The Village NEWS - My Summer Guide

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MyGSummer UIDE 2019

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WHAT TO DO AND WHERE TO GO THIS HOLIDAY SEASON KLEINMOND • HERMANUS • STANFORD • GANSBAAI • ELGIN • BOTRIVIER

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Travel in style and safety. Short hops, long distance, airport and shark cage diving are just some of the trips we would love to help you with.

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Welcome...

My Summer Guide 2019: EDITORS De Waal Steyn Hedda Mittner SUB-EDITOR Olivia Schaffer MARKETING & SALES Charé van der Walt Kathy Mulock-Bentley Raphael da Silva GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Ilana van der Merwe Nickey Jackson Taylum Meyer The Village NEWS T: 028 312 2234 A: 6 Royal Str, Hermanus

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My Summer GUIDE 2019

ADVENTURE & ACTIVITIES REAL ESTATE

LIFE’S A BEACH: YOUR GUIDE TO THE BEST SPOTS Hermanus has a long and varied coastline that boasts a variety of beaches. From the expansive Blue Flag Grotto Beach to quieter secluded beaches tucked away among the cliffs and dunes; every beach offers a unique experience. Grotto Beach holds the country’s record for being awarded a Blue Flag grading for the most consecutive years. Kleinmond and Hawston beaches also have been granted Blue Flag status. This means that visitors can expect clean, well-cared-for environments, changing facilities and lifeguards. During the peak holiday season, from 1 December, Blue lag beaches have lifeguards every day from 09:00 to 18:00.

HAWSTON BEACH │Xplorio

ONRUS BEACH │Xplorio

VOËLKLIP BEACH │Xplorio

KLEINMOND BEACH │Elaine Davie

SILVER SANDS BEACH │Surf-Forecast

PEARLY BEACH │Cape Whale Coast

Hawston Beach Hawston boasts one of the most picturesque beaches in the area. Children enjoy paddling in the water while adults can laze in the sun and enjoy the scenic vistas.

Brêkis Bay This little beach in Vermont is ideal for a relaxed picnic or snorkelling adventures. Its location, between magniicent sand dunes, offers visitors a protected cove with plenty of space for beach activities, relaxing and exploring. Because it’s secluded, however, it is safer to go there in a group.

There have been incidents of attacks on women who were robbed when alone on the beach.

Onrus Beach Here you will ind a picture-perfect location for swimming and enjoying the sunshine. The Onrus River Lagoon mouth - where small children can play in the calmer waters of the lagoon and older children and adults can brave the waves - is ideally suited to family outings.

Onrus Beach is also a favourite haunt for local surfers, but more inexperienced swimmers should be aware that the sea bed drops sharply from the beach, making swimming tricky and sometimes dangerous. This beach has ‘pilot’ Blue Flag status.

Note: Keep an eye out for the information sign that warns about faecal pollution in the lagoon. The sign has a QR code pointing at a website page with information about the current water status and potential health risks

of swimming in the lagoon. Visit whalecoastconservation.org.za/goinggreen/eco-community/onrus-river-estuary-lagoon/ for more information.

Sandbaai Main Beach Surrounded by rocky outcrops, Sandbaai Beach offers countless tidal pools for those who enjoy exploring. The shallow pools are perfect for children to swim in or for a quick cool-down. Excellent diving and snorkelling conditions are a little beyond the rocky ledge. Changing facilities and parking make it easily accessible and popular with families.

Langbaai A small beach, conined on either side by low, rocky cliffs that have the effect of funnelling good body-surfing waves into the cove. The beach has limited parking and there are quite a few steps to the sandy shore, but it offers a beach experience that is well worth the effort.

Grotto Beach The largest beach in the area stretches along the coast for more than 18 km. The Blue Flag Beach at Grotto makes up a relatively small area. It is, however, the most popular location for beach-goers. There’s plenty of space for any size crowd and the parking winds along the road for easy access via several designated pathways. Families can also enjoy the calmer waters of the Klein River Lagoon on the eastern side of Grotto Beach.

Kleinmond Beach This Blue Flag Beach is at the mouth of Kleinmond Lagoon in an unspoilt environment. It’s easy to understand the reason tourists lock here throughout the year.

Having the option of enjoying the sea or fresh water lagoon makes it an ideal location for getting those paddle skis and boats out, as well as perfect for children.

Kammabaai Kammabaai is another beach with shallow water, ample parking and excellent facilities making it ideal for family outings. This small private beach is linked to the larger Voëlklip and Grotto beaches via the renowned Cliff Path.

Silver Sands Beach Silver Sands Beach is west of Stoney Point in Betty’s Bay. It’s home to a colony of African Penguins and has everything you are looking for in an ideal beach. There is plenty for the children to do, from building sandcastles, swimming and collecting shells to searching through the rock pools. You can comfortably relax and tan here while enjoying the beauty around you.

Voëlklip Beach Another surfers’ favourite – this beach is also good for non-sand lovers as it offers levelled grassy lawns on which to picnic, as well as a small sandy shore. It is particularly popular with younger adults, mainly during the peak tourist season.

Pearly Beach Castle Beach recently joined the Overstrand’s Blue Flag beaches. Less than an hour from Hermanus this drive makes a lovely day’s outing. A wooden walkway takes you straight to a beach with picturesque vistas, as well as ablution facilities and showers.

SAFETY TIPS

RIP CURRENTS

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According to the NSRI, the biggest danger that people will face on the beaches this summer will be rip currents - the greatest cause of drowning accidents along our coast.

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The ocean currents can be extremely strong at times and it’s advised that caution be taken when swimming in unknown waters; Swim only when and where there are lifeguards on duty and where signs indicate that it is safe to swim; Always swim between the red and yellow lags; Never swim alone; If you ind yourself in trouble, raise your arm to attract the lifeguards’ attention; If you see someone in trouble in the sea, alert the lifeguards or ind help. Don't attempt a rescue and put your own life in danger as well; Don’t consume alcohol and swim; Don’t dive from tidal pool walls. Swim only at low tide when no waves are breaking over the walls.

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Don’t panic or try to swim against the current; As tough as this sounds, let the current take you out to sea; Raise one arm in the air and wave and scream to alert people on the shore that you’re in trouble; At the irst chance you get, swim parallel to the beach until you’re free of the rip current, then use the incoming waves to aid your progress to get back to shore.

NSRI Station 17 Hermanus: 082 990 5967 | Sea Rescue Emergency: 112 from a cellphone Overstrand Municipality 24-hour Fire & Rescue: 028 312 2400/ 028 313 8980 Law Enforcement: 028 313 8111 | Hermanus Police: 028 313 5300 SOURCES: www.hermanus.co.za │ www.sa-venues.com │ www.xplorio.com │ NSRI │ Overstrand Municipality

ADVENTURE & ACTIVITIES

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GET ADVENTUROUS THIS SUMMER SEASON Please ensure that you book in advance for any of these activities / Ofice hours: 9:00 until 17:00 Tel: 021 795 0225 / 079 495 3987 / Email: bookings@saforestadventures.co.za To add excitement and adventure to your summer holiday, look to SA Forest Adventures.

With adventure centres from Kleinmond to Hermanus, Caledon to Cape Town and as far as Knysna, there’s something to enthral and exhilarate you and your family.

If you choose to skip a lazy day at the beach and get the adrenaline lowing, book an adventure activity.

ZIPLINING Get high on the wonders of Ziplining as you slide between the tree canopies. You have options to choose from.

Hermanus: The Tree Top Zipline tour Hermanus starts in the Hemelen-Aarde Valley, traverses over a small waterfall (when there’s enough water) between the poplar trees and the canyon.

High up (eight to 50 metres), our guides direct you on gliding from platform to platform where birdlife chatter echoes in the forest. Platforms are high in the tree canopy with views of the forest. The platform slides range from 20 meters to 200 meters and, with safe braking-systems, you control the speed. The tour is about two hours.

To enhance the experience, there’s a trailer to transport guests to the starting point. The cost is R25 per person (cash to be paid on the day). Takings go towards the NGO we work with - they operate the transport to raise much-needed funds.

Adventures has and it’s based in Kleinmond.

Adventurers are provided wetsuits and safety gear before heading into the Kogelberg World Heritage Site and the Palmiet River. This nature reserve has walking trails and unspoiled, natural beauty.

Once on the river (depending on the water level), the guides assist with safety - and ensure you are comfortable - before running a number of rousing rapids along this perennial river. The full experience from arrival to departure is about four hours (depending on the river low).

SANDBOARDING A recreational activity on a 230-metre-high sand dune near Betty's Bay. Guides will provide training and safety on the dune and, after your training session, you start on a smaller section of the dune before progressing higher and higher.

QUAD BIKING No previous experience required. Our Quad Bike Trail in Hermanus is rated one of the top trails in South Africa.

The route goes through the world-renowned vineyards of the Hamilton Russell and Southern Right Wine Farms and travels up the mountain, through the fynbos kingdom into Fernkloof Nature Reserve. Your halfway mark is a pristine look-out point from where you have a spectacular birds-eye view of Hermanus and Walker Bay. HERMANUS STARGAZING

A memorable experience for anyone from six years old.

Caledon: Experience the wonders of the Overberg as you glide amid the lush vegetation, encircled by wildlife. Towering above the ground, slides range from eight to 18 metres. Scattered below, the vegetation luctuates from ivy cloaking the soil, to old oak trees and tall poplar trees swaying in the breeze.

The 12 platform slides vary from 60 meters, enjoyed by children, to 200 meters. The course’s total length is 1.2 km.

Cape Town: One of Cape Town’s best adventure activities, the course is in Constantia Nek on the Silvermist Estate near Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.

WHITE WATER RAFTING This is the most extreme and exciting activity SA Forest

Join our interactive astronomy presentations for stargazing enthusiasts. Our night-sky talks are conducted on quad bikes on the mountains surrounding Hermanus.

One of the awe-inspiring sights that awaits you when you come from the city, is the brilliant display of a starry African night sky. With minimal light-pollution around you, the heavens take on a whole new look, especially on a clear, moonless night. Take a closer look at the famous Southern Cross, Orion, Jupiter’s moons, various stars, moon craters, even satellites and shooting stars.

Our knowledgeable guides will make the night sky come to life.

PAINTBALL An experience you will remember for years to come is on our battleground in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Pit your survival skills against your friends and family as this high-octane adventure that brings out the soldier in you.

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WALKERBAY XTREME RETURNS TO HERMANUS FOR FIFTH TIME For more information: www.walkerbayxtreme.com Facebook www.facebook.com/walkerbayxtreme │ Twitter @walkerbayxtreme │ Instagram @walkerbayxtreme Whether your New Year’s resolution is to pursue a it and healthy lifestyle, be more adventurous or try something new, the Walkerbay Xtreme (WBX) is the event for you.

in a triathlon. Older participants (16 years and older) can enter the very popular sprint triathlon (600 m swim, 23.7 km cycle and 5.6 km run).

The WBX, a multi-day adventure sports festival in the heart of Hermanus, will return to the Whale Capital for a ifth time from 24 to 27 April 2020.

Besides the junior triathlon, the WBX offers shorter distances in the Valley Xtreme MTB event and Cliff Path Xtreme fun run. These options are ideal for younger or recreational athletes who want to take it easy and have some fun at the WBX.

With 14 events to choose from, the WBX offers something for everyone – from adventure seekers, professional athletes and itness fanatics to recreational outdoor enthusiasts looking for a new challenge and a fun-illed sporting holiday in one of SA’s favourite adventuresport hotspots.

Entries are open and all the old favourites are back. No matter what your preference – cycling, swimming or running – there is a race for you. Want to do it all? No problem! Enter the very popular Walker Bay triathlon or the challenging Big 6 Xtreme (7.1 km night run, 35 km MTB challenge, swim-run-jump challenge, sprint triathlon, open water swim and 21 km trail run). Looking for an adrenalin rush? Consider the exciting See & Sand Xtreme, which includes an exciting cliff jump. The twoday MTB and two-day trail running stage races will also return to the events menu for a second year.

The Valley Xtreme MTB challenge offers three distances: 60 km, 36 km and 17 km, with the shorter route suitable for younger riders and newcomers.

Runners can choose between 5.6 km and 12.2 km in the Cliff Path Xtreme fun run or enter the Windsor Marine Mile Sprint, a 1.6 km dash down Marine Drive. Head torches are compulsory for the 7.1 km Twilight Xtreme night run.

Experienced cyclists and runners can up the ante by considering the MTB or trail running stage races on 25 and 26 April. The Valley Xtreme MTB event offers two stages of 60 km each over two days, taking cyclists to the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley on trails that were purpose-built for the Cape Epic and Wines2Whales.

The Blue Mountain Xtreme (trail run) includes two stages of 21 km and offers scenic routes and breathtaking views over mountain and sea.

OSG co-owns and runs the event in close association and partnership with Hermanus and its people. The Walkerbay Xtreme is also backed by the Hermanus Business Chamber and Hermanus Tourism.

The Urban Xtreme MTB Criterium and Strongman Xtreme offer great spectator value. The MTB Criterium is an 800 m circuit race through the iconic Hermanus Old Harbour while the strongman competitors will impress with deadlifts, squats, sled and truck pulling.

Junior athletes between the ages of eight and 15 can enter the junior triathlon. It consists of a 150 m swim, 5 km cycling leg and 2 km run and is the perfect opportunity for youngsters to get their irst taste of competing

(Events in bold are part of the Big Six event) 24 April: • Marine Mile Xtreme and Charity Drive – 15:30 • Twilight Xtreme (7.1 km night run) – 17:30 25 April: Valley Xtreme MTB Challenge (60 km, 35 km, 17 km) – 07:30, 07:45, 08:00 • Valley Xtreme MTB Challenge: Stage race (stage 1 – 60 km) – 07:30 • Blue Mountain Xtreme: Stage race (stage 1 – 21 km) – 08:15 • See & Sand Xtreme (swim-run-jump) – 14:00 • Cliff Path Xtreme fun run (12.2 km, 5.6 km) – 16:30, 16:45

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“Now in its ifth year, the Walkerbay Xtreme has established itself as a irm favourite on the adventure-sports calendar. With events spread over four days, sport lovers – regardless of their ability – can choose two, three or even four events to challenge themselves. The WBX is a wonderful family- and community-driven event and the town offers wonderful vantage points, accommodation options and dining experiences for participants and supporters,” says Gerhardi Odendaal, CEO of Old School Group (OSG).

“The WBX is more than just an adventure sports festival.

It is an opportunity for residents, community organisations, local businesses and schools to show some community spirit. It is also a family event that caters for all ages.”

2020 PROGRAMME: 24-27 APRIL

The See & Sand Xtreme swim-run-jump challenge is ideal for those who want to move out of their comfort zone and try something different. This thrilling adventure comprises a 400 m swim, 1.5 km run, cliff jump from Dreunkrans, 400 m swim, 1 km run and a inal 500 m swim.

Based on experiences from past participants, it is recommended that you check yourself into one of the many accommodation spots on offer in Hermanus for the whole weekend and take part in at least one of the events per day.

The Walkerbay Xtreme is backed by Old School Group, a leader in Sports Tourism and renowned for award-winning sporting events. oldschoolgroup.co.za

26 April: • Valley Xtreme MTB Challenge: Stage race (stage 2 – 60 km) – 07:30 • Blue Mountain Xtreme: Stage race (stage 2 – 21 km, 9 km) – 08:00, 08:15 • Blue Mountain Xtreme trail run (21 km, 9 km) – 08:00 • Strongman Xtreme – TBC • Urban Xtreme MTB Criterium – 14:00 27 April: • Walkerbay Xtreme Triathlon – 08:00 • Walkerbay Xtreme Junior Triathlon – 11:30 • Open Water Xtreme (5 km, 2.5 km)– 13:00, 14:00 The big question is: which event(s) will you take part in to #indyourxtreme? Enter online at www.walkerbayxtreme.com

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My Summer GUIDE 2019

Wortelgat Road, on the Hermanus Lagoon, Stanford 082 817 2077 / 028 313 2814 / 082 825 3211 admin@MosaicSouthAfrica.com www.MosaicSouthAfrica.com

"the perfect place to eat, sleep and play in nature"

M

any say Mosaic is on the “peaceful side of Hermanus”, where the champagne air of Walker Bay is best enjoyed.

Situated on a 1 000-hectare reserve on the southern side of Hermanus Lagoon, Mosaic is where city-weary travellers go for a secluded, restorative stay in awe-inspiring nature.

CHRISTMAS MARKET

LAGOON CAFÉ

GUIDED QUADBIKING

BICYCLE RENTALS

FAMILIES can enjoy activities that include guided quadbike trips, mountain and fat bike rentals, kayak and SUP rentals. Children will have hours of fun on the “slip n slide” during the Christmas season. Mosaic is the place where families can slow down and savour more.

ACCOMMODATION

FOUR LOVELY STONE COTTAGES – catered or self-catered - have kitchens and outdoor braai irepits.

Mosaic Lagoon Lodge ofers all-inclusive luxury stays. Lunch can be enjoyed indoors or outdoors at Lagoon Café in the historic 1892 Spookhuis that has a

fabulous history, was in a state of complete ruin, and lovingly restored in 2008. A wine cellar, craft beer and full bar are also ofered.

KAYAKING & SUP

ANCIENT MILKWOOD TREES, abundant birdlife, and

uninterrupted views of towering mountains provide a tranquil backdrop for guests. Other attractions include a range of activities, a relaxing lunch, a gift shop, and the Christmas Market on 7 December.

CHRISTMAS MARKET Saturday December 7th, 11:30 - 5:00 Beautiful selections of art, gifts and décor - Country platters - grilled skewers - Springfontein wine - Belgium beer - DIY gin station - Beryl Dingemans & Soul jewelry - Exotic Kashmir Ug-Lee handbags - Ardmore - Mungo - Inkomo Nguni hide rugs - Tracy Algar Art - Topiary Christmas décor - Elsje Design - Catherine Brennon

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WHEN IN HERMANUS, EAT LIKE A LOCAL The Cape Overberg offers an extensive array of coffee shops, bistros and restaurants for hungry and thirsty holidaymakers, but the range of choices can also be bewildering, especially to irst-time visitors. The best source of information is usually the locals who live in a holiday destination such as Hermanus all-yearround.

Here are some pointers to help you navigate your way through the culinary maze.

Rise and shine… it’s breakfast time!

Some of the best daytime eateries and coffee shops in Hermanus are tucked away in side streets, and visitors need some inside knowledge to track them down.

When you’re walking around the town centre, Betty Blue Bistro on Main Road is easy to ind. Betty Blue has become one of the most popular spots in town. Not only do local supporters meet here for coffee, breakfast or lunch – foodies lock to Betty Blue from all over the Western Cape.

High Street runs parallel to Main Road and here you will ind another local gem, CanD’s Kitchen. Honest, homemade comfort food is their trademark; they serve great coffee, delicious breakfasts and a daily harvest table with scrumptious fresh salads.

For the true coffee aicionado Tulip is a must. An old house has been converted into this vibrant coffee shop and breakfast joint. If you want to rub shoulders with the locals, this is where you’ll ind them in the mornings, reading the newspaper and discussing all the latest issues in town.

Feed the Family The Christmas holiday season is a time for family get-to-

gethers and celebrations. When relatives and friends are planning a day out, especially if accompanied by children, they need a restaurant that caters for larger groups and where children are welcomed.

Rossi’s in High Street, the oldest operating restaurant in Hermanus, has been a family favourite for more than 30 years. Other options include the Eatery near PnP, and Cattle Baron in the centre of town near Lemm’s Corner, which offer generous portions and excellent value for money. Ocean Basket, always a family favourite, is in the Village Square and boasts a new summer menu packed with delectable salads, starters, prawn platters and of course the country’s favourite ish ‘n chips.

Heading in the other direction towards Stanford, you’ll ind Stanford Hills where families can gather on the shaded farm stoep or enjoy a picnic next to the dam while the children explore the farm.

For a lip-smacking tapas, the trendy vibe at Burgundy Tapas will chase away any Christmas blues. It’s next to Market Square just above the Old Harbour, you can also pop around for a hearty meal at The Burgundy, one of the town’s most iconic restaurants.

Food for thought While diners in Hermanus are spoilt for choice, there are a handful of restaurants where the innovative culinary skills of the chefs guarantee guests an exceptional dining experience, be it for lunch or dinner. Among them are Fisherman’s Cottage, an intimate little restaurant in a heritage cottage on Lemm’s Corner; the Barefoot Cook, also housed in an authentic isherman’s cottage is tucked away in Aberdeen Street; and Lizette’s Kitchen at the Voëlklip circle, is in another historic building with a hundred-year-old history.

There is also Pear Tree in the Village Square, a tiny eatery with seating that spills on to the piazza - and the popular, Char’d Grill & Wine Bar, also in the Village Square, where the steampunk décor is as impressive as their ‘New Wave’ steaks that take pride of place on the menu.

Also highly recommended is La Pentola on Marine Drive where celebrity chef Shane Sauvage serves up excellent fusion cuisine with a dollop of sea views. For authentic Italian cooking, look no further than Fabio’s Ristorante just off Main Road in St Peter’s Lane.

And if you’d like to enjoy a memorable meal without venturing into town, there is an excellent restaurant at The Village named Eat, that has a loyal following among the locals. In Sandbaai VB’s is tucked away and sheltered from the wind offering an array of dishes, but be sure to try out their pizzas.

A meal with a view Some restaurants are so ideally situated that the views are as much a part of the dining experience as the food. A great example is Bientang’s Cave, where the ocean laps against the rocks mere metres from your table.

The brand-new Ficks Restaurant is a must for visitors. With the famous Fick’s Pool right next to it, it offers something for all your senses.

Other restaurants that offer superlative sea views include Harbour Rock, in the New Harbour; Lemonicious upstairs at Village Square and the Milkwood Restaurant at Onrus Beach. The epitome of a beach restaurant, however, is Dutchies on Grotto Beach, perfect for those balmy summer evenings.

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FABULOUS FICKS Location: Plein Street, Hermanus For more information: 028 312 4082 info@icks.co.za The newest addition to the Hermanus restaurant scene is set to charms diners not only with its delectable Pinchos menu but also with its unique setting right on the historic Fick’s Pool. Pinchos (or 'pintxos') is pronounced "peenchos". In Basque, the "tx" combination is like in English the "ch" of cheese, pronounced a bit stronger.

Owners, Just and Joke Gonggrijp and their son Daan, who also own Dutchies on Grotto Beach, have every reason to be proud of what they’ve accomplished. All who have visited this restaurant agree that Fick’s Pool had been given a new lease on life with this sensitive and tasteful development.

The concept of the restaurant is based on a 'Pinchos and Wine Bar'. Joke explains that the Spanish word ‘pincho’ comes from the verb ‘pinchar’ which means ‘to pierce’. It is used in certain parts of Spain to describe bitesized eats that were usually pierced with a cocktail stick, although it is now used for any small plates of food.

Guests will be left gob-smacked as they descend the stairs to arrive at the restaurant set in a sheltered cove, right at the water’s edge and surrounded by unrivalled ocean views. Provision has also been made for the disabled with a brand new wheelchair ramp leading right up to the venue.

1 where musicians can perform. The pool and the area surrounding it have been thoroughly cleaned up. The area is now spotless and the water crystal clear promising to be the perfect place from where to watch the sun set over Walker Bay.

The word appealed to Joke because she had fond memories of family vacations in Spain, and especially “the tastes of Spain”, and also because she is known to always “pinch” Just’s food off his plate when they dine out – much to his annoyance. But now at Ficks, everyone can “pinch” and share food from their variety of small plates.

The irst steps towards creating this “little gem” were taken two and a half years ago when the Gonggrijp’s tendered for an outdoor restaurant, which Just jokingly refers to as “just a posh name for a pop-up restaurant – that means that if it rains the restaurant is closed”. He says the three main objectives that guided them through the design process of this historic landmark was to keep the pool open for public use, to retain the history and sense of place of Fick’s Pool and to preserve the natural environment.

The existing ablution building, which was rather an eyesore, has been renovated and remodelled into a brandnew kitchen, with public restrooms at the back. The decks wrap around Fick’s Pool, hugging the cliff face, with an outdoor wine bar and a stage area under a Bedouin tent

“Because the decks of the restaurant are higher than the pool, they do not hamper anyone wanting to enjoy the water,” says Joke. “It is much the same as at Dutchies, where you can enjoy a delicious meal and the beach and ocean at the same time.”

1: Beef Steak Fillet with Chimchuri Dressing 2: Duck Breast with Orange and Green Olives

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GOING GREEN WITH CHEF SHANE Location: 87 Marine Drive, Hermanus For more information: T: 028 313 1685 | W: www. hermanus.lapentola.co.za | E: lapentolahermanus@telkomsa.net Chef Shane Sauvage of La Pentola is as well known for his generous support of marine conservation as he is for his unique style of fusion cooking that keeps diners locking to his restaurant on the waterfront, with its panoramic views across Walker Bay. Partnering with local environmental role players such as the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, White Shark Projects and Whale Coast Conservation, Shane has for several years actively participated in fund-raising and regularly hosts charity dinners. He has also been instrumental in driving the initiative to eliminate the use of plastic straws by restaurants in the Overstrand.

“Single-use plastic straws constitute only one item on the ever-growing list of single-use plastic litter items, which in turn forms part of the overwhelming problem of human beings simply producing too much waste for our planet, and especially our oceans, to cope with,” he says.

Driven by his passion for the ocean – the very reason why he relocated with his family to the Cape seven years ago – Shane went a step further by banning other items such as plastic bottles of water, single-serving butter or jam containers, sweets in wrappers, and polystyrene takeaway containers, and rather opting for eco-friendly alternatives. He’s even done away with table cloths and serviettes that need to be washed regularly, which adds to the contamination of our water.

This passion and dedication is typical of Shane, whose mission to ‘go green’ extended not only to his restaurant but also to his personal life. Embarking on a ‘clean eating’ regime, the health beneits he experienced convinced him to embrace a vegetarian lifestyle, which he says is not only good for our health but also for the planet.

It has also inspired his creativity and prompted him to develop a variety of innovative new vegetarian dishes for his ‘Go Green’ menu that are guaranteed to knock your socks off. Not only are they colourful and beautifully presented but they taste delicious.

Mindful of the impact that industrial livestock farming has on the environment, Shane is keen to share the culinary pleasures of vegetarianism with his patrons. Unlike most restaurants where the vegetarian offering is hopelessly limited and uninspiring, Shane offers a wide variety, from fresh salads that combine leaves, herbs, fruits and nuts, to a hearty Tempeh steak made from soya beans, blackened with a tomato crust, drizzled with a lemon and herb sauce and topped with smashed cayenne pepper avo and roasted cashews.

His vegetarian take on the classic Avocado Ritz is served sans shrimps but with the addition of asparagus fried in a lemon-butter herb sauce, doused in white wine and topped with chunky cottage cheese and toasted

almond lakes. And then there are the decadent desserts such as a warm chocolate fondant made from 95% dark chocolate, which is sugar-free, dairyfree and gluten-free, served with a vegan ice cream; or a tropical Pavlova made with egg-free meringue and dairyfree granadilla ice cream – both dreamy!

The development of these new vegetarian recipes has presented Shane with a fresh challenge that he has embraced with his signature passion and exuberance. Almost a third of the dishes on La Pentola’s extensive menu are vegetarian, and among the blackboard specials there is always at least one vegetarian dish. The menu also indicates which dishes are vegan (100% plant-based).

Never satisied with the ordinary, Shane has taken vegetarian gastronomy to a whole new level and these dishes are as seductive as any of those featured in his three cookbooks, The Edge of Fusion (2007), In Fusion (which won Best South African Chefs Book at the Gourmand Awards 2009) and Cape Fusion (2015). And there is no need for meat, seafood and pasta lovers to be concerned – La Pentola’s menu offers something for everyone, including those House Specialities such as Basil and Port Livers, Fresh Hake Maître de Hotel, Santorini Chicken, KWV Steak and Forest Springbok.

Bon Appetit!

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GUIDE TO THE HEMEL-EN-AARDE T

he Walker Bay wine district’s most important road, the Hemel-en-Aarde R320, winds its way through South Africa’s premium cool climate wine region. It offers visitors to the area the opportunity to experience world-renowned Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as some of our country’s best Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz, as well as innovative blends.

The R320 Wine Route unites the passion and reputation of many wineries, each producing small volumes of uncompromising, premium quality wines. With vineyards deriving maximum beneit from the high elevation and cool sea breezes, this region is celebrated for its unique terroir and maritime climate that results in countless local and international accolades and awards for its wines.

Carefully and sustainably managed vineyards, the unspoiled natural beauty of the mountains, ocean and blue skies of Walker Bay, guarantee visitors a thrilling, memorable experience. You will be warmly welcomed at the tasting venues on the various wine estates along this route, with each of them offering one or more of the following – wine tastings, platters, meals, nature walks and cellar tours.

WINE VILLAGE The wine route is reached by way of the Sandbaai trafic lights, where the R43 to Hermanus and the R320 to Caledon intersect. Turning towards Caledon, you can look forward to a smooth ride – the gravel road is a thing of the past and the entire route is now tarred. The gateway to the wine route is The Village, where you will ind the irst two wineries, as well as Wine Village.

This iconic wine shop is owned by Paul and Cathy du Toit who, over the past 20 years, have built up one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of South African wines.

Southern Right produces a popular Sauvignon Blanc and a Pinotage with labels depicting the Southern Right Whale. A portion of the proceeds of the sales of these wines goes to the conservation of their namesake.

WHALE HAVEN

BOUCHARD FINLAYSON

The cellar is open Monday – Friday 09:00 – 17:00 and Saturday 10:00 – 14:00. Closed on Sunday, 25 & 26 December and 1 & 2 January. Call 028 312 1318.

BARTHO EKSTEEN WIJNSKOOL Whalehaven was named after the protective bay that shelters breeding Southern Right Whales in the cool Cape winter months. Wines here are made with grapes from the Bottega family farm, Da Capo Vineyards in Somerset West, and their vineyards in Hemel-en-Aarde. At the Wine Experience Centre in The Village interesting pairings are offered – try the artisan chocolate pairing or the jam pairing for something different. To book call 028 316 1633.

Open for tasting and sales, Monday - Saturday 10:00 – 17:00 and Sunday 10:00 – 16:00.

Closed on Christmas Day.

Bartho Eksteen Wijnskool is opposite the entrance to Southern Right. Here you’ll ind award-winning wines in a picturesque location that echoes the beauty of the offerings.

The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, home to the Bartho Eksteen farm, is where Bartho, his wife Suné and their son Pieter Willem run their business, 4 km from the Atlantic Ocean and the pretty coastal town of Hermanus, in the Walker Bay Wine Region. The area has been dubbed South Africa’s Monaco and the best land-based, whale-watching location in the world.

HERMANUSPIETERSFONTEIN Hermanuspietersfontein, also in The Village a little further down Village Lane, is known for its remarkable Sauvignon Blancs, Bordeaux, and for its iconic Afrikaans wine names. An interesting selection of wine tastings – with quirky titles that include Kaalvoet Meisie and Skoonma, to name only two - range from R10 per wine to R50 for four to ive wines.

And ask about the Macaroon Tasting.

LA VIERGE Open Monday – Saturday 10:00 – 16:00 for wine tastings, light meals and a scenic view.

Try Mana’ for farm-fresh, homemade, dishes served with old-fashioned hospitality - and Die Meester’s exceptional wines. Open Thursday - Saturday 12:00 – 15:00. To book call 076 760 1104 or 072 323 5060 or email wijnskool@hermanus.co.za HAMILTON RUSSELL VINEYARDS

Hamilton Russell Vineyards is recognised for planting the irst vines in the Hemel-enAarde Valley, in 1975. The famed estate specialises in producing two acclaimed wines – Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The elegant and highly individual wines are world-renowned and can be tasted on the stoep of the charming tasting room overlooking a dam.

SOUTHERN RIGHT

Wine Village is open every day, Monday Friday 09:00 - 18:00, Saturday 09:00 - 17:00 and Sunday 10:00 - 15:00... or until the last customer leaves! It will be closed on Christmas Day. Call 028 316 3988 or email wineofice@hermanus.co.za

Bouchard Finlayson’s lagship wine is the Galpin Peak Pinot Noir, for which celebrated winemaker Peter Finlayson has won many awards. Repeated vintages of this path-blazing wine continue to relect a true celebration of Pinot-crafting. Other varieties include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, a popular white blend and hearty reds. Charcuterie and cheese platters are available for between tastings or after a hike along the fynbos trails. There are three route options and energetic holiday hikers can choose between a guided or self-guided walk, but be sure to pre-book.

The tasting room is open Monday - Friday 09:30 – 17:00 and Saturday 10:00 – 13:00.

Closed on Sunday, and all public holidays.

Call 028 312 3515.

Open Monday – Friday 09:00 – 17:00 (last tasting starts at 16:15). Die Markie - a food and wine market that comfortably seats up to 400 guests - is open on Saturday 09:00 – 14:00. Closed on Sunday and on 24 & 25 December as well as on 31 December and 1 January. Call 028 316 1875.

Together with their friendly and knowledgeable staff, the Du Toits will help you ind the right wines, as well as brandies, gins and spirits, to suit your taste and pocket. They also offer daily tastings and can deliver to your door worldwide.

14:00. Closed on Sunday, 25 & 26 December and 1 & 2 January. Taste four wines at R50 pp. Call 028 312 1791.

La Vierge specialises in producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from their grapes, grown in Hemel-en- Aarde Ridge. The range also includes a Bordeaux blend, Sangiovese, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling.

La Vierge Restaurant and champagne Veranda offer breath-taking views – ideal for a romantic sundowner and a game of boule.

From 15 December – 15 January it is open daily for wine tasting 10:00 – 19:00 (a selection of four wines at R30 pp). The restaurant (Chef Bruce Henderson) is open for lunch every day 11:00 – 16:00, and for dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings (unless there is a private function).

It will be closed on 25 December and 1 January, and after 8 January the restaurant will be closed on Monday. To book call 028 313 2007.

Open for wine tasting and sales, Monday - Friday 09:00 – 17:00 and Saturday 10:00 –

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Seven Springs

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WINE ROUTE BOSMAN HERMANUS Bosman Hermanus ticks all the boxes…

Wide-open spaces for children, self-guided hikes for the energetic, a veranda with picturesque outlook and an impressive range of wines that can be enjoyed with a selection of latbreads and light snacks.

This versatile venue offers the perfect, quiet escape, and can be the ideal setting for a rowdy rendezvous. The eficient, well-trained team will ensure memories are made here and will advise you on the wines. Prepare to be spoilt.

Open Tuesday to Saturday 9:00 – 17:00 and Sundays 10:00 – 16:00. Closed on 25 & 26 December and New Year’s Day. Booking recommended. Call 063 083 5571 or email taste@bosmanhermanus.com

their vineyards. The tasting room above the cellar is on the mountain slope with spectacular views of the valley and ocean beyond.

Their Pinot Noir was awarded 5 Platter Stars for nine consecutive years. Be sure to try other award-winning wines crafted by husband-and-wife winemaking team, Gordon and Nadia Newton Johnson.

Open for wine tasting and sales Monday - Friday 09:00 – 16:00 and Saturday 10:00 – 15:00. Closed on Sunday. The Restaurant at Newton Johnson is open Wednesday - Sunday 12:00 – 15:30. Closed on 25 December and 1 January. Call 028 312 3862 (tasting room) or 021 200 2148 (restaurant) to book.

RESTLESS RIVER

Open for wine tasting every day 10:00 – 16:30 (closing at 16:00 on Sunday). Spookfontein Restaurant is open for lunch Tuesday - Sunday 12:00 – 16:00 (kitchen closes at 15:30). The winery will be closed on 25 December and 1 January. Call 073 067 7936 for restaurant bookings or 028 125 0128 for wine enquiries.

Further up the R320 is the inal stretch of the Hermanus Wine Route – the Hemelen-Aarde Ridge. This is home to Ataraxia, Creation and Domaine des Dieux.

SUMARIDGE ESTATE WINES Sumaridge Estate Wines, owned by the Bellingham-Turner family, offers views of the Atlantic Ocean, responsible for the cool maritime climate that helps create wonderfully balanced wines that age so well.

Production includes Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinotage, Syrah and Wayfarer Cap Classique.

by winemaker Hannes Storm and Sol Yerden Eksteen, who produce the highly acclaimed Spookfontein range that includes Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Full Moon (white blend) and the Phantom (Bordeaux red blend).

ATARAXIA

Restless River has some of the oldest Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay vineyards in Hemel-en-Aarde. Owners Craig and Anne Wessels handcraft site-expressive wines from vineyards farmed as naturally as possible to develop depth and complexity. The highly acclaimed wines have their own distinctive personality and character, shaped each year by the conditions of that particular vintage.

Ataraxia is a boutique wine estate producing a range of hand-crafted wines that include Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and a red blend named Serenity.

The Wine Lounge is in a small chapel at the foot of the majestic Babylonstoren and offers spectacular vistas. It houses a permanent art exhibition and has an old bell at the entrance that visitors ring to announce their arrival.

NEWTON JOHNSON VINEYARDS At Newton Johnson Vineyards, brothers Bevan and Gordon have taken the family cellar to new heights by exploring the nuances of Newton Johnson

SPOOKFONTEIN

Open Monday - Friday 09:00 – 16:00, and Saturday 10:00 – 16:00. Closed on Sunday, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Call 028 212 2007.

CREATION

Spookfontein enjoys a picturesque setting with some of the best views in the area. The attractive restaurant, adjacent to the winery, is under the ownership of Vaughan van Blerk and Francois Barnard. The cellar is run

DOMAINE DES DIEUX Domaine des Dieux is the last wine farm on the ridge, right next to Creation. Here you will ind a small variety of award-winning wines that are viniied with the same fundamentals as the great European wines and are cellar aged in order to reach their full potential.

The range comprises two signature Cap Classiques as well as Rose, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah Mourvèdre.

For a private tasting on the farm call 028 313 2881 or 082 650 3544.

The tasting room enjoys a picturesque setting and is open for wine tasting and sales every day 11:00 – 17:00. Delicious platters are available between 12:00 and 15:00 including a Tiny Taster’s Platter for children - and can be enjoyed with a bottle of wine under the shady trees on the sprawling lawn, with a play area for youngsters, next to the dam. Vineyard and cellar tours by prior arrangement. Closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Call the tasting room on 028 312 1097.

awards the estate was selected among the 50 top wineries. Creation is also a regular recipient of top (90+) star ratings from critics such as Tim Atkin who hailed it as ‘Best Cellar Door Experience’ in his 2019 South African Special Report. The Creation Tasting Room is open every day, and between 21 December and 4 January, the extended hours 09:30 – 19:00 will include Brunch Pairings 09:30 – 11:30 and Food & Wine Pairings 11:00 – 17:00. Be sure to book early. Closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Call 028 212 1107 or reservations@creationwines.com

Creation is on the scenic Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge and apart from the opportunity of tasting their award-winning, cool-climate wines, no less than six unique wine and food-pairing options are on offer. At the inaugural 2019 World’s Best Vineyards (WBV)

Over the holiday period, the charming little tasting room, set among the vineyards, is open Monday - Saturday 11:00 – 17:00 and Sunday 11:00 -16:00 for wine tasting and sales. Cheese boards can be ordered to enjoy with your tasting. Closed on 25 & 26 December and 1 January. Call 028 313 2126.

#ALLOVEROVERBERG

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WINE REAL

My Summer GUIDE 2019

ESTATE

EXPERIENCE BOUCHARD FINLAYSON VINEYARD T 028 312 3515 │ E info@bouchardinlayson.co.za │ W www.bouchardinlayson.co.za There are few places in the world where vineyards melt into the scenery more majestically than here. Home to the Tollman, family-owned, Bouchard Finlayson Vineyard and Winery, the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley is deined by the backdrop of magniicent mountains and the roar of the wild oceans. Here you will ind the home of Pinot Noir.

Wine tasting Taste a selection of our nine hand-crafted wines, while savouring a scrumptious Deli Platter, served on the terrace overlooking the vineyards, or in the cellar. Served on wooden boards made from old barrels, the platters are laden with salami, mild Gruberg cheese, Colby cheese, ciabatta, estate olive oil, olives, olive tapenade and mixed nuts. Renowned for Pinot Noir (and Chardonnay), vintages of this path-blazing wine continue to relect a celebration of Pinot-crafting, endorsing the Hemel-enAarde (Heaven-and-Earth) Valley as a jewel in the search for excellence with this illusive grape. Exclusive tutored tastings of older vintages are available to small groups, providing a irst-hand experience of the incredible maturation potential of the wines. The tasting includes various vintages of our award-winning Pinot Noir, served with our delicious Deli Platter.

Nature walk with Frank Woodvine Bouchard Finlayson has more than 100 hectares of protected fynbos that includes in excess of 330 plant species. Guests may book guided nature walks, ranging from 45 minutes to 2.5 hours, with our resident environmentalist, Frank Woodvine. The nature trails are also available to hikers to use, free of charge after they have collected maps and signed indemnity forms at the cellar door.

▪ WINE TASTING: Taste 3 wines R30 per person; 6 wines R60 per person ▪ DELI PLATTER: R260 serving two people ▪ TUTORED TASTINGS: R3 200 for groups of up to 20 people ▪ GUIDED NATURE WALK: R400 for up to 6 people, thereafter an additional R60 per person; pre-booking a week in advance is essential Pop-in visitors are always welcome, but larger groups should book to avoid disappointment

Bouchard Finlayson is the ultimate recipe for truly exceptional experiences and prized memories

WINE

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CREATION MENU A ‘LOVE LETTER TO SUMMER’

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PHOTOS Karen Winter & Taylum Meyer

Moving from a traditional festive-season menu for the summer season, Creation has launched a ‘Summer Love’ menu.

The inspiration is the ‘Secret Love’ project which is about unlocking the best experiences in South Africa.

In the case of Creation this means showcasing their wines, along with their local suppliers’ products, transforming them into unique wine-and-food pairing experiences.

“This positive project has an impact on our local economy and our local community - and we invite you to enjoy and sample all that is good in the Overberg and Overstrand region,” comments Creation’s Carolyn Martin.

As always, the story of Creation’s pairing menu takes you on a journey of discovery, based on local ingredients and inspiration, gained from the team’s worldwide travels. According to Carolyn the latest menu can be regarded as “a love letter to summer”. The Creation Culinary Team has developed a delectable, light menu to celebrate the season.

To titillate the taste buds there is a welcoming glass of Creation Sauvignon Blanc. This is followed by the scrumptious Old Harbour beer bread with accompaniments, paired with the Creation Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon.

Next on the menu is Langekloof Trout Nigiri, inspired by an internship of one of Creation’s chefs in Haarlem, Netherlands at a Japanese-Peruvian restaurant, Mai-

ta. Served with avocado, soy mayonnaise, coriander and lime, the inesse of the dish is matched by the inesse of the Creation Estate Chardonnay.

As a main course, the team has chosen marinated springbok loin with a tantalising mix of berries served with goat’s-milk cheese and beetroot. The enticing lavours are celebrated with the Creation Reserve Pinot Noir - the ultimate summer red.

The dessert of raspberry, sorrel, meringue, rosewater and cardamom is the epitome of summer and perfect for elevating the crispness of the cool-climate Creation Grenache Noir, Viognier Rosé.

The award-winning Creation Reserve Chardonnay, delightfully paired with local artisanal cheese, honeycomb and apricot, and coconut gel, completes the experience.

Adding to the lovingly constructed menu

is the warm welcome and scenic beauty awaiting you at Creation, making a trip to this Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge wine estate, near Hermanus, an irresistible proposition. “We look forward to sharing the love of wine-and-food pairing with you this summer and, as the festive season is almost upon us, we hope to lift your soul and create a sense of wellbeing,” concludes Carolyn.

WHAT’S ON

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Carols by Candlelight at Benguela Enjoy an unforgettable evening of Christmas carols with the talented Handevat Music Project in this stunning lagoon setting. The Handevat NPO is a group of professional musicians and educators who work in the underprivileged communities of Kleinmond. Come and support this joyful fundraiser, with all proceeds from ticket sales going to Handevat.

Tickets at R100 for adults and R50 for children U12 are available at Benguela Cove, Checkers or Shoprite.

Wine and gourmet hotdogs will be available throughout the show. For more information, contact 087 357 0637 or info@benguelacove.co.za.

Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate |19:00 – 21:00 Craig Lucas Live The super talented hitmaker, Craig Lucas from Elsies River in Cape Town is a graduate in Economics and Politics at UCT, but despite a promising career ahead of him, The Voice SA Season 2 winner has always secretly loved singing. Tickets to his show are R100 pp, available via Computicket or at the Caledon Hotel reception.

Swartberg Venue, Caledon Hotel, Spa & Casino | 20:00 (doors open at 19:30)

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Wednesday

Christmas with Richard Cock Richard Cock is back, this time with one of his protegés, tenor Siyabonga Maqungo, who sings in the Berlin Opera, and violinist Lucia di Blasio Scott.

This year the programme will be a wonderful mix of Christmas music, familiar tenor arias and music for violin by the ever-popular Fritz Kreisler, interspersed with entertaining readings

by Richard Cock. Two concerts will be performed and tickets at R230 pp (incl. wine and snacks) can be booked at the Hermanus Tourism Bureau or online at www.webtickets.co.za.

United Church Hermanus | 15:00 & 19:00 Jannie du Toit Christmas Concert Join Jannie du Toit (guitar and vocals), with Chanie Jonker (piano and accordion) and Susan Mouton (cello) for Die eggo in jou oë. This performance in aid of Huis Lettie Theron will include Christmas carols. Tickets at R100 pp are available from Huis Lettie Theron. Call 028 312 3721.

Municipal Auditorium | 19:00

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Lomond Open Water Swim (10 km, 7.5 km, 5 km, 3 km, 1 mile or 500 m) will take place the following day, on Sunday 15 December, at the same venue. For route proiles and more information, visit scuttle.co.za/scuttle-events/ Lomond Wine Estate | 08:00 – 17:00

Saturday

Wednesday

Radio Kalahari Orkes Experience Afrikaans folk rock music at its best! By die Hangklip check 'n mens in… en nie weer uit nie. RKO se musiek strek van 'n diep gewortelde plek, wat Ghoema-, Latyns- en Africana-musiek omarm, insluitend enigiets anders wat langs die grondpad te vinde is. Vir kaartjies kontak

060 692 2963 of 028 273 8310.

The Hangklip Hotel, Pringle Bay | 19:30 Bryan Adams Tribute Show All your favourite Bryan Adams songs are brought back to life by this killer band line-up of Clint Falconer from Dan Patlansky band, Jason Oosthuizen from Van Coke Kartel, Lost&Found and now OOOTH, Dave Callaghan and Henry Grundling as frontman. Young and old, new and veteran fans will enjoy the ultimate night of rock 'n roll featuring some of the greatest hits from this rock star's career over the last few decades. Tickets are R150 pp and can be booked on 028 313 2137 or info@backstagecafe.co.za Backstage Cafe & Grill, 181 Main Rd, Hermanus | 20:00

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Friday

The Gift Market A fun event for the whole family.

Beautiful gifts, décor, clothes and accessories will be for sale from over 100 exhibitors. The perfect place to do all your Christmas and holiday shopping!

Curro Hermanus, Sandbaai | 10:00 – 18:00 (daily until 23 December) Our Favourite Things Market This unique Overberg market will be packed to the rafters with all things handmade, homemade, delicious and fresh – all in one beautiful location!

You’ll ind the perfect festive season gifts and lots of delectable food options. Four-legged friends and children are welcome. Entrance on Saturday and Sunday is free, but Friday night is dedicated to reservations for tables at R100 pp. Call 028 284 9865 to book.

Gabriëlskloof Wine Estate | 17:00 – 21:00

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Saturday

Lomond Triathlon Finish your year well by taking part in this stunning of-road Triathlon, either on your own or in a team of 2 or 3 people (men’s, ladies’, mixed or family). The Full Triathlon entails a 1.2 km swim, 30 km MTB and 12 km trail run, starting at 08:00; and the Sprint Triathlon a 400 m swim, 15 km MTB and 6 km trail run at 09:00. There will be great food from local vendors, live music, children’s entertainment, Lomond wines and other refreshments available. Register online at www.entryninja.com or at the venue on 13 December from 17:00 – 19:00 or on the Saturday from 06:30. The

7 DEC 2019 – 12 JAN 2020 www.thevillagenews.co.za/whatson Charl du Plessis (with whom Nataniël has shared the stage for 20 years) on piano, Werner Spies on bass and Peter Auret on drums. A Kaalkop-Kersfeeswinkel will be available. Picnics are welcome and Paul Cluver wines and other beverages will be on sale (no BYO alcohol). Tickets at R220 pp are available at Computicket.

Paul Cluver Forest Amphitheatre | 19:00 (gates open at 17:00)

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Civvio Vine to Valley Trail Run Ignite your passion for the great outdoors and discover your inner trail runner. This month’s V2V Trail Run Series will be hosted by Benguela Cove, ofering a scenic 5 km, 10 km and 18 km route through the vineyards on the edge of the Bot River Estuary. The cost is R120 for adults, R70 for kids 10 – 18 years, and free for kids U10.

Your entry includes a medal for your madness and there are loads of prizes up for grabs. Tickets are available at www.quicket.co.za Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate | 08:30 – 12:00 Our Favourite Things Market See Friday 13 December for details.

Four-legged friends and children are welcome and entry is free.

Gabriëlskloof Wine Estate | 10:00 – 18:00 (Sat) & 10:00 – 15:00 (Sun) A Trip down Memory Lane Enjoy a fun night of music from the ‘70s and ‘80s with talented musician, Takura Terry. Sing, dance and be jolly as we celebrate the start of the holidays. Each guest will receive a welcoming drink and a meal of ish ‘n chips served eighties’ style in the classic newspaper. The cost is R200 pp and booking is essential. Contact 028 341 0651 or barn@springfontein. co.za.

Springfontein Wine Estate, Stanford | 18:00 Carols by Candlelight Everyone is welcome at the Hermanus Rotary Club’s annual Carols

by Candlelight. Entry is free but donations will be appreciated as Rotary supports a number of charities.

Bring your picnic baskets, chairs and blankets, and settle on the lawns from 17:30 to enjoy the sunset before the evening's performance starts at 19:00. Candles and song sheets will be supplied and Father Christmas will also pop in.

Hermanus Old Harbour | 19:00

Nataniël with Charl du Plessis Before leaving for Christmas in France, Nataniël again concludes his year with a twilight concert in this beautiful forest amphitheatre. He will bring music and stories, old and new, evergreen and original. With

Sunday

Arno Carstens & Zolani Mahola Sunset Concert This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these two iconic artists on stage together! Arno Carstens and Zolani Mahola will perform the greatest hits from their careers, including anthems from Zolani's solo career and as lead singer of FreshlyGround, and Arno’s award-winning English and Afrikaans solo album hits, plus his Springbok Nude Girls crowd pleasers. Bring your camping chairs and blankets, and enjoy the afternoon on the lawn at this family-friendly venue from 14:30 onwards, while the young ones are entertained in the kiddies’ area. There will be a variety of food and drinks options available. Tickets at R200 for adults and R100 for children (U5s enter free) can be booked online at www. webtickets.co.za.

Stanford Hills Wine Estate | 17:00 (gates open at 14:30)

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Tuesday

Festive Night Market The Gansbaai Farmer’s Market hosts a festive night market, specialising in organic, homemade and homegrown products and eco-friendly gifts. For enquiries, contact 028 384 1439 or doulene@gansbaaitourism.co.za Kapokblom Street, opposite Gansbaai Tourism | 17:00 – 21:00

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Sunset Session with Matthew Mole You've heard his songs on the radio, but this brilliant artist’s stage presence is what makes it really special to see him live in action. This performance is part of Matthew Mole’s nationwide tour to launch his new album, Ghost which contains his typical eclectic blend of folk, electronica undertones, and positive vibes. Bring your camping chairs and blankets, and enjoy the afternoon on the lawn at this family-friendly venue from 14:30 onwards, while the young ones are entertained in the kiddies’ area. There will be a variety of food and drinks options available. Tickets at R200 pp can be booked online at www.webtickets.co.za Stanford Hills Wine Estate | 17:00 (gates open at 14:30) Guns ‘n Roses & Friends Tribute Show All your favourite Bryan Adams songs are brought back to life by this killer band line-up of Clint Falconer from Dan Patlansky band, Jason Oosthuizen from Van Coke Kartel, Lost&Found and now OOOTH, Ryan Howell from The Monroes and Jonathan Peyper. Young and old, new and veteran fans will enjoy the ultimate night of rock 'n roll featuring some of the greatest hits from Guns ‘n Roses, Whitesnake, Deep Purple, Journey, ZZ Top, Billy Idol, Ozzy Osbourne and more. Tickets are R150 pp and can be booked on 028 313 2137 or info@ backstagecafe.co.za Backstage Café & Grill, 181 Main Rd, Hermanus | 20:00

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Christopher Duigan Piano Recital You are invited to an iconic piano recital on an exceptional Faziolo Grand Piano, by the internationally acclaimed pianist Christopher Duigan in the magical cellar of the Bouchard Finlayson boutique wine estate.

Christopher will play music from Handel, Liszt, Chopin and Rachmaninov, together with a selection of modern and contemporary music. This annual event, generously sponsored by the Lloys Ellis Family, Bouchard Finlayson and Ian Burgess of Simpson Pianos, is in aid of the Hermanus Cancer Fund.

Tickets at R250 pp are available at www.webtickets.co.za. There will be two performances – on 17 and 18 December. Pre-concert wines and canapes will be served from 17:45 and the concert starts at 18:30.

Bouchard Finlayson Wine Estate, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley | 18:30 (Tues & Wed)

Thursday

Friday

Hermanus German Fest The Oktober Fest comes to Hermanus! Come and enjoy an authentic German Oompa Band, a large variety of craft beers, schnapps, liqueurs, craft gins, Benguela Cove wines, coffee, and traditional German fare such as sausages, sauerkraut, pretzels, lammkuchen and lebkuchen. There will be a secure kiddies’ entertainment area and a market ofering arts & crafts and Christmas gifts. A shuttle service will be available, so there is no need to drink and drive. Tickets at R100 pp (children U12 enter free) can be booked online at www.quicket. co.za. Contact René Hartslief on 083 648 8700 or rene@thebestofsa.co.za.

Sandbaai Hall | 08:00 – 23:30 Friday Sunset Market Enjoy life in the slow lane with great local food, fresh produce, wines from the Stanford Wine Route, craft beer, gifts, books, chocolates and deli produce, while live music by local musicians keep your toes tapping. Entry is free and all are welcome. Plenty of parking and seating, and space for the kids to run around and play.

Stanford Market Square | 18:00 – 20:00

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Saturday

FinGlobal Onrus Fun Run This popular annual event hosted by the Whalers Athletics Club is fun for the whole family. Choose between a 6 km (R40 pp) or 10 km (R70 pp) scenic route around Onrus and Vermont.

Entries between 05:30 and 06:45.

Milkwood Restaurant, Onrus Beach | 07:00 March for the Penguins The African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary (APSS) in Kleinbaai hosts its annual fundraiser – a 5 km march that is more ‘fun’ than ‘run’. Register at APSS from Monday 16 December or call 072 598 7117.

African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary, Kleinbaai | 08:00 – 11:00 Takura Terry at Springfontein Celebrate the Mbira, an ancient African musical instrument consisting of a wooden board with attached metal tines, which will be brought to life by the talented Takura Terry.

After a welcoming drink, an authentic Zimbabwean meal will be served, followed by an evening of music. The cost is R250 pp and booking is essential. Contact 028 341 0651 or barn@ springfontein.co.za.

Springfontein Wine Estate, Stanford | 18:00

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Sunday

for ive days of sizzling summer fun close to Africa’s southernmost tip.

From 26 – 30 December, The Black Oystercatcher Wine Farm presents a festival of live music, paired with cool-climate wine, tasty craft beer, festival style-food and a lively country vibe. Enjoy a day out at this Overberg destination at R150 pp, which includes a branded glass. The cost for children 7 – 17 years is R100 and children U7 enter free. Booking is essential and tickets are available from www.webtickets.co.za. The music line-up will feature the Bottomless Cofee Band on 26 & 27 December, DJ Paul Fletcher on 28 December, and Matt Carstens on 29 & 30 December.

Black Oystercatcher Wine Farm near Elim | 10:00 – 17:00 (daily from 26 – 30 Dec) Sterreligkonsert Join Cofee Snobs for a concert under the stars and celebrate the festive season by listening to their soul music, which combines a touch of nostalgia with love, humour and inspiration. There will be an assortment of great wine and food on ofer from Hermanuspietersfontein. Cofee Snobs are undoubtedly one of the most exciting South African bands and their music is fresh, original and poetic. Tickets at R150 for adults (R80 for children U12 and pensioners of 65+) are available at www.quicket. co.za.

Hermanuspietersfontein Wines, Hemel-en-Aarde Village | 18:00 – 20:00

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Jeremy Loops Live Catch South African breakout singer-songwriter Jeremy Loops live at Stanford Hills, following the successful release of his new single What Would I Know and a European Tour.

Tickets are R250 for adults and R200 for children U16. This performance is presented in partnership with Distell and a percentage of the proceeds will go to Greenpop and The Butterly Centre.

Stanford Hills | 17:30 (gates open at 14:30)

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Monday

Kleinmond Carols Hosted by the Handevat Music Project in Kleinmond, this promises to be an enjoyable evening for the whole family with beautiful music and lots of fun. Bring your own picnic, drinks, blankets and chairs.

Kleinmond Main Beach lawn | from 18:00 (concert starts at 19:00) Jingle & Mingle High Street Soirée Join Walker Bay Modern Art Gallery and its neighbours for an evening of late-hour shopping, wine and bubbly, music and delicious food.

High Street, Hermanus | 17:00 – 20:00

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Thursday

Black Oystercatcher Summer Festival Head to Black Oystercatcher Wines

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Sunday

Emo Adams Live Emo Adams’ creative expression through song, theatre and production has made him a household name in South Africa. Don’t miss his live performance in the beautiful setting of the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens. Tickets are R100 for adults and R50 for youths 6 – 18 years (children U6 enter free). No booking is required and tickets can be purchased at the venue entrance. Call 028 272 9311.

Harold Porter Botanical Gardens, Betty’s Bay | 19:00 (gates open at 18:00)

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Tuesday

Blues, Rock & Roots Festival Come and enjoy the lovely outdoors of Stanford Hills Estate at their second Blues, Rock & Roots Festival, which caters for the whole family.

The exciting line-up includes MC and guest artist, Albert Frost, Matt Carstens, Black Cat Bones and Gerald Clarke. The Bedouin tents will be up and food and drinks stalls will be open. Shuttle service between Stanford and Hermanus available. Tickets at R200 per adult and R150 per student (children U16 enter free) are available at www.webtickets.co.za.

Stanford Hills Estate | from 13:00

Saturday

Get Lucky Summer Hermanus Get Lucky Summer is proud to announce the very irst Hermanus edition of their popular Concert Series. Join them for a family sunset picnic concert featuring South Africa’s

EVERY SATURDAY Saturday is market day in the Overstrand! Most of the villages on the Cape Whale Coast have their own markets, including the Saturday Morning Market in Stanford and the Farmer’s Market in Gansbaai.

Here are two of the most popular markets in Hermanus – and a unique way to experience both. from one of our local wineries and enjoy the impressive range of art, ine craft, photography and jewellery on display. An HFF map can be picked up at any of the galleries.

Hermanus CBD | 17:00 – 20:00

Hermanus Country Market A favourite among the locals.

Young, old, two-legged and four-legged family members are all welcome. You’ll ind wholesome goodies, home-made crafts, local produce, beers and wine, speciality foods, cofee and live music. (During the festive season, additional markets are hosted on Wednesday evenings from 17:00 – 21:00. Visit the Summer Night Markets on 11 & 18 December; and 1 & 8 January.)

Next to Hermanus Cricket Field | 09:00 – 13:00

Watershed at The Brewery Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Watershed perform all their wellloved hits live in Hermanus. Tickets at R180 pp (kids U12 enter free) are available at www.quicket.co.za. Come early to choose your spots and enjoy dinner and drinks before the show (strictly no BYO drinks).

The Brewery, Hemel-en-Aarde Village | 20:30 (doors open at 18:30)

Die Markie Looking for koek? Vetkoek, pannekoek, soet koekies, sout koekies, lewer koekies? A peaceful place to while away Saturday mornings, glass of wine in hand, with Woeie lying at your feet? Olives, freshly shucked oysters and other nibbles made by real people? Served on real porcelain, using real cutlery, sipping wine from a real wine glass? Then you’ll want to hotfoot it across to Die Markie at Hermanuspietersfontein. Here safe parking is a doddle and life is easy.

Hermanuspietersfontein Wine Cellar | 09:00 – 13:00

12 Jan

Friday

Bottomless Cofee Band Live As part of their December 2019 tour, Bottomless Cofee Band will also stop in Hermanus! Food and drinks stalls will be open from 19:00 (no BYO food or drinks allowed). Tickets at R150 pp can be booked at www.quicket.co.za.

Hermanuspietersfontein, Hemelen-Aarde Village | 20:15 (gates open at 19:00)

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iconic electronic trio GoodLuck, the super talented newcomers The World of Birds, and support DJs. It promises to be a magical afternoon, with fully stocked bars and facilities, an exclusive VIP viewing deck, delicious treats from a variety of food trucks, and the best line-up to kickstart summer! No BYO food or alcohol allowed. Tickets at R180 pp (R100 for kids U12) can be booked at www.howler.co.za or at the gate (IDs on request).

Hermanus High School Sportsgrounds | 15:00 – 21:00

Danger Point Half Marathon The race is run through a fynbos coastal reserve and the ishing village of Gansbaai. Run on a mixture of tarred and gravel roads, which are mostly lat and close to the coast, and enjoy the spectacular scenery around Danger Point Lighthouse and over Walker Bay. Choose between three distances: 21.1 km, 10 km and 5 km. Enter at Gansbaai Primary on 30 December between 16:00 – 19:00 or on race morning from 05:30 – 06:45.

Walkers are welcome. For more Info contact Boats van Staden on 072 789 3627.

Gansbaai Primary School sports ield | from 07:00

3 Jan

Friday

Louise Carver Sunset Concert Join two of SA’s best singer/songwriters, Louise Carver and Ross Learmonth (frontman of Prime Circle) whose voices were meant to be heard together. With dozens of Top10 hits between them, this magical concert will showcase their mastery of their instruments as they perform the songs that South Africans know and love. Tickets at R195 pp (R95 for children) can be booked at www. quicket.co.za.

Stanford Hills Estate | 17:00 (gates open from 14:30) Hermanus First Fridays Every irst Friday of the month, the 21 art galleries in the Old Town of Hermanus stay open late for the monthly HFF Artwalk as part of a global initiative to make art more accessible to the public. Stroll through the village, savour a glass of wine

Sunday

Big Bay Adventure Day Join Benguela Cove for their annual Adventure Day swim or swim-run in collaboration with Big Bay Events.

Select between the 500 m, 1 km, 3 km or 5 km courses. This is a protected swim in the Bot River Lagoon which a closed lagoon and ofers the ideal environment for swim events.

For the swim-run participants are required to run among the vineyards and swim short distances in the Bot River Lagoon to complete the course.

For all the details and to register, go to www.bigbayevents.co.za. For enquiries contact 082 770 5798.

Benguela Cove Lagoon, Wine Estate | 07:00 – 15:00

Market to Market Experience Hermanus and see how the locals live by joining the ChillGuru bus and cruising from market to market. Your ticket (R150 for adults and R80 for children U18) includes a round trip to the Hermanus Country Market and Die Markie at Hermanuspietersfontein, with a free cofee or drink and a tasty homemade something to nibble on, followed by a free lifestyle wine tasting at The Wine Glass in Harbour Road. To make a booking, call 082 700 4163.

Departing from Lemm’s Corner | 09:30

CHECK US OUT ON... www.thevillagenews.co.za www.issuu.com/dwaal www.pressreader.com www.facebook.com

24

WINE REAL

My Summer GUIDE 2019

ESTATE

TAKE A WALK ON THE COOL SIDE G

rabouw and the Elgin Valley are well known for their scenic beauty, juicy apples and beautiful lowers, but visitors can expect much more – there are meandering routes to wine estates, farm experiences and various accommodation options, restaurants that offer hearty fare as well as ine dining, and myriad outdoor activities for the whole family.

ROJAAL

PAUL WALLACE

PAUL CLUVER

This charming, retro-chic-style restaurant overlooking the Elgin Valley was established in 2016 by Arno Reuvers, an apple farmer in the area. Arno used his magic to transform a lower-packing shed into the perfect setting for creative dining, with generous portions and attractively styled plates of food.

Paul and Nicky Wallace bought their farm in September 2003 and immediately set out to create their own little piece of heaven. Paul is a viticultural consultant and here, at last, he could practise what he has advised and encouraged other farmers to do in their vineyards.

Take all your senses on an adventure at Paul Cluver Wines. Discover our four single varietal wines, pioneered by our family in the Elgin Valley and paired with canapés from our estate restaurant.

Bring your mountain bike and enjoy the new playpark, or tour the farm on our renowned MTB trails.

Never known to be a traditionalist, and sometimes described as something of a maverick, Paul has been making his own Malbec since 2004.

Those willing to get off the beaten track will be rewarded with an unforgettable experience that is well worth the detour.

Our valley’s cool climate and high altitude offer vineyards the perfect growing conditions. Cold, rainy winters are followed by summers that bring cool sea breezes.

In the vineyards, the grapes’ ripening time is long and slow – yielding crops that have a low pH, a natural acidity and a wide range of lavours that are perfectly balanced.

There are a variety of activities for adventure and outdoor enthusiasts in Grabouw and the Elgin Valley. They include several day and overnight hiking and slackpacking trails, as well as 4x4 adventure trails, river cruises, ziplining and Segway tours.

The area offers several mountain-bike trails ranging from easy to challenging, to suit all levels of itness and experience, from beginners to seasoned riders.

Visitors can bass and trout ish at a number of farms, wine estates and accommodation establishments in Grabouw and the Elgin Valley.

What started as a 'fun project' to keep his friends in wine, has developed into something of a reputation and following.

Alternatively, book a guided MTB tour.

Freshen up at our complimentary hot showers before enjoying a relaxed wine tasting or a scrumptious meal. Adventure awaits and we look forward to welcoming you.

The name ‘Rojaal’ is an Afrikaans word meaning ‘lavish/abundance’, which epitomises South African hospitality. It describes the food, atmosphere and service at this restaurant.

Trading hours: Wednesday & Thursday 10:30 – 17:00, Friday & Saturday 10:30 – 23:00, Sunday 10:30 – 16:30.

Closed Monday & Tuesday, as well as 25 December and 1 January.

Viljoenshoop Road, Elgin www.facebook.com/RojaalEst2016 021 204 1085

Trading hours: Saturday 10:30 – 17:00.

Sunday to Friday and public holidays by appointment only.

Farm 63, Highlands Road, Elgin www.paulwallacewines.co.za 082 572 1406 / 083 255 1884

Trading hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 – 16:00.

Behind Kromco just off the N2, Grabouw www.cluver.com 021 844 0605

ALMENKERK WINE ESTATE

OAK VALLEY

HIGHLANDS ROAD ESTATE & CAFÉ

SALT at PAUL CLUVER

Almenkerk Wine Estate is a true family estate. Owned by the Belgian/Dutch van Almenkerk family, it is run by Natalie and Joris van Almenkerk.

Oak Valley Estate was founded in 1898 by Sir Antonie Viljoen, a medical doctor from Scotland who became a senator in the Cape Parliament and was knighted by King George in 1916. Antonie was a farmer extraordinaire who established the irst commercial apple orchards in the Elgin Valley.

On Highlands Road Estate you will encounter a picturesque setting that delivers organoleptic delights – with panache. Wine production is the primary business, producing a range of award-winning wines that are sure to impress any wine enthusiast.

SALT at Paul Cluver is a restaurant for the senses where every dish has a touch of salt ingrained in it. There may well be other restaurants that obsess about salt as we do, but our aim is to not only keep this to ourselves, but to inspire everyone who dines with us. We want others to become salt aicionados and start a movement to pay homage to one of earth’s oldest and most vital minerals.

Natalie and Joris are bon vivants and part of their mission statement is to have loads of fun while making wine. Refusing to compromise where the quality of the wine is concerned, they are strongly committed to making simply delicious wines.

Today Oak Valley is renowned for its apples and pears, its greenhouse cut-lowers and the production of outstanding cool climate wines. It is important to Oak Valley that their wines relect a strong sense of place, from their fruit-driven Elgin Range to the Groenlandberg and Tabula Rasa Ranges, focused on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that are the ultimate expression of this unique terroir.

Almenkerk's award-winning wines relect the passion and the fun that went into the making. Enjoy wine tasting on the terrace with views of the Kogelberg mountains, or take your own picnic and relax on the lawns.

Trading hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 – 16:00. Closed on 17 December, 24 – 26 December and 1 January.

50 Viljoenshoop Road, Grabouw www.almenkerk.co.za 021 848 9844

Tasting room hours: Open Monday to Friday 09:00 –17:00 and Saturday to Sunday 10:00 –16:00.

R321, Oak Avenue, Grabouw www.oakvalley.co.za 021 859 4110

These wines relect the unique terroir of the Elgin Valley and are distributed to some of the country’s best restaurants. To encourage the wine tasters to linger longer, the café produces delicious cheese and charcuterie platters to pair perfectly with the wines. Visitors are hosted under willow trees alongside the scenic dam or inside the cosy café with a crackling ire. A true taste of country living.

The lunch menu takes you through a journey of Salt, from dry-curing to fermenting, brining, pickling, preservation – and the list goes on. An all new á la carte style menu gives you freedom of choice, with prices ranging from R90 to R200 a dish.

Trading hours: Monday to Sunday 10:00 – 16:00 for tastings and platters on weekends.

Trading hours: Tuesday to Sunday 08:30 – 16:00. Closed on Monday.

75 Highlands Road, Elgin www.highlandsroadestate.co.za 071 271 0161

De Rust Estate, N2 Grabouw www.cluver.com/salt-at-paul-cluver 021 844 0012

For more information on what to do and where to go, and contact details for the various activities, accommodation establishments, venues and restaurants, visit www.elgingrabouwtourism.co.za and our social media pages (@ExperienceElgin).

#ALLOVEROVERBERG

WINE

25

THE

Where Friendships Taste Great TAPROOM

WOOD FIRE GRILL

BEER GARDEN

OYSTER BAR

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SATURDAY, 25 JAN 2020 FRIDAY, 28 FEB 2020 TIME: 20:30 to 23:30

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28

HIKING REAL

My Summer GUIDE 2019

ESTATE

FERNKLOOF: PUT ON YOUR HIKING BOOTS Location: At the top of Fir Avenue off Main Road, Hermanus For more information: www.fernkloof.org.za

The Fernkloof Nature Reserve (FNR) forms part of the Cape Floristic Region. Although it’s the smallest of the six, recognised loral kingdoms of the world, it boasts the highest concentration of indigenous plants per square metre and extraordinarily high fynbos diversity.

The reserve is 1 800 hectares in area, ranging from sea level to 842 m and harbours more than 1 250 indigenous, fynbos species.

An A5, soft-cover book in glossy colour includes 400 photographs of the local fauna and lora and is a handy, hiking-trail guide. It costs about R200 from the Fernkloof Indigenous Nursery in the reserve, at the Whale Coast tourism ofices and bookshops in Hermanus.

FNR sees visitors all-year-round. Families take leisurely walks, picnic in the charming, landscaped gardens and learn about the reserve’s treasure trove of fynbos at the Visitors’ Centre and the arboretum, in the lower

end of the garden. For magniicent views across Walker Bay, choose one of the many hiking trails through the reserve. Maps and brochures are in the Visitors’ Centre or Fernkloof Nursery.

Youngsters enjoy the 800 m path from the Visitors’ Centre to a little waterfall and a forest pool. This follows a stream through a narrow stretch of forest. Dogs must be kept on leads at all times - and are only permitted on the lower paths, the blue and yellow routes. Guided walks can be booked at the reserve - a small charge is levied. Contact Vic Hamilton-Attwell: 082 785 5145 or vicattwell@telkomsa.net Colour-coded trails form part of a 60 km network of well-graded, signposted paths. Occasional benches allow for rest and an opportunity to soak up the views and take photographs. Pack water, refreshments and snacks - and, on a hot day, a swimsuit for cooling off in one of the dams along your trail.

GREEN ROUTE – 3,5 km │ Duration: 1,5 hrs (leisurely) Numbered posts illustrate features of interest. A moderately-steep, gentle incline, with steps on sections, reaching the summit called Lemoenkop.

Spectacular views of Walker Bay, Hermanus and surrounding hills.

RED ROUTE – 3,6 km │ Duration: 1,5 hrs (leisurely) A circular walk on a generally gentle incline with short, moderately steep sections leads to a forest patch called Assegaaibos, with a small waterfall.

The trail doubles back to below Kanonkop, where another fynbos path leads to Jeep Track. The route drops southwards to intersect with Blue Route, then to the Visitors’ Centre.

BLUE ROUTE – 2,2 km │ Duration: 1 hr (easy) An easy hike with options for extending it to the contour path, Red Route or the loop within Red Route. It drops towards the gardens, crosses the tar road between the Visitors’ Centre and the ofices, and climbs to Klipspringer, a rocky bluff where these small antelope are seen, returning to the Visitors’ Centre and joining Red Route for the last 600 m.

ORANGE ROUTE – length varies │ Duration: 2 hrs – 1 Day (moderate / dificult) Orange Route’s circuits offer overnighting in Galpin Hut. A moderately arduous walk with steep sections. Inner circuit climbs to 700 m, provides access to Aasvoëlkop and joins Jeep Track. It loops around Galpin Hut and Galpin Kop. Both circuits have views of Walker Bay, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, interesting perspectives of the Table Mountain group geology and the mountain fynbos. A middle path runs from Galpin Hut to Jeep Track. The trail is marked in orange from the saddle of Lemoenkop (on Green Route). Distances are from the Visitors’ Centre. For overnight stays in Galpin Mountain Hut call Peter Coxall: 082 570 3403 or email: pcoxall@ mweb.co.za

GLAMTRAILS: TAKE A WALK THROUGH THE WINE FARMS For details: Tim Lundy on 083 444 5267 │For more information: www.glamtrails.co.za Prices range from R1 200 to R1 800 per person, with discounts for groups.

Take a meander through valleys and vineyards, up hills and mountain tracks, along farm roads and through incredible fauna and lora unique to the Western Cape.

Picnic in vineyards, have a post-hike meal at a worldclass restaurant, or just sit back and relax with a glass of award-winning wine - Glamtrails.co.za A new, exciting, sophisticated venture will have visitors, as well as locals, ‘taking a hike’ along the Hemel-enAarde Valley food-and-wine route. Glamtrails recently unveiled a new tourism initiative of guided routes through fynbos, vineyards and farmlands - that can be completed in a few hours. Some of the courses are a short stroll, others are uphill hikes, rewarding guests with ine-wine tastings, as well as delectable food-and-wine pairings at some of the premier wine farms in valley.

Each trail is interwoven with historical narratives, exceptional food-and-wine tastings, and incredible vistas.

The unique aspect of these walk is that, generally, they are not open to the public, since they are all on private properties, owned by wine estates or farmers. According to Tim Lundy - who with his wife, Gillian - spearheads the project, the community has been very supportive of this enterprising, innovative, tourism offering.

As an accredited mountain guide, Lundy has many years of walking experience and regularly leads hikes in the Western Cape mountains. Each Glamtrail has been researched and walked by the husband-andwife team and they enjoy encouraging feedback from guests, as well as from the wine farms and restaurants on the routes.

Four Glamtrails are through, primarily, Chardonnayand Pinot Noir-producing wine farms, such as Bouchard Finlayson, Hamilton Russell Vineyards, Newton Johnson Family Vineyards, Creation Wines and Ataraxia, in this renowned valley.

CHOOSE FROM:

•

a 7 km walk from Fernkloof Nature Reserve to Bouchard Finlayson Winery for a wine pairing, followed by a stop at Hamilton Russell Vineyards for a wine tasting.

•

a circular 6.1 km walk from Creation Wines to Ataraxia Wines for a wine tasting followed by a food-and-wine pairing back at Creation.

•

starting at Bouchard Finlayson with a wine tasting, a 3.5 km walk that ends with lunch at Newton Johnson Vineyards.

•

a 7 km walking trail designed by legendary local botanist, Frank Woodvine, on the De Bos Farm of Bosman Hermanus, followed by a picnic lunch at the wine-tasting venue, Frame House.

HOUSE & HOME

#ALLOVEROVERBERG

29

OUR VALUE-ADDED SERVICES Address: 17 Swartdam Rd, Hermanus, 7200 Business Hours: Monday to Friday 07:00-17:00 │ Saturday 08:00-14:00 │ Sunday 09:00-13:00

BUILD IT OFFERS A WIDE RANGE OF IN-STORE SERVICES TO IT'S CUSTOMERS TO ASSIST THEM IN THEIR HOME BUILDING AND DECORATING PROJECTS. Services offered may vary per Store

Hermanus Build It was designed in such a way so as to serve you best! All of our departments are ideally laid out and our ofices are in the middle of our store, allowing you personalised access to top management if you need it.

Our focus is customer service and all our staff are there to make your shopping experience the best possible! We also have a strong focus on community support, and have fallen absolutely in love with the people, places and community spirit in Hermanus.

We look forward to welcoming you so please do pop in for a visit!

Your owner-managers The Burger Family

DELIVERIES Ease the burden of transport with our delivery service to your site.

KEY CUTTING Replace or duplicate your household keys while you shop with our convenient key cutting service

GAS Whatever your gas requirements, our offering will meet your needs

BRAND NEW PAINT BAR No matter what your colour requirements, we can mix the paint of your choice to match the exact colour you need

GLASS CUTTING

Glass cut to it the size of any window frame

BUILDING PLAN READING Our trained staff will help you work out the materials you require as speciied on your plans

THE KITCHEN SHOP Get the kitchen of your dreams with our Ready to Assemble (RTA) lat packed kitchen cabinets.

BOARD CUTTING We will cut and edge a variety of boards to your required sizes, making your projects simpler

36

My Summer GUIDE 2019

HOUSE HOME REAL &ESTATE

A NEW WORLD OF POSSIBILITIES WITH FIBRE Fibre optic internet is a remarkable advancement in communication technology. It is here to change the way we do business, the way we go about our daily lives, and even the way in which we educate the youth. As ibre providers, Lightstruck aims to develop and install this next-generation digital utility in communities across southern Africa and take ibre to homes and businesses through our Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

“What distinguishes ibre from traditional internet connections is its reliability and speed. Unlike copper internet connections, ibre internet does not lose signal or weaken over a long distance. It can transfer considerable amounts of data over long distances, thereby providing home and business owners with a secure internet connection that works at the speed of light,” says Hannes Pieterse, managing director of Lightstruck.

According to him, Lightstruck is backed by Eaglestone, a leading international infrastructure player, speciically focussed on developments in southern Africa. They have more than 100 years of infrastructure experience and have been involved in excess of USD 15 billion of infrastructure transactions in the last 15 years.

HERE ARE THE ANSWERS TO SOME OF THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: What is ibre?

Optical ibre is a hair-thin strand of glass, speciically designed to trap and transmit light pulses. The ibre uses light instead of electricity to carry a signal. It can carry an enormous amount of data over very long distances without buffering or a loss of signal, and it can provide those signals simultaneously for the upload and download of data, without losing speed.

Copper networks can carry a fair amount of data, but only for a few hundred metres before the signal begins to fade and buffer.

decades to come. Fibre is called end-game technology. 5G and similar connections are still some distance from your property and from thereon everyone competes for the same internet access. Fibre is the only real digital utility that will enhance digital services at home and at work, including video, the Internet of Things, gaming, and smart homes.

What is the difference between copper and ibre?

Copper internet normally delivers a Digital Subscriber Line or ADSL service over a standard telephone line that also provides internet access. Copper is former-generation technology and is not nearly as reliable as ibre. Fibre internet consists of very thin glass strands, as opposed to copper wires, for faster data transfer.

There is no comparison between copper and ibre as ibre is superior on all levels.

Can ibre break?

Fibre that is properly installed will seldom break and can last for 25 – 30 years. Fibre most often breaks due to human interferences such as theft, accidents, or negligence by other utility maintenance teams. If damaged, your ibre can, in most cases, be repaired on the same day.

What is the difference between an ISP and a network owner such as Lightstruck?

A network owner plans, installs, owns, as well as operates the physical ibre network in your area - and is solely responsible for the infrastructure. The ISP is in charge of selling the ibre to the public. Your ISP rents your ibre circuit as a utility from companies such as Lightstruck and pays a portion of your package price over to the network owner.

How does connecting ibre to homes and businesses improve the user experience?

Connecting homes directly to ibre optic networks enables enormous improvements in the bandwidth that can be provided to communities, now and for many

What does Mbps mean?

A ‘bit’ is a common description of a unit of digital data or information. Mbps stands for 'megabits per second' and this normally refers to the physical allocation of your data or “pipe” size.

Imagine ibre being a 1 m thick water pipe with ininite capacity. Mbps is like putting a tap on that enormous water pipe that will give you a steady low of, for example, 20 litres per second.

How do I get my home connected?

Connecting your home to the ibre network is called a Home Drop. There are two simple steps you need to follow after you have ordered your service from your ISP:

(1) the scheduling and (2) the Home Drop itself.

You will need to be home for the Home Drop so that the technicians can discuss the process with you and agree on the best location to it the ibre equipment.

The time required will differ for each property, but the installation usually takes approximately two hours. One of the technicians will need to be inside your property to it the device. Remember, all Lightstruck’s contractors are certiied.

Also, please note, pre-manufactured cables are used and can only be installed where the cable allows, normally to one side of the property, and not necessarily to your perfect location.

Do I need to sign any forms to be connected?

In addition to the contract you sign with your ISP, you will need to sign our documentation to approve the work to be done on your property. A contract between you and a Lightstruck Home Drop contractor, known as the End User Terms, will need to be signed. It contains the obligations we have to each other in relation to your Lightstruck ibre service and the equipment located on your property.

The terms need to be read carefully to ensure that they are understood. The End User Terms are the same for everyone who connects to Lightstruck ibre. If you refuse to sign the End User Terms, installation cannot be completed.

Who do I contact when I want ibre?

It is best to contact the ISP of your choice directly. You can also visit www.lightstruck.co.za to browse through the virtual ibre shop to look for ibre products delivered to and available at your address.

38

ART REAL

My Summer GUIDE 2019

ESTATE

HERMANUS: ART MECCA OF THE WESTERN CAPE Hermanus has a lively art scene and an abundance of art galleries, all located within a one kilometre radius in the Old Town, earning it the much-deserved reputation as the ‘Art Mecca’ of the Western Cape. The galleries regularly host professionally-curated exhibitions and several galleries double as the resident artists’ studios, where visitors are welcome to engage directly with the artists about their work.

Each gallery has its own character and unique offering, ranging from paintings and sculpture to glass art, ceramics, ine craft, jewellery and photography. If you are looking for gifts for your nearest and dearest this holiday season, or for a memento to take home after your holiday, you will have no trouble inding unique items in these galleries. And if shipping is required, the gallery owner will assist you in ensuring that your artwork reaches its destination safely.

And if you happen to be in Hermanus on the irst Friday of the month, you are in luck as you’ll get to experience the town’s monthly Artwalk (the next one is on 3 January). This is when the art galleries stay open later, until 8pm, and the streets are illed with art lovers who stroll from gallery to gallery. You’ll be offered a complimentary glass of wine from one of the local wineries and perhaps a snack, and get to mingle with the locals, the artists and gallery owners.

Hermanus First Fridays is part of a global initiative to make art more accessible to the public, and it has certainly encouraged feet over the threshold and changed people’s perception of art galleries as serious places that are only for serious art fundis. Here in Hermanus, the galleries are welcoming places with staff who love to share their enthusiasm for art and for their town with visitors.

You can pick up a Hermanus First Fridays lealet with a map of the Artwalk at any of the participating galleries to guide you along the way, or simply follow the orange

bunting and balloons that have become the Artwalk’s trademark. Having started out ive years ago with 11 galleries, this initiative has steadily grown to include 21 galleries and has become an important part of our tourist offering.

And remember, you don’t have to wait for the next Artwalk to enjoy the riches of our art galleries – with map in hand, you can do your own Artwalk any day of the week.

Take your time, enjoy, and if you should hesitate before making a purchase, remember: Life is short, Art is eternal.

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My Summer GUIDE 2019

GASTRONOMY REAL ESTATE

OVERSTRAND HERMANUS: UNESCO CREATIVE CITY OF GASTRONOMY

PHOTOS Karen Winter

The Overstrand has a new, unique accolade to add to its already impressive list of reasons for the Whale Coast being a top tourist destination in the world.

The United Nations Educational, Scientiic and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) announced in October that the Overstrand had been designated as Africa’s irst Gastronomy Creative City, joining Cape Town and Durban as the only other two cities in South Africa to be included, respectively, as Creative Cities in Design and Literature in 2017.

“This is a win for the whole area from Rooi-Els to Buffeljagsbaai. It is a win for the ishermen, pancake makers, bakers, winemakers, beer brewers, distillers, foodies, farmers, coffee roasters, farm stalls, those who pick the fruit, stir the pots and serve the clients,” says Cape Whale Coast Tourism Manager, Frieda Lloyd, who points out that the gastronomy designation covers the whole range of “farm-to-fork” activities that happen every day across the Overstrand and is not speciic to Hermanus or to restaurants.

The candidate cities must present a medium-term, fouryear action plan describing the main initiatives that the city commits to, in achieving the network’s objectives. Already a full programme of activities has been planned for 2020, kicking off in December 2019.

“Cape Whale Coast Tourism wants to celebrate the Overstrand’s UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy award by adding extra creative lair to our outdoor markets – the hubs of local fare. We plan to focus on the personalities, who work so hard at pleasing the palates of locals and visitors. On Saturday 14 December, we would appreciate market organisers asking traders to add something more gastronomic, something in UNESCO blue, to their presentations,” said Frieda. “Maybe

cupcakes with blue icing or cappuccinos with a ‘U’ on the froth. Traders can go wild.”

the Overberg’s farm stalls that make a road trip through this agricultural heartland the more memorable.

In February, once the new school year is underway, there will be a competition with cash prizes. Entrants will have to design a logo for Overstrand’s use to highlight its UNESCO designation.

In partnership with The Village NEWS and Overstrand’s restaurants, a ‘Dinner With…’ series will begin in mid-January, with 24 restaurants, including those in the suburbs of Zwelihle and Hawston, hosting a guest and a journalist from The Village NEWS for dinner every two weeks throughout 2020. Guests will include young people, chefs, those involved in sustainability or creativity, and locals who are well-known for their home-cooking skills. Along with an article in the newspaper, on the website and social media, a ive-minute podcast will also be produced.

From 28 – 31 May 2020, Stanford Tourism will host its inaugural Stanford Culinary Festival, an event designed to showcase the best from the Stanford area’s culinary arena, including restaurants, wine estates, food producers and all those involved with food.

Some of the events include a fresh-produce market, a progressive dinner, and ‘Dine with a Local’, for those home chefs, who wish to open their homes and host a group.

Hangklip-Kleinmond will host a Ceramics and Porcelain Festival from 24 – 28 June 2020. “Our aim is to showcase the relationship between food and ceramics, while highlighting the artists of the area,” says festival organiser, Deon Brits, also the vice-chair of the Hangklip-Kleinmond Business Forum. “Our relationship to eating and drinking - from our irst cup of coffee in the morning, through nuances of simple meals, to elaborate family celebrations - is richly enhanced by ceramics.”

The festival will include a series of 15 interactive workshops - exposing children and adults to working with clay, master classes, exhibitions, talks, a market, and community tables.

The Overberg Hermanus Padkos Festival will also take place next year. This aims to highlight two of three features, for which the Overberg is famous – ine food and scenic drives. The aim of the festival is to reach out to

“Our role is to promote the region and not speciic businesses or restaurants,” says Darryl Earl David, Director of the Overstrand UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, whose vision sparked the idea to apply for the recognition. “The Dinner With… series will help to proile the range and quality of restaurants, and to build the reputation of the Overstrand as a gastronomic hub.”

A stand-alone website, speciically highlighting all the UNESCO initiatives launched in the Overstrand, will be developed. These activities will be added to events, such as the FynArts Festival and Pinot Noir Celebration that already form part of the Overstrand calendar and were included in the UNESCO application bid.

In 2023, the Overstrand Municipality will need to submit a Membership Monitoring Report to UNESCO, detailing the progress and results of these projects and festivals.

Creative Cities must also commit to send at least one representative, ideally with the mayor, to the annual conference of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

Next year’s conference will be in Santos, Brazil with the 2021 conference being held in Istanbul, Turkey.

Excerpt from Overstrand Hermanus’ 2019 Application to UNESCO: Sustainable development lies at the heart of Hermanus. Starting out as an inhumane whaling station, it has been rebuilt to being renowned as the whale capital of South Africa and to being voted the top land-based, whale-watching destination in the world. Moreover, the city is home to SA’s irst UNESCO biosphere, the UNESCO Kogelberg Biosphere. It is said to have the most diverse species of lora in the world, and is considered a leading food destination, not because it has top restaurants but because of the authenticity of its ingredients, largely sourced from within an 80 km radius throughout the Overberg. Foraging is what differentiates Hermanus from the big cities. The entire food culture is based on sustainability and protecting the environment - from banning straws and bottled water, to restaurants stopping wrapped sweets and wet wipes.

#ALLOVEROVERBERG

SHOPPING

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My Summer GUIDE 2019

HEALTH & WELLNESS REAL ESTATE

BE SKIN SENSIBLE THIS SUMMER • •

apply sunscreen and lip balm 30 minutes before going out (remember areas such as your head, neck, ears and feet) re-apply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming.

Sunburn irst aid • if you have sunburn, get out and stay out of the sun • sponge sore skin with cool water and apply after sun • wear lightweight, loose clothes to avoid irritating the skin • drink lots of luids • relieve pain with ibuprofen or paracetamol • get medical advice if you feel unwell, or if the skin blisters

Spending time in the sun is good for your health as it provides essential vitamin D. It’s pleasant to enjoy the sunshine, but too much exposure and heat can be dangerous. It is therefore important to know how to take care of yourself when outside during the summer holidays.

Everyone is at risk of sun damage, but certain groups are particularly vulnerable, particularly those with fair hair and skin, babies and children, outdoor workers, and people with a family history of skin cancer. Even a small amount of exposure to the sun can be damaging. It’s vital that all of us take the necessary steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones, and actively reduce the risks of skin cancer.

Be UV-aware UV levels vary with the seasons and time of day, but when it is three or above you need to protect your skin and eyes. We are also exposed to UV rays on overcast days.

Avoiding sunburn Sunburn can be very unpleasant and may cause long-term skin damage. Just one episode of sunburn, especially in childhood, can double the lifetime risk of malignant melanoma. By following some simple steps, you can help protect yourself against the sun’s harmful UV rays: • seek shade when the sun is at its strongest (11:00 and 15:00) • cover-up with sunglasses and hat • wear sunglasses that have close to a 100% UV protection • use sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor of 15

Find the right SPF for your skin The sun protection factor (SPF) determines how efectively and how long a sun cream will protect your skin. Find the best suitable sun protection factor for your skin type. This is determined by the amount of time the skin can be exposed to the sun without getting sunburn. Depending on your skin type, location and the time of year, this is ive to 30 minutes on average.

A high sun protection factor (SPF) extends the pleasure of sunbathing and ensures you get a healthy tan. SPFs are broken down into these levels: low (6–10), medium (15–25), high (30–50) and very high (50+).

Visit www.nivea.co.za/advice/sun/which-sun-protectionfactor-do-i-need-104 for more information on what SPF you should be using.

Not only do we have to worry about skin damage, but we also need to look after our bodies during hot weather. Extreme heat can damage your health, or even be fatal. You may get dehydrated and your body may overheat, which can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke, both of which need urgent treatment.

If you think you have heat exhaustion, move somewhere cool if possible and drink plenty of water. Take a lukewarm shower or sponge yourself down with cold water.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, muscle weakness or cramps and high temperature. If heat exhaustion is untreated, it could develop into heatstroke. Heatstroke can also occur suddenly and without any warning.

Symptoms of heatstroke include headache, nausea, intense

Pets can also sufer heatstroke if they don’t keep cool.

Make sure they have plenty of clean, fresh, water to drink and a cool, shady place to rest.

thirst, sleepiness, a sudden rise in temperature, confusion, aggression, convulsions, loss of consciousness and hot, red, dry skin. If you have these symptoms during a heatwave, rest for a few hours, keep cool and drink water. If the symptoms don’t go away or get worse, seek medical advice. Prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke by: Keeping out of the heat • plan your day so that you can try stay out of the heat • avoid going out during the hottest part of the day • avoid strenuous outdoor activity • if you have to go out stay in the shade and wear a hat and loose-itting cotton clothes • if you are outside, take plenty of water with • don't leave babies, children or animals alone in a parked car Staying cool • stay inside in the coolest rooms in your home • close the curtains in rooms that get a lot of sun • take cool showers or baths and splash yourself several times a day with cold water Staying hydrated • drink regularly even if you aren't feel thirsty – water or fruit juice are best • avoid alcohol, tea and cofee as these can cause dehydration • eat cold foods such as salads and fruit • If you, or a loved one, develops heatstroke, get to the hospital as soon as possible.

While waiting to get to the hospital you can try move to somewhere cooler; increase ventilation by opening windows or using a fan; cool down as quickly as possible by loosening clothes, sprinkling with cold water or wrapping up in a damp sheet; if conscious, drink water; don't give/take aspirin or paracetamol.\ Sources: www.careinthesun.org, www.nidirect.gov.uk/ and www.nivea.co.za.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, BEFRIEND THE SUN... BUT DO SO RESPONSIBLY Thank you to our loyal customers for their support this year and welcome to our regular and new holiday-makers to Hermanus and the Overstrand. We wish you a blessed festive season and a happy holiday, enjoying the vast pleasantries on ofer in our region. Our pharmacies are open at convenient hours seven day a week for your pharmaceutical, cosmetic and toiletry needs and advice.

We also have clinics and ofer an emergency after-hour service on 028 312 4039.

While we hope that you will enjoy the weather, a serious reminder that the sun should be enjoyed, but with care. Sunburn can occur within 15 minutes and the damage caused is permanent, irreversible, and adds up with each exposure to the sun. Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in South Africa, and skin cancer rates in this country are the second-highest in the world.

Please follow the recommendations of CANSA to ensure safe sun exposure. Some of these include: • Limit direct sun exposure during midday • Choose a sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection and Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 20 to 50 – and preferably 30 to 50 for fair to very fair skin • Wear a hat with a wide brim that covers the face, neck and ears • wear sunglasses that block UV rays

Select the best SPF for your skin from our vast selection of dermatologically prescribed sunscreen protection products, endorsed by CANSA and the European Colipa Standards.

10% discount in December We stock an exciting range of Emthunzini Hats.

Emthunzini is Zulu for 'a place in the shade' and the hats provide the ultimate ultraviolet protection.

While being comfortable, fashionable and suitable for the entire family, they have the added beneits of being chic, crushable, washable, adjustable and easily transportable.

SIZZLING SUMMER FUN For more information: www.tsogosun.com/the-caledon-casino │ Twitter: @Tsogosun Facebook: @CaledonZA The Caledon Hotel and Spa, in the picturesque Overberg, offers a unique country-retreat experience that induces a sense of contentment and relaxation. With its spectacular views of the Klein Swartberg Mountains and the rolling wheat ields across the Bath River, The Caledon is ideally located for a tranquil escape.

Relax, rejuvenate, revive… Find serenity and feel re-energised at The Caledon Spa – a top-class destination spa, boasting six treatment rooms, a Rain Spa, and natural, warm, mineral springs. Our natural, warm, mineral spa has ive pools with cascading water, a lotation pool, Victorian bath house dating back to the 1800s, lap pool, steam room, sauna and Swiss showers.

Keeping the water naturally pure – no chemicals are added – makes The Caledon Spa’s natural warm mineral pools unique. The distinctive brown colour of the water is due to high iron content, known as chalybeate. When the water reaches the surface, rapid oxidation takes place and gives the distinct smell and colour of the water. The iron particles are a natural body exfoliation and the oily layers found on the surface of the pools, depending on weather conditions, are a natural moisturiser to the skin.

Space at the natural, warm, mineral pools is limited, therefore, we advise you to reserve your place in advance, particularly over weekends, as well as public and school holidays, to avoid disappointment. You can book your Natural Warm Mineral Pool access through Computicket or call 028 214 5100 or 028 214 5384 for more information.

The Natural Warm Mineral Baths are open Monday to

Sunday. Come and relax and enjoy the warm water on Monday from 12:00 to 19:00 and Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 19:00.

A summer vacay made for you… If you want to stay a little longer, book your December or January summer holiday, with Sunbreaks Summer, from only R1 425 per room per night, including breakfast.

The best part about this deal? Two children under 18 STAY and EAT breakfast FREE of charge when sharing with two adults. (Ts and Cs apply.)

Christmas lunch at Blue Crane Restaurant… Join us for a Christmas feast it for a king. The Christmas Lunch Buffet offers you a wide variety of delicious starters, mains and decadent desserts for only R450 per adult, R225 for children under 14 – children under ive years feast FREE of charge. Reservations are essential, call 028 214 5338.

Wine & Dine… Our last decadent Wine & Dine Evening of the year is scheduled for Thursday 12 December with JC le Roux. Book your place for this exclusive experience at only R275 per person. Supersize the delectable deal by staying over for the evening at only R1 550 per room per night, including breakfast. For more information contact Darren on 028 214 5100 or Caledon. contactus@tsogosun.com Tsogo Sun Hotels Rewards’ members qualify for discounted rates. Remember to sign in and use the SunRands you’ve earned towards paying for your December/January vacay.