GRAPEVINE | FEBRUARY 2023

a publication for February 2023

We love celebrating the month of love in the Valley of Life! Families on our Estate spend quality time together and friends and neighbours share a sense of community and make lasting memories. ‘Love’ is a word we use to express emotions and situations. “I love pink.” “I love a good steak.” “I love you.” There are different types of love such as agape, that is love without self-benefit, showing empathy and kindness to all humankind, and a foundation for happiness and contentment. Then there is

VAL DE VIE ESTATE RESIDENTS

Share the Love

WORDS BY EUGENE BOTHA, ESTATE COO

storge; the most natural of all types of love is the love parents have for their children. It’s a protective love that comes naturally from deep within, and we can’t help ourselves. Val de Vie Estate offers an environment to engage on many levels. Through these interactions, we wish to promote well-being, a sense of community, happiness, and success. At the start of this new year, in the month of love, let’s commit to genuinely appreciating our families, our neighbours, the world-class infrastructure,

landscaping and facilities, and the life we are privileged to live in this magnificent Estate. To safeguard the gift of life and show respect for all who reside here, we must pay attention to the Estate Rules and how we engage and communicate with fellow residents and all who work here. Appreciate and respect all forms of life, whether human, fauna or flora. May we carry the message of care and kindness with us in February and every month of the year.

STYLE GUIDE

Relaxed

Refined

Barefoot luxury

Linen-luxe

Playful elegance

SATURDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2023 FROM 14:00

Join us for Pink Polo presented by Chatz Connect, a beautifully simplified occasion, where you can enjoy the sport of kings, delicious food and live entertainment by DJ Rene Tanguy. Relaxed and refined, a perfect summer’s day in the Valley of Life awaits.

In support of CANSA Paarl #polowithapurpose

Only a few Polo Field tickets remaining

POLO FIELD | R995 PER PERSON

Welcome drink

Café style seating outside the Polo Pavilion by Back’s Bowl food

Complimentary beer

Cash bar available on the day

A New Addition

Hold Your Horses

Val de Vie Estate is a utopia for equestrian lovers and is home to two pristine facilities catering for all disciplines. Next to the Pavilion Polo Field is the Val de Vie Stables, while the Pearl Valley Equestrian Centre is located close to the Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course.

Our highly-skilled grooms and the Val de Vie Equestrian Centre team ensure a carefree life for our horses and ponies and spend their days tending to, feeding and training these gentle giants.

Being around horses and ponies is a magical experience. Not only are they beautiful, but also sensitive and intelligent. Reading a horse’s body language and responding appropriately is vital in preventing accidents. It is best to be alert and cautious, mainly when approaching or riding a horse you are unfamiliar with.

It is important to remember that horses are also creatures of flight. This means that even the most well-behaved animals can become frightened and act in self-defence. With this in mind, please adhere to the following guidelines when riding or being around horses on the Estate:

Do not enter the paddocks or individual stables of any horse or pony at any time unless accompanied by a member of the Equestrian Centre team. Horses can kick and bite if provoked.

To learn more about the horses and ponies on the Estate, children and adults are welcome to arrange a riding lesson individually or within a small group. The Equestrian Centre team caters for beginners up to experienced riders with lessons. Also, it provides a safe environment to enjoy the picturesque surroundings of the Estate on horseback during outrides. Please email yard.manager@valdevie.co.za for further information.

Signage around the stables indicates the areas that are only accessible for horse owners and members of the Equestrian Centre team. Please adhere to these notices, which are in place for your safety.

Do not feed the horses unless you have permission from the horse’s owner or a member of the Equestrian Centre team. Feeding horses the wrong thing (even if they seem like healthy treats to us) can cause illnesses such as laminitis and colic which can be fatal.

The grooms and the Equestrian Centre team are renowned for their commitment, expertise and horsemanship, and together they take great care of our beloved horses and ponies. Please feel free to ask them questions, and respect and pay attention to the advice and guidance they give you.

A handsome little colt is the newest addition to the Val de Vie Equestrian Centre, born just before midnight on New Year’s Day. Chinchito, the proud mother, gave birth in the company of Stable Manager Elaine and Groom Felix. We appreciate your consideration for their privacy as mom and baby develop their special bond.

Luxury Country Living

Located in The Acres neighbourhood of Pearl Valley on Val de Vie Estate, this north-facing family home is within close walking distance to the Pearl Valley Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course. After a round on one of South Africa’s most prestigious courses, come home to exceptionally well-designed family living.

Enjoy large, open plan indoor and outdoor living spaces, with an enclosed pool surrounded by a wooden deck – the perfect spot for a cool down. Master your culinary skills in the kitchen, which includes a Smeg gas hob with electric oven, and a separate scullery. In winter you can cosy up next to the fireplace with a glass of wine, while in summer, dine alfresco on your private patio with built-in braai.

There are four spacious bedrooms and three modern bathrooms, as well as a study nook. The master suite includes a dedicated dressing area and a full en-suite bathroom.

LUXURY OFFICE SUITE AVAILABLE FOR RENT AT THE POLO FAMILY OFFICES

Taking full advantage of views across the lush polo field and surrounding mountains of Val de Vie Estate, the Polo Family Offices are uniquely designed to offer a pioneering way of doing business. Situated next to the iconic Polo Pavilion, this exclusive office space is the most sought-after business address in the Cape Winelands. Designed by Boogertman & Partners, the Polo Family Offices have spacious suites filled with natural light, sunny balconies and terraces from where riveting polo matches can be watched during the season. Take full advantage to secure this last opportunity.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION EMAIL PROPERTY@VALDEVIE.CO.ZA

kitchen architecture | johannesburg | cape town | blu-line.co.za

An Incredible Family Home

This home is ideally located just a short golf cart ride from the Pearl Valley Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course and Pearl Valley Clubhouse on a spacious stand, surrounded by mountain views and bordering a green belt. Upon entering you are greeted by a beautiful kitchen, complete with a large and well-equipped scullery. The light and bright open plan living and dining space flows out onto a generously-sized patio and braai area – any entertainer’s dream. The garden is also home to a swimming pool.

Two of the four bedrooms are en-suite, and there is also a perfectly appointed family bathroom. A three car garage provides plenty of storage space. PRICE: R20 450 000 SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION

In the Spirit of Giving

Founded in 2015, the Val de Vie Foundation is passionate about investing for sustainable impact by supporting numerous viable community projects. A faith-based initiative, its aim is to provide a better life to everyone this beautiful Valley we call home.

1% DEVELOPER SALES ESTATE EVENTS

Thanks to Val de Vie Estate residents, 87 children from Mosaic were given the opportunity to marvel at the magic of Christmas this past December. Eyes widened and sparkled as each one was called upon to receive their beautifully wrapped Christmas gift box – so lovingly donated by Val de Vie Estate residents. The gift-giving followed a wonderful nativity and choral performance. Later, there was not a dry eye in the audience when the children stepped onto the stage and sang ‘We are the World’. At that moment, each child epitomised the world as they were given probably the only gifts they would receive for Christmas. Everyone then enjoyed a well-deserved meal kindly donated by the Val de Vie Foundation, accompanied by more fun and laughter.

Mosaic is a Cape Winelands-based non-profit organisation that seeks to surround orphans, vulnerable children and their caregivers with an environment where they can flourish by uplifting the communities and foster families that care for them.

The

A huge thank you to our residents who opened their hearts by choosing unique gifts for the children of Mosaic and those who donated funds. It was a day they will never forget.

Should you need guidance or assistance with improving your health, please visit RevitaHealth at Unit A1, Polo Village Offices, email dr.ledivia@revitahealth.co.za or follow one of its online programmes at revitahealth.teachable.com

Making Healthy Choices throughout the Year Ahead

WORDS BY DR LEDIVIA STRAUSS

If change is something you know in your heart needs to happen, it is best to act immediately and not wait for a specific date or for your circumstances to change. The first step towards getting somewhere is deciding that you will not stay where you are. You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new one. The decisions you make today will determine the quality of your future. You are investing in a better tomorrow by taking control of your health. Calculating the future cost of your current health choices can help you understand the long-term benefits. If you have been stuck with or have maintained habits that you know are not nourishing for you, I encourage you to take some time to consider how you want 2023 to look. What do you want to improve? Which unhealthy habits do you want to let go? What will you focus on this year? How do you want to feel 12 months from now? Regarding your health, your current habits and lifestyle choices can majorly impact your future well-being. That's why it's so important to consider the price you pay for your decisions. Every decision has an emotional, physical and spiritual impact. For example, if you know that smoking cigarettes is linked to an increased risk of lung cancer, calculating the future cost of your choice to smoke can help you understand that decision's financial and health implications. Similarly, calculating the future cost of your diet and exercise decisions can help you understand how they may affect your overall health and wellness. I want to encourage everyone to start thinking about the impact of their choices today to make the most of their tomorrow.

DR LEDIVIA STRAUSS MBChB (Stell); DA (SA); DIU Mesotherapy (Bordeaux); ADAM (SA)

Creating tomorrow’s legacy today

Creating a legacy allows you to work and live for a purpose bigger than yourself. It's a gift that is inherited through generations. What do you want your multi -generational legacy to be?

Autus Private Clients is an independent, privately-owned boutique wealth advisory firm free of external influences. With our objectivity, extensive expertise, and meticulous attention to detail, we are committed to delivering a personalised plan to help each client achieve their unique financial aspirations.

Meet the Team

Our qualified and experienced team of wealth planners shares the same values, commitment and passion. We focus on tax planning when creating fiduciary, risk, wealth and investment plans.

We regard every client as unique and create their financial plan according to the legacy they want to create.

Autus Private Clients is honoured to be recognised by independent local and international organisations for our accomplishments within a multi-faceted industry. These awards celebrate our commitment and passion for providing professional planning and excellent service.

Anja van Niekerk Professional Accountant (SA)

Rory van Bergen BCom Hons

Marilize Opperman CFP®, BCom, PGDFP

Christo Malan CFP®, MCom

Dominic Ilett MBA Hester Mostert CFP®, BCom, PGDFP

Hannes van Zyl BCom, PGDFP

Andrew Merryweather DFP

Flutter by Butterfly

The Cape Floral Kingdom, an area of immense biodiversity and endemism due to the harsh climate and landscape, is not well known for large, colourful butterflies such as those in tropical regions. Most butterfly species on Val de Vie Estate are small (some of the smallest butterflies on earth with wingspans of 1.5 – 2cm) and are easily overlooked. While we finds the citrus swallowtail, plain tiger and cabbage white flitting around gardens, the first two are extralimital; they are not found here naturally but survive because of human habitat change. The cabbage white is an exotic butterfly that was most likely brought from Europe unintentionally in either green produce or nursery plants.

Although local butterfly species are mostly small, the blues, russets, coppers and opals are fascinating in that some are so rare that the entire population occurs in an area the size of a tennis court.

In some species, their life cycle is linked to a particular ant species; the butterfly larvae secrete a chemical that makes it attractive to the ants, returning it to their colony. Here, the butterfly larvae develop in a safe environment and are cared for by the ants even though, in some cases, the butterfly larvae feed off the ant larvae. Some of the larger species of Cape butterflies are closely linked to the pollination of a particular plant species; the Table Mountain pride butterfly is the only known pollinator of the red disa orchid.

Because of the close symbiotic relationships involved, it is understandable that any disturbance to either species or their environment can cause a catastrophic decline in numbers or actual extinction. A local example is the endemic Paarl Mountain copper, which has not been seen for 25 years. At present, it is being determined whether it still exists.

Like many other animal species, butterflies face severe threats from habitat loss, insecticides and other pollutants. By planting butterfly-friendly plants, limiting insecticide use in the garden and taking care not to disturb natural habitats, we can ensure that, at least locally, the butterflies will continue to flutter by.

A Prickly Encounter: Meeting the Cape

Crested Porcupine

The quill-covered creature you may have seen around the Estate is the Cape crested porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis), which forms part of the 'Old World' porcupine species. In Afrikaans they are known as an ystervark. These large rodents can grow up to 60cm in length and have a rugged, spiky appearance with black and white quills covering their bodies. Despite their intimidating appearance, porcupines are pretty gentle creatures and essential to the Estate's biodiversity.

Did you know?

The Cape crested porcupine can have up to 30 000 quills covering its body. The quills are just modified hairs specifically designed to protect it from predators.

Cape crested porcupines are nocturnal, sheltering in burrows and stormwater drains during the day and foraging between rock crevices for food at night. Their diet consists of roots, bark, tubers and bulbs, and they also have a taste for salt and calcium, which they get from gnawing on bones.

The Cape crested porcupines are surprisingly good swimmers and can stay underwater for up to five minutes.

The Cape crested porcupine uses its sharp front claws to dig burrows, offering protection from predators and creating a habitat for many species.

Attackers are given plenty of warning signs. Cape crested porcupines bristle their quills, rattle their tails, stomp their feet, hiss and snort. If the attacker persists, the porcupine will whip around and charge backwards and sideways to lodge razor-sharp quills into the attacker.

It is not true that porcupines 'shoot' their quills, but they can do significant damage by stabbing.

Successful projects are achieved through understanding their purpose, paying attention to spatial awareness, respecting their surroundings, their future impact and client requirements

At Heunes Architects, we strive to deliver architectural and design services to our clients that go the extra mile, and our designs are both beautiful and practical, with the advantage o f a l w a y s b e i n g h i g h l y c o s t - e f f e c t i v e A s experts in architecture and design, we always c o n s i d e r f

ensure a sound investment for our clients

We welcome projects of all sizes, new builds, renovations or additions

M e e t o u r n e w l y a p p o i n t e d h e a d o f F a m i l y L a w

Liesl Fischer Liesl Fischer

Liesl graduated from the University of Stellenbosch in 2005

During university she developed a special interest in and passion for family law Liesl commenced her articles at a specialised family law firm in Cape Town and practiced there as a senior associate for 14 years

During this time she had the opportunity to attend many conferences and was invited to copresent a paper at the London Metropolitan University

She joined Van Wyk Van Heerden Attorneys in April 2022, as head of the Family Law department

With 17 years of experience exclusively in family law and ancillary matters, we are delighted to welcome Liesl to the firm

VAN WYK VAN HEERDEN ALSO SPECIALISES IN OTHER AREAS OF THE LAW

Property Law | Litigation | Evictions | Family Law | Commercial Law | Taxation | Sport Law | Debt Recovery | Correspondent Work

Contact Liesl on 021 871 1050 | liesl@vwvh co za

THE GRAPEVINE IS PUBLISHED ON BEHALF OF VAL DE VIE MANAGEMENT (PTY) LTD

With special thanks to our cover star Marlie Marx.

VAL DE VIE ESTATE +27 (0)21 863 6100 | info@valdevie.co.za www.valdevie.co.za | @valdevieestate

THE GRAPEVINE +27 (0)21 863 6100 marketing@valdevie.co.za www.valdevie.co.za/publications/

Marketing Director – Ryk Neethling

Editor – Marli van Schalkwyk

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Advertising Sales – Dina Swart

Contributors – Simon Allen, Iza Slabbert, Anika de Goede, Amy Capendale, Adri-Ann Oosthuizen, Christa Botha, Dina Swart and Lorraine Hadfield.

Cover Image – Daniel Saaiman

Photography – Daniel Saaiman & Phillip van Dyk

Production – Marli van Schalkwyk & Andrea Godwin

Designer – Andrea Godwin

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The Grapevine newspaper is printed on recycled paper.

Directory

VAL DE VIE ESTATE

HOA Enquiries 021 863 6128 hoa@valdevie.co.za

On-Site Sales & Rentals Office

Val de Vie Properties 021 863 6105 property@valdevie.co.za

Polo polo@valdevie.co.za

Equestrian & Stables yard.manager@valdevie.co.za

L’Huguenot Venue & Vinoteque 021 867 8847 orders@lhuguenot.com experience@lhuguenot.com

ViLLAGE Deli downtoearth@villagedeli.co.za 021 876 9112

Polo Pavilion by Back’s 087 821 1068 polo@backs.co.za

Sela Vie Restaurant 082 802 4111

Back’s Deli 021 300 6993 hello@backs.co.za

Val de Vie Construction 021 863 6127 kobus.rossouw@valdevie.co.za

Building Control Officer 021 863 6100 | bco@valdevie.co.za

Ryk Neethling Learn To Swim School 073 458 3890 valdevie@learntoswim.co.za

Val de Vie Lifestyle Centre & Pearl Valley Gym gym@valdevie.co.za

The Yard Gym 081 438 4442

Events marketing@valdevie.co.za

Marketing marketing@valdevie.co.za

Val de Vie Evergreen Reception 021 001 3581

Water/Electricity 021 807 2557

Traffic Department 021 872 4755

Paarl Tourism 021 872 4842

Franschhoek Tourism 021 876 3603

Post Office

Rembrandt Building, 57 Lady Grey St, Paarl 021 872 5337

Drakenstein Municipality General 021 807 4500

Drakenstein Waste Removal Queries 021 807 4708

Voltano Electricity 086 186 5826 / 021 863 6109

Voltano App Related Queries 086 186 5826

PEARL VALLEY JACK NICKLAUS SIGNATURE GOLF COURSE

Pearl Valley Reception 021 867 8000

On-Site Sales Office Val de Vie Properties (Golf Clubhouse) 021 863 6105 property@pearlvalley.co.za

The Valley Restaurant & Bar 021 867 8046 restaurant@pearlvalley.co.za

Back’s Restaurant & Deli at Pearl Valley Hotel by Mantis 021 300 6992

The Golf Shop 021 867 8045