GRAPEVINE | MAY 2023

a publication for May 2023

Winter on Val de Vie Estate is characterised by cooler temperatures, crisp air and beautiful clear blue skies. The surrounding landscape is transformed into a wonderland, with the mountain ranges dusted with snow and vineyards draped in vibrant red, yellow and russet shades. Welcome rains nourish the Earth and replenish water reserves. If you wrap up warm, it is the perfect time for outdoor activities, such as running, walking, mountain biking and horse riding. Explore the

VAL DE VIE ESTATE RESIDENTS

A Winter Wonderland

beauty of our Estate on horseback with outrides led by experienced instructors who guide riders of all levels. Our newly upgraded 42 kilometres of cycle tracks traverse vineyards, forests and mountain fynbos, with distances and diffculty levels that cater to all ftness levels, or slow the pace and walk or run along the 20 kilometres of paved tracks that wind through the Estate. As a world leader in luxury wellness, we provide residents with an environment in which to live an engaged life where physical,

social, environmental, community and economic, as well as mental, emotional and spiritual wellness, is actively encouraged. Within the pages of this edition, you will fnd a checklist with plant and animal species commonly found on the Estate, collated by our highly experienced Environmental Offcer, Simon Allen. We hope this provides the perfect opportunity to venture out and discover the captivating wonders that are all around you in the Valley of Life.

A Stefan Antoni Bespoke Home on Val de Vie Estate

This remarkable Stefan Antoni bespoke home is situated in an exclusive boomed-off street within the La Vue neighbourhood on Val de Vie Estate. Located down a private cul-de-sac, it boasts breathtaking views of the bordering fynbos nature reserve, which creates an extended garden and adds a touch of tranquillity. The property features double-volume ceilings and folding doors, allowing maximum natural light and plenty of opportunities to enjoy breathtaking views. The open-plan living areas fow seamlessly between indoor and outdoor spaces, making them ideal for entertaining guests. A modern kitchen has ample cupboard space and a separate laundry room leading to the tiled garage. Four spacious bedrooms are located upstairs, while a ffth en-suite bedroom with a separate entrance is the perfect home offce. The north-facing 1269m² stand provides ample space for outdoor activities and includes a sparkling pool and sunken wooden deck, the perfect place for relaxing during the warm summer months. A recessed frepit is ideal for keeping warm during the cooler winter evenings, while an indoor stainless steel braai and built-in freplaces create a cosy ambience. PRICE: R 22 500 000 (VAT AND TRANSFER COSTS INCLUDED)

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Country living with complete peace of mind

Looking for a family home that offers the ultimate luxurious living? Look no further than this magnifcent property on The Acres at Pearl Valley on Val de Vie Estate. Just a short stroll from the world-renowned Pearl Valley Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, Pearl Valley Clubhouse and driving range, this home is ideal for golfng enthusiasts as well as those discerning buyers who appreciate breathtaking surroundings and a beautifully tranquil lifestyle. Step inside and be welcomed by an expertly designed open-plan layout, with living spaces that fow onto an undercover patio complete with a built-in braai and braai boma. A modern kitchen features a Smeg gas hob, electric oven, and a separate scullery – making cooking and cleaning a breeze. And when the weather turns cooler, you can relax by the freplace with a good book and a glass of wine. This home also features three bedrooms and two contemporary bathrooms, including a primary bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe and a full en-suite bathroom. An offce, a pool surrounded by timber decking, and three automated garages round out the incredible features of this exceptional property.

PRICE: R9 750 000 (VAT AND TRANSFER COSTS INCLUDED)

EMAIL PROPERTY@VALDEVIE.CO.ZA

OUTSTANDING THREE-BEDROOM FURNISHED PROPERTY AVAILABLE TO RENT

Enjoy luxurious family living at its very best at this home on Val de Vie Estate, and be captivated by the modern open-plan living spaces – ideal for creating special memories. An enclosed braai room overlooks a vineyard view, a perfect spot for outdoor entertaining. Indoors, the kitchen has ample storage space, a large centre island and a breakfast bar, complete with a separate scullery and laundry area. The main bedroom is generously sized, featuring a full en-suite bathroom, built-in cupboards and a dedicated dressing area. Additionally, two further bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms, providing comfortable accommodation for family or guests. All bedrooms ofer stunning views of the picturesque garden. This home also features an ofce providing a dedicated space for work or study and two automated garages with ample parking and storage space for vehicles and equipment. Rent excludes all utilities. Available from 1 May to 30 September 2023. PRICE: R58 000 per month

THE ACRES AT PEARL VALLEY

Green Minds Think Alike

The Joinery is a sustainable and ethical product brand and Design House based in South Africa and founded by sisters and Val de Vie Estate residents Natalie and Kim Ellis. With a focus on fnding solutions to environmental and community issues through design, The Joinery works to create locally produced products and conceptualises responsible fabrics such as its Future Felt™ - made from recycled plastic bottles. Artisans intricately handcraft their products, each one a luxury piece and testament to the skill and artistry of their makers. They are committed to making high-quality branded items for the hospitality, events, interiors and corporate industries in a way that is environmentally and socially responsible. Before establishing The Joinery, Kim worked in London for high-end fashion brands Jimmy Choo and Burberry. In contrast, Natalie was a flm director, directing documentaries such as ‘William Kentridge: The Collaborative Artist’, as well as working in the sustainable design and media arena. With a deep-rooted passion for activism and a wealth of experience in climate change, their career paths led them to collaborate with pioneering fgures like Vivienne Westwood and Safa Minney. Motivated by their vision, they established The Joinery, an enterprise that places sustainability at the heart of its business operations.

Why are you called The Joinery?

Our name is based on our founding principles to collaborate and join up with artisans, businesses and like-minded futurists to create designs that promote sustainability. By supporting The Joinery, you are saving plastic bottles from landfll and the oceans by turning waste into luxury handmade products that make a difference.

What drove you both to set up The Joinery?

We launched the business in 2011 to establish a sustainable brand to create change for people and our planet. Our vision of re-purposing waste into our Future Felt™ collections came to fruition with a variety of product lines such as handcrafted travel, luggage and tech

accessories, bespoke packaging for retailers, branded gifting for events and corporate clients and bespoke interior products for hotels and lodges. What drives us is seeing our clients motivated to join us in saving plastic from the environment through their orders. In turn, we are off-setting our clients' plastic footprint, for example, one client saved 350 000 plastic bottles with a bespoke product order. We are committed to changing the world through design.

How many plastic bottles have you repurposed?

By using recycled plastic instead of raw materials, we take pressure off our planet. We are on a mission to create a cleaner world. Since we started our business, we have repurposed approximately 800 000 plastic bottles

through our Future Felt™ material. We are incredibly proud of this accomplishment and excited to be nearing our goal of repurposing one million bottles.

Why is sustainability important to you both?

We recognise that the production and textile industries signifcantly impact the environment and people's lives – and we believe that we have a responsibility to make a positive difference. We endeavour to strengthen our principles and are continuously implementing new sustainable practices, whether it be the packaging we use, printing on recycled paper or donating off-cuts and product samples to various schools and charities. Since the inception of The Joinery, we have all become more aware of the devastating effects of

Supporting Sustainability

Val de Vie Estate has partnered with The Joinery to create a branded sustainable tote bag and wine tote crafted from their recycled plastic bottle Future Felt™.

Tote bag R495 • Wine tote R485

fast fashion and cheap manufacturing, from the pollution of waterways and ecosystems to the exploitation of workers in developing countries. But for us, it is not just about environmentalism; it's also about people's well-being. As a company, we are committed to local community upliftment and offering employment and fnancial stability. We are proud to support our employees and their families and to invest in their training and development.

Can you share a standout moment with us?

Since establishing The Joinery, we've had many standout moments that we are incredibly proud of. One of our most signifcant accomplishments was conceptualising and pioneering Future Felt™, a textile made from recycled

plastic bottles collected from all over South Africa, diverting plastic waste from landflls and oceans. This has allowed us to create beautiful products that are also kinder to the planet.

Tell us more about the team at The Joinery.

The Joinery has an in-house team of seamstresses, seamsters, artisans and quality controllers. We have invested in upskilling our team members, many who have been promoted to the head of their departments. For us, our team is not just a workforce but a closely-knit family who share our passion for crafting handmade, handbranded products with unwaivering authenticity. We also work with women's sewing co-operatives and sustainable production houses to create our products.

What are the benefts of being sisters and business partners?

We are fortunate to have a solid and trusting relationship, which is critical when running a business together. We both bring different skills and experiences to the table, allowing us to complement each other. However, what truly brings us together is our shared values and commitment to sustainability. Being sisters has also allowed us to build a strong sense of family within our business, and we take great pride in creating a company culture that is supportive, collaborative, and inclusive.

For further information or to connect with The Joinery visit thejoinery.co.za.

SANESA works to promote all forms of equestrian sport within South Africa’s school community and has a presence within each province in the country. Every year, the top eight riders from each province participate in the annual SANESA National Championships, which take place during September and October.

Rising Stars

It has been a busy start to the year for young competitive riders on Val de Vie Estate. Mikyla Coetzee and Sarah Dippnall achieved great heights at the SANESA qualifers in Stellenbosch.

Eleven-year-old Mikyla and her horse, Destina, clinched two 1st and one 2nd place in the 60cm show jumping category – a testament to her hard work, dedication and love for the sport. Mikyla’s grandfather instilled a love for horse riding in her, and she has been riding since she was four. Her advice to other young riders is to "practice as much as possible and to develop a special bond with your horse to achieve the very best results." Mikyla has owned her horse, Destina - a warmblood breed – for three years, and she rides two to three times a week, and takes lessons with Val de Vie Equestrian Club instructor Nonnie Harmse.

Sarah, a 13-year-old equestrian, and her horse, Tierna Rose, competed in the 70cm show jumping category and secured two 1st places. Sarah has always been drawn to horses, and when her family moved to Val de Vie Estate in 2016, her mom promised she could start lessons. Sarah has weekly lessons and rides Tierna Rose at least four times a week, lunging her and exploring the Estate on horeseback. Sarah’s long-term ambition is to own a farm where she can care for rescued horses and teach others how to ride. According to her "if you love your horse, your horse will love you back" and she encourages young riders not to give up, even in the face of setbacks.

Another successful competitor on Val de Vie Estate is ffteen-year-old Holly Smith. Her mom and older sister inspired her love of riding, and she has always been fascinated by the beauty and power of horses. Holly's favourite discipline is show jumping, and with six horses to train, she rides six days a week. With such a demanding schedule, she participates in online schooling, which allows her to practice and travel to Johannesburg for shows. Recent wins include the South African Outdoor Grand Prix on Capital Clarissimo, Western Cape Outdoor Grand Prix on Beau De Lune and Western Cape Derby on Dude. Holly has her sights set on competing in Europe in the future and is working hard to make her dreams a reality. When asked for words of encouragement, she said: "If you have a dream, work hard, stay focused, and never give up. Anything is possible if you believe in yourself."

We wish all of these young riders well.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served from Monday to Saturday, 08:00 – 22:00 and breakfast and lunch on Sundays from 08:00 – 14:00, with the deli open until 18:00.

A Winter Menu Inspired by a Working Farm’s Philosophy

Head chef Olaff Meintjes, from the Back’s Restaurant and Deli at the Pearl Valley Hotel by Mantis, has created an exceptional new winter menu inspired by some of the produce sourced directly from Fairview, owned by thirdgeneration family farmer Charles Back II. A working farm, Fairview houses a collection of micro-businesses, all sharing a common goal of creating artisanal and sustainable produce. Its bakers rise with the birds to knead and roll handmade dough into buttery croissants, baguettes and loaves – all available from Back’s Deli.

The new menu includes warming curries, fresh fsh and seafood dishes, steaks and salads. Flame-grilled burgers are made with free-range Red Angus patties accompanied by homemade buns, while pasta dishes are served with your choice of linguine, penne or gluten-free options.

From yoghurt bowls, omelettes, and rosti benedicts to Fairview cheese and cured meat platters, the breakfast menu is a delight. You can savour your breakfast until 11:30 and then switch to cheese and meat platters that feature over 50 types of artisanal cheeses made from cow and goat milk by The Cheesery at Fairview. The restaurant space has a beautiful freplace, the perfect spot to keep warm and cosy during the colder winter months.

Wine of the Month

Indulge in our Estate’s beloved Polo Club Merlot 2020, our wine of the month for May. Its rich and luxurious favor, with soft and juicy tannins, creates a velvety fnish that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy it paired with a herb-crusted rack of lamb or smoked pork fllet, or get creative and experiment with dark chocolate-inspired desserts. To place your order, simply email orders@lhuguenot.com or call 021 876 8037. If you reside within the Estate, home delivery is free. Pay

AUTUS

Welvaartbeplanning

Finansiële gemoedsrus

Wenner: Beste Adviesmaatskappy in SA 2021*

Wenner: Uitstaande Beleggingsbeplanning 2021 & 2022*

Wenner: Uitstaande Kliëntediens 2019, 2020, 2021 & 2022*

A milestone in luxury living

With an impeccable legacy of 21 years in Pearl Valley at Val de Vie Estate, Jordan Greenhalgh showcases the epitome of

Discover this stunning 2.6-hectare smallholding in the Gentleman’s Estate prefecture, exclusively marketed by Jordan. This 2,000m ² residence with breathtaking mountain views and bordering a reserve, features world-class materials and engineering and is ideal for luxurious entertainment. Scan QR-code to find out more about this property.

+27 (0)83 298 1481 jordan.greenhalgh@pamgolding.co.za

Jordan is a multi-award-winning agent and a lifetime holder of the prestigious Emerald Circle award. As a resident agent, she brings perspective and expertise to those buying or selling on this Estate.

Scan here to view all properties for sale in Val de Vie

Exclusive Mandate

River Club, Val de Vie | R 32 million

Vacant stand | 21260 m2

Ref# VLV1596208

This phenomenal stand features a fruit and nut tree orchard, a beautiful dam, and planted paths leading to the Berg River. HOA approved plans for a 5 bedroom home and 3 bedroom annexe are included.

Jordan Greenhalgh, 083 298 1481

Exclusive Mandate

Bergriver Way, Val de Vie | R 14.8 million

5 BEDROOMS | 5 B ATHROOMS | 3 GARAGES

Ref# VLV1600942

This family home boasts a large open plan living area with a modern kitchen, four spacious en-suite bedrooms, a study, and a low-maintenance garden. It is located in a serene environment with greenbelts and mountain views, and features an outdoor patio and pool.

Ronel Pienaar, 082 556 2433 & Gia Fouché, 082 784 3759

Exclusive Mandate

Exclusive Mandate

The Acres, Pearl Valley | R 11.2 million

4 BEDROOMS | 4 B ATHROOMS | 2 GARAGES

Ref# VLV1586789

This plot and plan home features 4 en-suite bedrooms, an open-plan kitchen, scullery, and dining area, and an indoor braai room. The patio with a private pool creates a harmonious luxury and functionality suitable for your lifestyle.

Ronel Pienaar, 082 556 2433 & Gia Fouché, 082 784 3759 AGENTS:

Bear Creek Boulevard | R 25 million Ref# VLV1598597

5 BEDROOMS | 5 BATHROOMS | 2 GARAGES

This English country-style house boasts a grand entrance hall, open-plan kitchen and TV lounge, dining room with gas fireplace and bar, and wooden deck around the large pool. The 5 bedrooms are all generous in size and en-suite.

Jordan Greenhalgh, 083 298 1481

Exclusive Mandate

Selago Close, Boschenmeer | R 11.8 million Ref# VLV1576830

5 BEDROOMS | 4 BATHROOMS | 2 GARAGES

With stunning views, this beautiful home offers a swimming pool and a landscaped garden, ideal for gatherings. The living area leads to a well-planned kitchen with a Smeg stove, and a spacious study with built-in bookcases opens onto a balcony overlooking the mountains.

Hayley van der Merwe, 082 926 8587

Exclusive Mandate

Pearl Valley Resort Lodge | R 7.3 million Ref# VLV1602857

3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 2 GARAGES

This renovated lodge offers stunning mountain views from the balcony, a unique white and gold kitchen, open-plan living, and a gas fireplace. It has 3 en-suite bedrooms and is ideal for a comfortable home, lock-up-and-go, or investment.

Jordan Greenhalgh, 083 298 1481

The Fierce and Fascinating Cape Polecat

Did You Know?

Polecats are expert diggers and often burrow into the ground to escape predators or search for food.

One of their favourite meals is mole crickets, which are considered garden pests.

They have a varied diet and even eat carrion which they locate using their acute hearing and sense of smell.

Polecats are primarily nocturnal. During the day, they typically rest in dens that they dig themselves or that have been abandoned by other animals.

Unlike other members of the weasel family, Cape polecats are not social animals and prefer to live alone. They are known for their aggressive and territorial behaviour towards other animals.

If your dog gets too close to a polecat, it may receive a dose of its defensive spray which has an intense smell that can linger for days. Fortunately bathing the pooch with milk helps to remove it.

The Cape polecat (Ictonyx striatus), or African striped weasel, is a remarkable species found throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Despite its name, it is not related to either polecats, cats nor skunks - rather it belongs to the weasel family and it plays an integral part in keeping Val de Vie Estate’s ecosystem healthy and thriving. The Cape polecat is instantly recognisable for its distinctive black and white striped back and tail, as well as its characteristic musky smell that it releases as a form of protection. This small animal is a formidable hunter, preying on rodents, insects and even snakes.

The distinctive Cape polecat is renowned for its unusual mating rituals. During the breeding season, males will spray their environment with a strong-scented chemical to mark their territory and vie for a female’s attention. If the male is successful in his pursuits, a peculiar mating ceremony ensues: he and the female stand on their hind legs and rotate around each other in tight circles.

Despite its unique characteristics and fascinating behaviour, the Cape polecat is endangered due to habitat destruction and fur hunting. Conservation initiatives have been launched to safeguard this captivating creature, however, much remains to be done in order for it to remain thriving in the wild.

Polecats are often incorrectly called skunks, which are found in North and South America. While both animals are small carnivorous mammals and both release a foul-smelling spray from their anal glands, the Cape polecat and skunk have diferences in their appearance, habitat, and anatomy.

Autumn leaves turn red as chlorophyll breaks down, leaving behind a higher concentration of red pigments. This protects the leaves against cold temperatures by absorbing more sunlight and retaining heat.

A Time for Change

Change and adaptation are natural processes, and as the days get shorter and the nights longer and cooler, much of nature starts slowing down. In the Cape Floral Kingdom, many plants, predominantly alpine types, have adapted and continue to grow during the cold and wet winter.

For the most part, deciduous plants, such as the oak trees around the Estate, will start transferring waste into their leaves and extracting benefcial compounds such as chlorophyll – the element that makes leaves appear green and aids in photosynthesis – which turns the leaves into the colourful mix of reds, yellows and browns that we associated with autumn. As the leaves die, they foat to the ground and disintegrate, releasing the trapped compounds, which are then recycled back into the soil. Evergreen plants such as yellowwoods do this continually throughout the seasons.

Insects, amphibians and reptiles, all being ectothermic animals – organisms which cannot produce their own body heat but rely on an ambient temperature for warmth – will start feeding up for winter as the lower temperatures diminish their activity levels. Many of them reduce their metabolism and hibernate, while others, such as the Cape serotine bat, may aestivate – that is, become dormant and only be more active on warmer days.

This is also why fewer insects are around during the winter months, and this means that predators such as birds, which rely on insects as a food source, have to alter their strategy as well. Many birds will migrate, either locally to areas where more food is found, which are often wetlands or, in contrast, move further north to warmer regions but remain on the African continent – these we refer to as inter-African migrants.

The most impressive migrations are undertaken by paleo-Artic migrants, who fy halfway around the earth twice a year. The barn swallow is a classic example, undertaking the six-week, 10 000-kilometre trip to Europe, returning in the spring to where they were born, an awe-inspiring feat for a small bird weighing a mere 20 grams.

With global climate change becoming more prevalent, we see many adaptions within the natural world to overcome weather patterns and intensity alterations. Many studies demonstrate how wonderfully fexible nature is; these could become lessons for future modifcations in our own behaviour to ensure the survival of the natural world.

CHECKLIST

Here’s a checklist of plants and animals you can find on Val de Vie Estate, along with their names and a space for you to write down when you’ve seen each one.

Can you spot them al?

CHECKLIST

Here’s a checklist of plants and animals you can find on Val de Vie Estate, along with their names and a space for you to write down when you’ve seen each one.

Can you spot them al?

ORANGE - BREASTED SUNBIRD (Anthobaphes violacea)

Date...................................

CAPE HYACITH (Lachenalia orichoides)

Date...................................

LEVALLIANT’S CISTICOLA (Cisticola tinniens)

Date...................................

CAPE SUGAR BIRD (Promerops cafer)

Date...................................

ORANGE - BREASTED SUNBIRD (Anthobaphes violacea)

Date...................................

YELLOWWOOD BRANCH (Podocarpus latifolius)

Date...................................

CAPE HYACITH (Lachenalia orichoides)

Date...................................

KING PROTEA (Protea cyranoides)

LEVALLIANT’S CISTICOLA (Cisticola tinniens)

Date...................................

Date...................................

CAPE SEROTINE BAT (Neoromicia capensis)

KING PROTEA (Protea cyranoides)

Date...................................

Date...................................

SPRINGBOK (Antidorcas marsupialis)

Date...................................

CAPE SUGAR BIRD (Promerops cafer)

Date...................................

CAPE AUTUMN WIDOW BUTTERFLY (Dira clytus)

Date...................................

YELLOWWOOD BRANCH (Podocarpus latifolius)

Date...................................

SORREL (Oxalis pes capre)

Date...................................

CAPE SEROTINE BAT (Neoromicia capensis)

Date...................................

Fall into Gardening

Autumn heralds the progression towards winter as the Earth turns in its orbit around the sun. This shift brings about shorter days and longer nights, here in the Valley of Life in the southern hemisphere. Winter brings with it a pause in activities, allowing us to regather our energy for the renewal that comes with spring.

During fall, nature transforms itself in preparation for winter. Deciduous trees start to change their hues before losing their leaves, and it's a perfect opportunity to prepare the garden for a much-needed break after the hot summer. Planting in autumn gives plants an advantage as they get to establish their roots before the hot summer days arrive. To brighten the cold

winter days, we can add some colour to our gardens by planting petunias, pansies, Iceland poppies, and primulas. We can plant indigenous bulbs like babiana, chincherinchee, ixia, sparaxis, or watsonia for a spectacular spring display. It's important to plant these bulbs in sunny and well-drained areas, following the instructions. We can also consider planting pincushions, ericas, and other indigenous species to give our gardens a more natural feel.

Autumn is the perfect season for garden maintenance. Mulch should be applied to fower beds, dead leaves should be cleared or tilled into the soil, and trees can be pruned and reshaped - unwanted branches

should also be removed. Roots can be nourished by gardening products from local nurseries; perennials can further be divided and rearranged in beds with some compost before replanting. As temperatures drop, the frequency of irrigation can be decreased; however, it is important to keep an eye on areas not exposed to precipitation. In these spots, a thorough drenching may be needed at least once a week. Additionally, if fertilizer is used, remember to rinse it into the soil so leaf damage doesn't result.

The colder months give gardeners the opportunity to appreciate the beautiful selection of blossoming plants, which are usually concealed by foliage during summer. Enjoy the season, and happy gardening!

VISIT OUR PRACTICE AT THE DRAKENSTEIN CENTRE OPPOSITE BOSCHENMEER

Join the F45 Community

John McGrath and his team at The Yard Gym have launched two new F45 packages for families and those who prefer to train in the afternoon and early evening. Available to book now, they start from just R500 per month, based on a 12-month contract.

F45 classes focus on functional training – a classifcation of exercise that involves exercising for activities performed in daily life – designed to help participants move and perform better. Classes are just 45 minutes (ideal for those short on time) and involve the use of your full body and multiple muscle groups to improve energy levels, body composition, metabolic function and sleep – all of which positively contribute to mental well-being. All classes take place at The Yard Gym, and each trainer works hard to motivate and encourage during these team training sessions. This promotes ftness and good health and fosters a sense of community and friendship.

For the family packages, exercising together is the perfect opportunity to model healthy habits to your children and teach them the importance of caring for their bodies. Spending time together at the gym is also a great way to strengthen family bonds and build closer relationships – establishing a foundation for a lifetime of good health. So… what are you waiting for?

AFTERNOON PACKAGE

Limited (2 classes per week): R500 per month

Unlimited (unlimited number of classes): R650 per month

Minimum 12-month contract

Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 16:30 and 17:30

Tuesday and Thursday at 17:30 and 18:15

FAMILY PACKAGE

Unlimited classes

Includes two adults and two children aged 8 – 17 years old

3-month contract: R2 835 per month

12-month contract: R2 300 per month

Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 15:45

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

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

Sub-Editor – Nadia Carlin

Advertising Sales – Dina Swart

Contributors – Simon Allen, Iza Slabbert, Adri-Ann Oosthuizen, Amy Capendale, Christa Botha and Barbara Hugo.

Cover Image – Daniel Saaiman

Photography – Daniel Saaiman & Phillip van Dyk

Production – Marli van Schalkwyk & Andrea Godwin

Designer – Andrea Godwin & Caro Kleynhans

Printers – Novus Print

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 Offce

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 021 863 6185

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

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

Building Control Offcer 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

Traffc Department 021 872 4755

Paarl Tourism 021 872 4842

Franschhoek Tourism 021 876 3603

Post Offce

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 Offce 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

Estate

Control Room / Offce 021 867 1201 controlroom@pearlvalley.co.za

a publication for May 2023

Winter on Val de Vie Estate is characterised by cooler temperatures, crisp air and beautiful clear blue skies. The surrounding landscape is transformed into a wonderland, with the mountain ranges dusted with snow and vineyards draped in vibrant red, yellow and russet shades. Welcome rains nourish the Earth and replenish water reserves. If you wrap up warm, it is the perfect time for outdoor activities, such as running, walking, mountain biking and horse riding. Explore the

VAL DE VIE ESTATE RESIDENTS

A Winter Wonderland

beauty of our Estate on horseback with outrides led by experienced instructors who guide riders of all levels. Our newly upgraded 42 kilometres of cycle tracks traverse vineyards, forests and mountain fynbos, with distances and diffculty levels that cater to all ftness levels, or slow the pace and walk or run along the 20 kilometres of paved tracks that wind through the Estate. As a world leader in luxury wellness, we provide residents with an environment in which to live an engaged life where physical,

social, environmental, community and economic, as well as mental, emotional and spiritual wellness, is actively encouraged. Within the pages of this edition, you will fnd a checklist with plant and animal species commonly found on the Estate, collated by our highly experienced Environmental Offcer, Simon Allen. We hope this provides the perfect opportunity to venture out and discover the captivating wonders that are all around you in the Valley of Life.

A Stefan Antoni Bespoke Home on Val de Vie Estate

This remarkable Stefan Antoni bespoke home is situated in an exclusive boomed-off street within the La Vue neighbourhood on Val de Vie Estate. Located down a private cul-de-sac, it boasts breathtaking views of the bordering fynbos nature reserve, which creates an extended garden and adds a touch of tranquillity. The property features double-volume ceilings and folding doors, allowing maximum natural light and plenty of opportunities to enjoy breathtaking views. The open-plan living areas fow seamlessly between indoor and outdoor spaces, making them ideal for entertaining guests. A modern kitchen has ample cupboard space and a separate laundry room leading to the tiled garage. Four spacious bedrooms are located upstairs, while a ffth en-suite bedroom with a separate entrance is the perfect home offce. The north-facing 1269m² stand provides ample space for outdoor activities and includes a sparkling pool and sunken wooden deck, the perfect place for relaxing during the warm summer months. A recessed frepit is ideal for keeping warm during the cooler winter evenings, while an indoor stainless steel braai and built-in freplaces create a cosy ambience. PRICE: R 22 500 000 (VAT AND TRANSFER COSTS INCLUDED)

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Country living with complete peace of mind

Looking for a family home that offers the ultimate luxurious living? Look no further than this magnifcent property on The Acres at Pearl Valley on Val de Vie Estate. Just a short stroll from the world-renowned Pearl Valley Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, Pearl Valley Clubhouse and driving range, this home is ideal for golfng enthusiasts as well as those discerning buyers who appreciate breathtaking surroundings and a beautifully tranquil lifestyle. Step inside and be welcomed by an expertly designed open-plan layout, with living spaces that fow onto an undercover patio complete with a built-in braai and braai boma. A modern kitchen features a Smeg gas hob, electric oven, and a separate scullery – making cooking and cleaning a breeze. And when the weather turns cooler, you can relax by the freplace with a good book and a glass of wine. This home also features three bedrooms and two contemporary bathrooms, including a primary bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe and a full en-suite bathroom. An offce, a pool surrounded by timber decking, and three automated garages round out the incredible features of this exceptional property.

PRICE: R9 750 000 (VAT AND TRANSFER COSTS INCLUDED)

EMAIL PROPERTY@VALDEVIE.CO.ZA

OUTSTANDING THREE-BEDROOM FURNISHED PROPERTY AVAILABLE TO RENT

Enjoy luxurious family living at its very best at this home on Val de Vie Estate, and be captivated by the modern open-plan living spaces – ideal for creating special memories. An enclosed braai room overlooks a vineyard view, a perfect spot for outdoor entertaining. Indoors, the kitchen has ample storage space, a large centre island and a breakfast bar, complete with a separate scullery and laundry area. The main bedroom is generously sized, featuring a full en-suite bathroom, built-in cupboards and a dedicated dressing area. Additionally, two further bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms, providing comfortable accommodation for family or guests. All bedrooms ofer stunning views of the picturesque garden. This home also features an ofce providing a dedicated space for work or study and two automated garages with ample parking and storage space for vehicles and equipment. Rent excludes all utilities. Available from 1 May to 30 September 2023. PRICE: R58 000 per month

THE ACRES AT PEARL VALLEY

Green Minds Think Alike

The Joinery is a sustainable and ethical product brand and Design House based in South Africa and founded by sisters and Val de Vie Estate residents Natalie and Kim Ellis. With a focus on fnding solutions to environmental and community issues through design, The Joinery works to create locally produced products and conceptualises responsible fabrics such as its Future Felt™ - made from recycled plastic bottles. Artisans intricately handcraft their products, each one a luxury piece and testament to the skill and artistry of their makers. They are committed to making high-quality branded items for the hospitality, events, interiors and corporate industries in a way that is environmentally and socially responsible. Before establishing The Joinery, Kim worked in London for high-end fashion brands Jimmy Choo and Burberry. In contrast, Natalie was a flm director, directing documentaries such as ‘William Kentridge: The Collaborative Artist’, as well as working in the sustainable design and media arena. With a deep-rooted passion for activism and a wealth of experience in climate change, their career paths led them to collaborate with pioneering fgures like Vivienne Westwood and Safa Minney. Motivated by their vision, they established The Joinery, an enterprise that places sustainability at the heart of its business operations.

Why are you called The Joinery?

Our name is based on our founding principles to collaborate and join up with artisans, businesses and like-minded futurists to create designs that promote sustainability. By supporting The Joinery, you are saving plastic bottles from landfll and the oceans by turning waste into luxury handmade products that make a difference.

What drove you both to set up The Joinery?

We launched the business in 2011 to establish a sustainable brand to create change for people and our planet. Our vision of re-purposing waste into our Future Felt™ collections came to fruition with a variety of product lines such as handcrafted travel, luggage and tech

accessories, bespoke packaging for retailers, branded gifting for events and corporate clients and bespoke interior products for hotels and lodges. What drives us is seeing our clients motivated to join us in saving plastic from the environment through their orders. In turn, we are off-setting our clients' plastic footprint, for example, one client saved 350 000 plastic bottles with a bespoke product order. We are committed to changing the world through design.

How many plastic bottles have you repurposed?

By using recycled plastic instead of raw materials, we take pressure off our planet. We are on a mission to create a cleaner world. Since we started our business, we have repurposed approximately 800 000 plastic bottles

through our Future Felt™ material. We are incredibly proud of this accomplishment and excited to be nearing our goal of repurposing one million bottles.

Why is sustainability important to you both?

We recognise that the production and textile industries signifcantly impact the environment and people's lives – and we believe that we have a responsibility to make a positive difference. We endeavour to strengthen our principles and are continuously implementing new sustainable practices, whether it be the packaging we use, printing on recycled paper or donating off-cuts and product samples to various schools and charities. Since the inception of The Joinery, we have all become more aware of the devastating effects of

Supporting Sustainability

Val de Vie Estate has partnered with The Joinery to create a branded sustainable tote bag and wine tote crafted from their recycled plastic bottle Future Felt™.

Tote bag R495 • Wine tote R485

fast fashion and cheap manufacturing, from the pollution of waterways and ecosystems to the exploitation of workers in developing countries. But for us, it is not just about environmentalism; it's also about people's well-being. As a company, we are committed to local community upliftment and offering employment and fnancial stability. We are proud to support our employees and their families and to invest in their training and development.

Can you share a standout moment with us?

Since establishing The Joinery, we've had many standout moments that we are incredibly proud of. One of our most signifcant accomplishments was conceptualising and pioneering Future Felt™, a textile made from recycled

plastic bottles collected from all over South Africa, diverting plastic waste from landflls and oceans. This has allowed us to create beautiful products that are also kinder to the planet.

Tell us more about the team at The Joinery.

The Joinery has an in-house team of seamstresses, seamsters, artisans and quality controllers. We have invested in upskilling our team members, many who have been promoted to the head of their departments. For us, our team is not just a workforce but a closely-knit family who share our passion for crafting handmade, handbranded products with unwaivering authenticity. We also work with women's sewing co-operatives and sustainable production houses to create our products.

What are the benefts of being sisters and business partners?

We are fortunate to have a solid and trusting relationship, which is critical when running a business together. We both bring different skills and experiences to the table, allowing us to complement each other. However, what truly brings us together is our shared values and commitment to sustainability. Being sisters has also allowed us to build a strong sense of family within our business, and we take great pride in creating a company culture that is supportive, collaborative, and inclusive.

For further information or to connect with The Joinery visit thejoinery.co.za.

SANESA works to promote all forms of equestrian sport within South Africa’s school community and has a presence within each province in the country. Every year, the top eight riders from each province participate in the annual SANESA National Championships, which take place during September and October.

Rising Stars

It has been a busy start to the year for young competitive riders on Val de Vie Estate. Mikyla Coetzee and Sarah Dippnall achieved great heights at the SANESA qualifers in Stellenbosch.

Eleven-year-old Mikyla and her horse, Destina, clinched two 1st and one 2nd place in the 60cm show jumping category – a testament to her hard work, dedication and love for the sport. Mikyla’s grandfather instilled a love for horse riding in her, and she has been riding since she was four. Her advice to other young riders is to "practice as much as possible and to develop a special bond with your horse to achieve the very best results." Mikyla has owned her horse, Destina - a warmblood breed – for three years, and she rides two to three times a week, and takes lessons with Val de Vie Equestrian Club instructor Nonnie Harmse.

Sarah, a 13-year-old equestrian, and her horse, Tierna Rose, competed in the 70cm show jumping category and secured two 1st places. Sarah has always been drawn to horses, and when her family moved to Val de Vie Estate in 2016, her mom promised she could start lessons. Sarah has weekly lessons and rides Tierna Rose at least four times a week, lunging her and exploring the Estate on horeseback. Sarah’s long-term ambition is to own a farm where she can care for rescued horses and teach others how to ride. According to her "if you love your horse, your horse will love you back" and she encourages young riders not to give up, even in the face of setbacks.

Another successful competitor on Val de Vie Estate is ffteen-year-old Holly Smith. Her mom and older sister inspired her love of riding, and she has always been fascinated by the beauty and power of horses. Holly's favourite discipline is show jumping, and with six horses to train, she rides six days a week. With such a demanding schedule, she participates in online schooling, which allows her to practice and travel to Johannesburg for shows. Recent wins include the South African Outdoor Grand Prix on Capital Clarissimo, Western Cape Outdoor Grand Prix on Beau De Lune and Western Cape Derby on Dude. Holly has her sights set on competing in Europe in the future and is working hard to make her dreams a reality. When asked for words of encouragement, she said: "If you have a dream, work hard, stay focused, and never give up. Anything is possible if you believe in yourself."

We wish all of these young riders well.

LEFT:

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served from Monday to Saturday, 08:00 – 22:00 and breakfast and lunch on Sundays from 08:00 – 14:00, with the deli open until 18:00.

A Winter Menu Inspired by a Working Farm’s Philosophy

Head chef Olaff Meintjes, from the Back’s Restaurant and Deli at the Pearl Valley Hotel by Mantis, has created an exceptional new winter menu inspired by some of the produce sourced directly from Fairview, owned by thirdgeneration family farmer Charles Back II. A working farm, Fairview houses a collection of micro-businesses, all sharing a common goal of creating artisanal and sustainable produce. Its bakers rise with the birds to knead and roll handmade dough into buttery croissants, baguettes and loaves – all available from Back’s Deli.

The new menu includes warming curries, fresh fsh and seafood dishes, steaks and salads. Flame-grilled burgers are made with free-range Red Angus patties accompanied by homemade buns, while pasta dishes are served with your choice of linguine, penne or gluten-free options.

From yoghurt bowls, omelettes, and rosti benedicts to Fairview cheese and cured meat platters, the breakfast menu is a delight. You can savour your breakfast until 11:30 and then switch to cheese and meat platters that feature over 50 types of artisanal cheeses made from cow and goat milk by The Cheesery at Fairview. The restaurant space has a beautiful freplace, the perfect spot to keep warm and cosy during the colder winter months.

Wine of the Month

Indulge in our Estate’s beloved Polo Club Merlot 2020, our wine of the month for May. Its rich and luxurious favor, with soft and juicy tannins, creates a velvety fnish that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy it paired with a herb-crusted rack of lamb or smoked pork fllet, or get creative and experiment with dark chocolate-inspired desserts. To place your order, simply email orders@lhuguenot.com or call 021 876 8037. If you reside within the Estate, home delivery is free. Pay

AUTUS

Welvaartbeplanning

Finansiële gemoedsrus

Wenner: Beste Adviesmaatskappy in SA 2021*

Wenner: Uitstaande Beleggingsbeplanning 2021 & 2022*

Wenner: Uitstaande Kliëntediens 2019, 2020, 2021 & 2022*

A milestone in luxury living

With an impeccable legacy of 21 years in Pearl Valley at Val de Vie Estate, Jordan Greenhalgh showcases the epitome of

Discover this stunning 2.6-hectare smallholding in the Gentleman’s Estate prefecture, exclusively marketed by Jordan. This 2,000m ² residence with breathtaking mountain views and bordering a reserve, features world-class materials and engineering and is ideal for luxurious entertainment. Scan QR-code to find out more about this property.

+27 (0)83 298 1481 jordan.greenhalgh@pamgolding.co.za

Jordan is a multi-award-winning agent and a lifetime holder of the prestigious Emerald Circle award. As a resident agent, she brings perspective and expertise to those buying or selling on this Estate.

Scan here to view all properties for sale in Val de Vie

Exclusive Mandate

River Club, Val de Vie | R 32 million

Vacant stand | 21260 m2

Ref# VLV1596208

This phenomenal stand features a fruit and nut tree orchard, a beautiful dam, and planted paths leading to the Berg River. HOA approved plans for a 5 bedroom home and 3 bedroom annexe are included.

Jordan Greenhalgh, 083 298 1481

Exclusive Mandate

Bergriver Way, Val de Vie | R 14.8 million

5 BEDROOMS | 5 B ATHROOMS | 3 GARAGES

Ref# VLV1600942

This family home boasts a large open plan living area with a modern kitchen, four spacious en-suite bedrooms, a study, and a low-maintenance garden. It is located in a serene environment with greenbelts and mountain views, and features an outdoor patio and pool.

Ronel Pienaar, 082 556 2433 & Gia Fouché, 082 784 3759

Exclusive Mandate

Exclusive Mandate

The Acres, Pearl Valley | R 11.2 million

4 BEDROOMS | 4 B ATHROOMS | 2 GARAGES

Ref# VLV1586789

This plot and plan home features 4 en-suite bedrooms, an open-plan kitchen, scullery, and dining area, and an indoor braai room. The patio with a private pool creates a harmonious luxury and functionality suitable for your lifestyle.

Ronel Pienaar, 082 556 2433 & Gia Fouché, 082 784 3759 AGENTS:

Bear Creek Boulevard | R 25 million Ref# VLV1598597

5 BEDROOMS | 5 BATHROOMS | 2 GARAGES

This English country-style house boasts a grand entrance hall, open-plan kitchen and TV lounge, dining room with gas fireplace and bar, and wooden deck around the large pool. The 5 bedrooms are all generous in size and en-suite.

Jordan Greenhalgh, 083 298 1481

Exclusive Mandate

Selago Close, Boschenmeer | R 11.8 million Ref# VLV1576830

5 BEDROOMS | 4 BATHROOMS | 2 GARAGES

With stunning views, this beautiful home offers a swimming pool and a landscaped garden, ideal for gatherings. The living area leads to a well-planned kitchen with a Smeg stove, and a spacious study with built-in bookcases opens onto a balcony overlooking the mountains.

Hayley van der Merwe, 082 926 8587

Exclusive Mandate

Pearl Valley Resort Lodge | R 7.3 million Ref# VLV1602857

3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 2 GARAGES

This renovated lodge offers stunning mountain views from the balcony, a unique white and gold kitchen, open-plan living, and a gas fireplace. It has 3 en-suite bedrooms and is ideal for a comfortable home, lock-up-and-go, or investment.

Jordan Greenhalgh, 083 298 1481

The Fierce and Fascinating Cape Polecat

Did You Know?

Polecats are expert diggers and often burrow into the ground to escape predators or search for food.

One of their favourite meals is mole crickets, which are considered garden pests.

They have a varied diet and even eat carrion which they locate using their acute hearing and sense of smell.

Polecats are primarily nocturnal. During the day, they typically rest in dens that they dig themselves or that have been abandoned by other animals.

Unlike other members of the weasel family, Cape polecats are not social animals and prefer to live alone. They are known for their aggressive and territorial behaviour towards other animals.

If your dog gets too close to a polecat, it may receive a dose of its defensive spray which has an intense smell that can linger for days. Fortunately bathing the pooch with milk helps to remove it.

The Cape polecat (Ictonyx striatus), or African striped weasel, is a remarkable species found throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Despite its name, it is not related to either polecats, cats nor skunks - rather it belongs to the weasel family and it plays an integral part in keeping Val de Vie Estate’s ecosystem healthy and thriving. The Cape polecat is instantly recognisable for its distinctive black and white striped back and tail, as well as its characteristic musky smell that it releases as a form of protection. This small animal is a formidable hunter, preying on rodents, insects and even snakes.

The distinctive Cape polecat is renowned for its unusual mating rituals. During the breeding season, males will spray their environment with a strong-scented chemical to mark their territory and vie for a female’s attention. If the male is successful in his pursuits, a peculiar mating ceremony ensues: he and the female stand on their hind legs and rotate around each other in tight circles.

Despite its unique characteristics and fascinating behaviour, the Cape polecat is endangered due to habitat destruction and fur hunting. Conservation initiatives have been launched to safeguard this captivating creature, however, much remains to be done in order for it to remain thriving in the wild.

Polecats are often incorrectly called skunks, which are found in North and South America. While both animals are small carnivorous mammals and both release a foul-smelling spray from their anal glands, the Cape polecat and skunk have diferences in their appearance, habitat, and anatomy.

called a ‘stinkmuishond’

Autumn leaves turn red as chlorophyll breaks down, leaving behind a higher concentration of red pigments. This protects the leaves against cold temperatures by absorbing more sunlight and retaining heat.

A Time for Change

Change and adaptation are natural processes, and as the days get shorter and the nights longer and cooler, much of nature starts slowing down. In the Cape Floral Kingdom, many plants, predominantly alpine types, have adapted and continue to grow during the cold and wet winter.

For the most part, deciduous plants, such as the oak trees around the Estate, will start transferring waste into their leaves and extracting benefcial compounds such as chlorophyll – the element that makes leaves appear green and aids in photosynthesis – which turns the leaves into the colourful mix of reds, yellows and browns that we associated with autumn. As the leaves die, they foat to the ground and disintegrate, releasing the trapped compounds, which are then recycled back into the soil. Evergreen plants such as yellowwoods do this continually throughout the seasons.

Insects, amphibians and reptiles, all being ectothermic animals – organisms which cannot produce their own body heat but rely on an ambient temperature for warmth – will start feeding up for winter as the lower temperatures diminish their activity levels. Many of them reduce their metabolism and hibernate, while others, such as the Cape serotine bat, may aestivate – that is, become dormant and only be more active on warmer days.

This is also why fewer insects are around during the winter months, and this means that predators such as birds, which rely on insects as a food source, have to alter their strategy as well. Many birds will migrate, either locally to areas where more food is found, which are often wetlands or, in contrast, move further north to warmer regions but remain on the African continent – these we refer to as inter-African migrants.

The most impressive migrations are undertaken by paleo-Artic migrants, who fy halfway around the earth twice a year. The barn swallow is a classic example, undertaking the six-week, 10 000-kilometre trip to Europe, returning in the spring to where they were born, an awe-inspiring feat for a small bird weighing a mere 20 grams.

With global climate change becoming more prevalent, we see many adaptions within the natural world to overcome weather patterns and intensity alterations. Many studies demonstrate how wonderfully fexible nature is; these could become lessons for future modifcations in our own behaviour to ensure the survival of the natural world.

CHECKLIST

Here’s a checklist of plants and animals you can find on Val de Vie Estate, along with their names and a space for you to write down when you’ve seen each one.

Can you spot them al?

CHECKLIST

Here’s a checklist of plants and animals you can find on Val de Vie Estate, along with their names and a space for you to write down when you’ve seen each one.

Can you spot them al?

ORANGE - BREASTED SUNBIRD (Anthobaphes violacea)

Date...................................

CAPE HYACITH (Lachenalia orichoides)

Date...................................

LEVALLIANT’S CISTICOLA (Cisticola tinniens)

Date...................................

CAPE SUGAR BIRD (Promerops cafer)

Date...................................

ORANGE - BREASTED SUNBIRD (Anthobaphes violacea)

Date...................................

YELLOWWOOD BRANCH (Podocarpus latifolius)

Date...................................

CAPE HYACITH (Lachenalia orichoides)

Date...................................

KING PROTEA (Protea cyranoides)

LEVALLIANT’S CISTICOLA (Cisticola tinniens)

Date...................................

Date...................................

CAPE SEROTINE BAT (Neoromicia capensis)

KING PROTEA (Protea cyranoides)

Date...................................

Date...................................

SPRINGBOK (Antidorcas marsupialis)

Date...................................

CAPE SUGAR BIRD (Promerops cafer)

Date...................................

CAPE AUTUMN WIDOW BUTTERFLY (Dira clytus)

Date...................................

YELLOWWOOD BRANCH (Podocarpus latifolius)

Date...................................

SORREL (Oxalis pes capre)

Date...................................

CAPE SEROTINE BAT (Neoromicia capensis)

Date...................................

Fall into Gardening

Autumn heralds the progression towards winter as the Earth turns in its orbit around the sun. This shift brings about shorter days and longer nights, here in the Valley of Life in the southern hemisphere. Winter brings with it a pause in activities, allowing us to regather our energy for the renewal that comes with spring.

During fall, nature transforms itself in preparation for winter. Deciduous trees start to change their hues before losing their leaves, and it's a perfect opportunity to prepare the garden for a much-needed break after the hot summer. Planting in autumn gives plants an advantage as they get to establish their roots before the hot summer days arrive. To brighten the cold

winter days, we can add some colour to our gardens by planting petunias, pansies, Iceland poppies, and primulas. We can plant indigenous bulbs like babiana, chincherinchee, ixia, sparaxis, or watsonia for a spectacular spring display. It's important to plant these bulbs in sunny and well-drained areas, following the instructions. We can also consider planting pincushions, ericas, and other indigenous species to give our gardens a more natural feel.

Autumn is the perfect season for garden maintenance. Mulch should be applied to fower beds, dead leaves should be cleared or tilled into the soil, and trees can be pruned and reshaped - unwanted branches

should also be removed. Roots can be nourished by gardening products from local nurseries; perennials can further be divided and rearranged in beds with some compost before replanting. As temperatures drop, the frequency of irrigation can be decreased; however, it is important to keep an eye on areas not exposed to precipitation. In these spots, a thorough drenching may be needed at least once a week. Additionally, if fertilizer is used, remember to rinse it into the soil so leaf damage doesn't result.

The colder months give gardeners the opportunity to appreciate the beautiful selection of blossoming plants, which are usually concealed by foliage during summer. Enjoy the season, and happy gardening!

VISIT OUR PRACTICE AT THE DRAKENSTEIN CENTRE OPPOSITE BOSCHENMEER

Join the F45 Community

John McGrath and his team at The Yard Gym have launched two new F45 packages for families and those who prefer to train in the afternoon and early evening. Available to book now, they start from just R500 per month, based on a 12-month contract.

F45 classes focus on functional training – a classifcation of exercise that involves exercising for activities performed in daily life – designed to help participants move and perform better. Classes are just 45 minutes (ideal for those short on time) and involve the use of your full body and multiple muscle groups to improve energy levels, body composition, metabolic function and sleep – all of which positively contribute to mental well-being. All classes take place at The Yard Gym, and each trainer works hard to motivate and encourage during these team training sessions. This promotes ftness and good health and fosters a sense of community and friendship.

For the family packages, exercising together is the perfect opportunity to model healthy habits to your children and teach them the importance of caring for their bodies. Spending time together at the gym is also a great way to strengthen family bonds and build closer relationships – establishing a foundation for a lifetime of good health. So… what are you waiting for?

AFTERNOON PACKAGE

Limited (2 classes per week): R500 per month

Unlimited (unlimited number of classes): R650 per month

Minimum 12-month contract

Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 16:30 and 17:30

Tuesday and Thursday at 17:30 and 18:15

FAMILY PACKAGE

Unlimited classes

Includes two adults and two children aged 8 – 17 years old

3-month contract: R2 835 per month

12-month contract: R2 300 per month

Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 15:45

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

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

Sub-Editor – Nadia Carlin

Advertising Sales – Dina Swart

Contributors – Simon Allen, Iza Slabbert, Adri-Ann Oosthuizen, Amy Capendale, Christa Botha and Barbara Hugo.

Cover Image – Daniel Saaiman

Photography – Daniel Saaiman & Phillip van Dyk

Production – Marli van Schalkwyk & Andrea Godwin

Designer – Andrea Godwin & Caro Kleynhans

Printers – Novus Print

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 Offce

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 021 863 6185

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

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

Building Control Offcer 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

Traffc Department 021 872 4755

Paarl Tourism 021 872 4842

Franschhoek Tourism 021 876 3603

Post Offce

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 Offce 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

Estate

Control Room / Offce 021 867 1201 controlroom@pearlvalley.co.za