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A Milestone and New Owners for Colmant Winery

FLTR: Isabelle Boone, Paul Gerber, Jan Boone, Jean-Philippe and Marina Colmant

Leading Cap Classique sparkling wine producer Colmant Winery recently celebrated its twentieth anniversary. It was also the start of a new chapter in its history as it also announced new ownership and a vision for sustainable growth while maintaining its commitment to quality and excellence.

Established by Jean-Philippe Colmant, Colmant Winery has earned a distinguished reputation for crafting delicate Cap Classique wines. Today, after years of dedication and passion, he passes on the torch. Looking to the future, Jean-Philippe finds fine successors in the new owners: Jan and Isabelle Boone, a Belgian couple and experienced entrepreneurs known for their commitment to quality, local sourcing and craftsmanship. In addition to both parties’ passion for the product and entrepreneurship, Jean-Philippe and Marina Colmant, and Jan and Isabelle Boone also share a passion for family and conviviality.

The Oesfees is Back!

If you’re a music lover and into vineyard vibes, diarise this date immediately: 6 April 2024! The popular Solms-Delta Oesfees is returning to Franschhoek and promises to yet again become a highlight on the Winelands’ event calendar.

Some big names such as Spoegwolf, Anton Goosen, Loukmaan Adams, Oom Hannes Coetzee and Schalk Joubert will be taking to the stage at the historic Solms-Delta Wine Estate in addition to much-loved locals with their Boland harmonies.

The day however is about more than music – it’s also about celebrating the end of the harvest and thanking those who have worked so hard to pick and process the grapes.

Says Spoegwolf’s lead singer, Danie Reënwolf du Toit: “We’ve performed at beautiful places but Solms-Delta takes it up a notch. Not only do we get to play our tunes amidst a breath-taking backdrop of vineyards and mountains but are we part of a celebration of teamwork and community!”

The full line-up is: Spoegwolf, Anton Goosen, Loukmaan Adams’  My Cape Town, Frazer Barry, Oom Hannes Coetzee, The Hanepoot Brass Band, Nick Turner, Schalk Joubert, The Solms Delta Optelband, Agri-Got-Talent Winners, Soetstemme & Papier Family.

There will be no shortage of good food and wine for sale so all you need to do is get the kids off their screens and into the car. Oh, and bring a blanket – we will be sitting under the oak trees.

Gates open at 10h00.

Tickets cost R200 and are available at Plankton.mobi (https://plnktn.io/Oesfees)

(Kids under 12, accompanied by their parents, get to enjoy the day for free.)

‘Mosbolletjies’ a Must

Harvest-time is Mosbolletjie time and this year, La Motte makes even more of this iconic treat. Expect all that you love about these seasonal brioche-type buns, but now, other than being made with must (fermenting grape juice), the innovative baking team in the La Motte Bakery also uses a sweet sourdough culture! The result is a richer taste, a more generous size and in general, just more Mosbolletjie!

Solms-Delta Reimagined

CEO Tommy Hall with the first two official wines released by the Solms Delta Wine Company the Amalie 2023 and Hiervandaan 2023.

24 November 2023 marked the launch of the Solms-Delta Wine Company, an entirely new venture established to continue the ambitious journey of land restitution and community upliftment that was begun by Mark Solms in 2001. While Solms’s goals were laudable, the business and economic challenges of the wine industry proved to much for his dream of community upliftment and workers holding the title deed to the lands they worked. With the investment and expertise of American Fortune 500 executive, Tommy Hall, this seems set to change.

The vehicle for this change is the Solms-Delta Wine Company, which has been established as a stand-alone wine venture that is 100%-black-owned by the Hall family.

Joining Hands to Assist Flood Survivors

Foundation and Gift of the Givers staff with part of the donation.

On Sunday, 24 September 2023, Franschhoek found itself faced faced with tormenting floods across the valley. Fear and devastation crept into every household and farm as giant trees were ripped out of the ground by vicious winds. Roads and infrastructure were severely damaged and no one could come in or go out of Franschhoek for a time.

As the storm came to a halt, the after affects are lingering as the floods left families homeless and many who were employed on farms jobless. The Foundation for Sport, Development and Peace reached out to Gift of the Givers who are known for disaster relief. Their responce to the need in Franschhoek was quick and a matter of urgency. There were 45 families identified who were in need of assistance. Gift of the Givers distributed 45 food parcels and 45 blankets to these families.

Art for Everyone

Boschendal X Brundyn open the Winelands’ coolest art destination.

The start of the summer season in the Cape Winelands has coincided with the opening in October 2023 of Boschendal X Brundyn, an inspiring exhibition space bringing a considered, ever-changing selection of art to engage visitors at this historic and much-loved working farm. Having briefly closed during the winter months, Boschendal’s former Manor House gallery has emerged with a more pronounced offering of exhibitions and educational events in partnership with art consultancy Brundyn Arts & Culture (BA&C), positioning the space as a primary art destination for art lovers and collectors.

Boschendal Wins Big At 2023 Cape Prestige Agri-Awards

Boschendal’s Franschhoek region winners at the Western Cape Prestige Agri-Awards 2023.

Boschendal has been recognised as the Best Performing Farm in the Franschhoek region at the recent Cape Prestige Agri-Awards, claiming top honours against entries from some of the most renowned farms in the region.

Charles Edmonds, Managing Director of Farming at Boschendal, says: “We are incredibly proud of all our farm team members who were recognised for their outstanding work, and thank them for their invaluable contribution to our farm and to our efforts of being a regenerative farming leader.”

La Motte Estate Announces Jan Franschhoek Season II

La Motte Wine Estate is delighted to announce the eagerly anticipated second season of JAN Franschhoek.

This exceptional, seasonal food and wine experience combines the nostalgia of a South African family table with Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen’s unique sense of culinary innovation and promises to captivate and charm just as much as the first edition. Expect regional traditions, familiar flavours and local ingredients transformed for an adventurous, modern and global palate. Sourced and prepared with the utmost care and consideration, dishes are paired with the estate’s award-winning wines as well as wines from the JAN collection and presented with mesmerising flair around a communal table.

Checkers to Give Away Home Solar Systems Valued At R12 Million

Checkers’ Jason Goliath with one of the systems that can be won.

In a South African first, Checkers has launched a competition that will see 120 winners each walk away with a comprehensive home solar solution worth over R100 000 to help its consumers offset rising energy prices and negate loadshedding challenges.

Each winner will receive a solar system that includes a Conti Solar Inverter (5.5KW), a Conti Battery (Lithium-ion/LifePo4 48V 100AH), six Conti Solar Panels (420W), a Conti Wi-Fi module, and standard home installation.

“With this competition, Checkers aims to provide 120 loyal customers with some relief from the ongoing challenges experienced with loadshedding, as well as an opportunity to experience firsthand the benefits of renewable energy,” explains Mike Middleton, Chief Marketing Officer at Checkers. “It is also testimony of our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, not only within our own business, but also the communities in which we operate.”

Shoppers will receive an entry for every participating brand bought when swiping their Xtra Savings rewards card at any Checkers, Checkers Hyper, Checkers Foods and Checkers Liquorshop stores, or on the Checkers Sixty60 app, between 24 July and 10 September 2023. The more participating brands customers purchase over this period, the more chances they have of winning.

Joining the Xtra Savings rewards programme is free, easy, and paperless. Shoppers can sign up in store or via any of the following channels:

WhatsApp “Hi!” to +27 87 240 5709

Simply dial *134*569*CARDNUMBER#

Visit www.checkers.co.za

Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Supplied

Art & Soul at Kilima Franschhoek

One of the works by Nanette Ranger that was on display.

Kilima Franschhoek Guest House presented their first “Art & Soul Appreciation Experience” during the Bastille Festival on Saturday, 15 July.

The featured artist, Nanette Ranger’s sculptures were carefully dotted all over the villa garden. Attendees were invited to wander the grounds and experience the works while sipping local wines and nibbling on delightful bites created by Kilima’s multi-talented GM, Alicia Giliomee.

At the appointed hour the attendees gather on the garden terrace to first hear Nanette speak about her art. Then Sareta Schütte (Group CEO of Murchison Holdings Pty Ltd, which includes the Kilima Collection) shared a selection of her personal experiences, poetry and appreciation of the art on display. It is safe to say than no hearts remained untouched by the Art & Soul that was shared with those present.

For more information on Kilima Franschhoek or the next Art & Soul Experience, call 087 153 3929 or email gm@kilimafranschhoek.co.za

#bastilleartandsoul #kilimafranschhoek #franschhoekvalley

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