FROM THE ESTATE MANAGER ESTATE NEWS
WINE FACTS
SYNOPSIS OF PAST EVENTS
From the Estate Manager’s Desk
As 2025 draws to a close, I want to thank all our residents, homeowners, and staff for making this year one of progress and community spirit. From the vineyard redevelopment to strengthened operational teams, your support has been invaluable.
Lifestyle Centre & Community Activities
Pierre de la Harpe continues in his role as Host: Events & Marketing, driving exciting plans for 2026. Look forward to themed evenings, family activities, and a refreshed events calendar designed to bring us all together.
Estate Landscaping & Maintenance
Our Estate’s appearance will also see a major boost with Eddie Boucher leading the new landscaping and maintenance strategy. Eddie is hard at work planning improvements to make our verges, roads, walkways, and islands neat, tidy, and beautiful - creating a more welcoming and enjoyable environment for everyone.
Looking Ahead
With ongoing vineyard development, Lifestyle Centre initiatives, and enhanced estate maintenance, 2026 promises growth, beauty, and community engagement across the Estate.
Wishing you a joyful festive season and a prosperous New Year. Thank you for your continued support in making Croydon Vintage Estate a truly special place to live.
Warm regards,
Luette Engelbreg Estate Manager
Estate Development & Operations Update
- November 2025
As we move toward the end of the year, we are pleased to share significant progress on our Vineyard Redevelopment Strategy as well as important updates within our Landscaping, Infrastructure, and Lifestyle Centre management teams.
Vineyard Redevelopment Strategy - Phase 1 Progress
Phase 1 of the Vineyard Redevelopment Strategy is progressing well and remains firmly on schedule.
The removal of vines and trellising in the Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Pinotage, Chardonnay, and Chenin Blanc blocks along the R102 has now been successfully completed. In addition, the
recent soil analysis conducted in October delivered encouraging results - the soil is in excellent condition and requires no chemical interventions.
established. Residents may also notice some exciting innovations in the Estate’s farming practises during this period.
Originally planned for 2026, the preparation of the vineyards for planting has been completed ahead of schedule. The full topographical survey has also concluded, paving the way for the installation of a drainage backbone designed to prevent waterlogging and safeguard the new vine stock. This work is expected to be finalised during the first week of December.
Viticulturist Appointment
Once completed, the new planting rows will be marked out, followed by the installation of the trellis system - again ahead of the original programme timeline. At the same time, a temporary irrigation system will be implemented, and the cover crop
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Francois Hanekom and his team as the Estate’s Viticulturist. Francois brings a wealth of experience, with a respected history of managing premium vineyards and boutique farms throughout the Helderberg region. His knowledge, leadership, and expertise will play a vital role in both the ongoing redevelopment and the future management of our vineyards.
Residents can expect to see Francois and his team regularly in the vineyards as they bring dedicated care and precision to each phase leading up to harvest.
Landscaping, Infrastructure Maintenance & Lifestyle Centre Maintenance.
We are equally pleased to announce the appointment of Eddie Boucher as the new lead for the Estate’s landscaping management, infrastructure maintenance, and the general upkeep of the Lifestyle Centre, walkways, roads, verges, and islands.
Eddie joins the team with an exceptional academic and technical foundation, holding a BSc in Geohydrology, a Baccalaureus Scientiae Honours degree, and formal qualifications as a Hydraulic and Pneumatic Technician . His expertise in environmental systems, water management, and operational maintenance will bring significant value to the Estate’s ongoing improvements.
Over the next four months, Eddie will be working closely with Oom Ben , supporting operations, strengthening the team, and enhancing continuity across all maintenance functions.
Residents will notice Eddie’s active involvement throughout theEstate as he works to 9
streamline processes, elevate service delivery, and improve the quality and functionality of our shared spaces.
Staff Update
We also take this opportunity to inform residents that Charl Louw has resigned to pursue an opportunity at another estate. We thank Charl for his contributions and wish him well in his future endeavours.
11 Wine Facts Worth Sharing Over Your Next Pour
1. Women are Better at Tasting Wine Women often have a sharper sense of smell than men, especially during their reproductive years. Since wine tasting depends heavily on detecting aromas, this gives women an edge when picking out subtle notes, whether citrus, spice, or minerality.
2. Wine is Not Made From the Grapes
We
Eat as Fruit
The grapes you see in a wine bottle aren’t the same as the ones you buy in a supermarket. Table grapes are bred for sweetness and easy eating, while wine grapes are smaller and have thicker skins, higher acidity, and more concentrated sugars - all the qualities needed to create complex, structured wines that age gracefully.
3. The Fear of Wine Exists
Oenophobia is the fear of wine. Though it’s extremely rare (especially amongst wine lovers), it does exist and can cause significant anxiety around tasting or even being near wine. Thankfully, for most of us, wine inspires curiosity and joy rather than dread.
4. South African Wine is 95% Sustainable
Over 95% of the South African wine industry now follows sustainable wine-growing and winemaking principles, leading the world in certified ethical practises - proof that exceptional wine and responsible stewardship can go hand in hand.
5. South African Desert Wines Were Famous in the
18th Century
During the 18th century, the sweet dessert wines of Constantia were more prized than Bordeaux or Port. European aristocrats and royalty (including Napoleon) couldn’t get enough of these luscious, golden wines. Today, South Africa’s legacy of innovation continues with new styles and varieties.
6. Pinotage is South Africa’s Signature
Grape
Pinotage is South Africa’s signature red grape - a unique cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut, developed in the 1920s. It produces bold, distinctive wines unlike anything else in the world.
Dekkersvlei Wine Estate in Paarl took this grape even further by creating the world’s first white pinotage, showing how tradition and experimentation can beautifully coexist.
7. South Africa is the Champion of Bush Vine Plantings
8. 64% of Wine Bottles Are Cork-Sealed
While screw caps and glass stoppers are gaining popularity, 64% of wine bottles are still sealed with cork. Beyond the satisfying “pop,” cork allows just the right amount of oxygen to interact with the wine, helping it mature gracefully over time. Curious about this tradition? You might enjoy our feature on The History of Wine Corks.
9. Many Wines Aren’t Vegan or Vegetarian
Though grapes are plant-based, many wines are clarified using fining agents like egg whites or fish-derived isinglass.
South Africa leads the world in bush vine plantings. These gnarled, free-standing vines produce lower yields but highly concentrated grapes, ideal for premium wines.
This process helps remove unwanted particles, but it means some wines aren’t technically vegan or vegetarian. Fortunately, more producers are offering vegan-certified options - so be sure to ask if that matters to you.
10. Red Wine is Good for Heart Health
Red wine isn’t just delicious - it’s also linked to cardiovascular benefits when enjoyed in moderation. Thanks to resveratrol, an antioxidant concentrated in grape skins, a daily glass might help support heart health.
11. Red & White Wines Age Differently
Over time, red wines slowly lose their
deep colour, developing brick or tawny hues. In contrast, white wines darken to rich golden shades as they mature. It’s just one more example of wine’s everevolving nature in the bottle.
Bonus Wine Facts:
• One vine of grapes can produce roughly four bottles of wine each year.
• The most expensive bottle of wine ever sold was for $558,000.
• Grapes are the most planted fruit in the entire world.
• Women were forbidden from drinking wine in the early Republic of ancient Rome.
• Grape Juice Self-Ferments Automatically.
Wine ALLOCATION UPDATE
TFun Wine Fact
Did you know? One ton of grapes produces about 720 bottles of wine - that’s nearly 60 cases! Cheers to the fruit of our vineyards and the hands that craft it.
he 2024/2025 wine allocation distribution (deliveries/collections) is complete! A big thank you to Luigi Petra, who kindly stepped in to assist and manage the process efficiently and effectively. Tastings were held relative to the exchange process. And by the time this Newsletter goes to print, hopefully, the exchange process will have gone as smoothly as the distribution process. There are always lessons to be learned, and there is always a method to the madness. Until the 2025/2026 wine allocation, while we work on a way to work smarter, you need only sit back and enjoy the fruits of the vine!
ADVERTISEHERE
SYNOPSIS OF PAST EVENTS
HERITAGE DAY CELEBRATION
Our Heritage Day event was a wonderful success! Residents enjoyed delicious food, great company, and wine tastings from our neighbouring estates, Meerlust, Vergenoegdt and Winshaw. The atmosphere was festive and relaxed, with braais, stalls, and the ever-popular Glen Graze Animal Sanctuary joining us again to delight both kids and adults alike.
RUGBY, BRAAIS & COMMUNITY SPIRIT
OKTOBERFEST HIGHLIGHTS
Our Croydon Oktoberfest brought the community together for another great afternoon of fun and flavour! With craft beer, pretzels, pony rides, Glen Graze animal petting, live music, and a variety of food stalls, it was an event to remember. A huge thank you to all who helped make it happen!
We cheered together for an incredible rugby weekend, with the clubhouse buzzing and braais sizzling! Thank you to everyone who joined in to support and celebrate - what a turnout!
SPRINGTIME SURPRISES
Nature is thriving around the Estate!
Keep an eye out for our baby Ducklings and Guinea fowl chicks exploring the vineyards and pathways, and if you are lucky, you might even find them cooling off in your swimming pool. Please drive carefully and enjoy these little reminders of spring’s renewal.
HALLOWEEN FUN
Thank you to everyone who joined in the Halloween trick-or-treating fun!
CROYDON PINK FRIDAY - PROJECT FLAMINGO
On Friday, 17 October, residents dressed up in a touch of pink for an informal, relaxed evening in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The creativity, costumes, and community spirit made it a memorable evening for kids and parents alike.
There were welcome complimentary pink shooters - Strawberry Lips crème liqueur or an alcohol-free pink Steri Stumpie - as we raised awareness and showed our support for this important cause. Donations were collected in support of Project Flamingo’s breast cancer care initiatives.
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MY ESTATE LIFE APP
We have successfully rolled out the new My Estate Life app. While there have been a few teething problems, overall, it has been a relatively smooth process with the majority of Residents having registered. Those who have not signed up will, unfortunately, not receive communication from the HOA. So, please remind family members if they have not signed up to do so as soon as possible. Thank you for your
patience as we continue to navigate and streamline the effectiveness of the app.
When the changeover from GloCMS to My Estate Life occurred, the biometrics database was transferred in its original form, which was unstable. The objective is to move away from the current biometric database and sync all registered approved Residents via the My Estate Life app.
Under the circumstances, we therefore request everyone to upload a profile photo in their My Estate Life app to sync with the ZKBio Security system, which will create a more secure, stable biometric database. To upload a profile photo, follow these steps: Click on the yellow circle in the top left-hand corner of the app.
Under Account Settings, click on Personal Information.
Take a photo or upload a photo from your gallery.
Please note the specific photo requirements.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Security
072 349 8002
Security Supervisor
Rodney Mally
081 262 0301
security@croydon-estate.co.za
SecureRite Armed Response
0860 103 099
021 851 3374
All hours
Xone Command Centre
021 816 1234
Office hours only
HOA Office
021 843 3610
Office hours only
COCT Water & Sanitation
086 010 3089
WhatsApp 063 407 3699
Cape Town Municipality
021 467 1614
Eskom
086 0037 566
Account Number 9230515300
Metro Police & Traffic Services
086 076 5424
Macassar Police
021 857 1000
Macassar Fire Brigade
021 444 6790
Cape Town Fire Control 021 590 1900
Ambulance
10177 (Western Cape Government)
084 124 (ER24)
082 911 (Netcare)
Vergelegen Medi Clinic
021 850 9000
021 851 3399
Hottentots Holland Hospital
021 850 4700
Helderberg Home Nursing Services
021 852 6290
072 293 4797 (Emergency)
PlumbStar Plumbing
071 196 4911
Mark Wainwright
Electrician
072 512 9237
Willie Goosen
Snake Catcher
079 189 3807
Justin Collocot
067 244 6972
Jozaa van Niekerk
Important Dates
To allow the office and landscaping team a welldeserved opportunity to enjoy a small year-end celebration, please take note of the following:
Wheelie bins to be placed on your verge weekly on a Tuesday before 8:00.
Friday, 19 December: The office will close at 12:00. The bar will however be open from 15:00.
EXCEPTION:
12 December-12 January - Contractors shut down. No building work to take place between these dates.
Both Recycling and Wheelie bins to be placed on your verge on Monday, 15 December before 8:00 to take into account the public holiday on Tuesday, 16 December.
December Waste Collection Schedule:
Recycling to be placed on your verge weekly on a Monday before 8:00.
January Waste Collection Schedule:
Recycling to be placed on your verge weekly on a Monday before 8:00.
Wheelie bins to be placed on your verge weekly on a Tuesday before 8:00.
Wishing you a season that’s merry and bright.
Sincerely, the FabMags Team