The Valley of Life is a canvas with endless artistic potential. Beautiful mountain ranges encircle us like a landscape painting. Art and inspiration live in the trees, the sky, the wings of the painted lady butterfly and in the quiet moments of paying attention. Nature-inspired art may be one of the most significant catalysts for personal renewal, helping us to slow down and reconnect with the world around us. Environmental Officer Simon Allen calls nature “the largest art gallery on earth.” However, art isn’t only found in nature. It’s in the laughter and curiosity of our children. We raise them to be artists – to
notice, wander and create. Creativity is something to nurture and cultivate. It is a powerful tool that brings joy, helps us express our values and emotions, and builds bridges between cultures. Val de Vie Estate resident and cover artist Magdalena Campbell says it’s wonderful to be creative, “Since becoming a mother, inspiration has taken on a whole new form.” Sometimes, creativity occurs quietly – during the stillness of a morning walk or while sitting beside the calm Berg River. Other times, it comes with a bang. Thomas Merton once said, “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves simultaneously.” In
this issue, we speak to four remarkable Val de Vie Estate artists – two musicians, an illustrator and a painter – who have done precisely that. But they’re not alone. The Estate is alive with artists, from writers to photographers, designers, jewellers and ceramicists. Art takes many forms and we’re excited to share just a few of these stories with you. This winter, we’re celebrating art in all its glory – in the changing seasons, in our homes and especially in our people. When inspiration strikes, seize it, utilise it and create art. And if you don’t like it? Just paint over it and start anew.
An Autumn to Remember
This has been the most beautiful autumn we’ve seen on Val de Vie Estate in the past 10 years. The trees have held onto their leaves far longer than usual, painting the Estate in deep crimson, glowing gold and copper. Usually, the branches in the Cape Winelands would already be bare by this time of year. But with the late rain, nature gave us a few extra weeks of magic. The plane trees lining the Boulevard have been especially magnificent, turning every walk or drive into something out of a postcard. These photos capture the last golden moments before winter fully settles in, reminding us how lucky we are to call this place home.
Exquisite Five-Bedroom Home Featuring Panoramic Views
This stunning five-bedroom home has incredible views of mountains and golden sunsets, situated next to the Val de Vie Estate Fynbos Reserve and bordering Valentia Farm. The open-plan layout creates a spacious flow between the living, dining, kitchen and entertainment areas. The modern kitchen features premium appliances, including an integrated fridge, a SMEG gas hob and an electric oven, alongside a spacious scullery with a walk-in pantry, laundry area and extra storage. A second SMEG gas hob and oven in the scullery add functionality, ideal for large gatherings. At the heart of the home is the braai room, featuring an undercover patio with a stainless-steel braai and gas insert, as well as stacking doors that open onto a pool and a private garden leading to a boma. The ground floor has a guest bedroom with a full bathroom and a private study. Upstairs, four luxurious bedrooms open onto a wrap-around balcony overlooking the Simonsberg and Drakenstein Mountains. The main bedroom features a dressing room, freestanding bath and double vanities. Notable features include Daiken central air conditioning with Bluetooth controls, five fireplaces, double-glazed windows throughout the home, a solar-powered Victron inverter and battery system and integrated entertainment with six smart TVs and Sonos soundbars. PRICE: R48 000 000
Elegant Family Home on the 14th Fairway
This beautiful family home is situated on a peaceful street, offering stunning views of mountain ranges and the Pearl Valley Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course. It is designed for relaxed living and entertaining, featuring a kitchen with a cosy breakfast nook, a scullery, a formal dining space and a braai patio that flows into the garden and pool area. The ground floor features an en-suite guest bedroom, games room and a separate guest bathroom. On the first floor, the main bedroom includes an en-suite bathroom and a dressing area, while two more ensuite bedrooms and a sunlit study with a bookshelf complete the space. Additional highlights include three garages, staff accommodation and a separate laundry room. PRICE: R29 000 000
ANTARCTICA
Stylish Home Overlooking Beautiful Vineyards
Located in Foucage Close – a sought-after area within walking distance of the Polo Pavilion with its restaurant and deli, as well as the Val de Vie Sports & Leisure Centre featuring Platō Coffee, a gym and tennis courts – this property offers 475m² of living on a spacious 1081m² stand. Step into an exquisite foyer with a guest cloakroom and walk-in wine cellar. The walk-in wine cellar is both functional and impressive, perfect for collectors. The open-plan layout connects a sleek kitchen, spacious dining area and three stylish living rooms. This home features a separate scullery and laundry room for ultimate functionality and organisation, while the built-in indoor braai is perfect for year-round entertaining. Upstairs, a spacious landing leads to a peaceful study or private lounge – ideal for working from home. The ground floor guest suite, with its full
en-suite bathroom, is great for hosting friends or extended family. An additional ensuite bedroom provides comfort and privacy, while the second upstairs bedroom also features a full bathroom. The luxurious main bedroom includes generous wardrobe space and a beautifully appointed en-suite bathroom. This home features sheltered patios and a Versailles-style garden centred around a charming fountain. There’s also plenty of space to add a swimming pool. Premium features include a newly installed lift, air conditioning, underfloor heating, heated towel rails, solar panels with a backup battery system, a central vacuum system, a greywater system with an underground tank, a walk-in safe and a kitchen water filtration system.
PRICE: R21 350 000
RENTAL PROPERTY
SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION
A Smart Step Towards Simpler Living
This unfurnished one-bedroom apartment in the Simonsberg Block of the Val de Vie Evergreen Luxury Suites is ideal for individuals aged 65 and older looking to downscale without compromising on comfort or quality. The bedroom includes built-in cupboards and the modern bathroom features a spacious shower. The open-plan living area flows into a well-finished kitchen and opens onto a covered patio with views of the Cape
Winelands. Features include air conditioning, double-glazed windows, fibre internet and premium finishes. Load-shedding resistant and with access to 24-hour healthcare at home or at the Val de Vie Evergreen Healthcare Centre, Mediclinic Paarl Specialist Consulting Rooms and an on-site ambulance service, this Luxury Suite offers peace of mind in a welcoming and secure environment.
PRICE: R16 000 PER MONTH
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The polo season has concluded on Val de Vie Estate, giving players and ponies time to rest and recharge over the winter months. This past season brought competitive matches in various formats, with visitors from near and far enjoying the atmosphere and world-class polo on the Estate. The annual Pink Polo event was dedicated to supporting CANSA Paarl through the Val de Vie Foundation and the Val de Vie Polo Club proudly launched its first-ever Ladies League – a milestone as the first of its kind in Africa.
The Val de Vie Polo Academy continues to grow, welcoming new players and allowing young talent to step onto the field alongside more experienced members. The Val de Vie Polo Academy plays a pivotal role in making the sport more accessible, which is one of the reasons why Val de Vie Estate is now home to the largest polo club in South Africa. This season’s major highlight was the opening of the brand-new Val de Vie Polo Clubhouse. The space features an elegant bar, changing rooms and incredible views overlooking the iconic Pavilion Polo Field. Looking ahead, the 2025/26 season will kick off with the traditional Pony Parade on 18 October 2025 – don’t forget to add the date to your calendar.
Scenes from the Saddle
Are you keen to get in the saddle and ride through a living artwork?
The Val de Vie Equestrian Club offers outrides across the Estate’s beautiful trails – a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy the scenery. Riding lessons are also available for all levels, from complete beginners to more experienced riders.
Contact Chloé Pires or Zita Bothma on +27 (0)71 365 6775 or email instructor1@valdevie.co.za to book an outride or lesson.
Sushi Joins the Val de Vie Estate Table
Sushi fans, get your chopsticks ready – Polo Pavilion by Back’s has added a fresh Japanese twist to its menu.
This has been a long time coming, says Co-Owner and General Manager Raphaël Chevalier-Bak. “For over three years, since the very inception of Polo Pavilion by Back’s, I’ve envisioned incorporating the delicate art of sushi into our culinary offerings.”
From a midweek bite to a weekend treat, guests can now indulge in freshly prepared sushi, beautifully plated and thoughtfully made. Raphaël’s favourites?
“For lunch, the vibrant Poke Bowls have become a personal favourite. Come evening, I always start with our Spicy Edamame, which pairs beautifully with a glass of Shiraz. Then I pick one of our Chef’s Rolls, a must-try for dinner, such as the Rainbow Rolls containing perfectly fresh salmon and tuna.”
When it comes to sushi, quality is what matters most. “What makes sushi exceptional is the commitment to using fresh, premium fish and that’s precisely where our focus lies,” says Raphaël. “We carefully source the finest fish. We also believe crafting our sauces from scratch and selecting high-quality, specialised rice is crucial in delivering a truly delicious and authentic sushi experience.”
There is more to look forward to. The team is focused on refining the core sushi offering. However, plans are in place to explore sushi evenings and wine pairings later in the year. They’re also gearing up for a home delivery service. While sushi may not be the first thing that comes to mind for winter, there’s something undeniably comforting about enjoying takeout with a glass of wine beside a crackling fire in your own home.
Price per bottle: R190
Price per case: R1140
The new sushi menu is available daily from Wednesday to Sunday.
VAL DE VIE VALLEY OF LIFE 2019
The Valley of Life Signature Red Blend pays tribute to the French Huguenots who brought their winemaking skills to the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley in the 1600s. The blend, with a deep red hue, is named in honour of Val de Vie Estate’s deep connection to food, wine and the land. The Valley’s fertile soil, Mediterranean-like climate and mix of cool and warm winds provide ideal growing conditions, with hand-harvested grapes selected for their quality. The 2019 vintage, composed of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 5% Malbec, is matured in French oak barrels for up to 20 months. Expect blackcurrant, cassis and red fruit on the nose, with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s a smooth, medium to full-bodied wine for slow Sunday lunches and pairs exceptionally well with roast chicken, crispy pork crackling or hearty winter meals such as lamb shank, oxtail stew and potjiekos.
A 10% discount will be applied when you purchase six bottles or more of the Val de Vie Valley of Life Signature Red Blend in June and July.
Grounded in Community
Seasonal Gatherings at L’Huguenot Vineyards
With winter in full swing, L’Huguenot Vineyards invites residents to slow down, warm up and enjoy a line-up of seasonal gatherings inspired by the arts. From live music and hands-on, creative sessions to honest food and good wine, June and July promise a mix of moments worth showing up for.
Canvas & Corks – Wine Wednesdays with an Artistic Twist
11 June and 16 July from 15:00–18:00
These family-friendly afternoons, hosted by Winelands Picnics Co., offer a blend of wine, creativity and seasonal flavours. What to expect:
• Curated graze stations for all ages
• A kids’ painting corner and nature-inspired crafts
• Juice tastings and outdoor games
• Seasonal wine pairings and music Tickets are R350 per person.
UNwine’d Fridays – New Winter Menu and Cosy Karaoke
Every Friday from 16:00–21:00
Ease into the weekend with comforting dishes and live music. The winter menu offers a local twist on global flavours, with wines selected to complement every bite. New Food and Wine Line-Up:
• 6 June: Butter chicken bunny chow and The Perfect Host Chenin Blanc
• 20 June: Cosy karaoke with braaibroodjies, boerewors rolls and The Valley of Life Signature Red Blend
You come for the coffee, but you stay for the people. Platō Coffee’s premium blends are expertly crafted to deliver exceptional flavour and quality – and no matter your preference, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
But serving great coffee is just part of what sets them apart. What truly distinguishes Platō Coffee is its focus on community. The atmosphere is cosy, the staff are friendly and you’ll always be greeted with a smile.
Their mission is to create hubs where people can connect and communities grow through consistently excellent coffee.
• 27 June: Winter warmer pork spit with slow-roasted vegetables and The Valley of Life Signature Red Blend
• 4 July: Slow-cooked oxtail stew with Italian mash and The Valley of Life Signature Red Blend
• 11 July: Cosy karaoke with braaibroodjies, boerewors rolls and The Valley of Life Signature Red Blend
• 25 July: Roast pork belly, parmesan mash and Val de Vie Polo Club Rosé
Space is limited; send an email to experience@lhuguenot.com to book your spot.
Brush & Bubbles
– A Pop-Up Art Exhibition
Every Wednesday and Friday from 16 July to 1 August from 11:00 - 17:00
Experience a celebration of creativity and wine tasting at the Barrel Room with the Brush & Bubbles pop-up art exhibition, where art meets fine wine.
A Bastille Affair
Friday 18 July
Celebrate the spirit of French freedom with wine, whimsy and artistic flair. What to expect:
• French-inspired food and wine tastings
• Crêpes, croissants, gourmet bites and caricature sketching
• Painting corners and live Parisian café music
• Fun prizes for Best Bastille-Themed Outfit
For more information on any of these events, reach out to experience@lhuguenot.com.
OPEN MONDAY TO SATURDAY FROM 06:00 – 18:00 AND SUNDAY FROM 07:00 – 18:00
WINTER TRADING HOURS
Monday to Friday, 07:00 – 18:00
Saturday, 08:00 – 16:00
Sunday, 08:00 – 14:00
Follow on Facebook at SOMM at Village Deli and on Instagram at @sommvillagedeli – or better yet, experience it yourself in person.
“Coffee of Exceptional Terroir” – and What Makes It Special
At the newly renovated SOMM @ Village Deli, Operations Manager Anita Reynolds steps into a fresh concept, reshaping how we enjoy coffee and everyday ease. It’s more than a management role; she says, “It’s about being part of a movement.”
SOMM @ Village Deli was founded by Hein Koegelenberg, a well-known figure in the wine world for his care and attention to detail. He has brought that same passion to the art of coffee, travelling the world to stay up with trends and bringing back ideas to create a local coffee experience that focuses on origin, authenticity and craftsmanship.
Their slogan, “Coffee of Exceptional Terroir,” is a promise they live up to daily. They use only the finest beans, carefully prepared and pair them with freshly baked goods delivered daily. Many of these treats are made by local artisans.
SOMM @ Village Deli isn’t just another deli or café. The team works closely with their customers, listening and learning, making changes as needed – sometimes on a weekly basis – to ensure they’re offering what their clients want.
In this new space, residents can soon look forward to cooking classes with local chefs, a winter harvest table and private events with tailored menus designed for residents and their guests.
Anita continues, “My team and I are building the SOMM experience. SOMM @ Village Deli is a living, everevolving space that adapts and grows daily. My job is to ensure that every element – from people to product and process – carries the same richness, warmth and quality as our coffee.”
Purify Your Lifestyle
Ruhens has elevated the hydration experience at the Val de Vie Sports & Leisure Centre gym with its sponsorship of the advanced Duo Thermo WHP1600 water purifier. This floor-standing model is built to handle high demand, delivering up to 150 litres of purified hot and cold water daily. It is equipped with advanced filtration technology, including reverse osmosis and UV sterilisation, ensuring that every sip of water is as pure and refreshing as possible. Residents can enjoy topquality, purified water daily with this new system.
Are you looking for the same water purification quality in a compact design? The WPH1600S is the countertop, domestic equivalent to the gym’s purifier, offering the same exceptional filtration and hot and cold water dispensing capabilities in a sleek, space-saving unit. It’s ideal for kitchens, home offices and personal spaces.
RESIDENT Story
Meet the Talented Artists of Val de Vie Estate
Val de Vie Estate is home to a community of outstanding artists. In this edition of the Grapevine, we talk to some of them to learn more about their creative processes and how their surroundings influence their work.
AMY JONES
Singer and Songwriter
Amy Jones taught herself to play the guitar at 14 and four years later, in 2013, she took a leap of faith and participated in the Idols South Africa competition. Today, she’s a full-time musician with chart-topping singles, has performed on multiple stages across South Africa and the world and has a debut album honouring her late father-in-law, who always called her “My Forever Friend.” Since moving to Val de Vie Estate, she’s found space to breathe, focus and create. “The environment influences my creativity and daily life in such a beautiful and positive way,” she says. She loves taking a stroll to the Berg River and writing songs there. Faith and purpose guide her in her career, as does her hard work.
EUGENE “LOFFIE” ELOFF
Musician
For Eugene Eloff, better known as Loffie, music is about lyrics and melodies that move and inspire people. His songs originate from personal experiences or moments that touched him. His love for music started at a young age. “My music was shaped when I was 10 years old by my late father, who taught me three chords - C, F
and G.” That was it. He was hooked - and like many teens - he formed a garage band. However, it wasn’t until years later, during lockdown on Val de Vie Estate, that he decided to write and record songs. Loffie describes his sound as a mix of contemporary, folk and pop. His creative process? No strict routine. “It just happens in the moment,” he says.
“One Christmas Eve, I sat on the balcony with my guitar - a shot of Jack Daniels - and ended up writing Midnight Guitar under the stars.” Residents can catch Loffie performing at L’Huguenot Vineyards’ UNwine’d Fridays and listen to his music on Spotify and iTunes under Coach Loffie.
PETRO VAN GRAAN
Visual Artist
Petro van Graan has been painting for over 40 years – not always with a plan, but always with purpose. “I used to paint just for the joy of it,” she says. Her creative journey began at markets and later grew into national exhibitions, including Decorex. Although she’s always loved
creativity, everything shifted one day while driving with her kids in the car. “I was talking to the Lord,” she says, “and I told Him this is what I wanted to do.” Since then, her approach has been hands-on and personal. “Every artist has their style – you must find your creative handwriting.” Her inspiration comes from everyday details and she loves playing with paint. “I call it playing ‘verfverf’ and if I don’t like how something turns out, I paint over it,” she says, laughing. It’s that simple.
MAGDALENA CAMPBELL Illustrator
Since becoming a mom, Magdalena’s art has taken on a softer, more intuitive feel. She spends a lot of time outdoors with her son, taking long, meaningful walks and visiting the parks on the Estate. Her days are filled with quiet moments and a deeper connection to nature – and it all comes through in her work. “Living on Val de Vie Estate has played a huge role in this transformation,” she says. “For the first time in my life, I feel safe, which is deeply reflected in my creative work.” Simplicity is at the core of her work. She works primarily in black ink and has recently started experimenting with soft pastels.
Spot her beautiful artwork on the cover of this edition.
VAL DE VIE ESTATE
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Amy Jones, Loffie Eloff, Petro van Graan and Magdalena Campbell
Inspiration from Nature
Art is the application of human skill to produce works appreciated for their beauty or emotional power. Art can be visual, as in a painting; auditory, as in music; tactile, as in sculpture; and olfactory, as in the blending of perfumes – and nature does all of these perfectly.
Slow down. Take a walk outside. Breathe deeply and look around you. You are walking through the oldest art gallery on earth, which is, funnily enough, the earth itself. Take time to admire the art around you: the art of nature.
All around the Estate, the landscapes are astounding;
the cloud-wreathed mountains, the still reflections in a lake. Even the small elements captivate: a perfect flower, a gnarled vine stem, a colourful autumn leaf. With all these colours and forms, think of a butterfly in motion or a bird in full breeding plumage; it’s no wonder human artists draw inspiration from nature.
Bird calls dominate the soundscape: the strident cry of the Fish Eagle, or perhaps less melodious, the squawk of the Hadeda Ibis. During springtime, the dawn chorus is just that, a myriad of voices raised in song, accompanied by an orchestra of natural sounds: wind in the trees, the distant laughter of a playing child. This is music no human musician can truly emulate.
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Textures surround us: the rough bark of a tree, the silkiness of a rose petal. There is a simple joy in the feel of grass under your bare feet, the wind in your hair and the sun warming your face.
The world is a perfumed place. Pleasant or pungent scents can spark vivid memories: fresh bread from SOMM @ Village Deli or Polo Pavilion by Back’s; newly cut grass, evoking gardens from your past. And who can resist the smell of rain falling on bare soil?
So wander through the gallery surrounding you and let your senses guide you in exploring the art of living.
Residents Discover the Value of Their Generosity
The Val de Vie Foundation recently went on a community tour, offering residents of Val de Vie Estate an opportunity to witness the direct and profound impact of their contributions within the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley. The tour began at the Franschhoek Hospitality Academy (FHA), an organisation strategically harnessing the region’s prosperous hospitality industry to shape brighter futures for local learners. By providing structured training and mentorship, FHA presents young individuals with pathways to sustainable careers, instilling hope and cultivating a sense of purpose. Residents saw firsthand the dedication and heart with which FHA nurtures the next generation of hospitality professionals.
Next, the group visited the Elevation Programme, which, in partnership with Athlone House of Strength (AHOS), provides critical support to abused women and children. This visit culminated in a profoundly moving graduation ceremony for 10 women who had completed Elevation’s 10-day Life Skills Programme. In a heartfelt speech, one graduate shared that it was the first time that she had received a certificate. The women will now join the Elevation Programme’s Work-Readiness Programme, where they will learn valuable skills to become employable and empowered. It was later discovered that many of these women had worn clothing donated from the Val de Vie Foundation’s pre-loved clothing drive. Val de Vie Estate residents generously donated an estimated 470kg of clothing. These items were collected, sorted and distributed to two beneficiary organisations by the Val de Vie Foundation’s implementation partner, Nation Builder. “It’s great that we can help people who come into our organisation without clothing. By the time they leave, they will also have enough appropriate clothing for work,” commented Wilna Wepener, AHOS Manager.
The final stop was at Thuma Mina Teaching (TMT), founded in 2020 by Leopold and Silke van Velden. What began as a YouTube-based effort to deliver educational content has evolved into a powerful community development initiative, reflecting the grassroots transformation that the Val de Vie Foundation proudly supports. Residents learned about TMT’s innovative community development approaches for scholars and teachers, as well as their commitment to fostering sustainable solutions.
The tour provided Val de Vie Estate residents with a genuine opportunity to see how their small acts, such as donating clothes, can make a significant difference. What seems like a simple donation means a great deal to the people who receive it, giving them confidence and hope. Seeing the impact up close made it clear how connected we all are and how much even the slightest kindness can change lives. It serves as a reminder that together, we are building a stronger, more caring community.
Top: Community Tour attendees join FHA staff and students for a group photo in front of the FHA facility.
Middle: Gerrit le Roux, founder of the Elevation Programme, presents the graduates.
Bottom: Leopold van Velden, founder of TMT, delivers a presentation.
Little Hearts, Big Lessons
A NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL AT KINDER ARK
It is a gift to catch a glimpse of life through a child’s eyes. As teachers, we have the privilege to do this daily. Children remind us how to embrace every moment and be grateful for it. They have mastered the art of noticing the small details in the beauty of every new day. Their joy is contagious and their art a pure expression of their hearts. Kinder Ark, located in Val de Vie Estate, offers children a safe environment in which to explore and discover nature in secure surroundings. Here, we appreciate the majestic mountains, beautiful vineyards and orchards framing our playground. We believe in creativity and quality of education and promote play in all its wonderful forms. We encourage individuality within our diverse learning programme. It is an honour to be part of the Kinder Ark team and serve in a school environment where our Creator and Father is our rock and foundation.
“My mamma” - Henko Strauss, 5
“My mom” - Mia Potgieter, 4
cOlOuR NuMbErS bY
AdD yOuR sPlAsH oF cOlOuR tO LiAm aNd EmMa's hOrSe-rIdInG aDvEnTuRe oN VaL dE ViE EsTaTe.
THE GRAPEVINE IS PUBLISHED ON BEHALF OF VAL DE VIE MANAGEMENT (PTY) LTD
