GRAPEVINE | NOVEMBER 2022

In 2001, Founder and CEO of Val de Vie Estate, Martin Venter, saw the ideal location alongside the Berg river for his family home. Looking down on the dilapidated wine farm, started by Abraham Andries le Roux back in 1783, he suddenly knew that this place had potential and needed to be brought back to life. Sustainability has been at the heart of the Estate since its inception. After decades as a sand quarry, the land had to be restored to create a flourishing ecosystem. If people were to live well, then nature in all its forms had to return. It took

VAL DE VIE ESTATE RESIDENTS

Dive into Summer

imagination, innovation and patience to rewild the land, and water was the first catalyst for change. Quarry sites hollowed by man and machine became home to 12 large lakes covering over eight hectares. With water and greenery, the smallest of aquatic creatures returned, creating a natural hierarchy and a balanced food chain. Today, overseen by Simon Allen, the Estate’s dedicated Environmental Officer, freshwater fish, aquatic birds, and even otters live in and around the waterways. Water was key to the early transformation of Val de Vie Estate, and

conserving it remains a priority. The Berg river, with its source in the Franschhoek and Drakenstein mountains, flows along the west of the Estate. The riverbanks offer natural picnic and fishing spots or a place to spend an afternoon close to nature. We also have the advantage of a superb climate on Val de Vie Estate, so residents can choose to spend time relaxing or training at the outdoor Olympic size pool at The Yard, while the newly refurbished resort-style pool at the Pearl Valley Clubhouse is the perfect place to cool down on warm summer days.

Poolside in the Summer Sun

Summer is just around the corner, and as the days start to warm up our residents can enjoy one of the four swimming pools on the Estate, whether its to relax, train, learn to swim, play or catch-up with friends.

At The Yard, the 50 metre outdoor pool is primarily a training pool, however, all residents are very welcome to use it. The shallow splash area to the side provides the perfect spot for little ones to cool down and have fun. If the pool lanes are occupied by swimmers who are training, the lane closest to the restaurant can be used.

The 25 metre indoor pool at the Sports and Leisure Centre is a more formal exercise pool, and may only be used for swimming training. Teaching water safety from a young age is extremely important, so children

understand how to behave in and around the water.

Instructors from the Ryk Neethling Swim School teach lessons between 11:00 and 17:30, Monday to Friday, but there is always at least one lane available for residents to use. To book a swimming lesson or for further information, visit learntoswim.co.za/val-de-vie.

You could also choose to spend the day at the recently renovated Pearl Valley resort-style pool enjoying the three separate pool areas and water slides. Catch up with friends or sit back and relax on the sun loungers. Delicious salads, wraps, pizzas, smoothies and cool drinks are available from the new bar area.

The beautiful outdoor pool located at the Pearl Valley Hotel by Mantis is also open to residents. Splash away!

PADEL GEAR NOW AVAILABLE ON VAL DE VIE ESTATE

E-commerce site Padel Gear (padelgear.co.za) has opened a new showroom on Val de Vie Estate, located at A4, The Yard Offices. Padel Gear supplies Padel equipment from top international brands while providing its customers with expert advice on the best products that suit them. Its range of quality Padel rackets, balls, clothing, and accessories are competitively priced and accompanied by excellent customer service. Pop in to say hi to the team from Monday – Friday, 8:00 – 16:30, or for more information, call 082 083 2396 or email info@padelgear.co.za.

Pool Rules

We ask that anyone using the pools does so responsibly and respectfully and request that all residents adhere to the following:

For safety reasons, no children under 14 years of age are allowed to use any of the pools without due supervision.

Swimmers must wear swim caps and appropriate swimwear, and we kindly request that swimmers use the changing rooms to change into and out of their swimwear.

No running and diving into the pools or running around the pools is permitted.

During busy periods, swimmers should share the lanes when training by swimming clockwise.

MARIZANNE RISCHBIETER has been in the real estate industry since 2004 with a specialised interest in the rental property sector. Marizanne believes in understanding people and respecting their needs combined with commitment and compassion. Your choice of agent is essential, and it is therefore highly advisable to work with someone you not only trust but who has the knowledge and skill required to see the deal through to a successful conclusion.

CHANTELLE MARAIS has been in the property industry for over eight years. She specialises in long-term rentals on Val de Vie Estate. With an eye for detail, Chantelle enjoys finding each family their perfect home at Val de Vie Estate.

Joining the Val de Vie Properties team has enabled KAYLA DIAB to focus on property law while excelling in luxury property development. Kayla’s dynamic approach to business ensures that her clients receive a positive and rewarding experience in choosing Val de Vie Estate as their forever home.

Ground Floor Office #1: 126.9m2 at R42 100/month (excl.

First Floor Office #2: 24.9m2 at R21 165/month (excl. VAT)

First Floor Office #3: 19.1m2 at R16 235/month (excl. VAT)

First Floor Office #5: 13.7m2 at R11 645/month (excl. VAT)

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

Audi Centre Century City Polo Pony Parade

Our Steeds Showing Off

Training show at the Val de Vie Equestrian Club

The second training show of the year took place at the Val de Vie Equestrian Club in aid of The Cart Horse Protection Association. With categories for beginners to experienced horse riders, the day was exceptionally well attended and finished with an exciting six bar 'Chase me Charlie' round. The next training show will take place in early 2023, so book your riding lessons with the team at the Equestrian Club and get practising!

To celebrate the start of the polo season, polo ponies and their riders paraded around the Estate, supported by residents and led by a fleet of cars from Audi Centre Century City's new Audi e-tron range. Afterwards, the first chukkas of the season were played on the Pavilion Polo Field. At the same time, spectators enjoyed complimentary boerewors rolls from The Wagyu Experience and glasses of bubbly at Linde Collection. The Stella Artois Val de Vie Polo Club plays every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Matches are open to everyone – no need to pre-book or pay. So turn up and enjoy the speed and thrill of the 'sport of kings'.

New Restaurant at The Yard

Reuben's & Co Café at The Yard has now closed and we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved for their warm hospitality and the delicious food (and countless coffees) served over the last four years. We wish Reuben Riffel and his team all the best for their future endeavours.

Sela Vie will soon be opening their doors at The Yard, and promises to be an inviting, comforting and serene environment, with a refined level of simplicity. While the Sela Vie team embark on a full renovation, The Hatch Café will be serving delectable takeaways from end November. Smoothies, homemade pastries, cakes, freshly baked bread, sandwiches, salads, wraps and bowls will be on offer.

SELA VIE

More information on the opening date of Sela Vie will be shared on the Estate’s social media platforms and the December/January edition of the Grapevine.

Harvesting some Vitamin C

When the Valentia Farm on Val de Vie Estate generously donated its 2022 yield of oranges, the Val de Vie Foundation acted swiftly to arrange the picking and distribution of over 32 000 oranges. Organised and coordinated by Val de Vie Foundation Advisor Lorraine Hadfield, Hope Through Action (HTA) was selected as the primary beneficiary of the oranges.

HTA arranged the transport of their students to the Valentia Farm, where farmhands assisted them in picking the oranges and dropping them into large plastic crates. From here, MyRide organised a truck to take the crates to HTA’s campuses in Mbekweni, Franschhoek and Malmesbury, where hundreds of young children received the oranges. This initiative helped provide nutritious fruit to the children attending the HTA holiday programme.

The Val de Vie Foundation would like to thank the Valentia Farm and MyRide for their assistance in facilitating this initiative.

Founded in 2015, the Val de Vie Foundation is passionate about investing for sustainable impact by supporting

beautiful

T hank you!

The team at the Val de Vie Foundation would like to take this opportunity to thank Linda for her courage and determination in taking on this extraordinary challenge – and for raising a grand total of R168,752.75, which has been donated to the Franschhoek Valley Community Sports Centre, facilitated by Hope Through Action, one of the Val de Vie Foundation’s beneficiaries.

Fearlessly Breaking Boundaries to Help Others

one hour

Linda has always had a passion for high-adrenaline adventures. A difficult upbringing meant that she discovered powerful results in overcoming her mental fears in this way. Today, she lives her life by the mantra that we should do something every day that develops courage, confidence and excellence.

Linda also believes that where there is fear, there is freedom to be found. From paragliding to surfing, sky diving, hang gliding, river rafting and bungee jumping, Linda cites sky diving as one of her most frightening experiences, when her parachute failed to open on her very first solo jump. However, by going back to do five more jumps, she realised just how much mental grit and determination play a role in life. Continuing to challenge herself with extreme sports over the years transformed Linda’s mind and life, with bungee jumping becoming her favourite endeavour.

After many years of living and working overseas, Linda and her family returned to South Africa. She was excited to be geographically close again to the site of several Guinness World Records, at Face Adrenalin at Bloukrans Bridge. Linda applied to take part in the attempt for the most bungee jumps in one hour and was approved by all the organisations involved after a back injury gave her six months to train. It was then that she was approached by a local TV production company who were filming a documentary about South Africans attempting to break Guinness World Records. The filming schedule meant that she had just six weeks to get ready. She went for it.

RESIDENTS’ HEARTS

VALCARE |

Rugby coach Eugene Eloff (also a Val de Vie Estate resident) drafted a powerful strategic programme for her and introduced Linda to on-site Biokineticist Corné Steenkamp. Linda went from night owl to 4 am wake-ups for coaching sessions with Corné, who she says played a significant role in her physical readiness for the event. She also cites her husband, Jan, as a major player in her mental game.

On Monday, 15 August, Linda completed 23 jumps, smashing the previous record and earning herself a Guinness World Record for the most bungee jumps in one hour! A truly incredible achievement.

Earlier this year, Val de Vie Estate resident Linda Potgieter attempted to break the Guinness World Record for the most bungee jumps in

– a record that had previously stood at 19 jumps.

Linda lives her life by the mantra that we should do something every day that develops courage, confidence and excellence.

Innovative ways marketweyour property

When you sign an Exclusive Mandate with us, we use cutting-edge digital marketing tools to showcase your property to the right audience of potential buyers across Email, WhatsApp, Social Media, Google Search, Search Engine Marketing and our award-winning Website.

The properties on www.pamgolding.co.za are viewed 900 000 times each month, providing unparalleled exposure for your home.

To ensure potential buyers can find your property as quickly and easily as possible when searching online, we invest significantly in Google Paid Ads and Search Engine Optimisation. In the past 12 months, our Google ads have been shown over 1.17 million times.

Your property is showcased on Social Media, smartly targeting the type of buyer who may be interested in your home.

Hayley van der Merwe

Emerald Circle | 082 926 8587 hayley.vandermerwe@pamgolding.co.za

Gia Fouché

GoldClub | 082 784 3759 gia.fouche@pamgolding.co.za

Ronel Pienaar

Emerald Circle | 082 556 2433 ronel.pienaar@pamgolding.co.za

Jordan Greenhalgh

Emerald Circle 2022 | 083 298 1481 jordan.greenhalgh@pamgolding.co.za

When faced with your next move, make it a remarkable one.

Sold by Gia & Ronel

Sold by Jordan

Sold by Hayley

A Little Water goes a Long Way

Otterly Adorable

The Cape clawless otter (Aonyx capensis) is the second largest freshwater otter species and is called the groot otter in Afrikaans. Val de Vie Estate residents have shared numerous images and videos of charming otters in and around the freshwater dams on the Estate.

Otters are shy and elusive mammals and spotting them is considered rare. However, they are intelligent and playful by nature and co-exist in groups of up to eight females and their offspring. Male otters play no part in rearing the young and seldom associate with females. The best time of day to spot an otter on the Estate is at dawn or dusk when they are most active. Fish is a favourite food among otters, but they also consume various amphibians (such as salamanders and frogs), freshwater clams, insects, crabs and small birds.

Dogs that are not on leash pose a threat to the otter families on our Estate. Incidents of distressed and wounded otters, caused by dogs, have been reported. We again appeal to residents to not walk their dogs off-leash.

Did You Know?

With the heat of summer rising and a season of lower than expected winter rainfall, it is important that water, once again, becomes an important consideration in our lives. Simple measures taken by each and every one of us in conserving this precious commodity will go a long way towards ensuring that the Boland does not end up experiencing the same water supply issues that other parts of the country are currently facing.

While a lush green garden and a sparkling pool may seem idyllic to many, they do come at a cost. This can be reduced simply by limiting the irrigation of gardens to the cooler hours of the evening, which allows the water to penetrate the soil overnight without too much evaporation taking place. Planting indigenous plant species instead of water hungry exotics, in particular Cape Floral Kingdom species, which are at home during our warm, dry summers. Mulching flower beds and digging in compost also helps soil to retain water, as well as cooling it, particularly sandy soils.

Pools are a major source of evaporation, but using a pool cover helps a lot, while also minimising the need for expensive chemicals and cleaning. The cover will also reduce the risk of children or wildlife falling into the pool. Please remember that no swimming is allowed in any of the Estate’s lakes, this is not only to protect their ecology, but also as a safety measure.

In an area of low rainfall such as Val de Vie Estate, every drop of water conserved is important to ensure a continuous supply of this life sustaining element.

A group of otters is called a bevvy.

The species is not completely clawless. It has small claws on its back feet, which are webbed and used to groom itself.

They are semi-aquatic, which means they split their time between water and land.

They grow to a maximum of 2m and can weigh up to 18kg.

They have elaborate vocalisations ranging from whistles, grunts and a variable “hah”. The “hah” expresses unease, while the whistles are used when calling each other.

Cape clawless otters are regarded as a near-threatened species.

More Than Just Eating

Dietitian Linda Reid (RD)SA has opened Nutritional Solutions’ Western Cape branch, located at the Polo Village Offices on Val de Vie Estate. She has over ten years of experience in the food industry, working in various roles across health and pharmaceutical marketing, training and wellness programmes, and patient consulting.

Linda’s professional qualifications include a BA Major in Psychology with Languages and an MSc degree in Human Nutrition. Linda’s nutritional areas of interest include weight loss, metabolic syndrome, diabetes and nutrigenomics (study of nutrition and genetics). Outside work, Linda enjoys running, swimming, yoga and tennis, and she also enjoys hiking and travelling with her husband and three children.

Linda looks forward to empowering her clients to make healthy choices to help them live their best ‘healthy’ lives. For further information, visit nutritionalsolutions.co.za or to make an appointment with Linda, email linda@nutritionalsolutions.co.za or call 084 571 8009.

Why Weight?

The second branch of Dr Kat’s Weight Loss & Wellness is now open at B1, The Yard Offices. Dr Naseeba Kathrada - better known as Dr Kat, is a qualified medical practitioner specialising in weight management, wellness and liposuction. Dr Kat provides personalised weight loss programmes based on the understanding that everybody is different.

A unique Body Type Analysis, combined with an In-Body Analysis, provides her clients with insights that enable them to manage their stress levels and feel healthier by learning what foods are best for them. Dr Kat offers a full range of IV drips tailored to each client's needs. She has researched and developed every one of Dr Kat’s 25 supplements and nine weight loss products, from natural appetite suppressants and mood elevators to blood sugar stabilisers and energy boosters.

For further information, visit drkats.co.za or to make an appointment with Dr Kat, email hello@drkats. co.za or call 083 786 9411.

Knee Injuries Caused by Polo

Summer signifies the start of the polo season on Val de Vie Estate. Orthopedic Surgeon at Mediclinic Paarl, Dr David North, shares some insights into familiar polorelated injuries and potential treatments.

The upper limb is the most common site for polo injuries, followed by the lower extremity. With falls and overuse being the two most common causes. The knee is a complex joint, and as with most sports, it is vulnerable to damage, including:

• Torn meniscus (menisci act as shock absorbers providing cushion to the knee)

• Torn or damaged cruciate or collateral ligaments (bands of tissue providing stability to the knee)

• Torn articular cartilage

• Kneecap dislocations

These injuries often require treatment with knee arthroscopy, a standard surgical procedure performed using an arthroscope (a narrow tube with a tiny video camera) to look into the knee joint. It is a much less invasive technique than traditional open surgeries and typically results in a quicker recovery time and less pain post-surgery. Knee arthroscopy can be performed

under spinal or general anaesthesia, depending on the patient’s age and health conditions, with two or three small incisions around the knee. The surgeon will examine the structures inside the knee with the arthroscope, and repair is performed once a diagnosis is made.

The repair procedure may include the following:

• Removal or repair of a torn meniscus

• Reconstruction or repair of a torn collateral or cruciate ligament

• Removal of small torn pieces of articular cartilage

• Realignment or ligament reconstruction of the kneecap

• Making small holes or micro fractures near the damaged articular cartilage to stimulate cartilage growth

Most patients are discharged the same day after knee arthroscopy. Depending on the surgery performed, crutches or a knee brace may be required, followed by a rehabilitation programme with physiotherapists and biokineticists, to ensure a successful recovery and a return to sport. For further information, please consult your GP.

To make an appointment with Dr North, call 079 250 2690 or email info@winelandskneeclinic.co.za.

Dr North is one of the specialists consulting at the Mediclinic Paarl Specialist Consulting Rooms on Val de Vie Estate.

“A healthy outside starts from the inside.”

– Robert Urich

Bridge House is a leading independent day and boarding school for boys and girls in a beautiful, safe country setting in the winelands of the Western Cape.

Just imagine a school where young minds are inspired; where individual care and attention is combined with a distinctive, progressive education and where changemakers are equipped with skills for a world beyond our imagination.

An excellent academic track record in the independent (IEB) Matric examination accepted by universities worldwide

A wide variety of traditional team and individual sports and cultural activities

Wider curriculum experiences and adventurous journeys

Membership of the International Round Square Organisation (one of only 200 schools worldwide)

Contact Gill Malcolm gilmal@bridgehouse.org.za or +27 (0)21 874 8100 for more information and to make an appointment for a tour and interview with the Head. www.bridgehouse.org.za

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

With special thanks to our cover star Mechanne Behnke. Mechanne will be competing in the Isuzu Ironman 70.3 in Mossel Bay and we’d like to take this opportunity to wish her the very best of luck.

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, Anika de Goede, Dina Swart, Amy Capendale and Lorraine Hadfield.

Cover Image – Daniel Saaiman

Photography – Daniel Saaiman & Phillip van Dyk

Production – Marli van Schalkwyk & Andrea Godwin

Designer – Andrea Godwin

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 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

Estate Security Control Room / Office 021 867 1201 controlroom@pearlvalley.co.za

GATEHOUSES

Val de Vie Main 021 863 6110/6138

Berg River 021 867 6102/6101

Registration Office 021 863 6137

EMERGENCY

Tactical Team (External Estate Perimeter Armed Team) 071 277 5249 | 082 286 5845

24/7 Security Control Room 082 323 3387

Estate Security Emergency 072 900 3954 I 021 867 1201

NetCare 911 082 911

ER 24 084124

Life Response 24/7 079 999 1577

SAPS Paarl 021 807 4000

SAP Flying Squad 10111

Fire Department 021 872 2323 / 021 887 4446

Fire and Rescue Emergency 021 872 2323

Paarl Hospital 021 860 2500

Paarl Medi Clinic 021 807 8000

Vetscape Animal Hospital 021 867 0700

Veterinarian Dr Deon van Tonder 083 631 4603

MAURITIUS SEYCHELLES MALDIVES