NEW HOMEOWNERS
From the Estate Manager’s Desk
As we move into a fresh season on the estate, I’m pleased to share a few important updates and extend a warm welcome to some new faces.
We are delighted to welcome Marinique Langeveldt as the new Front of House at the Lifestyle Centre. Her warm personality and commitment to excellent service are already making a positive impression, and I’m confident she’ll be a great asset to our community. We also welcome Rowan and his team from Crowe, who join us as the estate’s new financial service provider. Their expertise will support us in maintaining sound financial practises and transparency moving forward.
On a more personal note, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the outgoing Trustees for their
support and guidance during my first eight months as Estate Manager. Their ability to lead with clarity while allowing operational space to manage day-to-day responsibilities has made a meaningful impact on my ability to settle into the role and steer the estate effectively. Their example of focused oversight and respectful collaboration has laid a strong foundation, one I trust will continue with the incoming Trustees as we all work together to serve the best interests of the estate.
Looking forward to the continued journey with all of you.
Warm regards,
Luette Engelbreg Estate Manager
WATER PURIFICATION | H2O STELLENBOSCH
Our Municipalities do a great job treating our water so that we do not suffer from water born diseases. Our water is therefore ‘safe’ to drink. However chemicals like chlorine and aluminum sulfate are left in the water after treating it. Very necessary in the treatment process but harmful in the long term. There is also the risk of leakage into the already treated water in the system. Municipalities also don’t remove pesticides and herbicides and other industrial pollutants.
Water purification involves removing unwanted chemical compounds, organics and inorganics from your water supply to provide you with clean drinking water. Through purification, contaminants such as suspended particles, parasites, bacteria, algae, viruses and fungi are reduced which makes water odourless, clear and improves taste. Water purification can cover an entire city or simply your household, leaving your water contaminant free, clear and odourless – giving you better tasting, healthy water.
CHOOSE YOUR OWN H2O|BWT PURIFICATION SYSTEM TODAY!
Wine Facts
White Wine Varietals Chart
White Wines
Chardonnay
Chenin blanc
Pinot blanc
Pinot Gris & Pinot Grigio
Riesling
Sauvignon blanc
Viognier
Description
Pear, apple, oak, buttery, creamy
Peaches, fruity
Pear, apple, floral
Crisp, pear, peach, apricot
Apple, lemon, floral, apricot, fruity
Herbaceous, grassy, hay, citrus, grapefruity
Floral, peach, apricot, pear, fruity
Red Wine Varietals Chart
Description
Berries, red fruit
Raspberry, cassis, herbaceous
Blueberries, black currant, cassis, raspberries, oaky
Cherry, strawberry, plum
Blackberry, plum, currant, chocolate, vanilla
Strawberry, berries, cherry
Cherry, fruity, spice
Pepper, spice, blackberry, cinnamon
Berries, jammy, cherry, earthy
Red Wines
Barbera
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Sauvignon
Malbec
Merlot
Pinot Noir
Sangiovese
Syrah
Zinfandel
Food, Fun, and Festivals: The Thai Way
Charl recently returned from a well-deserved break, which was spent diving and exploring Thailand.
Thailand, a country rich in culture and natural beauty, welcomed me with open arms. From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by its vibrant atmosphere, mesmerising landscapes, and warm hospitality. This trip was a whirlwind of adventure, filled with awe-inspiring temples, dazzling entertainment, and unforgettable experiences. To start the trip, Thailand’s diving spots offered an incredible
FOOD, FUN, AND FESTIVALS: THE THAI WAY CONTINUED
underwater paradise. Exploring the crystal-clear waters, I marvelled at vibrant coral reefs and exotic marine life. It was the perfect way to start an unforgettable journey. The towns were brimming with character, offering charming art shops, bustling markets, and inviting massage parlours at every turn. Whether browsing intricate handcrafted pieces, indulging in the vibrant street stalls, or unwinding with a traditional Thai massage, there was always something to delight the senses. Of course, the food markets were an experience in themselves. Fragrant aromas of sizzling street food filled the air, tempting me with every bite. From spicy pad Thai to the freshest seafood, each dish was a delightful explosion of flavours. These bustling markets were a feast for both the stomach and the soul. Thailand is truly worth the visit - a country that embraces adventure, culture, and beauty all in one.
Narrated by Charl Louw; Assistant Maintenance Manager
Croydon Chenin Blanc Wins Prestigious Award
We are proud to announce that our 2024 Croydon Vineyard Estate Covenant Chenin Blanc, crafted by the talented Rikus Neethling, has been judged the 5th best Chenin in a highly competitive field, achieving an outstanding tasting score of 94 points. This recognition is a true testament to Rikus’s exceptional skill and unwavering commitment to quality, as well as the
remarkable potential of our vineyards. This year’s competition featured some of the biggest and most respected brands in the industry, making this achievement more significant. Standing shoulder to shoulder with such esteemed names highlights not only the quality of our wines but also the dedication of our team.
Our recent accolades, including the celebrated 2017 Croydon Cabernet Sauvignon and other award-winning
vintages, show that despite the challenges we face, there is immense promise in our vineyards.
These successes inspire us to continue our journey towards establishing a tradition of smallbatch, award-winning wins - a strategy we are passionately pursuing.
Order your 2024 Croydon Chenin today - stocks are limited and this award-winning wine is sure to sell out quickly!
We invite you to read more about this achievement in the Winemag article, CLICK HERE
Back to nature
With kids today being raised in an increasingly digital world, it is refreshing when they get out into nature and engage with their natural surrounds.
Willie and Susan Goosen’s grandson took great delight in the catch-and-release system at the dam with a friend!
Wine Industry in Peril: Unfair Excise Tax Decision
During the national budget speech, Minister Enoch Gondwana announced excise increases of 6.75% on all alcoholic beverages, ignoring our warnings about the long-term damage to industry sustainability and competitiveness.
of Finance has proceeded with a tax regime that will negatively impact producers, accelerate job losses, and threaten rural economies.
Despite months of intense engagement with the National Treasury, where clear evidence presented the impact of excessive excise hikes, the Minister
What does this mean for the wine industry?
• Producers under pressure: smallscale farmers and businesses will struggle to survive.
• Increased job losses: the sector, which supports over 270,000 jobs, now faces further economic strain.
• Global competitiveness at risk: South African wine is taxed out of the market while competitor nations benefit from more favourable policies.
• Rise in illicit trade: higher excise will drive consumers towards the unregulated market, reducing government revenue instead of increasing it.
This is an irresponsible and short-sighted decision. The government has ignored economic realities and stifled investment, growth, and employment in one of South Africa’s most vital agricultural sectors. What happens next?
We will continue to fight against this unfair tax burden. We will rally industry
stakeholders to challenge these policies and advocate for a more balanced, sustainable approach. We will not back down in ensuring that the wine industry’s contributions to the economy and employment are recognised and protected. We share your frustration and will continue to push for an excise policy that promotes growth, not destruction. Therefore, we welcome and look forward to engaging with the National Treasury on the proposed taxation of alcoholic beverages, as mentioned in the budget speech.
Your voice matters, and we will continue to fight for it.
ADVERTISEHERE
A SYNOPSIS OF PAST EVENTS
19 March - White Blend Blind Wine
Tasting
This was the first of our three blindtasting evenings, which we started to help us better understand YOU - our primary customers! It was a great evening hosted by our very own - Craig Hart. There was delicious wine, lots of interesting information about white wine, and wandering eyes looking for the wines used for the tasting! Overall, I think everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and was pleasantly surprised, too.
There was also a random lucky draw for a lucky homeowner, who went home with a bottle of Title Deed Cape Blend from our Vinoteque!
17 April - Kiddies Easter Egg Hunt and Bring & Braai
The Easter Bunny made a stop at the Lifestyle centre to strategise his Easter Egg delivery plan, when a big gust of wind blew away all of his plans! The children were tasked with setting off and collecting all the missing pieces, and in exchange, the Easter Bunny rewarded them with some Easter Eggs. We are happy to report that the kiddies had a blast with the Scavenger Hunt and afterwards they all enjoyed a ball game on the grass, while the parents and other Croydonites enjoyed a Bring & Braai
together! It was a beautiful evening for enjoying the outdoors, the smell of braai in the air and a glass of wine to kick off the long weekend!
a slow (or fast) walk through the estate. It was the perfect morning for this and a nice fresh way to start the day! Afterwards, the little market was set up in the Lifestyle parking area offering breakfast rolls, pancakes, and coffee for sale! Overall, it was such a nice way to start the weekend, and hopefully next time we will have even more market stalls and Croydonites joining in on the walk around the estate.
Croydonites came together on this beautiful Saturday morning and enjoyed
2 May - Wine Maker’s Tasting Evening
This marked the day that Bizoe and RNW were introduced to the Lifestyle Centre’s wine list! Everyone who joined received a complimentary glass of their wine of choice from the Bizoe or RNW ranges!
14 May - Cook’s Night Off (Lasagna Night)
The first of many nights! A way for our community to come together and have a midweek social together, getting to know one another and of course, enjoying delicious food and wine!
The Estalet and Henrietta were clear favourites, along with the Malbec which is made using Croydon’s Malbec grapes! It was a wonderful social evening and everyone got to talk wine with Rikus himself.
23 May - Covenant Wine
Pairing to celebrate National Wine Day (25/05)
“Wine” Not?!
Five Covenant wines plus a pairing for each, guided by our newest member of the HOA family,
Marinique! How else does one celebrate National Wine Day, if not with wine tasting or pairing?
COMMUNITY
EVENTS CALENDAR
CROYDON VINEYARD ESTATE
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Security
072 349 8002
Security Supervisor
Linda Mbobo
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