African cooking show, Jenny has dazzled us through the years with numerous cook books, food reviews, radio shows, and more (See www.jennymorris.co.za for just how much more! - Ed). Blaauwklippen Estate made a wise choice to launch their eight-year-old brandy at Jenny’s magical Cook’s Playground in Cape Town, where The Month and other food and wine writers, bloggers and enthusiasts joined in what would definitely be a memorable “lunching” experience. Arriving at the beautiful venue in De Waterkant, Cape Town, with its mystical little alleyway introducing a state-of-the-
art chefs’ training facility and modern elevated restaurant space, I was doubly impressed to learn that not only would we taste eight-year-old brandy on the day, but we’d also be of the first to enjoy Blaauwklippen’s brand new Shiraz Reserve 2009, their Zinfandel Reserve 2009 and their Christmas delight, the Before&After Aperitif. After quickly cancelling all appointments for the rest of the day, and some of the earlier ones for the next, we set about the arduous (not!) task at hand… Besides drinking from the glasses presented to us, we were skilfully shown how to cook with their contents as well. After a few Apricot and Brandy cocktails with Before&After Sorbet the ice was well-broken, and we divided into cooking teams after a short and friendly introduction by Blaauwklippen’s Managing Director and winemaker, Rolf Zeitvogel.
I was placed on a team which included the passionate wine writer Dusan Jelic (from wine.co.za) and we expertly completed our apple and brandy Tarte Tatin, along with an impressive flaming sweet apple flambé. Vietnamese spring rolls with a Before&After sauce, Pork Fillet with brandy honey mustard sauce (Yes, Brian Smit, your pork fillet was the best) and Prawns flambéed in brandy added to the mix (given that there was a fair bit of wine and brandy to go around – the mix was a bit more mixed up for some…). At the end of the day what could have been just another wine launch surprised us all and must rate as one of the best events of the year. It was relaxing, friendly, informative and just plain fun – isn’t that what life in the Winelands is all about!?
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RUGBY WORLD CUP BREAKFAST GAME SPECIAL Enjoy a hearty English/South African Breakfast with the games!
CAPE TOWN
For reservations phone: Tel: (021) 867 0963 R301 Wemmershoek road, 1km from Pearl Valley
Capturing The Spirit of Wine Tourism Anita Mendiratta gives The Month her opinion about the wine tourism business in South Africa
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ver the past decade, no economic sector has seen as much growth, profile and appreciation as Travel and Tourism. Celebrated as the fastest growing economic sector worldwide, with over 940 million people traveling internationally per annum and accounting for 1 in every 12 jobs worldwide, travel and tourism has become a thermometer of where the world sees future value for both business and pleasure. For South Africa, the travel sector has become a critical component of our nation’s definition and achievements to date. Through tourism South Africa has shown the world what it is as a people, as a place and as a partner. The tourism industry has provided South Africa with a believable, sustainable message to the world. Importantly, it has also given the world a glimpse of how we define South Africa in terms of style, sophistication, taste and richness of experience.
Wine tourism is an entree into South African lifestyle, and a front window into our agriculture, manufacturing and design industries. Wine tourism is not about the wine – it is about the wine lifestyle experience delivered the South African way. And, it is about the lives that it uplifts through the promotion of the sector. As stated by Minister of Tourism, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, “Wine tourism is one of the fastest growing and most lucrative sectors of the global tourism market. In South Africa, our wine industry plays an important role in terms of its contribution to specifically regional and rural economic growth and job
creation. In 2009 wine tourism contributed an estimated R4.3bn to our country's tourism revenue, and we believe there is still great potential for growth in this regard.” The development and promotion of the Wine Tourism sector for South Africa is critical not only to our advancement as an industrial nation, but to our ability to gain respect and appreciation as a people of truly good taste. Anita Mendiratta is a Canadian-born strategic consultant in tourism and economic development whose leadership positions in a number of Fortune 500 companies allowed her to successfully
establish her own global consultancy, Cachet Consulting, with a focus on tourism and economic development. Anita works with various governments and clients in the private sector to mold strategic thinking and develop creative solutions for sustainable, meaningful nation building through tourism sector development. She has become a trusted and respected advisor to tourism’s leaders in both the public and private sectors and is a regular speaker at summits and conferences, and participates in panels at senior government level.
No niche within the tourism sector offers this wholeness of insight more than the Wine Tourism sector. Sadly and incorrectly, Wine Tourism can often be viewed simply as the act of visiting the winelands as a tourist, wining and dining, and then continuing on one’s way. Wine tourism is, however, so much richer and more rewarding than that, for both the visitor and the wine tourism provider.
crossword
solution CROSSWORD PG 27
VE AT LI IC NDS US E M EEK W
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G BRINE TH LE O WH ILY FAM
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WINES
Tastings for the month of September 2011
Fr a n s c h h o e k
@
WINES
Selected wine farms repesented at WINES will have tasting on Sat 10th / Sat 17th / Sat 24th
Uncorked Festival in Franschhoek (3rd & 4th September) Journey through a full day of activities exploring WINES in depth Pinot noir - Sauvignon blanc - Pinotage - Chardonay - Shiraz - Chenin 7 sessions on the hour between 10h00 to 16h00 - R25 per session
R25 per Tasting kit (includes wine glass, & four tasting vouchers) Shop 2 Centre de Franschhoek 23 Huguenot street Franschhoek An Expert Wine Courier service is available to ship your wine from WINES directly to your door or your nearest Postnet branch . Protective packaging and insurance options are also available
Mondays to Saturdays:
10:00am - 18:00pm
Sundays & Public Holidays: 10:00am - 17:00pm Saturday Wine tastings: 14:00pm - onwards
Come explore WINES interactively with us
WINES
Phone / Fax +27 (0)21 876 3185 or contact Elsa directly on Cell: +27 (0)83 458 9835 e-mail: elsa@project19.co.za
September WINES
Lorraine Geldenhuys, of WINES, uncorks some good value buys for September
Nabygelegen, Lady Anna R35
Nabygelegen owner and cellarmaster, James McKenzie, honoured the wife of the first owner of the farm by naming his white blend ‘Lady Anna’. Back in 1712 Anna married at 15, conceived seven children and built up the farm after the death of her husband – if ever there was a “Lady”, it was Anna. I was so impressed with the layers of complexity on the nose of this unwooded blend of Chenin blanc (70%), Sauvignon blanc (25%) and Semillon that after two hours in the glass I was still so captivated by the aromas that I literally forgot to drink it!
I was slightly disappointed by the taste, but only until I realised that I was comparing it to a
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R200+ bottle instead of the R35 it cost me. The wine was cold-fermented (10-13°C) and aged on lees to improve mouthfeel and complexity. This is the kind of wine that begs to be bought by the case. All the Nabygelegen wines are quite impressive and the friendly staff makes a visit thoroughly worthwhile. Be sure to meet Catherine and the five dogs that follow her around everywhere she goes!
Marklew, Merlot 2005 R70
The 180 year old cellar at Marklew was renovated in 2002 and now produces approximately 70 tonnes per annum. The energetic young winemaker, Henri Warren, believes that the ‘devil is in the detail’ and it’s an approach that has led to the production of some quality wines. Given that Merlot is generally a difficult wine to make in terms of obtaining enough colour, creating a good balance in acidity and tannins and also conducting a trouble-free malolactic fermentation, the Marklew Merlot 2005 is thoroughly impressive. Intense fresh plum and red berries are prominent on this six-year-old whilst the oak
is well-integrated and contributes to structure and aroma complexity. The big tannins mean that this Merlot will age gracefully for another eight to ten years. If it’s been a while since you were last impressed by a Merlot, this might be the turning point and at the price, there’s every reason to give it a try. Keep an eye out for Henri’s promising wooded Chardonnay to be released soon.
Adoro, Sauvignon blanc R86 Drinking this wine gave me goosebumps – it’s that good! Winemaker Ian Naude followed the approach of the great Sauvignin blanc growers in Sancerre, France, by planting and harvesting according to terroir and choose only certain rows of certain blocks in certain areas to produce this magnificent wine. The nose is a sufficient introduction of the promising taste and the minerality is carried over from the nose to a classic, rich and structured palate. The mouthfeel is round and supple and as a result this wine
brings with it so much authority in its class and the promise of another five years aging – yet another reason to be impressed. Can the Old World meet the New World in a glass? With this wine, YES!
Arra, Viognier Unreserved 2010 R115
This 100% Viognier is very accessible and friendly with all the grapes sourced from the Paarlbased farm. The nose is fresh and lively, and the palate easy and crisp, without being too dry, which gives it roundness and mouthfeel. In winemaking terms some sweetness in a dry wine is a result of the “residual sugar” (RS) that cannot be fermented by the yeast and remains in solution during bottling. The RS in this Viognier masks high acidity and alcohol (14.5%) but contributes to the overall balance. One third was barrel fermented (giving the wine good oak flavours) and then blended with tank fermented wine to create a well-balanced quaffer. All wines are available at WINES, Franschhoek, who also deliver to any PostNet store or street address for R 150 per six-bottle pack.
See advert above.
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Zo Cool: Product Review the ZOKU Ice Lolly Maker
Brett Garner finds that being cool is child's-play after – no strings attached. Well the line was drawn, wasn’t it? For two months now my three-yearold has been in charge of the ‘keys’ to the ZOKU – and man is he driving me nuts! As ice lolly makers go, The ZOKU is a beast and unlike most popin-the-freezer lolly makers, the ZOKU should be used out in the open (in truth the thing is a super-advanced ice-brick and just needs to be stored in the freezer between uses).
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hen I received a trade press release about the new ZOKU ice lolly making sensation a while back, I’ll admit that my initial response was somewhat dismissive. Don’t get me wrong, I like gadgets, but gimmicks irk me about as much as SPAM does, so I was less than excited. I fired off an email to the distributor saying that I’d go and buy a ZOKU and test it myself before accepting the typical PR hype and was surprised to get both a response and the promise of a ZOKU shortly there-
Making the lollies is child’s-play, literally, and my kid gets through as many as six a day. Take the ZOKU out of the freezer, set it on a low table with a small cup each of fruit juice (intense flavours work best), box custard, double thick yoghurt, not-yet-set jelly and anything else you’re keen to freeze to a stick and say “go”. Within the eight minutes it takes to watch an episode of Thomas the Tank Engine there will be “stripy ice-creams” to rival anything shop-bought and, the double thick yoghurt aside, healthier too. As the lolly moulds don’t hold bucketsful you can be sure of a decent mess given that three-year-old hands are far from steady (but the ZOKU is easy to clean) and a request to make more. At less than R500 from select Boardmans stores and online at Yuppie Chef, it’s not cheap – but it’s a small price to pay for the hours of enjoyment and together time it offers over the cheaper jobs.
For more information on the ZOKU, call 0214384558 and for more pics visit The_Month on Facebook
Tastes Like Grapes Johan Delport, Cellar Manager at Waverly Hills,
chooses our Wine Of The Month
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n the road between Robertson and Bonnievale is the farm of the Bruwer brothers, Quando. The farm has been in the same family for generations but it was left to the youngest generation to decide to make its own wine. The soil in Robertson, close to the banks of the Breede River, is rich in alluvial gravel and the classic Burgundy
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Quando Pinot Noir 2009 cultivars, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, thrive here, which is why Robertson has made a name for itself producing excellent Chardonnays and more recently Pinot Noir and Cap Classique. It is not often that you find a wine that tastes like grapes - the Quando Pinot Noir is one of these. The refreshing grape taste is layered with flavours of red berries and plums and the wine finishes with serious tannins that will let it age for some years to come.
It sells at R94 per bottle and with only a small number available it’s best to grab it while you can.
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FIRECRACKER WINTER MENU
Salt & Pepper Shrimp or Pan Fried Duck Liver Veal Osso Buco or Tarragon Rubbed Chicken Fillet CAPE MALAY CURRIES
FIRECRACKER MENU
Wednesday evenings @ R95
2 course @ R145
“My passion and heritage”
3 course @ R175
Selection of 3 different curries served with condiments.
Available throughout
Bread & Butter Pudding or Crème Brûlée
the week.
Come dine with us, meet the team and warm up at the fireplace… Complimentary shuttle service available for all visitors to Franschhoek.
Tel: +27 (0)21 876 3386 • email: info@fch.co.za
For more information visit our website at www.fch.co.za
Hang Ten Dude, I’m Stoked! We go sand boarding in Atlantis, and learn a few surfing terms Gavin Pfister from Extreme Scene dealt with our permits, equipment (read: a metre-long board with footstraps) and refreshments, and introduced us to our laid back expert instructor, Mo from surf-rich, land-locked, Uganda! Mo spent the first ten minutes explaining to the excited kids how to wax the board to make it go faster (kids really like this) and how to ‘wipeout’ safely (an oxymoron surely?) and the progression from the junior to the higher slopes was fairly quick. Sand boarding is best done barefoot and is generally safe for all ages but Mo does recommend you wear a helmet. I recommend you wear sunglasses to avoid the glare – not from the sun, but from your embarrassed kids when you wipe out big time.
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or us “oldies” who find it far too cold at this time of the year to even think about going close to the Cape’s cold waters, and to whom ‘swell’ means having a good time and ‘rip’ was something the dog did to your Billabongs, there is good news. Sand boarding (or dune surfing) at Atlantis is a safe, fun alternative and a great day out which will get the kids ‘amped’ and begging for more.
Atlantis is about 40 minutes from Cape Town up the West Coast road past Melkbosstrand, and on the sunny day of our visit we were noticeably ‘stoked’ as we ‘hooked a right’ after the Koeberg power station and headed into the dunes. The venue is also used for quad biking and 4X4-ing so, especially at weekends, there are bound to be plenty of other ‘dudes’ about.
Similar to snow boarding without the six layers of clothing, Sand boarding is easy to learn and a lot of fun for kids, corporate days out and oldies, alike.
Give Gav a bell at Extreme Scene on 021 4220868 for more info or go to www.extremescene.co.za and get stoked!
THE ORIGINAL IS HERE! 1ST CONCEPT STORE IN SA!
OPENING SPECIAL
START-A-BRACELET Sterling silver bracelet and lock plus two one-of-a-kind glass beads for R 995. Normal price R 1490. SAVE R 495.
Create beautiful jewellery that tells your unique story. Choose interchangeable beads that have meaning to you, handcrafted from Murano glass, sterling silver and 18 carat gold.
Online shopping at www.collectb.co.za Made in Denmark • Lifetime guarantee
Bijoux Square, 60 Huguenot Street, Franschhoek, Tel: 021 876 3970, email: info@collectb.co.za, www.trollbeadsza.co.za
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Weddings Made Easier
We chat to Jakie Rabie of Rickety Bridge about the basics of wedding planning
ESTATE
Restaurant
Harry Q Bar Weddings &Functions
Join us in our glass fronted, oak tree framed restaurant for Chef Tanja Kruger’s delicious slow food, from rabbit starter to Prawn Laksa and much more...
Relax in our bar, in our courtyard or outside on our lawns with fantastic views. We offer browsing food....... order a few bowls to share, then order a few more..... Hand cut chips with home made tomato sauce, seafood pops, aubergine & bacon roulade, pepperdew poppers and lots more.
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eddings are wonderful, romantic and intensely celebratory occasions, but entail significant amounts of complex and difficult decisions and arrangements, and require the kind of attention to detail that will have many questioning whether or not they really do!
some of the apparently more expensive venues do include everything and as a result are, in fact, competitively priced
We asked Jackie Rabie, of the popular wedding venue Rickety Bridge outside Franschhoek, to walk us through the basics. Here’s what we got: The first, and most critical decision, apart from whether or not to get married, and to whom, is “Where” and “How”. Next you’ll want to decide whether it should be a day or evening wedding? And perhaps you’ll have the luxury of being able to choose either a city or Winelands venue.
one possibly compare different menu options? And how do you budget for wine consumption on the evening – especially if some of your guests are known to knock back a few? A popular approach is to opt for a fully inclusive rate per person (which is normally subject to a minimum number of guests). This would typically include everything - the chapel, the wedding venue, chairs, tables, cutlery, crockery, a selected menu, wine (with a specified number of bottles per table), staff and even the gratuity. The only extras will be additional wine or spirits consumed, and the typical modern-day approach is to provide a cash bar for guests.
We offer a breathtaking venue for your wedding or year-end function, seating a maximum of 120 guests with exclusive use of all our facilities including our 4 luxury suites. Contact Philip for rates and availability.
10 minutes from Stellenbosch and 15 minutes from Franschhoek, in the village of Johannesdal (next to Pniel) on the newly upgraded R310, Helshoogte road. Call 021 885 1240 / 083 772 9449, www.dehuguenot.co.za, info@dehuguenot.co.za
So, with a little help from people like Jackie, there’s every reason to make your special day an occasion to remember, for all the right reasons; and if in the heat of all the planning things seems to be insurmountable, remember these words by Bill Wilson: To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.
For Rickety Bridge’s details see their ad on page 15
Having made all of the difficult decisions, the myriad venue options available will need to be considered – no doubt on the basis of price. Some venues charge what might appear to be a very reasonable venue hire, only to charge for every chair, knife, plate, napkin and waiter used. Other venues offer an “inclusive venue hire fee”, which they say has “no extras”, until you decide that you want to deviate from their norm and soon those extras pile up! Beware and read the fine print! On the flip side, some of the apparently more expensive venues do include everything and as a result are, in fact, competitively priced – so don’t discard those quotes until you’ve done your homework. Menu selection is the next nightmare. How can
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To “I do” or Not to “I do” 5 minutes with Aliet Swanepoel, wedding co-ordinator extraodinaire (which led to most passengers having motion sickness) and a bride who did NOT wear white. What a scene! I always say: If we could manage that, we can manage anything!
TM: And your favourite wedding?
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eople do crazy things in Spring – and with that in mind The Month chatted to wedding and event coordinator, Aleit Swanepoel, about the craziest of all. Aleit grew up in Worcestor, completed his schooling at Stellenbosch High and went on to work in several up-market South African hotels in South Africa before spending time in the visitors’ division of Distell and completing a business degree. A member of the Public Relations Institute of South Africa, Aleit has been involved personally in more than 200 weddings; whilst his Aleit Group has coordinated far more than that. We asked him about how he got into the wedding coordination business.
Aleit Swanepoel: I coordinated the wedding of a Distell winemaker and a Distell director - my fee was probably a 50th of what we charge now, but I did it for my own stimulation and I loved it! When I got home, I knew I had to put my Master’s degree on hold, and I started designing my website straight away. The Month: What is the most challenging function you’ve worked on? AS: For professional reasons I can’t say too
much… but it involved a yacht, rough seas
AS: My own! I married my beautiful wife, Madri, in April 2006 and the wedding festivities took the form of a three-day celebration! For the pre-wedding event guests were picked up at Tank at De Waterkant, whisked off to the Clouds Estate for cocktails and some funky jazz. On the wedding day, preceremony drinks were hosted at Relish and at dusk, guests made their way to the Anglican Church in Kloofnek road where we had a 30-piece choir, the best soprano in SA and lots of candles – very striking and dramatic. The after-party was at ten, with a big swing band, canapés, French champagne and cocktails – by 4:30am or so, Madri and I thought it appropriate to leave, and the next morning our thirty closest friends joined us for a well-deserved brunch at the old world Winchester Mansions Hotel in Sea Point... good times.
For both the bride and the bridegroom: Don't drink too much - no one likes an inebriated bride or groom; Remember to take a moment alone together - it’s probably one of the few you will have all day the only way to cement the true romance of the occasion! Step back every hour and take it all in. The most common comment received from couples is that the day flies past at the speed of light and they wish they’d taken more notice of the goings on; Mingle with everyone if you can and do not get stuck with one group of guests all evening and finally, Keep your speeches short (if they must be longer than 30 minutes, split them before and after the starter or main course) and remember to thank both sets of parents!
TM: Any no-nos? AS: So many… Don’t use props in your
wedding photos; No cameras in guests’ faces; The groom must not wear white; Don’t chew gum; Don’t lose sight of who and what the day is all about and the following songs must are not allowed: Chicken Dance, Macarena, Conga, YMCA, Hokey Pokey, Locomotion, Cha Cha Slide and Limbo Rock!
TM: Finally: Who’s worse, the mother or the bride? AS: The bride – always the bride!
TM: What’s the oddest request you’ve ever had to deal with from a bride? AS: A bride who wanted to ‘walk’ down the aisle on an elephant! Seriously. TM: What basic tips would you give a bride when planning her wedding? AS: Relax and enjoy the experience; Start the day with a healthy (and filling) breakfast – and eat a small snack two hours before the ceremony; Take a sip of water just before you walk down the aisle, and make sure to take a toilet-run while your bridesmaids are around to assist with the dress; Put your chief bridesmaid in charge of remembering your bouquet before you depart for the ceremony (it may sound silly but this can easily be forgotten); Before you walk down the aisle, breathe deeply, focus on the groom and make eye contact - something supernatural happens within the soul; Remember to give a key member of your retinue your lipstick and lip gloss for touchups later on.
David and Sanet were married recently and show us what it means to “keep sight of who and what the day is all about”
Trendy, stylish & luxurious salon with the look and feel of a spa at the foothills of the tranquil Stellenbosch winelands
Vows in the Vines at Rickety Bridge Situated in the Franschhoek valley, Rickety Bridge wine estate is the ideal venue for your dream wedding and the perfect canvas to create memories that will last a life time.
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
Facials (TheraVine™& Nimue) Essentials: lashes, brows and makeup Manicures & Pedicures (Minx & Bio Sculpture) Massage and Full Body Treatments (TheraVine™) Spray Tans (Caribbean Tan) Waxing
Enquire about the new All Inclusive Wedding Package which will help make planning your special day a pleasure .
Contact 021 876 2129 or functions@ricketybridge.com
www.ricketybridge.com SEPTEMBER 2011
Call 082 567 5500 or info@vanityfairspa.com
www.vanityfairspa.com
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Make Tracks to Uncorked
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f you’re heading to Franschhoek for the Franschhoek Uncorked Festival over the weekend of the 3rd and 4th of September, take a good look at the goings on as you pass La Motte and approach the old railway siding to your right. It’s here, at The Siding, that the Goods Wagon will henceforth host a weekly Sunday market, from 9.30am to 3pm, starting on the 4th.
cars, which includes the likes of Aston Martin, Porsche, Maserati and Ferrari and late-night activities at Holden Manz – the Goods Wagon will provide family fun, fine fayre, free parking and even more entertainment. See you there!
See advert on pg 26 for details.
To add to the many great events of the Franschhoek Uncorked weekend – cellar and vineyard tours, barrel tastings, food and wine pairings, art exhibitions, a fresh food market , a microbrewery tasting, live music ranging from jazz and blues to the French-inspired, a rare exhibition of über-luxury
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M
Y
CM
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Of Chickens
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and Pianos 5 minutes with “farm boy” muso, Niël Rademan of Stellenbosch, where I completed my masters and it was during my studies, when my acting group and I adapted Riana Scheepers’s Wilde Willemientjie into a childrens-musical (which went on to win a KKNK (Klein Karoo Arts Festival) Kanna award), that I realised that things were really starting to happen for me. And I was so ready for it! TM: Which famous musicians have you shared a stage with? NR: Louis Loock, Elzabe Zietsman, Zorada Temmingh, Emo Adams, Soweto Gospel choir, Nedine Blom, Anna Davel, Ian Roberts, Ollie Viljoen, Coenie de Villiers and Pieter-Dirk Uys. TM: And your greatest accomplishment, in your eyes, thus far? NR: Singing the national anthem with a large choir in the Cape Town Stadium during Opening of Parliament.
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aised on a farm in Heidelberg in the Southern Cape, it’s hard to imagine that talented musician Niël Rademan attended an agricultural high school in Riversdal (Hoer Landbouskool Oakdale). He proudly tells us of the day he had to do his Grade 8 Unisa piano exam a few hours after he had to slaughter a chicken for an exam at school. “It’s part of who I am,” he says. “My friends always say that I solve problems in the complicated art world in a “farm boy” manner.” In between farm life, Niël enjoyed entertaining friends and family from a very young age and, luckily for us, he is still doing exactly that. We asked him what his biggest influences have been. Niël Rademan: As a child, my two grandmothers. The one was a farmer’s wife, teaching me about plants. The other was a city woman, teaching me about people. As a teenager my English and Afrikaans teacher featured prominently and as an adult my loving parents have been most influential. The Month: Tell us about your journey after school to where you are now. NR: I contemplated studying law, advertising and even agriculture. Of course, I wanted to be a musician, but it was the theatrical world that won my heart in the end. I studied Drama at the University
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TM: And what are you working on at the moment? NR: I’m directing Sound of Music that will be performed from the 13th to the 16th of October in Wellington, and am also working on the University of Stellenbosch “Woordfees” festival. I’m part of the WOW Christmas show that will be performed at the Oude Libertas Theatre in Stellenbosch on the 27th of November that will include quite a variety of South African musicians, and before that I’m also presenting a few shows through ARTSCAPE in the Overberg district. The big one coming up, or rather that is returning, is Kabaretmania - showing for the fourth time in Stellenbosch this coming October, at which I will perform along with Coenie de Villiers and PieterDirk Uys.
Award Winning Wines
Bistro Restaurant & Deli
Celebrations
Farm Stays
Open from Monday till Sunday - Free Nanny Service Vrede en Lust Tel: (021) 874 1611 | Cotage Fromage Tel: (021) 874 3991 Corner of R45 and Klapmuts Simondium Rd, Paarl | www.vnl.co.za
Something close to my heart is working with the Musikhaus W. Heuer where we promote pianos and piano music through concerts that showcase the different pianos available at this legendary music store. And speaking of pianos, I’m also working on a CD focussed on piano music that I hope to see launched next year. TM: Thanks Niël, and good luck!
For more information on Niël Rademan, go to www.nielrademan.co.za
Enjoy Responsibly. Not for Sale to Persons Under the Age of 18.
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Fashionably Yours Annamé Lotz takes a look at some of the new ranges available for spring Metalicus Metalicus came about when Melbourne designer, Melma Hamersfeld, experimented with stocking fabric, giving rise to this international fashion brand. It is worn all over the world by women looking for simplicity and variety. This is the ultimate “Mix and Match” brand. These “one size”, body-hugging items are perfect for layering and so create countless different looks for everyday wear. While the basic items in this range will stay more or less constant, the colour palette will change as the seasons move along, allowing you to keep your look updated and fashionable.
Montique Montique offers beautiful high-fashion items, similar to those seen on the red carpet, fit for women of all ages and sizes. With a tag line that reads: “First there was the little black number, then there was Montique”, there is no doubt that they will be the new go-to brand for the stylish woman seeking a knockout outfit for every special occasion. With so many designs to choose from, you will never again have a panic attack when you receive an invitation to a glamorous event. Happy shopping!
Photographer: Ashley Marie Miles Model: Nikki Leigh Horsten Assistant: Cuan Styling, Makeup and Hair: 46664 This range of clothing has been Annamé Lotz launched to raise funds for charity and to promote former president Nelson Mandela's humanitarian legacy.
For more info contact Annamé Lotz Stuttafords Canal Walk 021 555 1970 CanalWalk.Shopper@stuttafords.co.za
The style is definitely influenced by the classic European designs but it has an unmistakable African flavour to it. Keeping the design simple, the casual and business ranges are made more unique by adding a touch of colourful prints here and there.
MONTIQUE Soft lace bolero in Nougat, R1299,95 Lace Sateen dress in Nougat, R1899,95
Not only will you be contributing to a good cause when you purchase these clothing items, but you can be proud to wear uniquely stylish clothing when spending a day with friends or meeting with business partners.
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pring is here, at last, although the odd patch of snow on the distant mountain tops may suggest otherwise. With the fresh breeze bringing new life to nature all around us, we too will feel the urge to renew ourselves; and what better way is there than to spring-clean a few cupboards and make space for some new additions? This month I’ve chosen to take a closer look at the new ranges available just in time for the new you! The lovely new brands are: Capital M This brand prides itself on its successful combining of fashion, comfort and simplicity in a stylish manner. They have done this by keeping their basic items low-maintenance, using mostly natural fabrics and drawing inspiration from the catwalks. The look changes from season to season. Update your wardrobe with these simple, yet striking pieces, and mix and match to create your own unique look! SEPTEMBER 2011
MONTIQUE Chiffon layer dress in Nougat, R1999,95
MONTIQUE Ruffle neck dress available in Oyster, R1499,95
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SEPTEMBER Theatre Programme
For the whole Family: Fiddler on the Roof @ Artscape
Dorp Straat Restaurant Theatre, Stellenbosch 021-88 99 158 info@dorpstraat.co.za www.dorpstraat.co.za 2nd Riku Lätti en Les Javan MUSIC 3rd The Grades MUSIC 7th Marc Lottering COMEDY 8th BOO! MUSIC 10th Glaskas MUSIC 16th Coenie de Villiers MUSIC 21st Fees van die Ongenooides, Chris van Niekers THEATRE 22nd FREE THURSDAY! With Melanie Basson and Rob Bolton MUSIC 23rd Mr Cat & The Jackal MUSIC 30th Accoustica, Graham Gilliot and Jesse Jordan MUSIC
From the 9 th of September till the 1 st of October this classical musical will be performed in the opera hall of the Artscape Theatre. Rich in historical ethnic detail, this musical has touched audiences around the world with its humour, warmth and honesty. Its universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers leaving audiences laughing through tears of joy and sadness. Its celebrated score features popular songs loved the world over. For more information go to www. artscape.co.za
CREATIVE WORKSHOP PROGRAMME AT STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY From the 5th to the 9th of September the Stellenbosch University’s Visual Arts Department will once again host the popular Creative Workshop. Renowned South Africans Vicky Thomas, Helene van Aswegen, Pete Woodbridge, Ferdinand Kid, Lyn Smuts, Andries Gous, Marjorie van Heerden, Erica du Plessis, Sandy Maytham-Bailey and Henk Venter will guide amateurs and professionals in opening their creative side. For more information contact Marika Bell at 083 680 2057 or 021 886 9271 or mbell@iafrica.com.
The Voucher Project addressing the homeless problem in Paarl
H
e says “ ‘n Paar sent vir ‘n broodjie?” (“Can I have some change for bread?”) and you begrudgingly think “Surely there’s a better way?” But you part with the money, knowing that bread may very well be far down on his list of priorities. Surely there’s a better way?
DON’T
WALK PAST HIM
GIVE HIM A VOUCHER
Perhaps the Monte Christo Miqlat’s (MCM) Homeless Care Ministry’s “The Voucher Project” is just that. In a nutshell the project seeks to take money off the streets, address the real needs of “street people” and give them the love and self-worth they need to break free from a life on the streets.
Their approach is simple: Booklets of eight R5 vouchers are sold at designated sales points, for R30 per booklet, throughout Paarl and Paarlites are encouraged to keep the vouchers handy to give away instead of money. The vouchers are redeemable by homeless people for food (currently served at two central locations) or a piece of clothing from the Hospice shop. In time MCM also hopes to add a night-shelter option to the voucher. Support “The Voucher Project” and assist MCM as they strive to eradicate poverty and uplift the community of Paarl.
There are an estimated 2,000 homeless people living on the streets of Paarl. By giving money, it often ends up funding an addiction rather than necessities. To respond effectively to their needs, the Homeless Care initiative launched a program in Paarl called The Voucher Project. The program has a three phase approach that includes: ◦ Making Contact - helping the homeless with their most immediate needs and getting to know them. ◦ Rehabilitation - providing job opportunities and training that allows the homeless to get back on their feet. ◦ Reintegration - helping the participants to get through the process of getting a job and re-entering society. By supporting The Voucher Project we can make a difference by giving responsibly. Vouchers can be bought at selected outlets on Main Road and are exchangeable for clothes and food at three different centres. The voucher also creates an opportunity for a homeless person to be exposed to relationship programs that aim to restore and empower them. Please don’t stop giving, give responsibly. Support the Voucher Project. For more information, go to www.homelesscare.co.za
THE VOUCHER PROJECT 18 / The Month
A Monte Christo Miqlat Initiative
SEPTEMBER 2011
1 SEPT / 9.30am / GARDEN TOUR WITH RICHARD ARM During Arbour Week. 021 847 1346, Vergelegen Wine Estate, Somerset-West 1 SEPT / 1.10pm / LUNCH AT THE KONSERVE University of Stellenbosch percussion duo. Endler (Fismer) Hall, Stellenbosch
2 SEPT / 7pm / MATTHEW REID AND TERTIA VISSER-DOWNIE (clarinet and piano). In the mood of the Franschhoek Uncorked festivities, a delightful programme that varies from a Tartini concertino to Arthur Benjamin's inciting Jamaican Rumba, and a number of gypsy melodies from the Balkans. For bookings, contact Angela at 021 876 8000, R160 pp, La Motte, Franschhoek 3 SEPT / 7pm / JAN HUGO (piano). To celebrate Frans Liszt's birth two centuries ago, Hugo will be playing works of this composer, as well as a number of festive virtuoso compositions in the spirit of the festive weekend in Franschhoek. For bookings, contact Angela at 021 876 8000, R160 pp, La Motte, Franschhoek
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what’s on
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ion shows of the latest in bridal wear, wine tasting and wine sales. Kid-friendly tractor trips around the farm and to the wedding gazebo at the dam. A R20 000 Club Travel voucher towards a travel gift registry is up for grabs, Goodie bags to the first 100 entrants. 021 874 393, R45, Franschhoek 11 SEPT / 10km FULL MOON HIKE to the top of the koppie from the Dirtopia Trail Centre. Bring a torch! 021 884 4752, Dirtopia Trail Centre, Delvera Agri-tourism Complex, R44, near Stellenbosch
15 SEPT / 1.10pm / LUNCH AT THE KONSERVE Enjoy “mixed bags” with third-years, Endler (Fismer) Hall, Stellenbosch
3 & 4 SEPT / FRANSCHHOEK UNCORKED Celebrate all things “van die Kaap” at Solms-Delta: Cape music, Kaapse food, Kaapse wine and a visit to the Museum van der Caab. Regular performances of lively traditional music from the rural Cape and pairings of exquisite Cape fusion food with award-winning Cape wines, a la carte lunches and special Uncorked Cape Style Deli Platter. 021 874 393, R45, Franschhoek
15 SEPT / A FEAST OF PIANO MUSIC AT HEUER MUSIKHAUS Benjamin van Eden and Tertia VisserDownie entertain music lovers with Chopin, Beethoven and more at the acclaimed Heuer Musikhaus. 021 887 2938, Bird Street, Stellenbosch
16 SEPT / 8pm / USSBE AND WINDWORX Following a week of conducting master classes, Alan Stephenson will conduct USSBE, joined by Windworx, in a performance of Allan Stephenson’s Youth Concerto for Trombone featuring Ryan Kierman on trombone. Endler Hall, Stellenbosch
10 SEPT / 8pm / PIANO SERIES Petronel Malan (piano). Endler Hall, Stellenbosch 10 SEPT / WEDDINGS AND FUNCTIONS OPEN DAY AT SOLMS-DELTA Everything you need to plan for your wedding day! Food stalls to help you choose your menu, music from Dukes disco, the Delta Soetstemme and Langbroeke, fash-
the Department of Music. Endler Hall, Stellenbosch
23–25 SEPT / HERITAGE WEEKEND AT SOLMSDELTA WINE ESTATE Fyndraai restaurant has a special Heritage Menu which includes the Veldkos of the indigenous Khoe and San who inhabited this region thousands of years ago; Cape ‘Malay’ cuisine (foods created by slaves of Indian, Indonesian and East African origin) and Boerekos (the cuisine that European settlers developed in the Cape). Pre-booking is essential, 021 874 3937 Ext 115 Wine-tasting takes place in the Museum van der Caab which chronicles the heritage and social history of the 325-year old estate. Book a Dik Delta Tour around the Dik Delta Fynbos Culinary Garden and learn about the edible side of heritage. www.solms-delta.co.za , 021 874 3937, R45, Franschhoek 24 SEPT / 6am / BAINSKLOOF ULTRA AND HALF MARATHON 63km, 21km and Buksie 6km. Huguenot High Sports Field, www.bainskloofultra.co.za, Wellington 24 SEPT / 8pm / CHAMBER SERIES Brahms Horn Trio & Dohnanyi Sextet, Peter Amon (French horn), Suzanne Martens (violin) and Nina Schumann (piano), Peter Martens (cello). Endler Hall, Stellenbosch 29 SEPT / all day / STELLENBOSCH NATIONAL ENSEMBLE COMPETITION Endler Hall
17 SEPT / 8.30am / 2nd INNESENSE CELLAR2CELLAR TRAIL RUN & WINE EXPERIENCE Paradyskloof, outside Stellenbosch
Ahead of the Bridge House Golf Day, which will take place on SEPTEMBER 22nd at Pearl Valley, the school is raffling tickets to the 2012 US Masters – held in Augusta, Georgia, from April 5th to 8th next year. The prize is for two people, includes accommodation and transfers, entry to all four days of the competition, the Par 3 competition and the practice round – worth well over R100,000!
SEPTEMBER 2011
Raffle tickets will be limited to 500 in number, sell for R500 each and will go on sale via the school by end of June. The draw will take place at the Big Golf Day in September. For more info about the day or the raffle, please contact Eugene Cuyler at eugene. cuyler@gmail.com.
TONY COX the Theatre @ Bridge House School
Every last Saturday of the month (and some public holidays) / 9am–1pm / SOMERSET WEST: COUNTRY CRAFT MARKET Outdoor art and craft market with 200 stalls, including a beer and braai tent. 021 852 6608 or 021 843 3287, Southey's Vines, 186 Main Road, Somerset West
1 OCT / 9am / FYNBOS WALK with Gerald Wright. 021 8471346, Vergelegen, Lourensford Road, Somerset West Ongoing: SATuRDAYS / 9am– 2pm / STELLENBOSCH: FRESH GOODS MARKET A bit hectic, but fun. Plenty of organic produce, whether it be smoked trout, micro-brewed beer or delicious little cherry cakes. , 021 886 8415, 072 416 4890, Oude Libertas Estate, Stellenbosch
Bridge House raffles the Masters
Every first Saturday of the month / Joostenberg Winery and Bistro cellar tour and wine pairing lunch with winemaker, Tyrrel Myburgh. R150pp, bookings with Nadia Human, 021 884 4141or winetast29 SEPT / 7.30pm / ing@joostenberg.co.za
Coming soon:
20 SEPT / 8pm / ORCHESTRAL SERIES Zurich Youth Orchestra: Dvořák Cello Concerto and Cobus Swanepoel (cello). Endler Hall, Stellenbosch 23 SEPT / 4.30pm / MATINÉE SERIES Fundraising concert featuring staff and students from
by
SATURDAYS / 9am– 2pm / STELLENBOSCH ORGANIC FARMERS MARKET An initiative of the Stellenbosch Waldorf School, promoting organic and natural produce and wares. 082 969 5757, on the Spier Wine Estate off the Annandale road outside Stellenbosch
6 – 9 OCT / COMBINED LIFESTYLE AND PROPERTY EXPO AT WILLOWBRIDGE ‘Inspiration on tap’ for everything homerelated in one huge marquee, over four exhibition days and with 36 top-notch exhibitor stands brimming with great ideas. Think colour, bright ideas, solutions to old DIY problems, new techniques and finishes as well as Willowbridge’s leading brands in fashion, home-ware, property, entertainment and lifestyle. Expect cutting-edge products and creativity from top suppliers in the worlds of décor, design, building, finishes, fittings and cupboards, side by side with new property releases from the Combined Developers group. Entrance is free, ample parking is available and kids' entertainment area and activities will be provided – see ad on page 15 for more details or go to www. willowbridge.co.za
1 OCT / LOURENSFORD MTB CLASSIC 60km, 30km, 15km, 021 884 4752, www.dirtopia.co.za
WILLOWBRIDGE
2011
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PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE
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Seeff Boland Winelands Group 31 Hugenote Street | Franschhoek Email: winelands@seeff.com Tel: 021 876 4592
FRANSCHHOEK
R3.8m
FRANSCHHOEK
R8.9m
FRANSCHHOEK
R3.4m
VAL DE VIE
R3.8m
LD
SO
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Rocking the Runway! We get the lowdown on a "proudly Cape Town" celebration of fashion to be staged at Canal Walk and will culminate in a showcase of couture collections by 12 top Cape Town designers, presented by Elegance Fabrics, local Designer Paul van Zyl and Canal Walk. The Elegance Fabrics Couture Collection Summer 2011 will feature collections from Rosenwerth, Hip Hop, Kobus Dippenaar, Stefania Morland, Jenni Button, Paul van Zyl, Jacques Lagrange, Verona Dove, Robyn Roberts, Francois Rall, Cindy Bam and Hendrik Vermeulen.
C
ape Town’s fresh young talent and iconic fashion designers are ready to ‘Rock the Runway’ at the Canal Walk Shopping Centre in a four-day fashion extravaganza, from Wednesday the 7th to Saturday the 10th of September.
The celebration of fashion will be hosted by young talent from five of the Mother City’s schools, each producing a fashion show at Canal Walk to raise funds for their schools,
SEPTEMBER 2011
The school runway shows will be presented by Reddam House, Sea Point, at 7pm on Wednesday the 7th of September; Sans Souci Girls High School on Thursday the 8th at 7pm and Durbanville High School on Friday the 9th at 7pm. On Saturday the 10th, Settlers High School will Rock the Runway at 12noon, and Springfield Convent will take the spotlight at 4pm. “Canal Walk is providing an unparalleled opportunity for high schools and learners to conceptualise, develop, produce, design, choreograph and facilitate their own school runway production,” explains Canal Walk Marketing Manager, Camilla Lor, “under the guidance and expertise of a dedicated team of reputable and recognized Canal Walk Show Production experts, to develop qual-
ity shows fused with the energetic vibrancy of the youth.” Youngsters will be given access to their favourite fashion brands at Canal Walk (such as Roxy, Billabong, Jay Jays and others), to dress their models. Each school will have an opportunity to sell 500 seated VIP tickets for their special showcase with all available proceeds going to the school. “For those who are not able to secure a seated ticket, there will be plenty of standing room, so everyone can see these unique and exciting fashion shows,” says Lor. At 8pm on Saturday the 10th of September the Elegance Fabrics Couture Collection Summer 2011 will include a special opening segment that will showcase the latest summer fabrics from Elegance. This spectacular event is the first that Elegance Fabrics will stage with the assistance of Canal Walk. Tickets are limited from the participating designers but viewing opportunities for the public are available on the two levels of Canal Walk Centre Court. “Canal Walk is passionate about fashion and our community” says Lor, “and Rock the Runway brings both together in a thrilling and inspiring celebration of talent and potential.”
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SEPTEMBER 2011
Hatch Job
the month THE MONTH
What memories will you make today? VISIT THE FRANSCHHOEK MOTOR MUSEUM
Michele Lupini gets a little attention
Lexus takes on the premium 5-door hatchbacks with a hybrid
0h Driven: Lexus CT 20
Monday - Friday 10h00 to 17h00 (last admission 16h00) Saturday - Sunday 10h00 to 16h00 (last admission 15h00) Open most public holidays - phone for confirmation. Entry fee: R60/adult; R50/pensioner; R30/child (3-12 yrs) The Franschhoek Motor Museum is located on the R45, Groot Drakenstein, look for the L’Ormarins Estate. GPS: 33°52’18,79”S 18°59’54,64”E No motorcycles or buses larger than 22-seaters allowed. Tel: 021 8749065 E-mail: fmm@fmm.co.za www.fmm.co.za
Prick up Your Ears The Publisher’s take on surviving the recession
I S
ay “Lexus” and most will think “big, sophisticated, classy sedans and a high-value fully-loaded collection of top-of-the-range cars”. Would anyone think “Hatchback”? Hardly; but all that is about to change… Summoned to Lexus Cape Town in the Foreshore a few weeks back, bristling with the latest in Japanese Luxury and manned by men in neatly pressed black suits, I was intrigued by a shiny new CT hatchback sitting on the showroom floor. I have to confess to not knowing a hell of a lot about this new baby Lexus, so the cool crystal-like gadgets in the headlamp clusters, the squiggly-lined grille treatment and softly-pressed crease lines amongst other highlights had me agog before I was ushered into the conference room for a chat with the brass. "We're entering a completely new market segment for Lexus with the CT 200h," the suits confirmed. Turns out it's the first full hybrid in the small luxury car segment and brings a completely new set of younger customers to the world of Lexus; expanding their hybrid offering in South Africa to a range of four models. “We sell more hybrids in SA than any other car brand," the suits beamed. The all-new CT 200h brings elegance, sophistication and dynamics; superior handling, a rewarding drive and the level of comfort expected of a Lexus. The newcomer is a full hybrid (it’s based on the Toyota Prius, which is hardly a bad thing anyway) capable of running on its Atkinson cycle 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine or powerful electric motor alone, or with both in combination, when the total output is 100kW. The CT can drive in either Relaxing or Dynamic driving 'moods' supported by Normal, EV, Eco and Sport driving modes and it comes fully loaded versus its Ger-
24 / The Month
man rivals, which need a bucket-load of expensive boxes to be ticked before they can think of matching the standard spec of the Japanese car. Considering that the CT shares its hybrid innards (and thus some of its basic controls) with the Prius, there's an immediate familiarity about it, but the Lexus is a very different experience. Not everyone will be satisfied with the Prius' somewhat Tupperware tastes (sorry Toyota!) - but the CT immediately stands apart from that and feels every part a Lexus. There's a leathery luxury to it and the ride and feel is certainly sophisticated; the cabin exudes quality and the car runs surprisingly well (although some will always be challenged by the way a CVT goes about its business...). Driving the CT home to Franschhoek met with countless turned heads and attracted the kind of attention in the village that proves Lexus are on to a good thing. The offering has a price-tag that will raise eyebrows too, so expect the CT to remain rather exclusive anon.
Want to learn more on Green motoring? Find much more in Michele Lupini and the Cars in Action team’s September Green Edition on sale now.
n my former life I was, on one occasion, fortunate enough to share the room with one of the world’s foremost and successful hedge fund traders at the time, and I recall asking him what he felt was the secret of his success. It was simple, he said, expect the unexpected. For him, to actually believe that his precious US dollar could be worth a measly 100 Yen (then it was over ¥300!) was a tough ask, but it was his edge, his advantage, since it enabled him to be objective. For a lot of people I mix with, the recession is a bit of a pain – a somewhat temporary setback on the way to another 20 years or so of continuous economic growth. But what if it’s not and this is the ‘new normal’? At what point do we ‘adapt to survive’ or to begin to “expect the unexpected”? Let’s be honest. In the early part of this century, incomes doubled and property prices trebled. History has taught us that if asset prices are driven by anything but sustainable demand, they need to adjust. Since sustainable demand comes from income, property prices need to drop by a third to find the market. Unfortunately, much of our spending is a function of how we value our assets – if they are worth a third less than we think, our spending (and aggregate demand in the economy) will fall accordingly. And that affects businesses how? Well, observationally, if demand falls by a third and there are nine restaurants on the main street, rather than all of them seeing a third less people through the door, consumers will discriminate - such that three go out of business and six survive.
In a ‘dog eat dog’ world, where there are just not enough dogs to go around, business needs to adapt to be part of the two thirds. Yet there’s an alarming ‘sameness’ about the way business is done, suggesting a belief that we’ll soon be out of the woods, economically. Thankfully, necessity is the mother of invention, and some businesses understand that difficult situations inspire ingenious solutions. For the others, surviving the recession begins with the elephant in the room – by acknowledging its existence. The bad news is that until asset prices adjust, it is necessary to adapt. The good news is that a big step towards becoming one of the two thirds is as easy as making the decision not to allow the recession to become an excuse for falling sales. It is said that only those who expect the recession to affect them will actually be affected. Let’s see!
I’m here – acknowledge me!
SEPTEMBER 2011
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THE MONTH
Dodging the Short Ball Dave Rundle offers some insights on investing during the downturn
T
here are many investors out there who, during the first two weeks of August, felt a little uneasy with the JSE falling to an 11-month low and chaos in the overseas markets. Having just managed to claw back some of the losses made in 2008, along comes this massive decline in the last couple of weeks. The combination of the US credit rating downgrade, continuing weakness in European sovereign debt markets, riots in England, and general unease in global sentiment has many thinking of a the odds of a global recession. It’s such a big concern, in fact, that many are not only thinking it – they’ve given voice to their concerns. With all this going on it obviously creates unease with investors and they panic, and an attitude of “run for the hills” occurs with the decision to switch to cash and never be involved in an investment ever again. We often hear from clients, “let’s get into cash until things calm down and there is certainty that things will go up”.
I always advise them that trying to time the market is very difficult. To wait for the day when you think the market is at the bottom, then something else happens and the panic cycle of going back into cash re-occurs. Investors who follow this strategy more often than not become the big losers, as the money has gone backwards (and sometimes never recovers) and the returns you are making in cash, especially in current investment climate, yield very poor returns. Ultra low interest rates prevailing in much of the world probably means that serious inflation is on the horizon. Although it has been kept in check thus far, inflation is likely to become a significant part of the economic landscape over the next few years. Therefore holding cash could be detrimental to you down the line.
understand the investments that they are making and the risks thereof. Once the strategy is in place, chopping and changing is not the answer. There are very few, if any people, who have the ability to time things perfectly.
This article is solely intended to provide you with objective information about financial products and services and is not intended to constitute a recommendation, guidance or proposal with regard to the suitability of any product in respect of any financial need you may have.
Dave Rundle 083 658 8055 Rundle Management Services
The point I am making is that most times it is best to stick it out, even though it might be scary for a few months (or longer). Investors should make sure when deciding on an investment strategy that there is balance in their portfolio, and then stick to this strategy. They should
Be Careful What You Wish For
The Publisher argues that devaluing the Rand is not the solution the symptom not the cause and brings with it its own set of complications and concerns, as our currency is more than just a medium of exchange – it is also a store of value.
t’s interesting how, driving in the Winelands and chatting to a number of Estate Agents, there is a general consensus that properties aren’t selling because the Rand is ‘too strong’. The government should be embarking on a policy to weaken the Rand, make our exports more competitive and our properties more attractive to foreigners, they suggest.
The beauty of the free market economy is that it allows us to sell our goods and services at the best possible price which we then store for future use in the form of money. Its value is measured by its future buying power and the Rand exchange rate, freely allowed to find its own value is, in this sense, simply the external buying power of our stored work. So what’s this got to do with the government?
Although this may well be true, weakening the Rand is simply a stab at treating
The government, to whom we pay taxes to protect, defend, educate and look after
I
SEPTEMBER 2011
us if we get sick, has a disturbing number of tools at its disposal to affect the internal and external value of our ‘stored work’ – whether that’s its primary role or not. In theory, it can lessen the value of our currency by creating more of it – by printing money and allowing credit expansion. Unfortunately, there’s one small problem – as South Africans, we have a preference for imports over domestically producedgoods at almost every level. The truth is that the government has beenembarking on a policy to weaken the currency by allowing credit expansion for quite some time. Unfortunately it hasn’t worked because the more money there is, the more imports we buy – which we prefer – causing an even bigger headache; a widening trade deficit.
No matter what tinkering with the ‘medium of exchange’ might do for trade, it’s not the government’s job to devalue our store of wealth
What concerns me is our willingness to throw the baby out with the bath water. No matter what tinkering with the ‘medium of exchange’ might do for trade, it’s not the government’s job to devalue our ‘store of wealth’. The solution is closer to home; our efforts (and properties!) are not too expensive to foreigners because of the exchange rate – they’re just too expensive! To build real and sustainable wealth we should really be trying to become more productive at every rate of exchange in every product and service. If our properties were more ‘productive’ they’d also be more attractive - whatever the price. In truth, if we had stuff worth buying the world would buy it. So, rather than devalue the buying power of our ‘stored work’, surely we should be asking the government to help make our products (and properties) more attractive to potential foreign buyers (by creating a secure, stable environment with proper service delivery) whilst we focus on improving the product we offer the world.
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26 / The Month
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Get Stone At Laborie
Marguerite Lombard digs up some history on Paarl and Laborie in this month’s Something Old, Something New*
W
hile many will agree that Paarl’s terroir is discernible in the wines of Laborie, few know that much of Cape Town stands on a foundation dug from under the vines of this charming, historic estate. Archival documents and law reports show that Joseph Allen, one of Paarl’s first commercial quarry owners, spent more than thirty years quarrying granite on Laborie farm in southern Paarl, or Boven Paarl as it was known in the late 1800s, for delivery by rail to Cape Town to be used as building material in the city’s ever expanding business centre. As a bonus, Allen also landed a contract with the Harbour Board in March Transporting the heavy stone to Paarl Station by ox wagon was a laborious, back-breaking, task which would often see the oxen fitted with special leather boots to protect their feet. 1877 to supply 200 tonnes of granite per month for the construction of Cape Town’s harbour – a contract which only ended in 1909.
Transporting the heavy stone to Paarl Station by ox wagon was a laborious, back-breaking, task which would often see the oxen fitted with special leather boots to protect their feet.
With five wagon-loads of granite needed to fill a single railway truck, progress was ponderously slow; so slow, in fact, that the Harbour Board engineers threatened to cancel Allen’s contract before building a dedicated granite siding at Paarl Station and a railway line connecting it to the Laborie quarry. The new system made it possible to fill several railway trucks on site, and return the loaded trucks to Paarl Station by gravity. A special hand-operated breaking system was attached to the last truck to control the speed at which SEPTEMBER 2011
the trucks travelled down the mountain slope. The first railway line followed a path parallel to the northern border of Laborie farm, and crossed the Main Road in the vicinity of Clift Street. In 1892 Allen opened a new quarry to the west of the Laborie homestead, and the railway line was dismantled and shifted to the southern border of the farm. The system of transporting granite worked, but was not without rather obvious dangers. One can only guess at what prompted Allen in 1899 to write a letter to the Harbour Board to complain about the trucks’ “insufficient braking power”. There is at least one documented case where fully loaded trucks sped down the mountain-side without any breaking power and crashed into a wagon loaded with vats of wine. Wine flowed like water in the streets of Suider-Paarl to the great delight of some of the thirstier onlookers.
Congratulations to Florence Heugh, the receptionist at Oak Tree Lodge in Paarl, who won our August copy of Di Burger’s book, Celebrating
COMPETITION
WINNERS
MÉthode Cap Classique
And Sarah van der Merwe of Welgemoed, who correctly identified last month’s front cover picture of the Mystery Farm in Paarl as Laborie. Well done Ma’am, there’s a bottle of Bubbly in it for your trouble!
The Month - Quick Crossword #8 DOWN 1 Bogs (5) 2 Repossess (7) 3 A cry of praise to God (7) 4 Aligned oneself with (5)
Cape Town’s seemingly insatiable demand for granite attracted many stonemasons and quarry masters to Paarl. Wilson & Carr of the Bon Accord Quarry, McBurny & McGunn, Bishop & Williams, Stewart & Co, De Palo, Monteni and JA Clift & Sons all leased quarries on the slopes of Paarl Mountain.
5 Converse (9) 6 Searchers (7) 7 Drag along (7) 8 Abilities (9) 13 Preacher (9) 14 Camel (9) 17 Spoke with an accent (7)
Competition between the granite contractors escalated and profit margins dwindled as Paarl’s supply of granite boulders was depleted and quarrying became more expensive. In 1911 Joseph Allen took Tobias Louw to court for allowing contractors like Wilson & Carr, Alexander Stewart and Wilson & Bishop to operate on the farm. At the time Suider-Paarl must have been alive with the sounds of metal on stone, lumbering wheels and the lowing of draught oxen. Today the suburb’s many stone houses, granite walls and kilometres of granite curbstones are some of the few reminders of this past. *based on research by DC Heritage Consultants of Paarl (tdmd@telkomsa.net)
18 Accounts (7) 20 Spoof (7) 21 Breed of horse (7) 23 British Association of Film and Television Arts (5) 24 Beloveds (5)
ACROSS 1 Bought (9) 6 Ledge (5) 9 Incriminated (7) 10 Doubter (7) 11 Glanced at (7) 12 Including everything (7) 13 An officer (9)
15 The mountain of the Ten Commandments (5) 16 Breed of duck (5) 19 Overburdens (9) 22 Wrestle (7) 23 Repeatedly drop bombs (7) 25 A parasitic disease spread
by mosquitos (7) 26 A southern state (7) 27 Connecting points (5) 28 Prolonged unfulfilled desires (9) SOLUTION PG 10 DON’T CHEAT!
The Month / 27
the month
SEPTEMBER 2011
THE MONTH
T
he mental and physical torture endured by those sold into slavery in the brutal world of human trafficking is, to most, beyond comprehension. To raise its voice against the fastest growing illegal industry in the world, Stellenbosch based NPO, STOP (Stop Trafficking of People) aims to create awareness and educate the public about the harsh realities of human trafficking. By partnering with other organisations aimed at combating hu-
Photography by STUDIO7 School of Photography & Graphic Design
28 / The Month
man trafficking, Corrine Sandenbergh (founder of STOP, pictured above), and her team have made it their mission to educate, warn and protect South Africans against this global phenomenon in order to prevent South Africa from becoming a human trafficking hot spot. STOP recently hosted a fashion show at the Val de Vie Polo and Lifestyle Estate, with all proceeds earmarked for the building of a second wing at their safe house for trafficked victims. The collec-
tion of Stephano (Stephan Olivier) dresses and suits modelled on the night are on display and for sale at WOW Boutique - c/o Ryneveld and Dorp Street, Stellenbosch.
Read more at www.themonth.co.za and www.stoptraffickingofpeople. wordpress.com
PHOTOGRAPHERS: Roxy Bayman, Zandri du Preez, Willem van Niekerk, Jennifer Johnson
SEPTEMBER 2011