Groot Drakenstein Games Club Annual Golf Day
17th August 2010
Once again we are ‘doing it for cricket development’!
The Annual Groot Drak Golf Day is being played on Tuesday 17th August 2010 at Paarl Golf Club. The objective of the day is to raise money for cricket development in the Groot Drakenstein valley. For 5 years now, G.D.G.C. has successfully staged a cricket tournament for the 12 schools in the immediate area of The Club.
All entries must be made on the official Entry Form. The completed forms must be sent to Wilhelm du Plessis on Fax: 021 874 1906 or e-mail grootdrak@telkomsa.net by the closing date for entries. Entries close Wednesday 11th August 2010. Entry forms are attached or available from Wilhelm or at the Club.
If you have any queries regarding the Groot Drak Golf Day, being played on 17th August 2010, please don’t hesitate to contact Wilhelm du Plessis at 078 639 8749.
Franschhoek Uncorked
4th & 5th September 2010
Make your way to the picturesque Franschhoek Wine Valley, over the weekend of 4 and 5 September, for the unique spring wine meander, Franschhoek Uncorked. This multi-faceted celebration takes place on satellite farms throughout the Valley, and affords award-winning wineries - as well as the smaller hidden gems - the opportunity to ‘bloom’ as they showcase new vintages and releases, coinciding with the onset of spring.
Highly acclaimed wineries, participating in this much loved event include Boekenhoutskloof, Boschendal, Cabrière, Solms-Delta, Graham Beck Wines, La Motte, Anthonji Rupert Wines, Môreson, Vrede en Lust and Plaisir de Merle. Also included in the line up are some of Franschhoek’s smaller gems such as Dieu Donné, GlenWood, Haut Espoir, La Bri, La Petite Ferme, Topiary and Maison. In addition select wineries will keep their visitors entertained with a range of events, whilst sampling their fine wines.
Take in the picturesque scenery while soaking in country hospitality at its best. Wander along leisurely from farm to farm, enjoying some of live entertainment on show while sampling fine wines and delectable treats, such as oysters, smoked salmon, creative curry combos, tapas and al fresco platters; a taste of what you can expect from South Africa’s gourmet capital.
With most of the Franschhoek Vignerons participating in this innovative initiative, there promises to be something for everyone with: cellar- and vineyard tours, barrel-tastings, a micro-brewery tasting , delectable food- and wine pairings, art exhibitions, a flower-bulb market, a food-and-wine market boasting fresh, organic food, a fynbos trail and wine-blending, to name but a few. For music-lovers, there are live music extravaganzas which cater for all tastes, ranging from jazz- and blues bands to French bistro genres to fiesta Española flamenco. To add to the ‘local is lekker’ flavour, visitors can also expect to be entertained by a handful of top local musicians. Motor car exhibitions add an innovative and ‘racy’ element to this year’s Uncorked with: Aston Martin, Porsche, Maserati and Ferrari’s all on show.
An access card system will be implemented to ensure the successful running of Franschhoek Uncorked. The access cards, available directly from participating wineries on the day or through Computicket, at R80.00 each, includes a tasting glass and free wine tasting at participating wineries for the duration of the event. A shuttle service will assist responsible tasting and allow for easy, hassle-free transport at this popular social calendar event.
So, with something for everyone, make a weekend of your visit, taking full advantage of the various accommodation packages on offer. Come and indulge yourself as you witness the country’s gourmet capital blossom and come alive.
Franschhoek Lions Open Gardens
6th & 7th November 2010
10 spectacular gardens on show – from small to medium-sized gardens in the village to farm gardens, indigenous gardens, 'out of town' gardens and the gardens of Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate. This is a unique opportunity to enjoy walking around the gardens surrounding the historic 18th century Manor House and Owner’s Cottage not normally open to the public.
In the centre of town join in the festivities provided by Franschhoek – a tea and bubbly garden, live music, a fresh goods market and our hugely successful PLANT SALE.
R100 pp for a weekend pass. Tickets available on the day in the front of the Town Hall in Franschhoek. GARDEN CLUB 'group discount' for 10 people or more – R80 pp.
LIST OF OPEN GARDENS:
- MONT PELLIER, Jacqueline Crewe-Brown Upper Waterfall, Franschhoek (Past Bridge House School) An artist’s interpretation, using indigenous plant material on a rocky, inhospitable soil and sloping mountain as her canvas, with natural predators of troops of baboons and the occasional leopard. Path is fairly steep in places. Age of garden: 7 years
- GRANDE PROVENCE Main Road, Franschhoek Founded in 1694 by French Huguenot Pierre Joubert. Lush lawns edged with dark green hedges and Crépuscule roses surround the 18th century Manor House. The Owner’s Cottage combines a sense of history with contemporary style. Enjoy viewing the well manicured garden, swimming pool and an elevated spa pool with a view across vineyards to spectacular mountains.
- ARTEMIS HOUSE, Andrea Desmond-Smith 37 Uitkyk Street, Franschhoek A delightful garden with an interesting labyrinth, an artist’s interpretation of original plant material in a natural landscape with beautiful ponds, vibrant colours, sculptures everywhere that have the element of surprise. Age of garden: 12 years
- LA RIVE 29 Dirkie Uys Street, Franschhoek Stunning English country garden filled with swathes of soft pinks, blues and whites. Age of garden: 16 years; new area 7 years
- Sue Rymer 7a van Riebeeck Street, Franschhoek A delightful small garden full of colour as it makes imaginative use of a wonderful variety of plants. Age of garden: 6 years
- Elsa & Simon Malherbe 3 Erica Street, Franschhoek This retirement garden is filled with T.L.C. It has a peaceful ambience with little corners of interest and colour and there are unusual ground covers. Age of garden: approximately 5-6 years
- LA PROVIDENCE, Andy Higgins Middagkrans Road, Franschhoek Large landscaped garden with massed rose beds and beautiful water features. Age of garden: 12 years
- KLEIN CHAMPAGNE, Sabine Bosman Robertsvlei Road, Franschhoek Park-like garden, large and shaded river frontage, meandering paths and a lily covered lake. Age of garden: 8 years
- KLEINHOF, Jacques Botha 33 van Wijk Street, Franschhoek A very different garden – no lawn, but old trees, arbours and bulb plantings. Age of garden: 1 year
- FRANSCHHOEK MANOR, Beata & Reinhart Lechner Dassenberg Road, Franschhoek A large structured garden tumbling down to a winding river pathway. A high wrought iron rose arbour is a strong feature and the plantings are a mixture of exotic and indigenous. Age of garden: 2 years
Franschhoek Cap Classique & Champagne Festival
3rd - 5th December 2010
Be sure not to miss this year’s Franschhoek 'Magic of Bubbles' Cap Classique and Champagne Festival, taking place over the weekend of the 3rd to the 5th of December, and for the fifth year running, this social calendar highlight is happening in Franschhoek.
Proving to be the ideal host for this festival, the largest of its kind in the country allowing visitors the opportunity to sample both Champagne and Cap Classique wines, Franschhoek offers visitors a unique combination of French heritage and South African winelands.
Some of France's best Champagne will be tasted alongside the finest Cap Classiques to emerge from the wine cellars of South Africa. The winemaking method is virtually the same, so it comes down simply to the terroir and skill of the winemakers.
The centrepiece of the festival will be a grand marquee on the sprawling lawns surrounding Franschhoek’s famous Huguenot Monument, where bubbly stalls will be interspersed with stalls from the local restaurants offering delicious delicacies to match.
For more information about the festival, please contact: Darielle Craddock, Events Manager: Franschhoek Wine Valley Tourist Association. Tel: 021 876 2861. Email: events@franschhoek.org.za
