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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.”

Anthonij Rupert Wyne Appoints New MD

Anthonij Rupert Wyne’s new MD Carel Chapman
Anthonij Rupert Wyne’s new MD Carel Chapman

Anthonij Rupert Wyne says goodbye to Managing Director, Gary Baumgarten, who hangs up his hat after 11 years and who has played a pivotal role in the running of the farms. He will be replaced by newly appointed Carel Chapman, himself no stranger to the company.

Hailing from a farm in Gobabis, Namibia, Carel completed his BCom Hons in Financial Economics from the University of Stellenbosch in 2005. He has been a consultant to Anthonij Rupert Wyne since 2020, which stands to his advantage as he knows the company well. He has extensive experience in the wine, farming, and hospitality industries.  He previously served in various management and directors positions, including at Rust and Vrede, Guardian Peak and Ernie Els Wines.  He was also a founding shareholder of Namibia Wine Merchants.

Carel takes over the executive duties as of July 2022. He says; “My new position presents a wonderful opportunity at one of South Africa’s foremost wine and agricultural businesses.  I look forward to contributing to the success of Anthonij Rupert Wyne and to building on the culture of excellence.”

Anthonij Rupert Wyne is grateful to Gary for his dedication and passion which is summed up in his statement: ‘As I enter retirement I reflect on what I have learnt during my time at Anthonij Rupert Wyne, and I’m proud of the team I call family, and wish Carel all of the best for this next chapter in his journey,’ says Gary.

Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Supplied

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.

(Cutting) EDGE African at Tapasco

Left: Wood fire roasted cabbage, poached mussels, zamalek broth, with apple & dill. Right: Chef Vusi Ndlovu

Before dinner I wondered whether Chef Vusi Ndlovu, whose surname means elephant, knew that Franschhoek was first known as Oliphantshoek (Elephants Corner). He did. Anyway, I digress before I’ve properly started… I missed his restaurant’s residency at Pasarene earlier this year, so was happy to finally fit in a visit to EDGE in mid-May.

Vusi attained chef stardom by placed as one of Top 7 in the San Pellegrino Young Chef Grand Finale in 2018 and being awarded best chef in Africa and Middle East. Bucking his mother’s wishes to study for an engineering degree he started his culinary journey at the Sheraton Hotel in Pretoria. Hard work and passion saw him working under the likes of Peter Tempelhoff, David Higgs and Luke Dale Roberts. After a stint in Belgium at the highly-acclaimed ‘In de Wulf’ and heading up kitchens at The Saxon and the trendy The Marabi Club, it was time to be master of his own domain. The result, in collaboration with siblings Absie and Mandla Pantshwa, was EDGE – “a holistic celebration of Africa” and a most welcome addition to the Franschhoek culinary scene.

Mayor Opens Art & Craft Market

After officially opening the Franschhoek Art & Craft Market Executive Mayor Gesie van Deventer inspected the goods on offer. In the photo above she tries out a tea set sold by one of the traders, Ms Tarauai.

It’s been a long time coming but the new stalls for informal traders next to the town hall are finally being used. Executive Mayor Gesie van Deventer officiated at the opening of what is now dubbed the Franschhoek Art & Craft Market on Friday, 13 November.

‘Purchase with Purpose’ with Haute Cabrière and Together Franschhoek

Haute Cabrière has partnered with Together Franschhoek to create a new Purchase with Purpose opportunity to support COVID-19 disaster relief in the Franschhoek Valley. The proceeds of a special release of the winery’s ever-popular Chardonnay Pinot Noir will bolster the coffers of Together Franschhoek in the fight against COVID-19.

Biltong & All That’s Good

Two locals taken their love for biltong and droëwors and turned it into a small business: Village Biltong & Deli.

Owner Herman du Plessis and shop manager Bets TerBlanche decided early on that they would only stock hand-selected, premium biltong products that are ethically sourced. “Our beef product suppliers rear their livestock with care and no steroids or growth hormones are given. You can taste the difference,” says Herman.

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.

A Brighter Hospitality Future with Defy

Hospitality Academy students showing their excitement with the Defy agreement

The Franschhoek Hospitality Academy has a new strategic partner: Iconic SA appliance brand Defy.

“We are delighted to have Defy help us in our ambition to afford underprivileged students the opportunity to get educated in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry in Franschhoek,” says Michaela Julian, co-founder and trustee of the academy. Defy’s investment includes world-class appliances needed in the academy’s cooking classrooms as well as contributions towards monthly overheads.

“With the company having such a strong South African heritage since 1905, we feel it’s our responsibility to show our pioneering spirit” said Evren Albas, CEO Defy Appliances. “We look forward to supporting the development of our young aspirational chefs and wish to congratulate the team of the Franschhoek Hospitality Academy for their commitment to empower the youth in Franschhoek”.

Text: Editorial Desk

Wordsworth Bookstore Opens in Franschhoek

After much whispering and growing excitement, Wordsworth Books is officially opening in the next few days. Much hard work has been poured into making this branch perfect for the local and international clientele in Franschhoek.

Tucked away in the corner of Bijoux Square, 61 Huguenot Street, you may first be drawn to the allure of Truth Coffee. Venturing a bit further into the square, you will find this quaint bookstore emanating warm light from within, inviting in avid readers of all kinds, and also your casual strollers-by. If you love the company of books and crave some new ideas or a refreshing new read, visit this store. It is certainly (Words)worth it!

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