Franschhoek Summer Wines Festival

Celebrate the last few days of summer in style and head off to Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards on 16 March, set in the picturesque Franschhoek Wine Valley, for the annual Franschhoek Summer Wines.

 

Regarded as one of South Africa’s leading wine destinations, more than 30 of the Valley’s finest wineries will be showcasing their top summer wines at this exclusive event.

Participating wineries include, amongst others, La Bri, Morena, Colmant, Môreson, Anthonij Rupert’s Cape of Good Hope and Terra del Capo, Franschhoek Cellars, Bellingham, Noble Hill, Leopard’s Leap, La Motte, Solms-Delta and Haut Espoir. Wine lovers will have the opportunity to browse at their leisure or engage with the winemakers.

To ensure you don’t go hungry visitors will be able to purchase mouth-watering deli-style food from the Harvest Table, prepared by the chefs in the Leopard’s Leap Kitchen. Round off your meal with delicious ice cream from the Ice Cream Bar.

Relax and unwind, taking in the scenery of the valley as live entertainment ensures an unforgettable experience throughout the day. Taking full advantage of the glorious summer days the festival will be open from 12pm until 5pm, and the theme for this year’s event is ‘elegantly white’.

Tickets cost R180 per person which includes a tasting of all the wines on show. Wine aficionadas can look forward to tutored tastings which will take place at 1pm and 3pm on the day. As seating is limited visitors are requested to pre-book their seats which can be done via events@franschhoek.org.za.

Tickets can be purchased directly from www.webtickets.co.za and booking is essential as tickets are limited to 500 people only.

Make the most of the experience and book an overnight stay in one of Franschhoek’s fine accommodation establishments, ranging from the finest bed and breakfasts to luxurious boutique hotels, all nestling in a picturesque and safe environment. We recommend La Clé des Montagnes Luxury Villa's For more information contact the Franschhoek Wine Valley offices on 021 876 2861.

Camelot Aqua Spa

Enjoy unlimited views of the Indian Ocean while you unwind at Camelot Aqua Spa with a variety of packages lasting just a few hours to half or full day. Situated at the Three Cities Square Boutique Hotel & Spa in Umhlanga, Durban and accessible to both the public and guests.

Indulge in a Cleopatra milk bath, purifying detox, mineral salt and sensorial scrubs or Rasul mud treatments just some of the body therapies to leave you completely relaxed and restored. Facial therapies include Thalgo facials, Dermalogica facial therapy specialised Lamelle facials or peels all lasting between 60 to 75 minutes.

A selection of body massages include Reflexology, Indian head massage, mums to be massages, hot stone massages, deep tissue sports massage, Swedish and Aromatherapy massages and Lomi Lomi massages. Complete the new you with your choice of grooming session be it nails, waxing, threading, tinting or hand and feet treatment.

Different spa packages, lasting between two and four hours, as well as half day and full day packages, are available with specials for men, women and couples which include a spa lunch. Treatments promise to unwind, purify, groom and treat; exfoliate, nourish and brighten the skin; and rebalance the body and soul.

The Camelot Aqua Spa allows access to the compact fitness centre, sauna, steam room and pool area with the ultimate relaxing experience of enjoying sundowners on the rooftop’s pool/bar area with striking views of the Indian Ocean.

A magnificent, tranquil village setting offers the ideal Spa destination for corporate and leisure travellers, in an international urban lifestyle with a cosmopolitan buzz.

About Camelot Aqua Spa

The award-winning Aqua Spa in partnership with the Camelot Health Spa Group’ world of wellness brings you a spa of international standards. Welcoming Aqua Spa at the Three Cities Square Boutique Hotel & Spa, but also Aqua Spa at the soon to be opened Three Cities Urban Park Hotel & Spa with therapists from the world class Camelot International Education Group.

“Purity and balance constitute the essence of the Camelot Spa Group experience, with our products and therapies inspired by the harmony of the earth. This is exactly what Aqua Spa’s offering is and the reason why we felt our group would benefit with having Aqua Spa as our Durban based spa.” Says, Michelle Dickerson, Camelot Health Spa Group representative for KwaZulu.

Jenny Pillay owner of both Spas said, “The Camelot Aqua Spa is the perfect locale for ultimate leisure and pampering with professional therapists, personal attention, quality products and the ultimate in rejuvenation therapy.” Pillay goes on to say that, “Camelot Aqua Spa will offer every invigorating treatment and uplifting therapy you can ever think of at both hotels.”

Visit the Camelot Aqua Spa at The Three Cities Square Boutique Hotel at 250 Umhlanga Rocks Drive, La Lucia or contact them on +27 (0)31 566 4562 or e-mail aquaspa@thesquare.co.za

CONSTANTIA FRESH Festival 2013

Fine Wine Events is proud to announce the Constantia Fresh Festival which aims to present and further discover fine wines. This year’s event will invite the finest South African wine producers to showcase not just their Sauvignon Blanc, but other wines exhibiting that all important character: Freshness.

Once again Constantia Fresh explores the distinctiveness of Constantia’s fine wine, while exploring and contrasting with offerings from other regions of South Africa and the rest of the world. Kicking off on the 1st of March with a fine wine dinner hosted by Jörg Pfützner of Fine Wine Events alongside the notable Peter Tempelhoff of Cellars Hohenort's esteemed The Greenhouse restaurant regarded as one of the best in South Africa.

Fine Wine Events will present some of the finest white, red and sweet wines of Constantia, together with well known wines from Piedmont, Toscana, Sancerre, Marlborough, Condrieu, St Joseph, Tokaji and Bordeaux. Guests will be welcomed with a selection of Constantia’s Méthode Cap Classiques, and a welcome address presented by Tempelhoff. He will prepare a delectable five-course degustation menu carefully paired with 16 local and international wines.

Guests can expect to savour wines from producers such as Buitenverwachting, Steenberg, Luciano Sandrone, Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia, Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste, Constantia Glen, Groot and Klein Constantia, Eagles Nest and many more. Seats at the dinner are limited due to the intimate nature of the restaurant. Tickets are on sale at R1500 per person.

The March 2nd main event will have wine enthusiasts wandering about the lawns of Buitenverwachting sampling South Africa's finest and freshest wines paired with canapés made by South Africa's best chefs. An elegantly constructed braai will take place in the early evening. Tickets to this tasting are on sale at R400 per person.

As an advocate of new perspectives, Pfützner has extended the invitation to other top South African wine producers, with the emphasis on freshness in their wine. ‘Constantia Fresh’, now in its fourth year running, is possible thanks to the support of the host region and participating Constantia producers namely Klein Constantia, Groot Constantia, Steenberg, Eagle’s Nest, Buitenverwachting and Constantia Glen.
 

Tickets to these events can be bought at the participating local and regional wine farms or from www.webtickets.co.za. For further information, please visit www.constantiafresh.com or contact Fine Wine Events on enjoy@finewineevents.co.za

Taunina Atelier Launches at Barneys New York

In a modern-day fairytale come true, South African lifestyle brand Taunina is launching its handcrafted soft toy collections at iconic luxury department store Barneys New York.

This legendary specialty retailer located on Manhattan’s prestigious Madison Avenue is every fashionista’s best friend – the ‘go-to’ store for sought after designer brands. Taunina’s exquisite collections will be unveiled in March 2013, taking center-stage in Barney’s show-stopping Easter display - a coup for the Cape-based design house.

Arguably, the coolest department store in the world, with a deftly blended mix of cult-followed designer newbies and established luxury brands, Barneys’ A-list clientele includes chart-topping pop stars, Hollywood actresses – Sarah Jessica Parker, Reese Witherspoon and Halle Berry, fashion celebrities and New York City socialites. 

“It is a 9-story magical castle overflowing with beautiful, timeless and unique pieces of art. The perfect hideaway for our artists’ enchanting creations,”said Tracey Chiappini-Young, co-founder and CEO of Taunina.

Established in 2011 the sustainable luxury brand based in the hip suburb of Woodstock, employs underprivileged women skilled in its signature artistry to handcraft its heirloom-quality collections. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, created by a single artist over a four to seven day period and embellished with exquisite embroidery and appliqué detail.

"We are delighted to offer our one-of-a-kind Taunina treasures to Barneys' discerning clientele, and to provide them with the opportunity to serve as ambassadors of social good and protagonists for a better world,”said co-founder Karen Jansen. They meet the growing needs of disadvantaged communities through employment creation and authentic empowerment.

Besides paying the artists above market-related salaries, Taunina is structured so that 30% of the before tax profits flow to the artists: 20% through the Bear Essentials Fund to pay for housing, healthcare, and education, and 10% in the form of productivity-related bonuses.

Each Taunina creation carries the initials of the artist and is a manifestation of the artist’s inspiration and dreams for the future, providing her with financial security and the ability to transform both her own life and that of her family. 

“The unique beauty of each collection piece lies in how it transforms the life of the women who made it, and establishes a lifetime connection between the artist and the purchaser,” said Chiappini-Young.

Taunina’s soft toy collections made their New York City debut in September 2012 at premier children’s boutique store Bundle where these South African hand-made collectables flew off the shelves within a week. Taunina will be releasing its home décor range in April 2013.

Taunina collections are available for sale online at www.taunina.com and Bundle NYC  and at Barneys New York.

About Taunina

Taunina is a sustainable luxury atelier synonymous with social impact and timeless artistry. The name Taunina is an anagram of the African word “tau”, meaning “lion”, and “NINA”, an acronym for “No Income, No Assets”. Taunina gives women who were once without income and assets the power to become lions of their own destinies. Fashioned out of luxurious heritage fabrics from iconic textile houses. Gifts with soul. Gifts to be passed from one generation to the next. www.taunina.com

The Oysterbox - Romance in the Air

Laced with romance and excitement it’s a day to treat and be treated by the significant other in your life. For some…it’s the day to make feelings known for the first time or to commit to a future together, with a proposal.

This Valentine’s Day, The Oyster Box is offering a selection of Valentine’s celebrations to make this day as special as it’s meant to be. For those looking for fine-dining, a 7-course plated menu and live entertainment, from resident musician Wallace Nock, is on offer in The Grill Room at R590 per person.

If you’re looking to make a night of it…check in to your luxury sea-facing room, with Sparkling Wine on arrival. A drink in one of the stylish bars, leads comfortably into dinner in the elegant Grill Room as you work your way through the delectable four-course Signature Menu and a gift to seal the tryst. A recipe for pure celebratory pleasure. This one-night package is R3 490 per person.

If you’ve earmarked Valentine’s Day this year to propose or get engaged, The Oyster Box provides the perfect setting. This offer includes accommodation in a luxury sea-facing room, a romantic, private three-course dinner for two in the outdoor gazebo draped and festooned with flowers and candles…and a string quartet to serenade you.

Add the cherry on top at the award-winning Spa at The Oyster Box. During the month of February indulge in the following two packages:

Divine Duo
Celebrate togetherness during Valentine’s month with a romantic
90 minute BTogether Couple’s Rose Quartz Massage, followed by a glass of Sparkling Wine - the perfect expression of love! R1 500 per couple.

Memorable Moments
Absorb the humidity and soften your muscles prior to a 30 min back massage; heated lemons are used to penetrate to the core of sore, tired muscles. Skin is cleansed and invigorated using cane sugar and coconut oil, eliminating excess skin cells and leaving the skin full of nutrients. Follow this with a glass of Sparkling Wine and a slection of snacks in our Spa Cafe. R1 500 per couple.

For any other enquiries about The Oyster Box please call +2731 514 5000 or visit www.redcarnationhotels.com 

Pandora's Enchanting Charms

Simply stunning and hand-crafted showcasing the ultimate symbol of love PANDORA unveils its latest charms.

Sterling silver heart-shaped charms decorated with 94 pavé set cubic zirconia
Sterling silver dangle charms pavé set with 10 cubic zirconia

Each solid sterling silver charm is hand-set with the sparkling stones in passionate red, innocent white or mysterious black.

The collection of charms showcase an ongoing commitment to timeless design, quality craftsmanship and limitless combinations.

Whether giving or receiving, make PANDORA’s pavé charms a treasured token of love. Made from 14k gold and sterling silver with elegant details combined with precious stones.

See watches, charms, bracelets, rings and earrings from Pandora's Nostalgic Rock Collection

Recognised for its iconic charm bracelet, which are uniquely customisable and come with a selection of exquisite hand-finished sterling silver and 14k gold charms, as well as its delicately crafted and genuine jewellery collections and watches.



The iconic PANDORA sterling silver bracelet starts FROM R695. Whilst the charms start FROM R395. The latest heart charms from PANDORA are perfect gift ideas for Valentine’s Day.

See Murano Glass Charms from the Pink Ribbon Campaign

Exclusive Dom Pérignon Tasting Menu at The Greenhouse

The Greenhouse at The Cellars-Hohenort, one of South Africa’s top restaurants and home of Relais & Chateaux Grand Chef Peter Tempelhoff, is delighted to launch an exclusive Dom Pérignon tasting menu. 

What better way to showcase one of the world’s best champagnes than pair it with the progressive African cuisine of The Greenhouse. Instead of breaking the champagne down into flavour profiles and fruit nuances, Peter Tempelhoff decided to take the ‘Virtues of Dom Pérignon’ and paired them up with ingredients with similar virtues.

Sensuality is one of Dom Perignon’s most recognisable virtues; with this course Peter has paired two different dishes which include lobster and oyster. The Complex virtue is matched with a dish that marries Quail, bacon, parsnip, hanepoot grapes and chamomile.

Other virtues include Precise, Vibrant, Fresh and Rhythmic – to name but a few.

This extravagant and multifaceted menu will be found in a stylish black menu which sets it aside from The Greenhouse’s normal menu. The Virtues of Dom Pérignon Tasting Menu is priced at R3200 per couple. The menu is only available for 2 people, or multiples of 2 with a maximum of 12 people in a party. This exclusive dining experience needs to be pre-booked at least 24 hours in advance.

“I am really excited about this partnership with Dom Pérignon and have created a menu that I believe works really well with the amazing flavours of this world renowned champagne. We hope to create a very unique and special experience for the guests who book to do this tasting menu.

Two carefully researched glasses have been selected to serve the champagnes depending whether the Champagne is served chilled or at room temperature and with what course” ” says Peter Tempelhoff.

To book The Virtues of Dom Pérignon Tasting Menu 

contact: 021 794 2137.

 

www.cellarshohenort.com