The Big Bottle Festival

Now in its third year, the Big Bottle Festival is the Western Cape’s grandest annual wine tasting extravaganza and celebrates South Africa’s finest “Big Bottle” masterpieces during a weekend-long festival. 

Unique in concept and execution, the event brings together South Africa’s foremost winemakers and chefs de cuisine and it all happens next weekend 23rd to 25th August 2013.

The renowned five-star Cellars-Hohenort Hotel will once again be the backdrop for this sophisticated weekend of fine wine and culinary delights coming together with the sumptuous Gourmand Five-Course Dinner Experience prepared and presented by renowned sommelier and wine consultant Jörg Pfützner and award-winning chef Peter Tempelhoff on Friday evening as well as a Rare Champagne Tasting.

Spearheaded by Tempelhoff, from the Liz McGrath’s collection of hotels, the third annual Big Bottle Festival will showcase a panoply of culinary stars such as Edgar Osojnik head chef at Buitenverwachting, Harald Bresselschmidt celebrated chef from Aubergine Restaurant, Roland Gorgosilich of Bosman's Restaurant at the Grand Roche Hotel in Paarl, Gregory Czarnecki renowned for his work at the Waterkloof Estate and Brad Ball, Executive Chef of the world class Bistro Sixteen82 amongst others.

The five courses will be accompanied by exclusively selected wines from classic international regions such as Bordeaux with the tasting of an iconic 1983 Chateau Gruaud-Larose as well new cult wine Ladredo from re-emerging regions like Ribeira Sacra.

Other wines which will be served on the evening include the 2011 Soalheiro Alvarinho Dócil, 2003 Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs from England, 1994 Quinta de Bágeiras from Portugal, 2006 Schloss Gobelsburg Grüner Veltliner Tradition Kremstal from Austria, 1983 Chateau Gruaud Larose from Bordeaux France and 1998 Niepoort Colheita Port most of which will be served from rare Magnums, Imperials and Methuselah.

In keeping with the connoisseur element the Champagne Tasting will centre around extremely rare champagnes not easily found locally with eight notable 2002 vintage cuvees from Taittinger Comtes de Champagne, Dom Pérignon, Louis Roederer Cristal, Jacques Selosse Blanc De Blancs Grand Cru Brut Millesime and Egly-Ouriet Pere et Fils Brut Grand Cru. As an offering of some of the best Champagne vintages of the last 10 years, the tasting will be presented by Hendrik Snyman, one of the most knowledgeable and entertaining Champagne importers and MCC producers in South Africa.

The Big Bottle walk-about and tasting on Saturday and Sunday the 24th and 25th  August allows food and
wine lovers to experience the various wines from a select group of farms. Sunday kicks off with a 3-course Champagne Breakfast. Focusing on the few wineries and estates in South Africa who are able to bottle wines in large bottle formats. All wines will be poured from big bottles during the Walk-About.

These wine farms bottle in large formats, usually only for special occasions and limited releases, to showcase outstanding vintages either to mark a winery’s anniversary or for charitable purposes. These magnificent bottles are synonymous with celebration, extravagance, enjoyment and invoke a feeling of delightful, social decadence.

Some forty of SA’s top wine producers and importers are serving their best wines at this not to be missed event. Participation is strictly by invitation only with estates including Bouchard Finlayson, Hamilton-Russell, Iona, Delaire Graff Estate, Buitenverwachting, Neil Ellis, Jordan, Thelema Mountain Vineyards, Tokara and Klein Constantia.

Tickets for the Big Bottle Festival are available through Webtickets (webtickets.co.za) with the Walk-Around Day Pass priced at R400 (this includes food and wine), the Gourmand Dinner Experience priced at R1,980 and the 2002 Prestige Champagne Tasting priced at R2,300 per person.

Special hotel packages have been arranged or guests traveling to the Festival.

Single Options - One person all inclusive

• Walk-about-ticket & 1 night accommodation in Luxury Room R2950.00
• Gourmand Dinner, walk-about-ticket & one night accommodation in Luxury room R4999.00
• Prestige champagne tasting, walk-about-ticket & one night accommodation in Luxury room R5500.00
• Dinner, prestige champagne tasting, walk-about-ticket & one night accommodation in Luxury Room R7900.00
• The Full Monty Big Bottle Festival Weekend - Gourmand Dinner, prestige Champagne tasting, 2 night accommodation Luxury Double with Verandah and walk-about tasting R9999.00

Double Options - Two persons all inclusive

• Walk-about-tickets for two & one night luxury room R3999.00
• Gourmand dinner for 2, walk-about-tickets & one night luxury room R8299.00
• Champagne tasting for two, walk-about-tickets & one night accommodation R8900.00
• Gourmand dinner, champagne tasting, walk-about-tickets for 2 & one night accommodation R13750.00
• The Full Monty Big Bottle Festival Weekend - Gourmand Dinner, prestige Champagne tasting, walk-about tasting and 2 night Luxury Double room with Verandah. R14999.00

For more information please visit the Big Bottle Festival website: www.bigbottle.co.za, follow them on Facebook Facebook.com/BigBottleFestival or follow them on Twitter: @BigBottleSA 

 

Join Glenfiddich at the Kaya FM Wine & Malt Whisky Affair

 

Among the producers participating in the event are Ernie Els Wines, Delaire-Graff Estate, Rustenberg and Mulderbosch Vineyards, along with The Balvenie, Ardbeg and The Macallan.

 

The Kaya FM Wine and Malt Whisky Affair where rare and limited edition wines and whiskies will be served includes unlimited tasting with artisanal breads, cheeses and meats.

Limited tickets are available to this EXCLUSIVE event.

 

Win

Two lucky readers have the opportunity to win double tickets to the event with a partner courtesy of Glenfiddich SA. 

 

To Enter Like the Added Luxury Facebook page or enter via our Twitter page by retweeting "
RT to WIN #Doubletickets! to @kayafm95dot9 #MaltWhiskyAffair via @GlenfiddichSA & @Added_Luxury"

 

Some Whiskies to look forward to include:

Glenfiddich 14YO Rich Oak

Glenfiddich 15YO Distillery Edition

Glenfiddich 18YO

Glenfiddich 19YO Age Of Discovery

Glenfiddich 21YO

The Glenlivet 12YO

The Glenlivet 15YO

The Glenlivet 16YO

The Glenlivet 18YO

Glenmorangie Original 10YO

Glenmorangie Lasanta 12YO

Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 12YO

Glenmorangie Nectar D’Or 12YO

Ardbeg 10YO

Glen Grant Majors Reserve

Glen Grant 10 YRO

Glen Grant 16 YRO

The Firs - Image by Jose Fonseca

About The Firs

Originally built in the 1970s, The Firs is an upmarket and niche retail centre situated in Johannesburg’s northern suburb of Rosebank. Located adjacent to The Hyatt Regency Hotel, The Firs,has become a landmark in bustling and cosmopolitan Rosebank, the centre has since been upgraded and the new and enhanced multi-use complex lives up to its promise of unique experiences.

DATES 30 & 31 May 2013

TIME 6:00 - 9:00

VENUE The Firs, Rosebank 

 

Please note: The prize is a set of double tickets only that can be collected at the door. Travel to and from the show at the The Firs Shopping Complex in Rosebank, JHB is at your own cost.

The White Club presents - A Wine Lovers Dream

The White Club and Parmigiani return to South Africa to host “A Wine Lovers Dream”: An exquisite evening of excellence with Domain de la Romanée-Conti

The White Club, an international wine and champagne private members club are hosting an exquisite journey of oenological excellence in Johannesburg and Cape Town this March.
 
Their presenting partner Parmigiani, the most luxurious watch brand in the world, is preparing to treat an exclusive group of 16 guests to a “once in a lifetime” experience with Domain de la Romanée-Conti, the most expensive wine in the world. Lalique, the worlds most beautifully designed crystal, glass and art, will also be co-hosting these magnificent Events.

Guests who attend the extravagant and extraordinary evenings will experience an unparalleled journey of the rarest and most legendary wines in the world. The events are to be held at “secret locations” to provide additional excitement and mystery for those privileged enough to attend, who will be collected by private car and driven to the location.

The Johannesburg event will be held on Thursday 21 March and the Cape Town event on Saturday 23 March. Principle wines that will be served at these events include Pétrus 1947, Château Cheval Blanc 1947, Château Latour 1958, Château Lafite Rothschild 1959 and Domain de la Romanée-Conti 1989, Le Montrachet 2007 and La Tâche 1962 amongst a total of 20 wines served.

The events will also include a “Culinary Chef's Challenge” that will create a competitive edge to the evening. Celebrated chefs will team up against each other, assisted by revered Sommeliers from the Country, to create their own seven-course gastronomical feast that will be paired with the illustrious wine list.

The Teams include Chef PJ Vadas from “Camphors”, the newly opened restaurant at Vergelegen Estate, assisted by Sommelier Luvo Ntezo from The One & Only Hotel and Christiaan Campbell from Delaire Graff assisted by Sommelier Manuel Cabello from Ellerman House. The Johannesburg teams will consist of Coco Reinharz from Sel et Poivre and Leanne Roberts and Charl Whitlock from De Waterkloof.

Malene Meisner, CEO, The White Club

Malene Meisner, CEO of The White Club, comments, “We wanted to create additional excitement and theatre around the events in South Africa this year. The secret locations and the culinary chefs challenge will create these added elements of enjoyment for our guests.”

Parmigiani, the most luxurious watch brand in the world, originating from Switzerland, partners The White Club events and links in well with the lavish lifestyle that this group has to offer. Guillaume Marx of Parmigiani speaks of their partnership: “Precision work is what lies between us as watch and wine lovers. It is what defines us. These similarities combined with a passion for the lavish and exclusive things in life are what make this partnership flourish.”

The White Club, which began “The World of First Growths” project in South Africa last year, will also be presenting semi-blind flights of Pinot Noirs including Hamilton Russell, Bouchard Finlayson and Creation wines against Domain de la Romanée-Conti. Glenelly Estate wines will also be included alongside Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande.

The chosen charity this year for The White Club and World of First Growth Events is the “Make a Difference” (M.A.D) charity pioneered by Francois Pienaar. A silent auction will be held on both evenings and all proceeds will be donated. This charity, created in 2003 aims to make a difference to the lives of disadvantaged academically talented young South Africans by creating exceptional educational opportunities.

For the chance to purchase one of these golden tickets the price tag is R25,000 (JHB) and R20,000 (CT). For ticket enquiries please contact Shelley Webb on +27 (072) 386 6527 / shelley@whiteroomsa.com

 

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.

The Stellenbosch Wine Festival

The Stellenbosch Wine Festival, the flagship event of South Africa’s iconic wine region, stomps its way into a new era this January with an expanded ten-day program designed to showcase in a bigger, better and bolder fashion the delightfully diverse town of Stellenbosch until 3 February 2013.

The Stellenbosch American Express® Wine Routes moved this annual highlight event from its previous mid-winter schedule to the new dates in order to capitalise on the unique assets and attractions this historic oak-lined town and its more than 150 wineries has to offer during the height of summer.



The new date also celebrates the birth of South African wine, thanks to this entry on 2 February 1659 in the diary of Jan van Riebeeck, official of the Dutch East India Company and First Commander of the Cape: “Today, praise be to God, wine was made for the first time from Cape grapes.”

“We realised that it makes sense to showcase our world-class wines during a period when everything that Stellenbosch offers - its natural beauty, unique cultural heritage, excellent academic institutions and vibrant agricultural industries - is at its best and brightest. Perfect summer weather, the buzz of a new University year and the bustling start of the harvest season will all add new dimensions to the Stellenbosch Wine Festival experience.

Our member farms are excited, the whole town is mobilised and we are sure that wine lovers and lifestyle tourists from all over South Africa and the world are going to be thrilled with what Stellenbosch is bringing to the table this summer,” says Annareth Bolton, CEO of the Stellenbosch Wine Routes.

The new-look Stellenbosch Wine Festival delivers a full flight of wine experiences for both casual fans and connoisseurs, including an inaugural charity gala, a ten-day promotion at many of the area’s award-winning restaurants, special cultivar evenings, and wine farm tours. Sporting events, art exhibitions and musical concerts throughout the town during the festival will give attendees a colorful taste of the Stellenbosch lifestyle.



A festival highlight will be the Blessing of the Harvest and a Harvest Parade as celebrants from Stellenbosch member farms are expected to march through the streets. Throughout the week, enthusiasts will be able to tailor-make their own festival experience by dining in town and estate restaurants offering special food and wine pairing menus as part of the festival’s “Wine & Dine” sensation or by visiting a myriad of farms offering unique tours and tasting programmes.

 

Culminating in a three-day Wine Expo which will be located in the heart of the vibrant town and feature interactive stands and tasting programmes from over 130 wine and gourmet food producers. The Wine Expo is set to take place from 1 to 3 February on Die Braak and will take full advantage of the beautiful natural surroundings with rustic tables, green décor and free-flowing Bedouin tents. A central stage will play host to Sundowner Concertsto keep festival goers entertained as they enjoy the fabulous vintages on offer.

For more information, visit: www.stellenboschwinefestival.co.za

Vilafonte and Epicurean Impress at Burgundy

Chateau de Mercurey

Twelve pre-phylloxera Domaine Romanée-Conti wines tasted at exclusive The White Club event in Burgundy, France.

A very small and exclusive group of luxurious wine lovers were hosted last month for a unique weekend extravaganza in Burgundy, France. The White Club, an international wine club for private members, partnered with Parmigiani for a 'once in a lifetime' event with Domaine Romanée-Conti and the legendary Aubert de Villaine. DRC is known as the world's most important wine producer.

Aubert de Villaine

 Domaine Romanée-Conti, also the world's most expensive wines were served alongside Henri Jayer – another legendary wine producer from Burgundy. Henri Jayer treasures were served blind, four times, as Jokers for the privileged crowd and the guests were astounded by the impressive selection of twelve pre-phylloxera Domaine Romanée-Conti wines served during the weekend which totaled a mind-blowing 9727 Euros on average per bottle.

Domaine Romanée-Conti

 Guests were accommodated at the exquisite 19th Century “Haussman” style chateau 'Chateau de Mercurey' situated amongst the Vineyards in Burgundy, and experienced the most ambitious eight decade tasting of Domaine Romanée-Conti. The White Club served these exceptional wines in 'lead free' Zalto glasses and 100 point Lalique Glasses designed in partnership with James Suckling for guests to experience the ultimate tasting. A one-of-a kind luxury water was also chosen to accompany the exceptional tasting and menu, 'Gize', a unique goldfiltered water from Canada.

Within the line up, there were two wines presented from South Africa, namely Vilafonte and Epicurean, which impressed the group immensely. The Chateau owner commented that Vilafonte M was a revelation for South African wines, stating “I only drank Burgundy until now”. 

Malene Meisner, CEO of The White Club commented “In 62 hours we experienced 112 World Class Wines – what a Weekend!” 

Favourites for Malene Meisner were Romanee Conti 23, Romanee Conti 56, Romanee Conti 89, La Tache 47, Romanee Conti St Viviant 21, Petrus 47 and Margaux 29 and commented “The weekend was exceptional and will probably never again be repeated in my lifetime”
For more Information and upcoming events visit : The White Club

Aubert de Villaine and Malene Meisner

Malene Meisner, CEO of The White Club

South African Wines Join The Ranks of Royalty

Wine lovers will be thrilled to hear that six South African wines now form part of the exclusive ‘First Growths’ tastings, held by an international private members club, The Parmigiani White Club (TWC). 

Each year this exclusive club conducts tastings all over the world and earlier this year, for the first time ever, South Africans were introduced to the ‘First Growth’ wines series. As the wine world is ever-evolving, today the term ‘First Growth’ has come to mean not only to Bordeaux wines, but indeed ‘wines of the most exceptional quality’.

The internationally acclaimed non-profit private members' club, TWC, confirmed that the six South African wines that professional tasters selected to form part of the ‘First Growths’ series are, MR de Compostella 2008 (97), Vergelegen V 2007 (95), Vilafonté Series M 2009 (95), Waterford Estate The Jem 2007 (96), Epicurean 2006 (95) and Columella 2009 (95), and will all be introduced on the tasting nights. These will accompany the legendary Vin de Constance from Klein Constantia.

“It comes as no surprise that South African wines are ranked among these illustrious ‘First Growths’ wines and we are delighted to host two tastings in SA this year. We promise to those attending that the evenings will be unforgettable, glittering black tie experiences,” says CEO of the exclusive Wine Club International, Malene Meisner.

“Wine lovers have recognised that wines from the South African Cape Winelands rank among the best in the world and guests will have the exclusive opportunity to taste some of the world’s best wines, champagnes and sparkling wines as ‘First Growths’ are considered among the most sought-after wines in the world,” Meisner concludes.

Over the past few years some of the top South African restaurants and hotels have regularly found themselves among the top 50 restaurants in the world. It is thus gratifying to know that South Africa’s culinary expertise is keeping abreast of the country’s winemaking expertise. After all, wine and food are inseparable twins.

The Parmigiani White Club will travel to Vienna, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Istanbul, Mumbai, Zurich, London, Madrid, Chicago, New York and Burgundy, where the six SA wines will be introduced to wine tasters and wine lovers from all over the world. The Club looks forward to hosting these elite tastings in Johannesburg on the 25th October and in Cape Town on the 26th and 27th October.

For further information on The White Club and the tastings visit: www.thewhiteclub.com
The language of wine is internationally understood, and these six wines will prove to be the most worthy ambassadors.

About TWC

The White Club is a private members club specializing in the finest and rarest wines in the world. Access to the club is by invitation only, and is limited to only 50 members. The White Club is all about sharing the unique moment when a truly great wine is opened and this is the place where the grandest wines will be opened and enjoyed among like-minded people, not just kept as trophies or investments.

The list of wines enjoyed by the members of The White Club are truly amazing, and include such rarities as Dom Perignon Róse 1959 (The rarest champagne in the world), Heidsieck 1907 (Shipwreck Champagne), Romanee Conti 1923 (the rarest Romanee Conti), Lefleur 1947, Mouton Rothschild 1945 and d’Yquem 1921.

They arrange around 10 public tastings each year all around the world in the most exiting venues and include the finest cuisine specially prepared by the world’s most talented chefs. 

La Clé des Montagnes Debuts Luxury Villa's in Franschhoek

Le Grange Bedroom

Franschhoek is right on trend with the opening of the luxury villa  accommodation that has taken the world by storm.

The pinnacle of sophisticated ‘home away from home’ comfort and the ‘hottest’ luxury accommodation option in the historical Winelands village, here four elegant and individually designed villas have been designed to meet the requirements of the very upper end of the market.

Nestled in picturesque Franschhoek, South Africa’s most famed wine region La Clé des Montagnes meaning -the key to the mountains- invites you to drink in its quiet opulence. Accommodating between two and eight guests per villa, situated at the historic La Grange homestead, within walking distance from the village centre. Rates start at R7500 per couple per night, and include Continental breakfast, as well as a selection of preferred beverages. 



Developed by international entrepreneur Michael Pawlowski, an active member of the Franschhoek community since relocating from Europe in 2007, La Clé provides a villa experience on a working plum and wine farm. Plans are in place to develop an exclusive wedding venue on the property.

Homes in the true sense of the word, children of all ages are welcome. With spacious indoor and outdoor areas, the villas lend themselves perfectly to entertaining, with comfortable living rooms with fireplaces and a library, private gardens, terraces and swimming pool sand fully equipped kitchens.



Le Colonial

Set across six hectares, the rolling lawns, private swimming pools and tranquil garden setting is perfect for couples, friends and family seeking the privacy, space and mod-cons of a private home, yet with 24-hour concierge, butler and full hotel service, under the watchful eye of experienced hotelier Peggy Klement as General Manager.
Services range from private chefs and child-minders, to helicopter transfers and golf excursions. Peggy Klement says: ‘Multigenerational travel is one of the biggest emerging trends in travel across the globe, along with guests demanding space, privacy and discreet service. What we offer at La Clé essentially, is so much more than a hotel room – this is a top of the range self-catering villa product designed to meet the needs and expectations of the sophisticated traveller. We are receiving a lot of interest in extended stays, for guests wanting to unpack and stay a week or two to explore the Cape Winelands and really live the Franschhoek lifestyle.’



Cape Town interior designer Sarah Ord has created a visionary masterpiece of plush interior designing referencing her signature style and personal inspiration. Muted earth tones emphasising the use of light awash with the colours, landscapes and cultures of South Africa, to create a warm and welcoming ambience for each of the four custom designed villas.

An exciting collage of colour, heritage, magnificent fabrics and objets d’art, each villa is uniquely different. In some, unique pieces of furniture dominate an entire room with their history and a touch of colonial splendour while throughout, hand selected artworks and a sprinkling of South African design present a combination of contemporary and traditional decor at its best. Sarah Ord’s vivid tableware collection graces each villa, showing her devotion to saturated colour and vibrant pattern in crockery, glassware, cutlery and table linen. 

LA GRANGE

Reminiscent of a highlands lodge or country manor, La Grange is the family farm you always yearned for - surrounded by plum orchards, vineyards and magnificent mountain views. This space is one of the original Victorian buildings on the La Clé des Montagnes farm, which has been transformed into an open barn space with warm palettes gracing the interior.

Visualise soaring poplar beams, an enormous fireplace and flawless oak floors, with small turquoise touches, tweed and tartan, old leather, and burnt sienna and turmeric accents adding to the interior’s design. A farm kitchen, nostalgic of garden vegetables, fragrant bread and fresh milk adds a special touch to the La Grange villa experience, with three bedroom suites.

LE MANOIR

Industrial French highlights pieced side-by-side with antique furniture gives this Victorian farmhouse with the broad-plank wooden floors, soaring sash windows and heavy doors its appeal. Classic toiles, soft linen, French red with black and white ticking stripe features are reminiscent of the contemporary Huguenot, and red is the signature accent for Le Manoir. 








Visualise stripes in all interpretations, red fabrics, objects and furniture, French cockerel patterns, as well as toile and contemporary polka dots, black and white rococo portraits claiming the design of this two bedroom suite villa. Three-dimensional wall hangings tell a story of their own, and hand painted or lacquered furnishings are just some of the finishing touches that add that special flavour.

LE COLONIAL

Showcasing South Africa’s multi-flavoured heritage, the four bedroom Le Colonial villa is African in its overall feeling - with a modern twist. Colour and vivid print fabric designs are evocative to tribal beading, woodcut artwork, collected maps and artefacts; a tribute to both ethnic origin and colonial vernacular.

Visualise reclaimed branches and twigs woven into chandeliers, lights and mirror frames, Morrocan hand-made tiles, grass wallpaper, and bold saturated colour. The multi-layered interior is decorated with plush comfortable furniture and quirky detail that will catch your eye around every corner.

LA GALERIE

An enginmatic breakaway from the pastoral setting alltoghether. Vivid, dramatic and contemporary design sets this villa apart from the other three. The design and lay-out makes for a rolling exhibition of various artworks to be exhibited around the house. Gallery lighting and picture hanging systems have been installed for this purpose. The blocked colour of furniture or dark grey matt finish walls drive a sensory experience perfectly suited for wine tastings and food sensations.

There is very little pattern in the villa fabric choice, but shades of shocking pink, sunshine yellow, and cobalt blue pop against the charcoal grey of the overall scheme. Visualise a carved fireplace balancing the stainless steel of the open kitchen, brass ironmongery, bathroom fitting and accent metalwork, with oak grained joinery balanced with high gloss surfaces and raw wood legs. Hot colour, velvets and silk add to the ambience Ord has created in this two bedroom villa.

With its pastoral setting  and panoramic vistas it’s the ideal breakaway from the city. Le cle de montagnes Is the key to tranquil repose.

 

A WORKING WINE FARM

Guests are able to experience the magic of living on a working wine farm, with vineyards reflecting the changing seasons, and culminating in the highlight: the annual harvest in the summer months. Here Wynand Pienaar, viticulturist and winemaker produces an exclusive, boutique range of cultivars from the 1.29 hectare under vine on the farm.

These include Cabernet Sauvignon, a recently planted Shiraz block, and plans to add Viognier in the near future. While wine was first produced on the farm some 15 years ago, the very first wine to be bottled under the La Clé des Montagnes label will be the La Clè des Montagnes Cabernet Sauvignon, due for release in 2013/2014. Pienaar brings with him a wealth of experience gained through more than 16 years in the wine industry.

He is also the winemaker at the owner’s Franschhoek wine estate La Chaumiere, where he has been producing Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a Blanc de Blanc MCC under the La Chaumiere label since 2010. The wines are available to be enjoyed by guests at La Clé des Montagnes.