CHEF JAN HENDRIK VAN DER WESTHUIZEN AND HIS GALAXY OF ACHIEVEMENTS
TREND: WALL ART CARA SAVEN’S STRIKING WALL DESIGNS
NATURE’S MEDICINE MORE ABOUT CBD AND ITS HEALTH BENEFITS
Photo: Michel Gibert, photograph used for reference
Flower arrangement by Thierry Féret.
92 Destination Boschendal
A cornucopia of Cape winelands luxury
99 Festive gift guide
Top gifts for the season
118 Mzansi Edge
Kingsley Holgate & the new Land Rover Defender
124 Sleeping with the stars
South Africa’s most enticing sleep out options
132 Historic charm
Visit Swellendam
140 South Africa’s underwater world
The Two Oceans Aquarium
144 Motoring
BMW X7 & Kia Sorento
144
OUR CRAFT IS YOUR CONFIDENCE
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The end of the year is upon us, and what a year it has been! We’re all very much looking forward to the prospects that lie ahead in 2021 and cannot wait to embrace it all, in hopefully a more carefree environment. In this issue, we appreciate what our country has to o er despite the challenging times in which we live — we explore enticing outdoor getaways, a gorgeous wine estate, and Swellendam, a charming town just a short drive from Cape Town. With summer well and truly with us, we take a look at some brand-new wine releases to help us ease into holiday mode. And what would good wine be without great food? Ever in search of the perfect pairing, we discover some new restaurants right on our doorstep, all of which make ideal day trips from the city. As always, we have loved putting this issue together for you — please enjoy!
the team
MANAGING EDITOR Lauren Zuidema
ART DIRECTOR: Bianca-Leigh Nagel
CONTRIBUTORS: Emile Joubert, Jarred Ruttenberg, Jennifer Campbell, Robyn Alexander, Thea Beckman, Vann van Staden
Don’t miss our Seasonal Gift Guide on page 99 where we round up the best finds, like this Babylonstoren’s Sweet Tooth Gift Box from www.babylonstoren.com
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
No part of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent and permission of the publisher and copyright owners as featured.
DISCLAIMER
All information, dates and prices were correct at the time of print. We cannot be held liable for any changes thereafter.
Greenpop is a non-profit organisation on a mission to (re)connect people with our planet. They plant trees, grow food, educate people and have fun doing it! They work on urban greening, reforestation, and food growing projects, and educate people through practical workshops. Greenpop was founded in 2010 and has since planted almost 80 000 trees at schools and other urban sites as well as forests and farms across South Africa, Zambia and Tanzania. Visit www.greenpop.org to get involved. We plant 50 trees per edition of Southern Vines.
Summer Sun
Amina crochet bag, Witchery, R799
Hand woven bucket hat, Witchery, R499
Crew racer knit tank, Witchery, R599
Jeans, Desigual, R1 949
Prada sunglasses, Sunglass Hut, R4 050
Banq low-top sneaker, Guess, R1 199
Hope one-piece swimsuit, Poetry, R999
Victorinox Alliance watch, R8 995
Riley tiered dress, Poetry, R1 199
Jaxx leopard sandal, Guess, R899
Easy
does it
Stripe t-shirt, Trenery, R499
Ray-ban sunglasses, Sunglass Hut, R2 550
Pumpit polo shirt, Ted Baker, R1 380
Mako low-top sneaker, Guess, R999
Skinny stretch chino, Country Road, R799
Yellow panelled sweatshirt, Ted Baker, R1 700
Recycled polyester tropical swim short, Country Road, R599
Bobby cognac travel bag, Freedom of Movement, R2 995
Victorinox Alliance boxset with blue knife, R8 995
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We love ...
We discover this season’s finest skincare.
NUXE HUILE PRODIGIEUSE OILS
The limited-edition Huile Prodigieuse range features a set of three beautiful collectable bottles. NUXE invited students at the French art and design school of Penninghen to express their vision for a prestigious summer by creating limited seasonal editions of their iconic oil bottle. The result is a striking grid pattern in turquoise with hazy wave e ects and bathers enjoying a relaxed pool atmosphere. This multi-purpose dry oil has proven its ability to repair, nourish and beautify the face, body and hair. The oil itself contains seven precious botanical oils — Tsubaki, argan, macadamia, borage, camellia, hazelnut and sweet almond.
Gatineau Melatogenine Morphobiotique Crème
R520 | 100ml | Available at select Woolworths, Truworths & Foschini stores.
The new range from Gatineau includes a crème and a serum, both of which are formulated to address lines and wrinkles. Both products include chestnut seed extract, which is harvested in France and is packed with antioxidants; great burdock root extract, which contains iron, magnesium, manganese, selenium and calcium; and MorphoTripeptide, a protein that works to support skin renewal and acts to rejuvenate the appearance of the skin.
Diego dalla Palma Multi-Tasking Oil
Diego’s multi-tasking oil is enriched with organic rosehip oil, as well as oily mistletoe extract, and argan, monoi, jojoba, babassu and acai oils. It’s packed with the oily extract of various flowers, including passionflower, white water lilies, hibiscus, ylang-ylang and frangipani. The blend of oils is formulated to nourish, repair and moisturise the skin and is suitable for those with hypersensitive skin, including children. It’s ideal for stretch marks and scars.
R695 | 100ml | Available at select spas & salons | +27(0)21 701 2900 for details.
R995 | 30ml | Available at select Woolworths & Truworths stores.
Nuxe Very Rose Radiance Night Peeling Lotion
This gentle night peeling lotion is enriched with salicylic acid and four fruit acids and works by removing the outer layer of the epidermis for smoother, rejuvenated skin. With regular use, the lotion exfoliates the skin and improves the overall texture. The newly released Very Rose range from Nuxe is completely vegan, and all the products contain rose floral water, a botanical hydrolate that is obtained through the steam distillation of whole roses.
R495 | 150ml
Available at select Woolworths, Truworths & Foschini stores.
THOCLOR LABS GF2
Thoclor GF2 is specially formulated to put an end to ‘inflammaging’, also known as subclinical ageing and the primary cause of ageing skin. The formula includes Hypochlorous acid, an ingredient that helps to reverse the e ects of environmental damage to the skin and halt inflammation. Thanks to its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, the product can be used to treat a number of skin issues, including acne, rosacea and cold sores. It can also be used to relieve pain caused by sunburn.
R799 | 100ml | www.thoclor.com
Skin A air Organic Illuminating Hydrating Serum
Dr. Grandel Ace Vita Day
This nourishing day cream from Dr. Grandel is ideal for those who are regularly exposed to skin-damaging elements like UV rays. It’s packed with beneficial ingredients like vitamins A, C and E, which help to boost skin elasticity, promote rejuvenation and strengthen the skin’s immune defence. Watermelon extract also o ers protection against environmental damage. The cream is designed for daily use and can be applied to the face, neck and décolleté after cleansing.
R795 | 50ml | www.deluxeshop.co.za
This lightweight serum is made from a delicate balance of base oils and is designed to achieve supple skin, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and increase overall firmness. The serum is made with acmella flower extract, which is a natural ingredient that instantly smooths the skin. It’s a great multitasking product that can be used to hydrate and even out the skin tone. Ideal for mature and dry skin, the serum can be applied to the face, neck, décolleté and lips.
R595 | 50ml | www.skina air.com
Claire Hill WPC Eye Complex
The new WPC Eye Complex from Claire Hill is a light and silky gel that has been formulated to reduce pu ness, even out skin tone and smooth fine lines. The gel contains a topical muscle relaxant that helps to reduce muscle tension, as well as a plant-based alternative to retinol known as STEVISSE™. The gel is suited to all skin types and is particularly good for mature and sensitive skin.
R1 865 | 30ml | www.clairehill.co.za
An eternal
icon
Liezel van der Westhuizen. A decade on radio and television but an eternal icon of the South African entertainment industry.
BY THEA BECKMAN
TV personality, actor, voiceover artist, personal branding coach, and marketing mogul… these are but a handful of the designations Liezel van der Westhuizen has earned over her 10-year career in South African media. She's even gone by the nickname "gira e", a pithy attempt to pigeonhole her for her aboveaverage height, which she took in good humour and transformed into a branding business: The Gira e Brand Academy. Take that, Craig Jacobs.
But none of these quite convey the warm intelligence and sheer likability this media icon brings (and continues to bring) to the minds, eyes, and ears of her audiences. Let's meet Liezel van der Westhuizen, whose face and voice is a stalwart of the South African entertainment industry.
A journey that began with a love for people
"I began my radio life at Tuks FM and was well and truly hooked on the joys of being able to use media to connect with people."
As all the very best success stories go, Liezel's talent was serendipitously discovered… albeit in a Makro store, where she worked as an announcer. Like waves gilded by the setting sun, her voice emanated from the speakers— Bosch handheld drills on sale today—to be hungrily lapped up by the ears of Jacaranda FM's programme manager. Upon hearing the saccharine siren's song of Liezel's voice, he wasted little time in tracking her down.
Liezel may have been "discovered" that day, but it wasn't in the floor-toceiling trenches of bulk produce that
she mastered the artistry of presenting. She had just completed her Tuks FM apprenticeship at the University of Pretoria, where she was studying for her Master Degree in Communications. She had also already kicked o her public speaking and emcee career and had been a member of the Toastmaster's Society since 2000. So she was familiar and comfortable in front of an audience.
A world (second) first
The ensuing years witnessed the steady ascension of Liezel van der Westhuizen; presenting TV shows on a constellation of notable South African channels, including SABC2, SABC3, SABC Sport, SuperSport, MNET, and DSTV. This would have been enough to make any professional TV presenter smirk with pride, but then Liezel made history in December 2008, becoming the second EVER woman to host Idols, replacing Colin Moss. That's right. Before there was Demi Lovato and Katie Perry, there was Liezel van der Westhuizen.
"Being a record-breaking presenter, as only the second female in the world to have presented the reality television singing competition Idols is one of my biggest career highlights."
This impressive and immortal achievement would become just one of many that, like craters to the moon, are ubiquitous to Liezel's career trajectory.
Career highlights
We've already mentioned the many TV channels you were likely to catch Liezel on. However, when asked what her proudest career achievements are, Liezel is likely to say presenting on seasons 5 and 6 of Idols, as well as her time on SABC's Lunchbox, Soundcheck, and the daily breakfast show, Expresso. (Who doesn't remember waking up to that on weekdays?)
Additionally to date, Liezel has hosted more than 1 500 events across South Africa and internationally and has spoken in
countries such as Hong Kong, Italy and the UK. During the lockdown she virtually presented for clients in the UK as well as China. She is often invited to give motivational talks covering topics such as "Beat the Bully", "Empowering Women", and "Personal Brand Personified". She also continues to remain front-of-mind with South African audiences with her daily fitness feature on KFM94.5 and "Fitness Fridays" segment on Radio 702 and CapeTalk.
Media personality turned marketing mogul
Recent years have seen Liezel van der Westhuizen expand her repertoire of career accomplishments to include awardwinning global branding specialist and marketing mogul.
Her latest initiative, The Gira e Brand Academy, was established to help business folks all over the world to build powerful and authentic personal brands, just as she has done for herself over the past decade.
When asked how she manages to parse herself out over so many commitments, Liezel says: "Honestly, my balance is something I'm constantly working on, and is helped along by the interesting clients I get from around the world, the thrill of challenging projects, and a really amazing support structure that includes family, friends, and other connections."
Beyond the lights, cameras, and action, Liezel is a true homebody and relishes the companionship of her fiancé Mike, and their dogs, Leia and Luke. Ah, I love a good Star Wars reference.
An eternal icon of South African media
Since the days of the SABC, Liezel van der Westhuizen has been an icon of South African radio and television…her voice a soundtrack to the youths of the Y Generation (Millennials). Today, she is a vastly successful businesswoman with more facets than a marquise-cut diamond and who truly understands what it means to remain relevant and engaging to audiences, even in an industry with a reputation for rapid evolution.
"I lend my success to investing time, money, and genuine love into my personal brand. It has sustained me, and helped me grow and thrive too!"
It is this genuine love of what she does that catapulted Liezel van der Westhuizen to stardom and secured her as an eternal icon in the eyes of South Africa's entertainment industry. SV
Find her on Facebook and Instagram @liezelonline
SCENEArt
Three unique South African artists each create work that is deeply personal in its own way. Drawing their inspiration from people, places and real sensations, these artists use a range of techniques and mediums to create pieces that invite the viewer to connect with the genuine emotion that drives the work. In each collection, colour, texture and light play together to allow us to immerse ourselves in the art entirely.
Anina Deetlefs
Anina Deetlefs completed a Degree in Graphic Design at the University of Stellenbosch before going on to work in the fashion and interior design industry in South Africa, New Zealand and the Netherlands. In 2006, Anina decided to pursue a career as a full-time artist and since then has exhibited and sold her work both locally and abroad. She has been a finalist in the Sasol New Signatures Art Competition, the Sanlam Portrait Competition as well as the StateoftheART Gallery Award. Anina creates striking portraits, which she describes as “a combination of a love for textile design, graphic design and portraiture art”. Anina is inspired by the idea that there is a story in every face, and her work is a tribute to mid-century modern minimalistic art prints that remain a popular décor trend today. She incorporates a variety of textile design elements into her work and works in a combination of oil paint on canvas, and pen and fine liner to add details and highlights.
Janet Botes
Based in Wilderness on the Garden Route, Janet Botes has exhibited her work in various spaces around South Africa, including galleries in Cape Town, Franschhoek and Bloemfontein. She has also held a residency and shown her work at a group exhibition in Gongju in South Korea. She graduated with a B.Tech in Graphic Design from the Vaal University of Technology and has been involved in numerous projects, organisations and workshops throughout the course of her career. She works closely with Site Specific, a volunteer organisation that develops and supports site-specific and land art projects in South Africa. Deeply inspired by the natural world, Janet creates landscape art, as well as depictions of objects and living creatures found outside. She uses a number of techniques, including drawing, mixed media, watercolours, photography and assemblage.
All artists work can be found at StateoftheART Gallery in Buitenkant Street, Cape Town www.stateoftheartgallery.com
Sue Kaplan
Sue Kaplan has obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art from UNISA, a Master’s in Fine Art from Wits University, a foundation course in Art Therapy, and an Honour’s Degree in Curatorship from the University of Cape Town. She has exhibited her work all over the country, including galleries in Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg and Cape Town, as well as at the Agassiz Gallery in Boston in the United States. Sue creates work that she describes as her “personal diaries”. Each piece reflects her thoughts and experiences, and these elements come together to create artwork that is both personal and universal. Her paintings are visceral and filled with colour — they are beautiful and evocative responses to real events, sensations and emotions. SV
Out & About
FRANSCHHOEK WINE TRAM
The Franschhoek Valley is packed with some of the Cape’s best known and loved wineries and with so much to do and see in the region, the very best way to explore it all is by a hop-on, hop-o experience... in a tram! Enjoy a leisurely open-air ride and panoramic views of the stunning Franschhoek valley accompanied by a narration of the region’s history and its traditions of wine cultivation.
Hours: Mondays to Sunday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
Address: Corner of Main Road and Cabriere Street, Franschhoek (ticket o ce)
Cost: R260 per adult | R90 per child (3-17) for the hop-on, hop-o experience www.winetram.co.za
Cape Town Co ee Tour
If you’re looking for a little othe-beaten-track adventure (and you love co ee), try this guided tour of Cape Town’s burgeoning co ee scene! With a series of stops at the city’s sexiest co ee shops, you’ll get a peek into the world of the roasting and brewing process, meet and chat to baristas, and indulge in co ee tastings and food pairing experiences.
Hours: Mondays to Saturdays, 10.00 am to 12:30 pm
Address: Starting point: Truth Co ee Roasters at 36 Buitenkant Street
Cost: R495 per adult www.capetownculinarytours.com
The Galileo Royale
Every Wednesday, The Galileo Royale delivers a VIP outdoor movie experience at an intimate venue somewhere in Cape Town. In addition to your favourite movies, the ticket price includes a welcome drink, appetiser and popcorn upon arrival, a blanket and backrest, and an hour-long live music performance.
Hours: Wednesdays, doors open at 6.00 pm
Address: Various venues
Cost: R290 per adult www.thegalileo.co.za/royale
NORVAL FOUNDATION
The Norval Foundation is an enchanting confluence of art, nature, culture, and cuisine. Visitors can peruse the exhibition of 20th and 21st Century South African visual art, meander through (or have a picnic in) the stunning sculpture garden or sit down to lunch or dinner at contemporary eatery, Skotnes.
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10.00 am to 6.00 pm (closed on Tuesdays)
Address: 4 Steenberg Road, Tokai
Cost: R120 for unlimited, one-year access www.norvalfoundation.org
The Opulent Garden
The Opulent Garden is an exclusive, monthly, pop-up market that takes place at various upmarket venues. Here, one can expect a range of quality Capetonian lifestyle brands of boutique apparel, jewellery, art and sculpture, unique drink concepts, and more. There is live entertainment by local artists to enjoy on the day, too.
Follow their social media pages to find out when and where the next market will take place. The December market will have a beautiful array of gifting options for the festive season.
Lose yourself in the delights of retail therapy, delicious foods, and the verdant. grounds of the Cape’s iconic botanical gardens at the Kirstenbosch Craft Market. The market features 200 crafters selling original, high-quality goods.
Hours: 9.00 am to 3.00 pm; last Sunday of the month in Summer, except in December, when there are two markets (6 and 20 December 2020)
Address: Stone Cottage Grounds, corner Kirstenbosch and Rhodes Drives, Newlands www.kirstenboschcraftmarket.co.za
Table Mountain
Summiting Table Mountain is a quintessential experience for any visitor to the Cape. The journey begins with a cable car ride to the summit, which you can explore via well-kept pathways. There are spectacular views to admire, endemic wildlife and birdlife to spot, refreshments at the Table Mountain Café, and gifts at the ‘Shop at the Top’.
Hours: First cable car up, 8.00 am | last car down, 4.00 pm
Travel to Cape Town’s very own “Alcatraz”, where the iconic Nelson Mandela languished in jail for 27 years before becoming president of the country for which he fought so hard. On this 3.5 hour guided tour (includes ferry rides to and from the V&A Waterfront), you’ll come face-to-face with Robben Island’s multilayered, 500-year-old history, culminating in a viewing of Nelson Mandela’s cell.
Hours: Tours depart at 9.00, 11.00, 1.00 and 3.00 pm, daily
Address: Nelson Mandela Gateway, V&A Waterfront (departure point)
Cost: R400 (South African adults) or R210 (SA U18s) | R600 (non-SA residents) or R310 (non-SA U18s) www.robben-island.org.za
ZEITZ MOCAA
Inhabiting six floors and 100 000 square feet of warehouse space in the grain silo district of the V&A Waterfront, Zeitz MOCAA is the largest public art space on the continent. It’s also the world’s first art museum to exclusively document modern life in Africa, as told through fine art, sculpture, and photography.
Hours: Thursdays to Sundays, 10.00 am to 6.00 pm
Address: V&A Waterfront, Silo District, S Arm Road
Cost: R210 per adult (free for U18s) www.zeitzmocaa.museum
Klein Constantia Heritage Tasting
Spice up your wine tasting experience with a tour on a game viewer through Klein Constantia’s legendary vineyards: the provenance of the world-famous Vin de Constance sweet wine. Journey up the vineyard in the game viewer, stopping o at their top dam to enjoy a premium tasting and admire the views of the Constantia Valley. Tours are one hour long and are for between 2 to 10 guests. The availability of these tours are weather dependant.
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10.00 am to 5.00 pm Sundays, 10.00 am to 4.00 pm
Address: End of Klein Constantia Road, Constantia Cost: R250 for Heritage tasting | visit their website for more tastings and tour options www.kleinconstantia.com
WINE SAFARI
JAN HENDRIK Chef VAN DER WESTHUIZEN
A galaxy of achievements, brightest of which is South Africa’s first Michelin star.
BY THEA BECKMAN. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JARED RUTTENBERG, SUPPLIED
To be born a boy in Middelburg, in the heart of the Mpumalanga province of South Africa, is to be born with a destiny. A destiny that usually involves waking up with the roosters, tractor work, and chronic lumbar pain from heavy lifting. But for Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen, the farm life wasn’t written in the stars. He was destined for other stars… of the Michelin variety.
Jan found his heart’s home in the kitchen with his mother and grandmothers. And it was here—amongst the copper pots, spilt wheat flour, and pungent aromas of chopped onions—that Jan whetted a talent for cooking that would eventually take him to the French Riviera and commit him to the history records of the culinary arts.
Let’s meet South Africa’s first Michelinstar chef: Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen.
A breath of French air
“To be taken up in the Michelin firmament is arguably the culinary world’s highest honour. But to venture to France and to receive this accolade in Michelin territory, is a rare feat.”
With an education in culinary arts and applied design, and experience working for local and international food publications behind him, Jan Hendrik cooked up an idea: to reinterpret South African mealtime stalwarts—like melktert and biltong—for European audiences. He pursued this dream from concept to concrete and, in September 2013, flung open the doors of a 24-seater fine-dining restaurant called JAN in the Bohemian district of Nice Port in France. Less than three years after opening, his inspired cuisine catapulted Chef Jan to the world’s highest echelon of culinary
achievement and he became the first South African in history to receive a Michelin star.
Chef Jan then launched his second dining experience right across the road from JAN, which he named after the woman who had had a profound impact on his cooking: his grandmother, Maria. This private dining room o ers customers a segue from their meal at JAN, where they can indulge in a handsome selection of cheeses and delicious preserves, all sourced locally or made from local market ingredients.
Jan Hendrik comes home: The Innovation Studio in Cape Town
As South Africans, we are proud of Chef Jan’s historic accomplishments. But, short of travelling to France, where can we get a plate of his Michelin-star food? The answer is:
87 Kloof Street in Cape Town. The Innovation Studio serves as Chef Jan’s o cial base of operations in South Africa and a sort of “mad scientist’s” kitchen for experimentation and innovation. Here, in a stunningly restored heritage building, right on the northwest-facing skirts of Table Mountain, The Innovation Studio fosters exactly what the name says—innovation—by Chef Jan’s team of chefs, students, and food developers. The goal? To explore the unique culinary heritage and ingredients of South Africa and, using that inspiration, to raise from the countertops dishes of such elegance, vision, guile, and deliciousness that France considers them worthy of a Michelin star. Then, a few times per month, guests like you and I can visit The Innovation Studio for a truly special night of food experimentation that will make you too want to escape to the French Riviera and open your own restaurant. These evenings deliver a wine-steeped feast of such intrigue, theatre, and “tongue-in-cheek sassiness”— to quote food writer Jane Broughton— that they make most other dining experiences seem by comparison quite pedestrian.
The next feast dates for The Innovation Studio are scheduled in advance, and the cost is R2 500 per person. View the website to secure a booking.
KLEIN JAN at Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
The thing about a great dining concept is that it is a tragedy not to share it. And so, unsurprisingly for his vast popularity, Chef Jan is taking his concept to Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, South Africa’s largest private game reserve. Launching next year in 2021, KLEIN JAN at Tswalu Kalahari Reserve promises to expand the reach of Jan Hendrik’s unstoppable and glorious creativity. Additionally, he will be working closely with Tswalu’s Executive
travelogue called (no surprises here) JAN.
In 2017, Jan Hendrik released his first wines under his own label, a red and white wine crafted from grapes grown on Org de Rac, an organic wine farm in the Swartland region.
“For me, the relationship between food and wine is unquestioningly symbiotic and it is impossible to think of the one without the other,” he said in a 2017 interview.
Naturally, his restaurants’ wine lists also pay homage to the wines of his homeland. “JAN’s dishes showing a bit of South African boere-
Chef Marnus Scholly to incorporate the reserve’s food philosophy into his menu, which places emphasis on locally grown and sourced produce and ingredients.
Publications,
television shows, and wine
A Michelin star is a fine thing but it’s by no means the end of the road for one as tirelessly ambitious as Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen. Over the years, he has released innumerable creative projects, including an award-winning cookbook, The French A air; the bestselling book JAN – A Breath of French Air; and a bi-annual luxury food and lifestyle publication called JAN the Journal, which o ers a compilation of recipes and culinary stories. He even launched his own TV show, a SAFTA award-winning culinary
flair truly come to their own when paired with a local wine, and our clients from France and other European countries recognise this and really love it.”
An honour for South Africa
Award-winning restaurants, innovation, cookbooks, publications, and TV shows…Chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen has a galaxy of achievements behind and, no doubt, ahead of him. But the brightest of these has got to be his Michelin star, not necessarily because of the honour it bestows upon his restaurant but because of the honour it bestows upon his homeland here in South Africa. SV www.janonline.com
Foodie
Foodie FAVES
New, exciting restaurants in the Mother City and Cape winelands.
Foodie
As the summer months continue their seductive approach, more and more restaurants are opening their doors to Capetonians eager for vibrant, new dining experiences. Here are some of the Cape’s brand new, must-try restaurants.
The Manor at Nederburg
Nederburg Wine Estate is greeting the summer season with a newly revamped restaurant, The Manor, where there is a distinct emphasis placed on delivering authentic, nostalgic food experiences, paired with wholesome, hearty dishes and beautiful Paarl wine. The Manor also o ers picnics, which you can enjoy on the estate’s sprawling lawns.
The highly anticipated concept of chef/restaurateur duo Ryan Shell and Darren Badenhorst (of Le coin Français and Le Chêne fame), Ōku is Franschhoek’s first South-East Asian eatery. On the menu are authentic and flavourful dishes, from soft shell crab and Wagyu sirloin to prawn dumplings, Korean chicken bao, tuna poke bowls, and more.
Where: 9 Huguenot Road, Franschhoek
Web: www.eat-oku.co.za
Grande Roche Restaurant
The dashing and debonair Grande Roche Hotel in the historic Cape winelands town of Paarl has just announced a new dining experience, which will be stepping into the shoes left by Viande. The restaurant is the vision of Chef Kevin Grobler, who previously headed the kitchen at Restaurant JAN in Nice, France, when it was awarded its Michelin star. Where: Grande Roche Hotel, 1 Plantasie Street, Paarl Web: www.granderoche.com
Oxalis Eatery
Located in the beating heart of Cape Town, above Honest Chocolate and the secret Gin Bar, Oxalis is a contemporary pop-up, all-day eatery o ering causal and delicious cuisine and wine served by people-lovin’ people. The restaurant itself is hip and cool with an equal measure of heritage and rustic charm, and its menu is inventive, colourful, and downright delicious!
Where: 64 Wale Street, Cape Town City Centre Web: www.facebook.com/oxaliseatery
HAMM & UYS
There’s a new restaurant at Blaauwklippen Wine Estate in Stellenbosch and it’s serving farm-to-table elegance with a distinctly South African theme! At Hamm & Uys sit down to dishes like wood oven-roasted bone marrow, seared Karoo springbok, and a unique spin on melk tert… all paired with the estate’s award-winning wines, of course.
Whether you stop in for a quick morning espresso or linger for a lavish lunch or dinner of authentic Italian food, you’ll find the restaurant at Old Town Italy to o er that rare sensation of standing still, which can be such a relief in a time when everyone is so heavily focused on “that next thing”. You can also expect Italian romance, artisanal cooking, and good service!
Culture Wine Bar is a new venture by Chef patron Matt Manning of the popular Grub & Vine eatery on Bree Street. In this rather sexy space (in a 200-year old heritage building), guests can peruse a curated selection of fine wines from South Africa’s most respected estates, as well as cult classics, hidden gems, and special imports from across the globe. These are served side-by-side with a tantalising bar menu.
Where: 103 Bree Street, Cape Town City Centre Web: www.culturewinebar.com SV
COLOUR COMPACT
Interior designer Kim Stephen’s terraced home in Barnes, London, combines her signature flair for colour with a clever use of its relatively compact spaces.
TEXT ROBYN ALEXANDER PRODUCTION SVEN ALBERDING PHOTOGRAPHY ELSA YOUNG
As it is situated in a row of brick terraced homes that were originally built as workers’ housing, the facade of this house is almost identical to those on either side of it. Step inside the front door, however, and the uniquely colourful style that interior designer Kim Stephen has brought to her own abode rapidly becomes evident.
‘I am naturally drawn to colour… and I’ve certainly got a very wide range of colours in this house,’ says Kim. She’s not exaggerating – from the bright blue and green ikat wallpaper in the guest cloakroom to the bright pinks and yellows in the open-plan dining, kitchen and living space, a plethora of vibrant shades meets the eye all over the house.
Asked where her a nity for colour comes from, Kim simply says, ‘Colour makes me feel happy and brings interiors to life. My use of it feels intuitive – I’m just drawn to it when given a choice.’ As her mother owns an interiors textiles showroom, she grew up being exposed to a huge array of interior fabrics, ‘and I think I just found the colourful ones more exciting and interesting,’ says Kim. As anyone who has tried to put together a decor scheme using a range of bright shades knows, it’s not easy to get this sort of look right. Kim says that to make colour work in interiors, ‘it’s always important to temper with neutrals and texture’, and adds that here she made sure both of these elements were e ectively used.
www.kimstephen.com
‘Yellow is probably the colour that I use most,’ says Kim, ‘but always in small quantities (accessories, a cushion) and I always make sure that it sits close to something black and white.’ The abstract artwork in the hallway of the house was purchased from Cécile & Boyd in Cape Town, and the rattan bench was picked up at a junk store in London, ‘as was the handbag on it, which is a play on an Hermès Birkin,’ says Kim. ‘It’s canvas, with a Birkin design painted onto it.’
The abstract artwork on the far left of this gallery wall was purchased from Cécile & Boyd in Cape Town, and the yellow table lamp illuminating it – described by Kim as ‘the find of the century for its really di used light’ – is part of the PS 2017 collection from IKEA. The planters are from La Grange Interiors in Cape Town, and Anthropologie, while the white ceramic pieces on top of the tall grey cupboard are from Block & Chisel, also in Cape Town.
The pair of wooden armchairs were originally purchased from Cécile & Boyd in Cape Town, and for use in this space, they have been reupholstered using Carriacou fabric by Pierre Frey.
The cooker and extraction hood were in situ when the Stephens bought the house, while the black and white Sorrento splash-back tiles are from Fired Earth and were installed during Kim’s update.
To create a sort of multifunctional kitchen island in the space – where there had previously not been an island at all – Kim says, she ‘had a simple wooden structure made and topped it with honed Carrara marble. It’s now an integral part of the kitchen – it serves as a breakfast bar, and workstation.
Coronation Bridge kitchen sink mixer in Gold is by Deva, and the navy and white chairs are from Sika Design in Denmark.
The
In the main bedroom, the walls are painted in Cornforth White by Farrow & Ball, the mirrors alongside the headboard are from Block & Chisel, and the curved headboard itself is upholstered in The Wave fabric in Mineral by Linwood. The bedside pedestals are Terrace Side Tables from West Elm, and the Gioalos table lamps are from OKA. The yellow and blue throws are both from H&M Home, and the bed linen is from Granny Goose. The artworks were found on Etsy and placed in simple white frames.
In the bathroom, all the sanitary ware and taps are by Lefroy Brooks, and the patterned shower curtain is from Jonathan Adler.
Jamie’s bed is situated directly beneath one of the skylights, which means that in summer, when the skylight can be left open, he ‘feels like he is outdoors and under the stars’. Says Kim, ‘Jamie has definitely got a designer’s eye and gets quite involved. His bed sits in front of the chimney breast, which meets the angle of the ceiling at the top, so I designed a custom headboard’. The light is the Game Wall Lamp from House Doctor, and the skateboard is from Palace. The green figure is a Bearbrick (bearbrick.com) of Leonardo from the Ninja Turtles, which is hugely oversized and hence quite rare and collectable
In Anna’s bedroom, the desk is from La Redoute, with a chair that Kim found in an old junk shop in Stellenbosch. The rug was bought ‘years ago’ from The White Company as was the yellow velvet fabric used to upholster the headboard, which was sourced at fabric store Bbellamy & Bbellamy in Muizenberg, Cape Town. The bed linen is from Zara Home, with a selection of scatter cushions collected by Kim over time –everything from Designers Guild, to ‘something I picked up in India, and something from a Christmas fair here in the UK’.
The Crittall-style glass doors and windows had been installed during the previous renovation of the house. The couch and chunky side tables are Cécile & Boyd pieces.
Kim planted the star jasmine in the garden ; its position just beyond the glass Crittallstyle doors means that its scent wafts into the house when it is flowering. The white outdoor rattan couch is from Sika Design in Denmark and the yellow and black patterned throw partially covering its upholstery (in Dove White) is made from Fujin fabric in Jaune by Pierre Frey. The white side table is from Block & Chisel, and the grey planter is from Habitat. The outdoor rug is from Swedish rug maker Pappelina. SV
Cara Saven’s wall designs make the world a little more beautiful.
BY JENNIFER CAMPBELL
Nothing breathes life into a space more than a beautiful, bold wallpaper.
Cara Saven Wall Design, a Cape Town-based company with o ces in the Netherlands and the United States, produces and installs custom wallpaper, canvases, framed prints and vinyl. They o er several collections, featuring florals and leaves, to maps, vintage prints and landscapes. It’s hard to choose, but here are our top ten current favourites.
A Bygone Sage
This gorgeous design features palm trees, water and cloudy skies. Derived from an old vintage painting, it promises to bring a touch of escapism to any space. It’s beautiful details evoke a sense of tranquillity — imagine looking at this peaceful scene every day.
Bitter Suite
This beautifully detailed design features lush foliage and flowers — think orchids, monstera and other jungle fronds. The high-contrast monochrome palette makes a modern statement and pairs equally well with a neutral space or colour-rich design elements.
DANGEROUS LIAISON
Part of the Texture Collection, the Dangerous Liaison wallpaper features a gorgeous shade of green and neutral shades. It pairs beautifully with dusty pink furniture or wooden elements.
GO SOFTLY
With a soft pink and grey colour palette, this floral design o ers a little romance to a room. It works well in an otherwise minimalist space and looks gorgeous with neutral furniture and linens.
Greetings
Based on an old vintage print, this design forms part of the Vintage collection. The star of the design is a tall palm tree, while the background landscape draws the eye in for a moment of calm. Ideal for a statement wall, the colour and scale of the design can be customised to suit your space.
INTOXICATED
This fun design features the everquirky birds of paradise, as well as a winning combination of pinks and greens. Part of the Pattern & Design collection, this wallpaper makes a stunning talking point in any room.
PINE TOWN
Pineapples have long made an appearance in décor elements, and this design is a twist on a popular look. The soft green and pops of yellow are a lovely serene combination that makes a lovely backdrop in a living room, bedroom or bathroom.
Partly Mine
Why contain artwork to a frame?
This gorgeous abstract design works beautifully as a full wall covering. Neutral shades with splashes of yellow and graphic lines make a striking statement.
ROSEATE SPOONBILL
Forming part of the Vintage range, the roseate spoonbill design is based on one of famous American ornithologist and painter John James Audubon’s bird prints. The beautiful combination of pink and green promises to breathe life into any interior, and the design pairs perfectly with natural elements and monochromatic furniture pieces.
On The 6th Day
This lush scene invites the viewer to fully immerse into the rich plant and animal life it depicts. Featuring a range of beautiful critters, from hippos and lemurs to hoopoes and lizards, alongside foliage and mushrooms, this design is sure to make a statement.
About Cara Saven
Cara Saven is the founder of Cara Saven Wall Design. She started her career as a retail buyer but decided to make a change when she had her children. She took a leap of faith and started the business in 2006, and has since gone on to produce and install wall art for some of South Africa’s finest hotels, homes and corporate spaces. The company began as a photography business, which sold large format prints of Cara’s own photography as wall art. The idea evolved over the years, and the company is now known for its exquisite range of wall designs.
To find out more and to see the collections, have a look at www.carasaven.com.
MEDICINE
Nature’s
CBD is a natural remedy with a number of health benefits.
BY JENNIFER CAMPBELL
CBD is becoming more and more popular, and with a variety of health benefits, it’s not surprising that it’s making a name for itself in the wellness industry. But what is it exactly? And what can it be used for? Read on to find out more about this natural compound and why it continues to gain traction.
What is CBD ?
Cannabidiol, most commonly known as CBD, is one of the chemical compounds or cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. While CBD provides relief from pain and discomfort caused by a number of ailments, it is not psychoactive or mind-altering like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the plant, before diluting it with a carrier oil. Common carrier oils include coconut and hemp seed oil.
What are the benefits?
CBD (both as an oil and in other forms) is gaining popularity in the wellness industry, and there are a number of health benefits associated with the ingredient. CBD can provide relief from pain and reduce inflammation, making it an appealing choice for those who su er from chronic pain or ailments that cause considerable discomfort, such as arthritis. CBD may also help in the treatment of anxiety and depression, as well as insomnia. In fact, CBD a ects the
“CBD can provide relief from pain and reduce inflammation ...”
brain’s receptors for serotonin and helps to regulate both mood and social behaviours. According to some studies, CBD may also help to alleviate certain chemotherapy and cancerrelated symptoms. These include nausea and pain.
Interestingly, CBD’s antiinflammatory properties make it a useful ingredient in skincare products. In fact, it can be used to treat skin conditions like acne because it may actually help to reduce sebum production, as well as inflammation.
Research suggests that CBD may also benefit the heart and circulatory system by lowering high blood pressure. Besides its ability to reduce stress and anxiety (common triggers for high blood pressure), CBD also helps to reduce some of the inflammation linked to heart disease. SV
Get your fix
Try out some of these CBD—boosted products and see the benefits for yourself. Trusted, well-known brands are your best port of call, across the board, when trying any new product ingredient for the first time.
Goodleaf Skincare
We love the skincare range from Goodleaf, which includes a serum, moisturiser, face mask, face cleanser, hand wash, body wash, body lotion, lip balm, exfoliator and a relief roller. They also have creams specially formulated for pain, sleep and PMS. All of the products are lab-tested, free from THC and traceable to the original source of manufacture.
BIOMEDCAN CAPSULES
BIOMEDCAN o ers a range of capsules designed to help with sleep, mood, mind and pleasure. All capsules contain highly concentrated CBD combined with natural active ingredients to maximize their e cacy. The range is suitable for vegans and is naturally gluten-free. They have recently launched their Immune Boost CBD which is a multivitamin and mineral supplement that assists in boosting the immune system, supporting the body’s defence against viral infections.
Sativa Hemp Shampoo and Conditioner
The shampoo and conditioner from Sativa are completely vegan and formulated with organic hemp seed oil, as well as aloe vera and green tea extracts. They are free from parabens, sulphates and synthetic chemical ingredients and are suitable for all hair types.
LIVING Summer
The holidays are here at last, and even if you’re spending them at home, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the good weather and family time. Why not put together a festive feast to enjoy at your leisure? Chef Charmaine Lilje has created recipes that are comforting and delicious — start with a smoky mackerel pâté with fresh sourdough bread, and then rustle up some spicy chicken kebabs on the braai. Top it all o with a generous helping of fruity pavlova with a summery twist.
Smoked mackerel pate (Serves 6)
Ingredients
• 400g smoked mackerel
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ lemon, juiced
• ½ garlic clove, minced
• 4 tbsp cream cheese or sour cream
• 100g melted butter
• Salt and Pepper to taste
Garnish
• 1 sliced spring onion or a sprig of thyme
• 50ml olive oil
• 100g butter
• Sourdough bread
Method
1 Remove skin and bones from fish, keep flesh
2 In a blender combine all the ingredients and pulse until smooth
3 Scrape into a serving bowl and top with spring onion and olive oil, served with a warmed-up loaf of sourdough bread and butter
Moroccan chicken kebabs with cucumber yoghurt sauce (Serves 6)
Kebab ingredients
• 500g diced chicken breasts
• ½ red onion, finely chopped
• ½ tsp crushed garlic
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 tbsp chopped basil
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon chopped chili medium strength
• 50ml vegetable oil
Cook on fire or in a pan, if in a pan you’ll need an extra 100ml vegetable oil for frying
Sauce ingredients
• ½ cucumber grated and excess liquid squeezed off
• 100ml double thick plain yoghurt
• ½ lime, juiced
• Salt and pepper
Garnish
• 3 tbsp chopped fresh coriander
• ½ tsp dried chili flakes
• lemon wedges
• 50ml olive oil
• Wooden skewers soaked in cold water for 10 minutes
Method
1 Combine all the kebab ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix well
2 Allow the mixture to marinade for an hour (or more)
3 Push chicken cubes through and onto the skewers
4 Make the sauce by combining all ingredients and placing in a serving bowl
5 Cook the kebabs on the braai or in a pan on medium heat
6 Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped coriander and chili flakes on top
7 Drizzle with 50ml olive oil
8 Serve hot with cucumber sauce on the side
Enjoy!
Fruity Pavlova (Serves 6)
Ingredients for base
• 5 egg whites
• 1 ¼ castor sugar
• 2 tsp corn flour
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• 1 vanilla pod deseeded
Filling
• 500ml fresh cream
• 100ml icing sugar
• ½ cup fresh strawberries cut in half
• 1 kiwi fruit peeled and sliced
• 1 orange peeled and sliced
• 1 lemon juiced
• 1 orange juiced
• ¼ cup cranberries dried
• 1 tsp chia seeds
Method
1 Preheat the oven to 150C
2 Prepare a flat oven tray with parchment paper and spray it with grease proof spray
4 Once egg whites have doubled in size slowly add the castor sugar, lasty the vanilla essence and vanilla seeds as well as the corn flour
5 Pour the egg mix onto the prepared tray, make any shape you want, round or square and flatten it slightly to equal height
6 Bake for 1 hour
7 Allow to cool on wire rack o parchment paper
8 Mix the fruit, lemon juice, orange juice, cranberries and chia seeds in a bowl and allow to sit for 30 minutes for lemon juice to coat the fruit
9 Whip the fresh cream with the icing sugar until sti peaks
10 Assemble the dessert, meringue base, then cream, then fruit. Serve within 30 minutes
3 Using a stand mixer add the egg white in the bowl and beat with whisk on high speed
Chef Charmaine Lilje runs both Chardonnay Deli in Constantia and Dalebrook Café in Kalk Bay. Both spaces boast beautiful, rustic delis that stock locally produced bread, milk, preserves, cheese and prepared meals.
For a treat that’s ideal for the festive season, you might consider ordering a cake from Chardonnay Deli. The home-baked range includes lemon and yoghurt cake with yoghurt icing; chocolate cake with buttercream, caramel and ganache; sugar-free carrot cake; farmstall style milk tart, rustic apple crumble with homestewed apples; and baked cheesecake with a choice of berry, caramel, chocolate or passionfruit toppings. They also o er several vegan options, including vegan coconut chocolate cake with espresso, nutty vegan cake with peanut butter and banana icing and a seasonal vegan chocolate torte with avocado, dates, coconut oil and honey.
A TASTE OF
magic
BY EMILE JOUBERT
Much like Jewish humour, good sparkling wine is a bit quick for me. To analyse, that is. Reason being, when partaking in a glass of fizz, the elixir tends to go down the hatch a little too quickly. But recently it was all work, with no merry glugging. The Amorim Cap Classique Challenge recently announced this year’s top South African sparkling wines made to the original method of Champagne. That is, secondary bottle-fermented with some time for the wine to not only give birth to the 50 million awesome bubbles found in one bottle but also to add the spell-binding flavours and the creamy texture that features in all the sparkles I like.
Judging the finest
Lo and behold, this year’s Cap Classique Challenge was won by a winery situated in Plettenberg Bay. That’s right: Newstead Wines Blanc de Blanc 2015 beat all other
competitors and was judged the topscoring Cap Classique among the 121 wines entered into this year’s competition. Rumours of winemaking from vines planted between the polo patches in Plett began circulating 10 years ago. Although some passable Cap Classique and Sauvignon Blanc hit the scene, tentatively, the Plettenberg Bay wine world kept to itself. And the Western Cape-based wine industry didn’t really take this patch of terroir 550km east of Cape Town seriously. Until now. Trumping at the Amorim Cap Classique Challenge, the leading arena for judging Cap Classique, is a big deal. With a history of 19 years committed to fizz, its reputation rests on rigorous judging solely focussed on bubbles, as well as the competition’s official endorsement from the Cap Classique Association. Just as Plett is the place in which to hoof a couple of chukkas of polo, so the Amorim Challenge is the place to go if you want your bubbly judged.
A Plettenberg winner
So, onto the winning wine. Newstead’s vines are set on the undulating soils east of Plett. The sandy loam is shallow, and underneath this is a severe clay bed. Vines are planted north-south, ensuring the south-easter — the only feature more synonymous with Plett than the Beacon Isle Hotel — blows true and cool through the vineyard rows.
The Newstead Blanc de Blanc was made by Anton Smal of former Villiera Estate fame, who allowed the wine to lie for 42 months in bottle — a time frame conducive to spending downtime riding the left shore-break o Keurbooms.
It is a wonderful glass of Cap Classique. It exudes both craftsmanship in the cellar as well as Chardonnay that has been ripened to the point of precise and accurate focus. The base-wine races with acidity as well as complexity, thanks to the Plettenberg Bay weather, which allows a longer, slower ripening period than out west, Cape way.
On the nose, Newstead Blanc de Blanc o ers crushed green almond shell with a nostril-prickling hit of wet sherbet and wild oyster shell. The attack on the palate is confident. Once the roar of bubbles subsides, the front palate picks up Granny Smith apple, lots of it, as well as loquat and lime. As the bracing wine heads to the finish, the fruit becomes sunnier, followed by a tantalising salt-lick umami jet, all ending gorgeously brisk and clean, inviting a follow-up glug.
The message is clear: no more horsing around. Plett wine is a thing. And a welcome addition to the Cape winelands.
Heavenly sweetness
Labour of love
Closer to Cape Town, the Hemel-en-Aarde region has become familiar to wine lovers who are seduced by its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Just when I thought I had pretty much acquired a handle on this valley’s o erings, the Restless River Winery reminded me that, when it comes to wine, there is always something riveting lying around the next corner.
Restless River is a small winery run by Craig and Anne Wessels who have a collective past in that wine has never been a profession for them. Eight years since their first vintage, however, Restless River is rated as one of the Cape’s leading wineries with self-taught Craig delivering wines that are just getting better and better.
The Chardonnay is worth trundling the earth and soaring to the heavens for. Bottled under the label Ava Marie, the wine is a reflection of the labour of love put into its making. The Ava Marie 2017 is made from grapes picked at various stages of ripeness to build balance. Ageing over 12 months in big old barrels, a portion is matured in clay amphorae, adding a thoughtprovoking depth to the wine.
What this does, is deliver something that underscores South Africa’s reputation as one of the world’s leading Chardonnay producers. The wine o ers floral and fynbos aromas on the nose, followed by a tantalising zingy freshness as it enters the mouth. Here, a presence of utter deliciousness takes over with flavours ranging from green apple, yellow citrus and grilled nuts. As befits a wine from the hands of a creative craftsman, Ava Marie Chardonnay’s strongest feature is the captivating, riveting and wonderful texture and mouthfeel. Here it can charm and refresh, stir and delight. A truly fantastic wine from a property set to become one of the most talked-about names in South African wine.
Also, check-out the Restless River Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon — this winery is no one-trick pony.
The joy of Christmas might be in the giving, but let’s be honest and not forget the receiving. And wow, would a bottle of Olerasay 2° from the Mullineux’s not be a gift from the gods?
Chris and Andrea Mullineux are the superstar couple of South African wine. Whether they are making Chenin Blanc, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon… everything that comes out of the winery is just stunning. Amazing. Incredible. Truly.
And none more so than their Olerasay 2° , a magical sweet wine made from Chenin Blanc grapes dried before vinification. I have said it before, and I’ll say it again: South Africa makes some of the greatest sweet wines in the world. Therefore, I am extremely pleased that the Mullineux’s sweet number has knocked the lights out internationally, reminding the world what we do really well.
And what a wine the Olerasay 2° is. Heartbreakingly fragile and achingly delicate, it exposes the mouth to sweet fruit, sun, wild honey and the nectar from jungle flowers. It is almost emotional to sip this wine as joy meets drama and mystery, clothed in pure brilliant beauty. The sweetness doesn’t coat or clog the mouth, instead drifting around on a perfumed breeze that could have only originated in paradise. SV
New WINE RELEASES
This summer, we’re excited about these new release wines from some of South Africa’s most beloved cellars.
After a long, hard hiatus for the South African wine industry, the summer season is mercifully unfolding with a plethora of new wines for us to try. And just in time for the festive season, too! Here are some of the new release wines we’re most excited about.
LA MOTTE MILLENNIUM 2018
Origin: Franschhoek www.la-motte.com
A Bordeaux-style blend of Merlot (52%), Cabernet Franc (30%), Petit Verdot (10%) and Malbec (8%), the Millennium from Franschhoek estate
La Motte is a reliably excellent, any-occasion red wine. On the nose are heady notes of raspberry and creamy to ee, intermingled with subtle herbaceous, earthy aromas and spice. The palate rises to the introduction set by the nose, adding flavours of concentrated blueberries and a fresh acidity.
De Toren Fusion V 2017
Origin: Stellenbosch www.de-toren.com
Another Bordeaux-style wine, this one from the lauded cellars of De Toren in Stellenbosch! The bold and full-bodied Fusion V 2017 is crafted from Bordeaux’s ‘Noble Five’ varietals and delivers complex flavours of liquorice, black cherry, cedar, and dark berries with a texture as “soft as spun silk”. On the nose, there are pronounced red and dark fruits with a hint of sweet spice and on the palate, a beautiful, complex texture with a long finish.
Vin de Constance 2017
Origin: Constantia www.kleinconstantia.com
The Vin de Constance is a natural sweet wine made from Muscat grapes with a beguiling history that dates back to the 18th Century, when Constantia was internationally known for its sweet wines. The wine leads with a pure, enticing nose of sweet citrus, table grapes, marmalade, and hints of peach and apricot. In the mouth, it’s almost viscous with complexity and intensity, and lingers for an eternity but without being cloying.
WARWICK WINE PROFESSOR BLACK II PITCH BLACK
Origin: Stellenbosch www.warwickwine.com
The Professor Black II Pitch Black is a new addition to the Warwick Wine Estate repertoire: a rich and textured red blend inspired by the wines from the Simonsberg region, where it was once common practice to blend classic Bordeaux varieties with Cinsault. The result of this alchemy is a total crowdpleaser of a wine, according to Warwick’s cellar master JD Pretorius, delivering dark berries, wild strawberries, violets, and herbs on the nose and rich complexity, finegrained tannins, and a long, brooding finish on the palate.
Tokara Reserve Collection Syrah
2017
Origin: Stellenbosch www.tokara.com
From the gloriously beautiful, vineyard-carpeted hills of Tokara Wine Estate, high up on Helshoogte Pass in Stellenbosch, comes this seductive 2017 Reserve Syrah, which displays a stunning deep purple colour with a ruby red rim. The nose leads with notes of ripe blue and blackberries intermingled with subtle clove spice and aromas of cedar, vanilla, and blue violets. On the palate, the Tokara Reserve Collection Syrah is elegant and refined with rich dark fruit, a silky mid-palate, and a hint of pepper spice on the finish.
Constantia Glen Sauvignon Blanc 2020
Origin: Constantia www.constantiaglen.com
For that perfectly crisp, go-to summer wine, look no further than Constantia Glen’s most recent vintage of Sauvignon Blanc. Born in a cool climate valley widely known for its suitability for Sauvignon Blanc, the new vintage delivers depth and minerality with uplifting aromas of nettle and gooseberry, backed by nectarine and kiwi fruit flavours. Sni a little deeper, and you may detect the underlying perfume of elderflower, which is characteristic of the Constantia Glen Sauvignon Blanc.
SURVIVOR BUSHVINE CHENIN BLANC
2019
Origin: Swartland www.survivorwines.com
The limited release (1 500 bottles) Chenin Blanc Reserve 2019 from the Overhex Winery’s Survivor range is a wine of great complexity and finesse. Having been crafted from select parcels of low-yielding vineyards in the Swartland, this 100% Chenin Blanc showcases the best of what the region can produce. The resultant, partially oaked wine is complex, elegant, and creamy, boasting an intense bouquet of apricot, peach, and yellow apple enlivened by a hint of zesty lemon.
Delheim Vera Cruz Pinotage
2017
Origin: Stellenbosch www.delheim.com
The Delheim Vera Cruz Pinotage 2017 is a rich and delicious 100% Pinotage from the Simonsberg Ward in Stellenbosch. Selected from a single block of 21-year-old bush vines, this vivid crimson and purple wine delivers layered aromas of plums, red currants, tobacco, black cherries, and chocolate tru es. On the palate is a complex array of fruit flavours of plums, mulberry, and fresh cherries, which burst forth on a river of velvety tannins, followed by a long and generous finish.
Luddite Saboteur White 2019
Origin: Bot River www.luddite.co.za
The fifth vintage of the Saboteur White (2019) from Luddite Wine Estate on the Walker Bay wine route is set to follow in the footsteps of its previous, highly successful vintages. A blend of 74% Chenin Blanc, 15% Fumé Blanc (wooded Sauvignon Blanc), 11% Viognier the wine is beautifully balanced with a sumptuous, buttery texture and weight juxtaposed by refreshing acidity and fruity flavours.
ROODEBERG CLASSIC ROSÉ
2020
Origin: Paarl www.roodeberg.com
From the internationally beloved cellars of KWV in Paarl comes this refreshing take on an icon of the South African wine industry: the Roodeberg Classic Rosé. Just in time for spring, the new vintage of this vibrant Rosé serves up subtle aromas of strawberry, candyfloss, and raspberry intertwined with hints of rose petals and Turkish delight. This gorgeous, salmon-pink wine is the perfect complement to lighter summer dishes, salads, seafood, and picnic fare.
Babylonstoren Mourvèdre Rosé
Origin: Simondium www.babylonstoren.com
What began as an experiment with Mourvèdre grapes—done at the time when this cultivar was rarely used for Rosé — has evolved into this rosy and devilishly moreish dry wine. The Babylonstoren Mourvèdre Rosé is a sophisticated wine, salmon in colour with delicious hints of raspberries and rose petals on the nose. These yawn open into creamy strawberry yoghurt and candyfloss on the palate, balanced nicely by a subtle punch of acidity and a lingering mouthfeel.
Saurwein Chi Riesling 2020
Origin: Elgin www.saurwein.co.za
With only 5 900 bottles produced in this vintage, the Chi Riesling 2020 by superlatively talented winemaker Jessica Saurwein is a special thing indeed! The grapes originate from two vineyards in the fertile Elgin valley, yielding a Riesling that is fragrant with orange blossom, green melon, and lime, with subtle notes of yellow stone fruits, piña colada, honeysuckle, and flint. The 2020 vintage, with its cool, late-ripening period, also boasts wines of great palate weight and texture.
BOUCHARD FINLAYSON TÊTE DE CUVÉE
Origin: Hemel-en-Aarde Valley www.bouchardfinlayson.co.za
The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley has the rare and unique combination of soil and climate that provides the perfect expression of the notoriously finicky Pinot Noir grape. And the Tête de Cuvée label presents Bouchard Finlayson’s top Pinot Noir barrels from each vintage. As such, you may expect a truly glorious wine—regal and focused — that presents a pristine balance of delicacy and richness. On the nose: silky layers of ripe blueberry and plum with touches of spice and espresso.
Stellenbosch Hills Reserve White 2019
Origin: Stellenbosch www.stellenbosch-hills.co.za
The 1707 Stellenbosch Hills Reserve White is a rich, elegant wine with an aromatic nose of stone fruit, honey, and zesty citrus aromas. Crafted from 70% Chardonnay, 20% Semillon, and 10% Viognier from the Stellenbosch Kloof area, every component was matured on the lees in 300-litre French oak barrels for ten months. The result is 3 000 bottles of this voluptuous Reserve White blend, which pairs beautifully with sushi, risotto, grilled chicken, fish, curry, and cream-based dishes.
Boschendal Vin D’Or
Origin: Franschhoek
www.boschendal.com
On the sweeter side, the Vin D’Or from Boschendal Estate near Franschhoek is a natural sweet wine that bursts with citrus aromas of tangerine, underscored by hints of tropical fruit and delicate honeysuckle. On the palate, it delivers a tremendous fruit core that’s highly concentrated, yet well balanced, and rather than leaving a cloying sweetness in the mouth, it finishes with a fresh citrus zest. The Vin D’Or is crafted from Botrytis-a ected Weisser Riesling (sourced from Durbanville) and Viognier (Elgin).
GROOTE POST SEASALTER SAUVIGNON BLANC 2020
Origin: Darling www.grootepost.com
The Seasalter from Groote Post in Darling is a white blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Sémillon that’s wonderfully expressive on the nose and palate with captivating notes of blackcurrant, stone fruit, and green apple mingled together with hints of fynbos, kelp, sea breeze, and a touch of oak. This wine is rich and layered: a subtly powerful yet elegant blend that shows typical Darling minerality, vibrant acidity, and some leesy complexity before a long, saline finish. SV
ADVENTURE
THE NEWEST EVOLUTION OF THE RAV4
Expect nothing less than incredible. The time has come to live a life less ordinary and more EXTRAordinary; a life where incredible comes standard.
With 5 models in the line up, there is a lot of RAV4 to choose from.
The RAV4 is o ered with a choice of two petrol engines: a 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre four-cylinder unit. The ‘Dynamic Force’ engines, both fitted with intelligent variable valve timing, deliver improved performance and a more responsive and fuel-e cient drive.
Get ready to answer adventure’s call.
COMES STANDARD ADVENTURE
DESTINATION Boschend
A cornucopia of Cape winelands luxury and hospitality.
BY THEA BECKMAN
al
From field to fork
In 1685, the Dutch East India Company granted Huguenot Jean le Long a vast swath of land, sandwiched between the winelands towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Today, 335 years later, Boschendal boasts a cornucopia of attractions, from nourishing farm-to-table food, picnics under ancient oaks, and wine tasting in historic manor houses, to farm tours, resplendent gardens, luxury accommodations, and outdoor activities like hiking, horse-riding, and mountain biking. To do justice to them all in the written word would require a Tolstoy-length novel. But, alas, we don’t have that luxury. So, in abbreviation, let’s journey through Bos-en-dal, the land of “wood and valley”, to discover its myriad treasures.
The Cape carries a lofty, worldwide reputation for its wine. And scattered throughout its sublimely beautiful countryside are scores of wine estates, many of which are centuries old. But what sets Boschendal apart from many of its historic counterparts—where the greatest flurry of activity is restricted to harvest—is this estate’s sustained level of intense, year-round industry. For you see, Boschendal is not merely a wine estate. It is a complete farming ecosystem that produces almost
every ingredient on its restaurants’ menus, from the micro-herbs in your garden salad to the succulent Angus beefsteak on your plate.
This brings me to one of the estate’s most alluring features: the Werf food garden. For anyone who loves cooking with fresh produce, there is scarcely a more enchanting place on Earth than this, where a kaleidoscopic array of herbs, vegetables, greens, and fruit burst forth from the rich, dark soils. Visitors are encouraged to wander around and admire the bounty before sitting down for a farm-to-fork feast in the Werf Restaurant (formal), the Boschendal Deli (informal), or a picnic on the emerald lawns.
Further a-field (literally), Boschendal maintains free-range populations of grass-fed cattle, chickens, forest-dwelling pigs, goats, and a trusty flock of ducks whose job it is to keep the gardens pest-free. And as you explore the atmospheric grounds of this historic estate, you can hear the distant, bucolic melodies of all these animals.
“Beer is made by men, wine by God.”
Martin
Luther, circa 1500
Ah, and now for the reason most people come to Boschendal (only to discover to their unbridled delight the variety of additional attractions) … wine. Now, most wineries release no more than a dozen wines. Boschendal, however, delivers such a
staggering diversity, I wouldn’t know where to start and definitely wouldn’t know where to end: probably in the Werf food garden’s sluice if I were allowed to try them all.
Perhaps the best known and accessible of these wines are their collection of Méthode Cap Classique’s and the 1685 range of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, and Shiraz Mourvèdre. However, I urge you to sample the estate’s showier wines, such as the Boschendal Nicolas (red blend), the Grande Syrah, and the Elgin Sauvignon Blanc. Paired with the beguiling ambience of the Manor House, the shaded lawns outside The Werf Restaurant, or the verdant surrounds of the Rhone Homestead, it is an experience marked by sheer perfection.
And for parents who want to enjoy their wine tasting in tranquillity, the Tree House Playground is the place to deposit the kids. Boschendal has also just launched an outdoor kids experience (for in-house guests) that takes them around the farm to learn about this natural, fertile valley’s ecosystem and meet the farm’s many four-legged (and webfooted) residents.
When you need to work off the wine…
For visitors, there are just as many activities at Boschendal that burn calories as those that involve the copious consumption of them. The farm and its surrounding fynbos and orchard-clad slopes are crisscrossed with a network of well-tended-to trails for walking, hiking, and mountain biking. There are even horse rides available that take guests through Boschendal’s jigsaw puzzle of truly spectacular landscapes, both farmed and indigenous. (600 Species of fynbos thrive here!)
On this subject: the WWF has awarded Boschendal Biodiversity Conservation Champion status for its e orts to preserve this precious indigenous flora. Additionally, through the estate’s many endeavours— from farming, winemaking, hospitality, and service— Boschendal provides permanent employment to hundreds of locals, many of whom have served and lived on the farm for several generations.
Luxury accommodations
And if, after all the indulgence—the food, the wine, the endless meandering—you wish to lay your wine-steeped head on an 800-thread-count pillow, Boschendal o ers a handsome suite of accommodations. There’s an array of luxuriously appointed hotel suites and restored farm cottages to choose from, as well as the Mountain Villa, Bertha’s Retreat, and, for a slightly more unique though no less luxurious experience, the tented camp. This boasts seven beautifully furnished and fully serviced tents located on the fynbos-carpeted slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain, overlooking the Cape winelands. Heaven!
Unending treasures to discover
Despite my best e orts, I have undoubtedly omitted one or several of Boschendal’s attractions. But, in fairness, one might visit this estate every day for a month and still discover new treasures to explore, experiences to be revelled in, and mouth-watering feasts to be devoured. Such is the rich and bountiful o ering at this, one of the Cape’s oldest and most beautiful estates.
For more information, visit www.boschendal.com SV
Boschendal has recently opened their brand new Farm Shop & Butchery. On display and for purchase is a selection of farm produce and artisan products from local suppliers, including home baked goods, décor and kitchenware, and wine.
There’s a little something for everyone this season…
Curate Fine Foods Gift Boxes
Curate puts together beautiful gift boxes for luxury food lovers. Each box contains a selection of locally-made speciality products and is exquisitely packaged and designed. Their options include the Elouise gift box, which contains savoury treats like seasonal preserves, tru e salt and oil; the Elizabeth gift box, which is designed for those who love afternoon tea; and the Aimee gift box, which includes a cheese board, cheese knives, preserves and olive oil. www.curatefinefoods.com
RIO LARGO EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL & BALSAMIC VINEGAR
Poetry Garden Mugs
These lovely mugs from Poetry feature a variety of leaf designs in shades of green with a touch of gold. They make a sweet gift as individual pieces or a set — perfect for a co ee or tea-lover! www.poetrystores.co.za
Beautifully packaged, the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar from Rio Largo make great gifts for anyone who loves to cook at home. The olives are grown, harvested and processed on the estate, which is located near Robertson. All of the products are packaged in lovely boxes, featuring a range of designs, including illustrations of succulents, rhinos, botanicals and birds. www.riolargo.co.za
The Cotton Company Wa e Weave Turkish Towel
These gorgeous towels from The Cotton Company are lightweight, generously sized and very soft. They are made with 100% Turkish cotton, and are highly absorbent and fast-drying — in fact, they roll up very small, making them ideal to pack for a day out. The towels are available in a range of colours, including Coral Clay, Petrol Blue, Citron, Oatmeal, Slate and Wet Pebble.
www.thecottoncompany.co.za
Plantify
Plantify o ers a wide range of plants, baskets, pots and accessories. Their o ering includes waterwise, hanging, easycare, low light, tabletop, floor standing and air purifying plants, so there’s plenty to choose from. They also o er beautiful handcrafted, locally-made baskets. www.plantify.co.za
LOU HARVEY TOTE BEACH BAG
A lovely addition to a summer wardrobe, this tote beach bag in Leopard Rose is a fun, practical gift. It’s also available in a number of other designs, including Flower Trellis, Jojo Pink, and Multi Stripe. www.louharvey.co.za
Biggie Best Morton Ceramic Jar
This blue and white ceramic jar makes a stylish gift. The perfect décor element, the jar works equally well in a classic or contemporary space. Blue and white add a freshness to any home, and this piece works well in the living room, kitchen or bathroom. www.volpes.co.za
Goedgedacht Oils and Dressings
Goedgedacht is the trading arm of the Goedgedacht Trust, a non-profit, educational and charitable trust that was established on the Goedgedacht olive farm in Malmesbury. The company boasts a range of delicious olives, olive oils, olive pastes, dressings and dressing spritz. Ideal for fresh summer salads, the spritzes come in lime, cranberry, blueberry and blackberry infusions. www.goedgedachttrading.com
Le Creuset New Collections
Le Creuset has launched a new collection just in time for the holidays. Their Noel collection includes festive pieces delicately scrolled and painted with favourite holiday motifs, which make lovely collectables. The collection consists of cookware and accessories — we just love the mugs that are available with Santa, reindeer, snowman, Christmas tree and ornament decal illustrations. Le Creuset has also released a new colour to their already extensive range — the fig collection is an earthy, deep violet with subtle brown tones. www.lecreuset.co.za
elebrations C
Nothing
says ‘holiday’ quite like a bottle of bubbly.
Black Elephant Vintners MCC
Rosé NV
Produced in the Franschhoek Valley, this MCC is crafted from handpicked grapes and bursts with aromas of red berries, blood orange, peach, and smoky lees. The medium-bodied palate yields fruity tones, a frothy mousse, and just the right level of acidity.
Available from R285
Boschendal Brut Rose MCC
This pretty pink wine is the perfect addition to a fresh summer meal, and pairs well with salads, seafood, and light chicken dishes. The blend of three grape varietals—Pinotage, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir—makes this gorgeous Brut from Boschendal a versatile bubbly for any occasion.
Available from R150
BOLLINGER SPECIAL CUVÉE
The epitome of distinguished elegance, this exclusive Champagne o ers enticing aromas of baked apple and hints of lemon freshness. Full and expansive on the palate, this intense yet refined creamy cuvée presents flavours of pear, brioche and roasted nuts with a long refreshing finish.
Available from R960
Lourensford Nectar 2018
Available from R170
This gorgeous Demi-sec Cap Classique reveals notes of citrus, white peach and lemon peel, underscored by rich biscuity flavours. With a natural acidity and sweetness, this versatile wine pairs beautifully with light, fruit-based desserts and savoury dishes with sweet elements.
Baglietti Prosecco
Baglietti No.7 and Baglietti No.10 are two exclusive sparkling wines imported from Anno Domini in Venetia, Italy. Baglietti No.7 is an organic spumante rosé with exuberant flavours of raspberry, citrus, and summer berries; while Baglietti No.10 is a dry Prosecco with notes of pears, citrus, and almonds.
Available from R229
VEUVE CLICQUOT RICH
A unique twist on a classic bubbly, the Veuve Clicquot Rich is made to be enjoyed with ice and fresh ingredients, such as pineapple, grapefruit zest, cucumber, celery, peppers, and tea. These ingredients bring out the wine’s natural citrus and floral notes.
Available from R985
STELLENBOSCH HILLS ANNA CHRISTINA MCC 2018
This elegant wine from Stellenbosch Hills delivers fresh Granny Smith apples and citrus blossom on the nose. At the same time, the wellbalanced palate features a lovely, crisp acidity and satisfying bubbles with each sip.
Steenberg Lady R 2015
With a lovely copper hue, this wine delivers hints of red apple skin, desiccated coconut, raspberry pie, almond paste, citrus biscuits, and savoury dry herbs. There’s a creaminess on the palate, too, which is beautifully complemented by a subtle and refreshing acidity.
Available from R540
Available from R219
This beautiful, pink-hued wine is sweet and smooth with aromas of strawberry, spiced peach, and creamy raspberry. With a subtle floral nuance, the Bliss Nectar Rosé is a great bubbly for those who prefer something that it is not too dry in style.
Available from R170
Graham Beck Bliss Nectar Rosé NV
reasure Chest T
Treat someone special to something that shimmers and shines.
GARMIN VENU SQ MUSIC EDITION
With a bright colour display, this new smartwatch combines style with on-device music storage, as well as health monitoring and fitness features. The design is sleek and features a lightweight aluminium bezel and a comfortable silicone band. It also comes with some exciting features, including a Pulse Ox sensor that gauges your blood oxygen saturation, stress tracking, advanced sleep monitoring and a mindful breathing feature. R5 499
Pandora Bracelet
This Pandora Moments snake chain bracelet comes in 14k Pandora rose gold and features a sparkling pink disc double dangle charm. Pandora’s signature bracelets make beautiful jewellery box staples, thanks to their simple and elegant aesthetic. This bracelet can be worn on its own, or easily combined with other charms and bracelets in the range.
From R2 999
Heuer New Senna Quartz
This special edition piece comes with a quartz movement and a gorgeous sunray-brushed anthracite dial with luminous black counters at 3,6 and 9 o’clock. The fixed bezel is made from ultra-resistant black ceramic, while touches of yellow on the dial and bezel are a nod to the colour palette associated with motor-racing legend Ayrton Senna, the inspiration behind the design. R37 500
THOMAS SABO RINGS
The eclectic range of rings from Thomas Sabo includes ring bands, cocktail rings, solitaires, signet rings, eternity and stacking rings. There’s a wide choice when it comes to style, so if you’re looking for something bold and colourful, or delicate and sleek, you’ll find one that suits your look. We just love their on-trend colour block jewellery with handcrafted details and gorgeous colourful stones.
Rings from R2 975
Thomas Sabo Necklace Dragonfly
This playful piece of jewellery features more than 30 stones in a pretty dragonfly design. The dragonfly — a symbol of lightness — shimmers with iridescent abalone mother-of-pearl, while stones in synthetic corundum red, spinel blue, glass-ceramic stone and zirconia orange all come together to create a creative and bright statement.
R6 975
ORIS DIVERS SIXTY-FIVE BLUE DIAL BRONZE & STAINLESS-STEEL BRACELET WATCH
This retro diver’s watch was launched three years ago, and now a new model in bronze has just been launched. The multi-piece case is made with stainless steel and bronze, while the dial is an elegant shade of blue. The piece is water-resistant to a depth of 100 metres and boasts a power reserve of 38 hours.
R44 000
Seiko Prospex Save The Ocean Manta Ray Edition
NOMINATION COMPOSABLE
BRACELET
The Composable collection from Nomination allows you to tell stories link by link. Ideal for a personalised gift, links are available in yellow gold, rose gold and sterling silver. There’s a vast catalogue of precious symbols and letters available, as well as engravable links for personal inscriptions. The bracelets are available in a range of sizes and can be customised for men, women and children. Links start at R399
A new addition to the King Turtle collection, this beautiful timepiece features a 200-metre waterresistant stainless-steel case and a black ceramic bezel. Angular grooves on the bezel provide excellent grip, while the gradient textured, nautical-inspired dial o ers a very pleasing aesthetic. The timepiece is part of the Save the Ocean collection, a partnership between Seiko and conservationist and underwater explorer Fabien Cousteau, which aims to raise awareness for marine conservation.
R11 999
Pandora Rose Chain
This pretty necklace captures the beauty of winter frost through pear-shaped sparkling stones set in the shape of a star. Featuring an O pendant and a sparkling pavé charm, this lovely rose chain is delicate and elegant. The piece pairs beautifully with drop earrings or a striking ring.
From R1 779
ook Club B
Treat the bookworm in your life with a riveting new read.
SENSE
By Russel Jones
A fascinating read, this book looks at how the true potential of the five senses can be unlocked and used to improve all aspects of our lives. Written by multi-sensory marketing expert Russel Jones, the book explores research from the worlds of neuroscience and experimental and behavioural psychology to explain how to live multi-sensorially.
TROY
By Stephen Fry
A retelling of the legend of Troy, this is a story of war, revenge, desire and despair. Stephen Fry has added a taste of his distinctive humour and narrative ability to give the ancient tale a new contemporary relevance.
Street Art Africa
By Cale Waddacor
This visual collection showcases the work of over 200 artists. It is a celebration of the way in which street art has exploded in Africa over the last decade, and also features interviews with some contemporary street artists.
THE SUN AND HER FLOWERS
By Rupi Kaur
This beautiful collection of poetry is written and illustrated by Rupi Kaur, the bestselling author of milk and honey. The collection is a journey of wilting, falling and rising, and the work celebrates love in all its forms.
THE BOOK OF TWO WAYS
By Jodi Picoult
The latest release by acclaimed author Jodi Picoult, The Book of Two Ways is the story of a death doula who is faced with a di cult decision after her own near-death experience. The novel explores themes of life, death and missed opportunities and is a must for any fan of Picoult’s previous work.
The Searcher
By Tana French
Ideal for those who love a good mystery, The Searcher is the story of a boy that goes missing from a small town in Ireland. Tana French weaves a masterful tale of breath-taking beauty and suspense, asking how we decide what’s right and wrong in a world where neither is simple, and what we risk if we fail. Packed with suspense, this is a masterful, thought-provoking read.
Cook
Eat Repeat
By Nigella Lawson
Written by well-loved chef Nigella Lawson, this book is a combination of recipes and narrative essays written about food. Nigella shares the rituals of her personal kitchen, as well as recipes that make use of her favourite ingredients and inspiration for vegan feasts, family meals and Christmas ideas.
***Available at
A TIME FOR MERCY
By John Grisham
A complex courtroom thriller, this new novel by John Grisham tells the story of a teenage boy who shoots his stepfather, a police o cer in small-town Mississippi. As the trial begins, it seems there is only one outcome, the gas chamber. Expect heartbreak, suspense and drama.
Fragrances
Give the gift of a fresh new scent this season.
CARTIER
LA PANTHÈRE
A new addition to La Panthère collection, this floral fragrance is an even more intense and rich interpretation of the original perfume that was launched in 2014. With notes of gardenia, apricot and patchouli, the fragrance is sensual and warm. It’s beautifully packaged in an elegant, feline bottle — a striking panther is delicately sculpted into the glass.
75ml Eau de Parfum | R2 220
Salvatore Ferragamo
Signorina Misteriosa
Signorina Misteriosa is a creative and innovative new o ering. A mysteriously daring Eau de Parfum that is designed to liberate the wearer’s spontaneous side. The scent delivers top notes of blackberry and neroli, with middle notes of tuberose and orange blossom and base notes of milk mousse, black vanilla husk and patchouli.
100ml Eau de Parfum| R2 090
Versace Dylan Blue Pour Homme
A fresh and spicy scent for men, this fragrance is aromatic and woody with some lovely aquatic notes. Bergamot, grapefruit and fig leaves combine beautifully with violet leaf, patchouli, black pepper and ambrox. The bottle has a lovely clean design and comes in Mediterranean blue with a gold cap and the iconic Versace Medusa seal.
200ml Eau de Toilette | R2 185
This unisex fragrance was recently launched and is made with 99 percent natural ingredients. A beautiful blend of bergamot, lemon and pink pepper work well with fresh lavender and earthy accents. The fragrance is a declaration of love for nature and is packed with aromatic elements like Italian citrus, sage and vetiver.
180ml Eau de Cologne R2 899
ACQUA DI PARMA COLONIA FUTURA
Montblanc Signature
In a beautiful opalescent bottle, this fragrance reveals sensual base notes of vanilla and musk. Top notes include floral peony and zesty clementine, while middle notes of ylangylang and magnolia are a lovely combination. The bottle design is a tribute to the iconic inkwell, which is part of Montblanc’s famous heritage. White lacquering on the inside exudes a shine, while the faceted appearance changes with the light.
90ml Eau de Parfum R1 499
Montblanc Legend
A new o ering from Montblanc, this Eau de Parfum for men includes notes of bergamot, jasmine and moss, as well as fresh violet leaves, magnolia, wood and leather. The bottle takes on a stylish flask-like design with black lacquering on the inside and subtle gold details on the cap.
100ml Eau de Parfum | R1 599
Boss Alive
This bold new fragrance from Hugo Boss was created by women for women and o ers a fresh take on feminine freedom. The scent is a lovely balance of fruity and woody accents and includes notes of apple, blackcurrant, plum and cinnamon. Natural Madagascan vanilla is a highlight in the perfume and a symbol of the joie de vivre of the female spirit.
Versace Eros Pour Femme
Bottled in a gorgeous gold bottle, this fragrance blends Sicilian lemon with bergamot and pomegranate accords, along with sandalwood, musk and woody notes. A distinctly Versace creation, the bottle features a Medusa symbol, as well as metallic gold details. Named for Eros, the God of love, the fragrance is the perfect gift for someone special.
80ml Eau de Parfum | R1 890
100ml Eau de Parfum | R2 135
LOUIS VUITTON HEURES D›ABSENCE
Louis Vuitton launched its first-ever fragrance Heures d’Absence in 1927, and the scent captured the spirit of the time. Now, almost a century later, the fragrance has been reborn. The scent is floral and woody, with top notes of jasmine and rose, middle notes of raspberry and mimosa and base notes of musk, vanilla and sandalwood.
100ml Eau de Parfum | R4 000
rinks Cabinet D
Those who love a tipple will be spoilt for choice this season.
GINATO
Brand-new from Truman & Orange, Ginato is an Italian gin that is made with top-quality produce — think juniper berries from Tuscany, citrus from the south of Italy, and grapes from Italy’s northern lake region. The inclusion of grapes makes for a unique gin with a distinct colour and flavour.
There are two flavour variants including the Pompelmo made with sun-ripened Sicilian pink grapefruit and Sangiovese grapes, and Clementino made with Southern-Italian clementines and Nebbiolo grapes.
750ml | R385 per bottle
Clifton Gin
Leonista ReposadoBlack
This Karoo agave spirit is mellow and aged with notes of butterscotch, caramel and dark chocolate. It’s best enjoyed as a single shot on a block of ice and sipped from a tumbler glass, but if you prefer to mix it, enjoy a shot with ginger beer and lime for a refreshing summer drink. Leonista means ‘place of the lion’ and is the first 100% Karoo agave spirit in South Africa, with similar flavour profiles to tequila.
750ml | R490 per bottle
Inspired by the ocean, Clifton Gin is a celebration of one of Cape Town’s most iconic beaches. The range includes two gins — Clifton 1 and Clifton 2. Clifton 1 is composed of orange peel, coriander seed, lemon peel and cardamom and is a beautiful golden hue. Clifton 2 includes marine and fynbos botanicals, cucumber and buchu and boasts mineral and menthol-kissed notes.
500ml | Clifton 1 sells for R498 a bottle and Clifton 2 for R429
Blackstrap Cassia Spiced Rum
This premium craft rum is created from a unique small-batch spirit. Produced on the KZN coast, the rum is made with locally-sourced Blackstrap molasses and contains no added sugar, colourants or essences. The distillery produces small batches with a focus on artisanal value.
500ml | R299 per bottle
Fluère
Nettari Syrup Craft Gin Gift Box
An ideal gift for the at-home barman, this box includes a selection of three premium syrups — ruby grapefruit, elderflower and cucumber. These artisanal syrups are formulated with premium concentrated extracts and oils which come through in each one of their flavour bursts. The syrups can be used to make any cold drink but best suited as an addition to a delicious cocktail recipe.
125ml per syrup } R145 for the gift set
This range of alcohol-free spirits includes an original floral blend of botanicals, an amber spiced cane dark roast, a pink raspberry blend, and a smoked agave. Each spirit is made with the finest botanicals including seeds from Casablanca coriander, sugar cane molasses from the Dominican Republic, Himalayan juniper berries, lavender from Provence and Mediterranean lemon peel.
700ml | R299 per bottle
TOKI WHISKY
A Japanese whisky new to our shores, Toki is a subtle and refined blend from the House of Suntory. The blend incorporates two key pillars; the Hakushu American white oak cask malt whisky with its fresh green apple notes, and Chita heavy-type grain whisky with sweet vanilla notes.
750ml | R449 per bottle
Ben Wren Spritzers
This refreshing range of spritzers from Ben Wren includes rosé spritzers in grapefruit and pink pepper; lemon and ginger, and orange and orange blossom. They also o er a lemon and elderflower alcohol-free rosé spritz. The range is ideal for summer picnics, braais, and sundowners, and delicious to sip on for (practically) any time of day.
250ml | R30 per can
WHERE TO BUY
Treasure Chest
Garmin: www.garmin.com
Nomination: www.bellaluna.co.za
Oris: Bellagio Jewellers 011 883 6747
Pandora: www.pandorashop.co.za
Seiko: www.seikoboutique.co.za
TAG Heuer: TAG Heuer Boutique at Sandton City and V&A Waterfront
Thomas Sabo: www.bellaluna.co.za
Fragrances
Acqua Di Parma: available at Foschini, Truworths and Woolworths stores
Cartier: Cartier Boutique Sandton City 011 666 2800
Hugo Boss: available at Foschini, Truworths and Woolworths stores
Louis Vuitton: Louis Vuitton stores at Sandton City and V&A Waterfront
Montblanc: available at Foschini, Truworths and Woolworths stores
Signorina: available at Foschini, Truworths and Woolworths stores
Versace: available at Foschini, Truworths and Woolworths stores
Celebrations
Baglietti: www.yuppiechef.com
Black Elephant: www.bevintners.co.za
Bollinger: www.winecellar.co.za
Boschendal: www.boschendal.com
Graham Beck: www.grahambeck.com
Lourensford: www.lourensford.co.za
Steenberg: www.steenbergfarm.com
Stellenbosch Hills: www.stellenbosch-hills.co.za
Veuve Clicquot: Norman Goodfellows stores
Drinks Cabinet
Ben Wren: www.benwrenwine.com
Black Strap Rum: www.yuppiechef.com
Clifton Gin: www.cliftongin.com
Fluere: Norman Goodfellows stores
Ginato: www.takealot.com
Leonista: www.yuppiechef.com
Nettari: www.takealot.com
Toki Whisky: www.takealot.com
Wish List
Le Creuset: www.lecreuset.co.za
The Cotton Company: www.thecottoncompany.co.za
Goedgedacht Trading: www.goedgedachttrading.com
Volpes: www.volpes.co.za
Plantify: www.plantify.co.za
Poetry: www.poetrystores.co.za
Curate Fine Foods: www.curatefinefoods.com
Rio Largo: www.yuppiechef.com
Lou Harvey: www.louharvey.co.za
Mzansi
EDGE
10 000 Kilometres, 70 days, two men, and Land Rover make a positive di erence on tour around South Africa.
BY VANN VAN STADEN
This is the epic odyssey plotted for the Mzansi Edge, a heroic expedition that traces the entire land border of South Africa. The brainchild of Kingsley Holgate and his son Ross Holgate — humanitarian explorers and global Land Rover ambassadors — Mzansi Edge constitutes their charity foundation’s first long-distance test of the recently launched Land Rover Defender. But more important than having an adventure, the likes of which would have impressed Dr David Livingstone, the primary goal of the expedition is to deliver humanitarian aid to communities in need along the way. In other words, Mzansi Edge is the ultimate charity drive.
THE KINGSLEY HOLGATE FOUNDATION
Using adventure to improve and save lives is the key philosophy of the Kingsley Holgate Foundation. And with one of the continent’s most colourful modern-day explorers and philanthropists at the helm, its reach has succeeded in impacting the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in need. Kingsley Holgate is also an author, television personality, a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, a speaker at the New York Explorers Club, “Explorer in Residence” at Getaway Magazine, and the most travelled man in Africa.
He is a living legend and a friend and ambassador to Land Rover, the rugged vehicles of which he has used
on his many expeditions (many world firsts) to deliver life-saving equipment, like mosquito nets and water purification straws, to remote villages throughout Africa. Kingsley Holgate has also done crucial work in wildlife conservation through community education, using art to generate awareness of the plight of rhinos amongst children in rural villages.
THE NEW LAND ROVER DEFENDER
There are two things that African explorer and local hero Kingsley Holgate has in common with the new Land Rover Defender. The first is an insatiable thirst for adventure, and the second is the endurance to travel all 54 countries on the African continent.
“In our early days we could have hardly imagined the 360-degree camera systems, hi-tech o -road developments, and comfort features, which will make saving and improving lives even easier and more enjoyable,” says expedition leader and Kinglsey’s son Ross Holgate. “In a way, Land Rovers are our o ces, and we’re thrilled with the environment the new Defenders o er.”
THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME
It was on the recent Cape Town leg of Mzansi Edge that we had the pleasure of attending the launch of the new Land Rover Defender. But second only to the thrill of admiring the prowess of the brand’s latest innovation was meeting personal hero, Kingsley Holgate.
The new Land Rover Defender
A modern-day marvel fit for the intrepid explorer and the city slicker alike. The latest Defender has seen a complete redesign to its predecessor. Apart from its dashing new exterior, it’s also taken the 4x4 world by storm with its capabilities. In short, the new Defender can take on a gradient of up to 45-degrees! The patented Terrain Response is one of the main attractions to the show. It allows the driver to select between driving modes to adapt to the terrain for better traction and control. Another key feature is its ability to wade up to a depth of 900mm.
The Defender 110 launched mid-2020 o cially in SA, and the Defender 90 is set to launch 2021. Price tag starting at R1 050 100.
The trip saw us start at the base of the sprawling hills of Durbanville. You guessed it, Durbanville Hills Wine Estate welcomed us all with a delicious brunch and brief about the exciting adventure that lay ahead. The expedition took us from Durbanville Hills over the Bainskloof Pass all to witness the Cape’s true beauty of vineyards and green lands as far as the eye could see. Wolseley, Ceres, Tulbagh, and the first night’s sleepover at Cederberg Park Kromrivier in Cederberg. What a pleasure it was sitting fireside with Kingsley listening to the stories
of his adventures. The following day, after a hearty breakfast, had us don our vellies and rugged gear to tackle the landscapes around us. The 4x4 trail (on and o the beaten track) was an exhilarating experience, and quite honestly, although I naturally marry Land Rover with rugged 4x4-ing, it was still quite a mindset adjustment seeing a next-level luxury vehicle meet dust and dirt… it was a reunion like no other. We had a few pitstops to honour and take part in the Mzansi Edge charity drive and handed out a load of food parcels to local communities in need. It was a humbling experience, for sure. None of us left without a teary eye.
The next leg saw us stop at Isabella’s in Lamberts Bay where we were welcomed with a sprawl of tasty treats to prepare us for the next track after which we retired for the rest of the evening in Paternoster’s hotel, the Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel.
It was a bittersweet ending; one I knew had to end but wasn’t quite ready for. It was a true privilege, and one I will never forget.
A NOBLE STEED FOR A NOBLE CAUSE
It is the pursuit of making a positive di erence in the remotest communities that have landed this philanthropic team the prestige of, amongst other feats, being the only expedition team in the world to discover the geographic centre-point of Africa, and also, to have reached all seven “extreme” geographic points on the African continent.
The Kingsley’s noble steed of choice? The 2020 Land Rover Defender. SV
The symbolic filling of Kingsley’s traditional Zulu calabash with Vann van Staden and Mike McDuling taking the honours of filling it. Each stop of the trek (along a coast or river) sees the addition of more water. The water is then, at the end of trip, returned to its starting place. A full circle expedition.
WITH THE SLEEPING
Stars
If the idea of falling asleep to the sounds of the wild and under a blanket of stars tickles your fancy, travel writer Jared Ruttenberg shares four of South Africa’s most enticing sleep-out options.
SAMARA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE Eastern Cape
The star-gazing journey begins in the Karoo, half an hour’s drive from the pioneer town Graa -Reinet. Samara Private Game Reserve is the fruit of a twodecade conservation project to rewild a significant part of the Karoo to its former glory, through the restoration of the land and the wildlife that once roamed freely.
Today an impressive 28 000 hectares of land where goats and sheep once grazed, is now home to free-roaming elephant, cheetah, and rhino. Unlike many other lodges that are built and then have a conservation project added, with Samara you’re welcomed to a conservation project that always has, and always will, take first priority.
In addition to witnessing this conservation feat, I was also visiting to experience Samara’s luxury
star bed. On an elevated platform, secure from the roaming wildlife, a four-post bed with mosquito net sits waiting to welcome guests to the wild side. With the Milk River to the right and Milky Way above – a setting embracingly close to nature.
We arrived at an impressive picnic-style dinner, along with a bottle of bubbly to sip through the sunset. If there were adverse weather conditions, you could simply return to the comfort of your luxury chalet (a two-way radio is left to contact the lodge should the need arise).
Once we’d made our way through the dinner, it was time to bask in the wonder of the sunset, stars, and most importantly - glorious seclusion.
www.samara.co.za
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s diverse protected areas and natural sanctuaries allow you to explore our unique big-game wildlife areas, as well as numerous cultural, historical, wetland, alpine and marine treasures with a wide range of accommodation facilities and guest activities on offer. Hiking, biking, fishing, game-viewing or just relaxing …it’s yours for the asking.
Ezemvelokznwildlife
Maloti-Drakensberg Park
MARATABA LUXURY LODGE
Limpopo
On the eastern flank of Limpopo’s Waterberg region, you’ll find the little known Marakele National Park. The area’s unique topography creates a spectacular meeting place of both mountain and plains; only three hours from Johannesburg and yet it feels like a whole other world.
Part of the park is a private concession, operated by Marataba Luxury Lodges. While Mountain and Safari lodges both o er inviting stays, I’d come chiefly for their Thabametsi Treehouse - one of South African’s most luxurious sleep-outs.
The solar-panelled treehouse features an upstairs deck with a large lounge and dining area, and then a magnificent four-post bed that stares directly into the mountains. On the lower level, there is a glass-fronted bathroom with a hot-water shower. Since this is a freeroaming Big 5 game reserve, I kept my eyes peeled on the bush only a meter away, hoping that a lion would slowly saunter by.
At sunset, the African magic-show begins. The mountains begin to blush as they reflect the pink sunset hues. Later, the wild begins its nocturnal orchestra of laughing hyenas, whooping owls, and other distant growls. Night sightings are possible with the torch alongside your bed, and there’s even an iPad with apps for identifying birds, mammals, and stars. This is secluded Africa, all to yourself.
BUSHWA PRIVATE GAME LODGE Limpopo
Heading eastwards along the Waterberg to the Vaalwater region, Bushwa is a smaller 4-star reserve that o ers a rather romantic semi-outdoor experience. In addition to the tents and luxury chalets, the property features a stand-alone treehouse on the bank of a waterway, about 10-minutes’ drive from the lodge.
From its high-pitched position, there are gracious views over the surrounding bush. The treehouse also encompasses a small deck on the water’s edge. Being a nature reserve, you can safely walk around the base of the treehouse and enjoy the deck –the only dangerous game is the reserve’s resident Bu alo, so after a quick check of the surrounds, it’s safe to savour the sunset. Hopefully with an animal
or two who’ve also come for a sundowner. Since the treehouse is fully enclosed and roofed, the experience can be enjoyed all year round. On our visit a rather tempestuous Highveld storm was hurling all its fury down on the land around – a sight to behold from the safety of the treehouse with a mug of steaming co ee.
Breakfast and dinner are served at the lodge, and lunch can be enjoyed at the treehouse if desired. A hot shower and bathroom are a short walk away from the treehouse itself. Less than three hour’s drive from Johannesburg, this is a bush-break worth adding to the wish list.
www.bushwa.co.za
RESERVE
Western Cape
Three hours northeast of Cape Town, adjacent to the Cederberg, you’ll find the mountainous landscapes of the Koue Bokkeveld. Hidden in these rocky ridges lies the 4-star Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve, home to two unique sleep-out options: the star suite with an outdoor bath, shower, and a natural rock pool, and the sky suite with a wood-fired hot tub.
A stay in one of Kagga Kamma’s star beds is an invitation to experience something of what the San, South Africa’s earliest inhabitants, might have experienced. After all, their rock art is to be found all around. Although this is a rather plush reimagining of the experience (with the added luxuries of hot water, a comfy bed, and dinner delivered without having to catch it), it’s the same night sky and the same call to sleep with the stars.
Part of the allure of these star beds is that since Kagga Kamma is also a nature reserve with no dangerous predators, you drive yourself to the star beds by quad bike. After a short lesson you’re o , and the next morning you drive yourself back to the lodge for breakfast.
Shortly before sunset I poured myself a glass of wine and took a short walk to the little stone koppie nearby. As I sat watching the sky settle through various shades of purple, I heard movement on the nearest koppie. Looking across I noticed a solitary male baboon also seeming to enjoy the sunset. Noticing me he quietly scurried o , leaving me alone to drink in the unforgettable bucket-list African experience.
www.kaggakamma.co.za
KAGGA KAMMA NATURE
HISTORIC
Charm
Have an adventure — or simply relax — in one of South Africa’s oldest towns.
BY JENNIFER CAMPBELL
Set between the Langeberg mountains and the Breede River, Swellendam is the third oldest town in South Africa. Rich in history, the area is embraced by gorgeous scenery and features a plethora of activities. Whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely afternoon of wine tasting or prefer to take in the landscape on a cycle or hike, the region has plenty of options from which to choose. Just a couple hours’ drive from Cape Town, Swellendam makes for a lovely weekend escape.
Take a sip
Just like so many areas around Cape Town, Swellendam and its surrounds boast a wonderful selection of locally-produced wines. Jan Harmsgat is a beautiful farm that straddles the region’s
lush mountainous belt and is home to fruit, nut, and olive orchards, as well as indigenous wildlife like springbok, grey rhebok, and ostriches. The farm produces Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinotage, which are available for tasting, and you can go for drives through the single-block vineyards. The farm also o ers accommodation and their restaurant, Just Amy, serves up wholesome meals made with produce from their own garden.
Olivedale Private Vineyards is named for the indigenous olievenhout or wild olive tree that is found in the area surrounding Swellendam. The farm, which lies in a valley between the Langeberg mountains and the Breede River, has its own cellar, which is open for tasting by appointment only. A little further afield, Sijnn Wines is located in Malgas and produces a core range that includes a red blend, white blend and saignée, a unique style of Rosé wine. More recent additions include a Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Touriga Nacional, a Portuguese red varietal, as well as some limitededition bottles.
If you’re in the mood for something di erent, it’s well worth tasting the locally-produced Rebel Gin: a classic craft gin that contains a variety of botanicals — think juniper berries, cassia bark, angelica root, coriander seed, and citrus peel. Ideal for a summer tipple, Rebel Gin combines well with Indian tonic and citrus for a refreshing mix.
ARE NOW OPEN FOR 2022
www.somersetcollege.org
T: +27 (0)21 842 8000 | E: admissions@somcol.co.za Bredell Road, Somerset West, Western Cape, South Africa
Get out and about
Swellendam is steeped in history, and you’ll see some gorgeous old homes around town and the surrounding farms. The Drostdy Museum was built by the Dutch East India Company in 1747 and is one of the country’s oldest buildings. There are a number of other historic sites within walking distance of the museum, as well as some lovely co ee shops.
If you would like to get active on your time away, you might enjoy the hiking trails at Marloth Nature Reserve. The reserve is tucked away in the Swellendam Mountains and is carpeted in mountain fynbos and forest. The Plaat East trail is a five-kilometre loop that o ers up beautiful views of the area. If mountain biking is your thing, you’ll be pleased to know that a brand-new trail network has just been completed in town. There’s also a 160-kilometre gravel race set to take place in July 2021 — the “Around the Pot” race is organised by Petrichor Adventures and the route will lead towards the Potberg
mountain and cross the Malgas ferry before heading back towards Swellendam. There’ll also be shorter rides through the Bontebok National Park, and all the food at the event (including freshly baked roosterkoek and burgers) will be prepared by the local Bu eljagsrivier primary school, making it a truly community-focused event.
Stay the night
If you plan on staying over, there are some enchanting options in and around Swellendam.
Schoone Oordt Country House is a gorgeous space with 11 luxury bedrooms. It’s set in a lush garden with a saltwater pool and onsite restaurant. All the produce and wine at The Conservatory are sourced from local suppliers and growers, and guests can enjoy three-course gourmet breakfasts, afternoon tea, and dinner.
Oena Escapes is a Swellendam-based company that o ers a range of accommodation options in the area. The Rotterdam Boutique Hotel is located on a historic estate and has two charming buildings to choose from. De Wagenhuis has seven luxury rooms with views of the surrounding pastures, while Fraser Jones has 12 spacious en-suite rooms built around a central courtyard.
Country Paradise House is a stunning self-catering guesthouse in the heart of Swellendam and is conveniently located within walking distance of museums and restaurants. The house has four bedrooms and three bathrooms, making it ideal for a family getaway.
Whatever the weather or time of year, it’s clear that Swellendam is an attractive drawcard for any group of adventurers looking for a relaxed and enchanted getaway. SV
Visit www.visitswellendam.co.za for any advice, queries and bookings.
TWO OCEANS
Aquarium
South Africa’s underwater worlds unfurled.
BY THEA BECKMAN
Look up. The cerulean surface of the water undulates urgently in the current, heads of kelp nodding with each crest and trough. Their great ropey stalks provide a lifeline to the rocky ocean floor below, and seem to jig and jive in an invisible breeze. Glistening clouds of tiny silver fish dart between the sea bamboo and the crimson and violet tentacles of sea anemones sway in rhythm with the kelp above.
This is the living Kelp Forest Exhibit at the Two Oceans Aquarium, a much-beloved, familyfriendly Cape Town attraction. But it is just one of the many kaleidoscopic underwater worlds you’ll encounter — whilst perfectly dry and perfectly safe — on a meander through this truly astounding facility at the V&A Waterfront. Oh, and in November, they’ve turned 25!
Jaw-dropping exhibits at the Two Oceans Aquarium
One major window on the underwater worlds at the Two Oceans Aquarium is the continuous 9 metre-wide, 4-metrehigh, 22-ton panel of the I&J Ocean Exhibit, as well as its 10-metre long transparent tunnel. These constructions are a marvel but, unsurprisingly, what captures audiences more than their mind-boggling engineering, is what lies beyond the glass.
Here, sea turtles, rays, musselcracker fish, and shimmering shoals of smaller fish, glide past on an everrepeating loop, allowing visitors an
uncompromised view of the creatures we would otherwise never get to observe.
Impressive sharks and endearing penguins
Then there’s the Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibit with its schools of giant yellowtail and patrolling ragged-toothed sharks, their inky black pupils seeming to stare right at you… or rather, right into you. Make sure you scrutinize the nooks and crannies of these exhibits, too, for the ocean floor food chain is just as action-packed with smaller critters and sea squishies.
Two Oceans Aquarium pride themselves in the rescue and rehabilitation of sea animals that are hurt, lost or entangled. Many of these animals, where possible, are released back into their natural habitat.
And, finally, there’s the Penguin Exhibit, which o ers a window in on a typical Western Cape aquatic ecosystem featuring a noisy colony of tuxedo-clad African penguins (previously called “Jackass” penguins because of their donkey-like braying) and their rescue rockhopper penguins. Awkward on land yet so sleek and elegant when embraced by seawater, whoever said that penguins couldn’t fly?
Tip: Keep an eye on the Aquarium schedule or ask one of their sta about feeding times for the sharks, sea turtles, rays, and penguins, because this is when the greatest amount of activity happens!
Meet the cast of Finding Nemo
Between these major attractions is an enchanting rabbit warren of smaller exhibits; a truly spectacular collection of tanks of all shapes and sizes containing an even greater diversity of aquatic life, from pulsing, luminous jellyfish and seahorses to the entire cast of Finding Nemo.
A particularly delightful attraction for the kids is the interactive touch pool, which permits adventurers to plunge their hands into icy
cold seawater and explore, by touch, the small organisms — like sea urchins, starfish, shellfish, and sea plants — that proliferate in our waters. For adults, there are diving experiences in all of the large exhibits.
Note: Please contact the Aquarium before your visit to find out which exhibits, experiences, and activities are currently available with COVID-19 social distancing restrictions in place.
Our subcontinent’s underwater worlds unfurled
A day at the Two Oceans Aquarium is to have the mystery and majesty of the ocean waters embracing our subcontinent unfurl before you in all their polychromatic beauty. And with 2020 marking the 25th anniversary of this popular Cape Town attraction, we can look forward to a line-up of exciting celebrations and events to take place throughout the ensuing year. SV
For more information, bookings, and enquiries go to www.aquarium.co.za
MARKS SPOT
The BMW X7 is the perfect marriage between athleticism and pure luxury.
BMW has redefined the luxury SUV segment yet again. They first achieved it with the X5 and now also with the X7. It’s a magnificent 7-seater, and we can’t get enough of it.
Upsize
The X7 has been designed to stay true to what the brand stands for, delivering class, sophistication, agility and performance, all in one package. The flagship SUV model in the BMW stable has delivered on all the prerequisites that the brand demands.
The grille, BMW’s signature “kidney”, sets the tone for the meeting. The grille fills up the bulk of the nose, and the slim front headlights create a perfect balance between power and sheer elegance. Moving to the rest of the body, size does matter here. The body has been designed “upright” creating a proud dominant stance. The wheels are another feature not to be overlooked — they sit at 22inches, and with light multi-spoke alloy, they make a standpoint.
Pure Luxe
The presence on the exterior is brought forward in the interior. With ample space for both the driver and the passengers, this is the ultimate travel experience for the entire crew. There are numerous styling options for the interior, so the option is there to make it your own. Standard luxuries
include a state-of-the-art surround sound system from the creative geniuses at Bowers & Wilkins. The infotainment system is packed with the latest BMW ConnectedDrive, ensuring you are optimally connected with communication, information and entertainment in the car. The atmosphere is set with ambient lighting throughout the cabin. Signature wood accents along with a metal trim, create an opulent and modern feel.
Great Power
I don’t often quote movies, but this model calls for a Spider Man reference: “With great power, comes great responsibility”. To be called the biggest BMW, you need to bring it all to the party, not just in size, but in performance as well. There are three engines in the line-up
— two turbodiesels and one turbopetrol. The petrol model is a twin-turbocharged 4.4l V8 that really gets the adrenalin pumping. The X7 xdrive30d is a 3.0l turbodiesel that kicks out 195kW and 620Nm. Last in the diesel o ering is the X7 M50d, which is a 3.0l turbodiesel that o ers an impressive 294kW and 760Nm. It does 0-100km in 5.4 seconds which is rather impressive for this giant!
Price Tag
The price of greatness. The X7 can be yours from a starting price of R1 730 400. All models come standard with a 5-year/100 000 km motor plan. SV
LEVEL UP
From hatchbacks to SUV’s, Kia has always delivered top-class cars within an a ordable bracket.
BY VANN VAN STADEN
Kia has always impressed me. They have dominated in the SUV segment from an a ordability perspective, and the Sportage has been a hero on our local roads since day one. At a starting price tag of just over R400k, Kia turned the SUV market on its head by proving you can get a great SUV at an a ordable price. Those same key fundamentals were carried over to the Kia Sorento, a luxury 7-seater.
Spaced out
From an exterior point of view, the Sorento had an overhaul a while back. The magic starts in the front. Kia’s trademark ‘tiger nose’ grille fills the face of the Sorento to give it a meaner, more formidable look than its predecessor. The grille is kept in good company by the new LED daytime running lights. The bumper has rounded the front end o by giving it more of an assertive stance by adding a bulkier shape to the nose.
Moving to the rear, the trimming on the lower rear bumper wraps around the tailpipe to provide a sporty look. The same creativity that made the exterior as bold and powerful as it is has been bought to the interior. The cabin is an accurate depiction of Kia’s desire to create a user experience that makes you want to stay put and take on the longer and less travelled roads. Finer details such as a revised steering wheel and a 4’3inch touch screen infotainment system have been added. Fine leather trimmings throughout the car contribute to the upmarket feel.
Performance
Running on the 2.2l turbodiesel engine with an eightspeed auto gearbox, the Sorento kicks out 147kW and 440Nm of torque. 0-100km/h is reached in 9.4sec with a top speed of 203km/h. With a claimed fuel economy of 6.3l, the Sorento hits all the right notes.
Quality andquantity
It comes as no surprise that the Sorento has walked away with CAR Magazines coveted “Best Buy” award for the last 2 years. You get a lot for what you pay for. It’s as practical as it is a ordable. Starting at R665 995, the Sorento comes with an unlimited KM 5-year warranty. SV
STOCKISTS
To get the beautiful looks and trends we have showcased in this edition, head on over to the below stores to plan your purchases.
Fashion
Country Road: www.woolworths.co.za
Desigual: www.desigual.com
Freedom of Movement: www.freedomofmovement.co.za
Guess: www.guess.co.za
Poetry: www.poetrystores.co.za
Prada: www.sunglasshut.co.za
Ray-Ban: www.sunglasshut.co.za
Ted Baker: www.tedbaker.com
Tommy Hilfiger: +27(0)11 883 2573
Trenery: www.woolworths.co.za
Ray-Ban: www.picotandmoss.co.za
Victorinox: www.picotandmoss.co.za
Witchery: www.woolworths.co.za
We love
Claire Hill: www.clairehill.co.za
Diego dalla Palma: Available at select spas & salons, +27(0)21 701 2900
Dr. Grandel: www.deluxeshop.co.za
Gatineau: Available at select Woolworths & Truworths stores
NUXE: Available at select Woolworths, Truworths & Foschini stores
A majestic entrance leads to double-volume open-plan living areas with unsurpassed views of Cape Peninsula.
Entertainment areas comprising a spacious balcony with pool, built-in bar, braai and pizza oven. Hallmarks of this exceptional property includes level four home automation, fully equipped cinema room, wine cellar, three-storey lift, central and split air-conditioning, goods lift, central vacuum and a gourmet kitchen.
Contact us to view this executive residence: Pierre Nel +27 76 967 3766 pierre.nel@pamgolding.co.za
Ronald Greentree +27 61 261 4848 ronald.greentree@pamgolding.co.za
Refined living at its best
Sixteen on Cambridge is a luxury residence in, arguably, the best location in secure Baronetcy Estate. Architecturally outstanding, this spectacular grand design has been envisaged with the focal point of quality and attention to detail throughout.
