Trees have stories to tell if you just take a moment to notice them. Richard Powers, the American novelist, devoted an entire book to just that. In The Overstory he examines our complicated relationship with trees, revealing how they subtly shape the world around us while we often fail to notice. Spending time among them brings calm. Val de Vie HOA Environmental Officer Simon Allen calls it “natural rejuvenation.” On Val de Vie Estate, there’s no shortage of places to experience this. The yellowwood is South Africa’s national tree and can live
Nature’s Pause
for hundreds of years. Near L’Huguenot Vineyards, a 150-year-old English oak has been part of the landscape for generations. London plane trees, first brought to London to help clear the city’s air, line paths around the Estate, providing shade. They are one of the Estate’s best indicators of the changing seasons, turning gold and crimson in autumn, lush green in summer and in winter their bare branches lend sculptural beauty to the landscape. Residents, such as the Reddy family, originally from Johannesburg, have fallen in love with
the Estate’s trails and biodiversity corridor. Their twoand-a-half-year-old daughter, affectionately nicknamed the “Little Trail,” leads the way on every walk, stopping to inspect bugs or sniff flowers. “We’re always in such a hurry,” her mother Rish says, “but children make you slow down and really notice the world around you.” Shared moments on the Estate rejuvenate, too. Back’s Deli, Café del Sol and the new Val de Vie Evergreen Lifestyle Centre invite residents to share a coffee or a meal, while events such as Super Saturday brought neighbours together.
Our Largest Wellness Facility Sets a New Standard
The Val de Vie Evergreen Lifestyle Centre opened its doors at the beginning of September and in this short time, it has already become a central part of life at Val de Vie Evergreen. At 4200m², it’s the largest wellness facility on the Estate and one of the most comprehensive of its kind in South Africa. The emphasis is on wellbeing, connection and keeping residents active, which is evident throughout the centre.
Residents are quickly finding their favourite spots. On the first floor, which is exclusively for Val de Vie Evergreen residents, there’s a library, a fully equipped gym, two cinema rooms, a bridge room and a versatile games and arts and crafts room. The library is a firm favourite and the gym and cinema rooms are already busy.
The ground floor is open to residents from across the greater Val de Vie Estate. The lounge is perfect for coffee with friends or an afternoon tea. At the same time, the Wiesenhof Lifestyle Restaurant, which can seat more than 330 people, serves both the exclusive Val de Vie Evergreen menu and the full Wiesenhof offerings. Val de Vie Evergreen residents enjoy a 20% discount at the restaurant and the bar is a great spot to relax or catch a game. The Wiesenhof Deli offers all the
essentials you might need. There’s even a meeting room available for private gatherings.
The six-lane bowling green is also a highlight. Since its opening on 19 September, residents have wasted no time joining in on friendly competitions or supporting from the sidelines.
None of this would have been possible without Village Manager Attie Schultz and his team. They’ve worked tirelessly to make the transition from the previous centre smooth and the team has made everyone feel welcome from the very first day.
Val de Vie Evergreen now really has it all. Social lounges, cinema rooms, games rooms, a library, gym, restaurant, bar, deli, meeting rooms and bowling greens. And it all sits within the safe, secure and welcoming community of the Estate.
If you’re 65 years or older and are thinking about making Val de Vie Evergreen your home, private tours of the Lifestyle Centre are available by appointment. Contact property@valdevie.co.za or call +27 (0)21 863 6105.
Operating Hours:
WIENSENHOF LIFESTYLE RESTAURANT
Monday and Tuesday: 08:00 – 18:00
Wednesday to Saturday: 08:00 – 21:00
Sunday: 08:00 – 18:00
WIESENHOF DELI
Monday and Tuesday: 08:00 – 18:00
Wednesday to Saturday: 08:00 – 21:00
Sunday: 08:00 – 18:00
WIESENHOF BAR
Monday to Thursday: 12:00 – 18:00
Friday and Saturday: 12:00 – 21:00
Sunday: 12:00 – 16:00
The operating hours for the Val de Vie Evergreen Lifestyle Centre are the same.
BELOW, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Ribbon Cutting ceremony: Renier Swart, Deborah Hill, Debra Savage, Attie Schultz, Ryk Neethling, Angela Parr, Mike Betts and Derek Brown.
A Sophisticated, Newly Completed Five-Bedroom Home
Set within the sought-after La Vue neighbourhood, this North-facing home combines sophisticated design, premium finishes and thoughtful craftsmanship. Spanning generous proportions, it presents an open-plan layout with meticulously selected details, including multiple living areas, soaring ceilings and expansive floorto-ceiling glass windows that fill the interiors with natural light. It includes a covered patio with a built-in braai, a sparkling swimming pool with a heat pump and automated cover and a landscaped garden that extends the living space outdoors. The state-of-the-art kitchen is fitted with premium integrated appliances such as a builtin fridge and freezer, dishwasher, wine cooler, ice machine and a high-end oven with gas hob and extractor. It also features a generous walk-in pantry and fridge. This exceptional home offers beautifully designed ensuite bedrooms, including a conveniently located ground-floor bedroom. A floating staircase ascends to the four upstairs bedrooms. The main bedroom has a spacious walk-in closet, a luxurious bathroom with top-tier finishes and an automated skylight that softens the space through daylight. Oggie engineered timber flooring adds a warm, elegant finish, while double-glazed doors and windows enhance privacy and energy efficiency. Comfort is further ensured with integrated air-conditioning and a slow combustion wood burner for year-round climate control. Sustainability is incorporated into the home’s design, with features such as an 8 000 litre underground rainwater harvesting tank, water purifier system, central hot water ring system for instant hot water and a solar, inverter and battery backup. PRICE: R33 500 000
Stylish Living at Polo Village Apartments II
Luxury meets leisure in this beautifully appointed Polo Pad at Val de Vie Estate’s sought-after Polo Village Apartments II. The apartment, designed by renowned architect Stefan Antoni, reflects contemporary elegance in every detail. Clean architectural lines, warm wooden floors and generous natural light give the space an easy, open feel. The living area seamlessly flows into a sleek, fully equipped kitchen featuring premium appliances, including a refrigerator, freezer, washerdryer and dishwasher, making day-to-day living as smooth as it is stylish. The bedroom is calm and inviting, with shutter doors that offer privacy without compromising the natural light. A built-in hybrid inverter ensures uninterrupted comfort, while every finish speaks to understated quality. This convenient apartment is within walking distance of SOMM @ Village Deli, the Val de Vie Sports & Leisure Centre and the Stella Artois Val de Vie Polo Clubhouse. PRICE: R4 575 000
SCAN FOR MORE
The Restaurant at Adara – now open to the public again
Two young, dynamic, and creative chefs have taken over the kitchen at The Restaurant at
Executive Chef Liam
and Head Chef Llewellyn Solomons present Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with a distinctive Cape flair. Their focus lies on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients – many from our herb garden – to create honest, flavourful dishes of the highest quality.
A carefully curated menu provides the stage for their creativity, complemented by daily specials and ever-changing homemade pasta creations.
by a sense of
and timeless
Warm invitation to the celebratory opening.
Adara Palmiet in Paarl.
Jacobs
Arriving on the cobbled driveway lined with fragrant rose bushes, you are greeted
calm
charm. Guests may dine beneath majestic oak trees or at tables on the lawn, with the dramatic Paarl mountains as backdrop – the perfect setting to celebrate life’s simple pleasures.
Contemporary Home with Mountain Views and a Pool
This modern home, set in The Acres at Pearl Valley Golf & Country Estate, has majestic mountain views and a beautifully landscaped garden. Designed around a U-shaped layout, the home draws in natural light while maintaining a strong sense of privacy. Openplan living areas flow to a covered terrace where a sparkling pool and pétanque court create the perfect spot for relaxed entertaining. The garden opens onto a greenbelt with scenic walking trails. The kitchen takes centre stage with a custom island, handcrafted cabinetry and granite countertops. Integrated appliances such as a gas hob, electric oven and wine cooler combine practicality with style. From the kitchen, several
entertainment zones make entertainment effortless. Two spacious en-suite bedrooms feature sensor-lit cabinetry and built-in wardrobes, while bathrooms are finished with sleek fittings and heated towel rails. A mezzanine study overlooks the lounge and can double as a guest suite. Sustainability is built in, with solar power, battery backup and an inverter system ensuring off-grid capability. Air-conditioning, dimmable lighting and a wood-burning fireplace add everyday comfort. Outside, a fire pit with mountain views sets the scene for evenings under the stars, the perfect balance of modern ease and Winelands appeal. PRICE: R16 580 000
RENTAL PROPERTY
Luxurious Four-Bedroom Home to Rent
This newly built home in the La Vue neighbourhood of Val de Vie Estate makes the most of its setting, with expansive views of the surrounding mountains and open spaces that invite light throughout the day. The living areas open onto a covered patio with a built-in braai, a perfect space to enjoy al fresco dinners. Inside, the fireplace brings warmth to the living room, while the kitchen, equipped with Bosch appliances and stone countertops, maintains a practical and simple aesthetic. Each of the spacious four bedrooms offers ample cupboard space and peaceful views, while the
bathrooms are beautifully finished with frameless glass showers, freestanding baths and custom vanities. There’s also a stylish study, perfect for working from home. The finishes throughout the home, from the soft-close cabinetry to the oak flooring, have been carefully chosen. Parking is generous, with both a double and a single garage. This house offers secure living in Val de Vie Estate, along with a sense of community and connection to the outdoors. Please note that this rental is not pet-friendly. PRICE: R120
Life is shared with the horses at Val de Vie Estate and their comfort and daily moments matter just as much as ours. The next time you walk, ride or jog past one, think about their world and the life they live here alongside us.
Did You Know?
The oldest horse in the stables is 21 years of age, while the youngest is just five.
• Champion is a retired polo pony whose name now graces one of the Estate’s polo fields.
• A horse’s saddle is customfitted like a pair of shoes and checked frequently.
• African Horse Sickness is fatal in up to 70% of untreated cases, which is why vaccination control is taken so seriously.
Horse Welfare at Val de Vie Estate
Have you ever noticed how calm and content the horses at Val de Vie Estate are? Behind the scenes, a small team works around the clock to ensure they stay healthy, comfortable and happy. As Elaine Palvie, Operations Manager at Val de Vie Stables, explains, “The horse always comes first.” We chatted with her, Polo Club Pony Welfare Officer, Alexis Webb and Ian Russell, Chair of the Val de Vie Polo Club, about the care and dedication that go into horse welfare on the Estate.
The horses’ well-being always comes first. Keeping them safe, comfortable and happy is non-negotiable.
Loud noises or fast-moving vehicles can easily startle a horse, so residents are reminded to slow down near riders and keep dogs on leashes. Even a stray golf ball or a loose dog can cause a serious accident. And while it may seem harmless to offer a treat, feeding the horses is strictly prohibited. Each horse follows a carefully balanced diet tailored to its age, workload and health. A well-intentioned handful of grass or a carrot can do real harm, especially to older or diabetic horses.
Stables That Feel Like Home
The horses at Val de Vie Estate live in comfortable, safe stables, each measuring 3.5m × 3.5m and lined with soft rubber mats to protect their joints and prevent slipping. Shelter from the elements keeps them warm in winter and cool in summer, while the layout allows the horses to see one another, which is essential for their social nature.
Night checks continue until 20:00, with two grooms living on site to monitor feeding, water intake, behaviour and any signs of illness. Because horses cannot regurgitate, early detection of stomach discomfort, or colic, is vital.
Health, Physio and Chiropractic Care
Like athletes, the horses receive ongoing physical care:
• Physiotherapy – maintenance for muscle tone and recovery, at the request of the owner.
• Chiropractic care – once or twice a year, depending on workload, also at the owner’s request.
• Dental check-ups – once or twice yearly.
• Deworming – based on faecal analysis rather than routine schedules.
• Vaccinations – flu, tetanus and African Horse Sickness are closely managed under South African Equestrian Federation (SAEF) guidelines.
Feeding the Horses
Each horse’s diet is tailored to its age, weight and activity level. Their diets include, but are not limited to:
• Forage: hay and grass for natural fibre.
• Concentrates: nutrient-rich grains and pellets, specially formulated and balanced with the necessary vitamins and minerals.
• Supplements: oils, probiotics and blends for coat, digestion and hoof health.
As Alexis puts it, “The eye of the master makes the horse fat.” Experience and daily observation help the team adjust each horse’s diet to keep them healthy and happy.
Training Tools and Common Misconceptions
Whips are often misunderstood. At Val de Vie Estate, they’re used as valuable training aids, not punishment tools. They are light, flexible and primarily for sound cues rather than contact. Only experienced riders are permitted to use whips and every equestrian discipline regulates their use carefully.
Another common myth is that fly masks block a horse’s vision, but they’re designed to shield the eyes from insects and glare while allowing the horse to see normally.
A Day in the Life
• Morning: Breakfast, exercise on the track.
• Daytime: Turnout in paddocks for grazing and movement.
• Afternoon: Grooming, feeding and evening winddown.
• Night: Quiet monitoring by the on-site grooms.
Spending time outdoors helps horses digest their food, interact with one another and maintain their mental wellbeing, which forms the basis of their overall health and quality of life.
Guiding the Future of Val de Vie Estate
Homeowner-elected trustees play a vital role in safeguarding the interests of all Val de Vie Estate residents. Their purpose is to provide oversight, ensure transparency and help shape the Estate’s long-term vision.
Trustees focus on strategy and governance, upholding the Constitution and Code of Conduct while engaging constructively with management and fellow trustees to serve the best interests of the community.
In line with the Constitution, the Board of the Val de Vie Homeowners’ Association comprises four homeownerelected trustees and two developer-appointed trustees, each serving a two-year term. Working closely with the Estate COO, Eugene Botha, and the Val de Vie HOA Management team, the trustees help guide the Estate’s operational and strategic direction to ensure that Val de Vie Estate continues to thrive.
Each trustee leads a specific committee, bringing unique experience, insight and passion to their role. Together, they ensure sound governance, transparent decisionmaking and the long-term sustainability of our Estate.
At the recent Annual General Meeting (AGM), Gerald Seegers, Rayno van Vuuren and Carmen van der Vyver were elected as homeowner trustees. They join continuing trustee Fred Swanepoel, as well as developerappointed trustees Martin Venter and Ryk Neethling, on the Board.
Gerald Seegers
Gerald and his wife, Susan, have been married for over 40 years and share a close-knit family of two children and three grandchildren. Their son lives in Johannesburg and their daughter in Dubai; both families relish visiting Val de Vie Estate whenever they can. Since moving to the Estate in July 2020, Gerald and Susan have embraced its active, outdoor lifestyle. Gerald keeps fit by running, cycling, swimming and occasionally playing golf, making the most of the facilities and the community they are proud to call home.
Born and educated in Gqeberha, Gerald qualified as a Chartered Accountant and Financial Planner and spent most of his career in Johannesburg. He retired from PwC in June 2021 as a Partner and Tax Director, having served on the firm’s Tax Management Committee and
as an employee-elected trustee of the firm’s Provident Fund. His expertise spans all aspects of tax and reward, with a particular focus on employment-related tax issues and employee benefit consulting. Since retiring, he has continued to share his knowledge through select consulting engagements.
As the Estate enters a more mature phase of its lifecycle, Gerald’s focus as a trustee will be on safeguarding its financial stability and long-term sustainability. Drawing on decades of senior-level financial governance experience, he aims to ensure that resources are managed prudently, reserves are protected, and budgeting supports operational excellence and the continued enhancement of Estate life for all members.
Carmen van der Vyver
Carmen has lived on Val de Vie Estate with her husband and their two young children since 2016. Originally from an estate in Durbanville, they chose Val de Vie Estate for its security and wellness lifestyle, which provides their children with the same open space and freedom to be outdoors that they enjoyed growing up.
A Chartered Accountant (SA) and MBA graduate (cum laude), Carmen has over 30 years of experience in governance roles within listed entities, including more than 15 years as a Chief Audit Executive. She is currently the lead executive responsible for the global governance function of a JSE-listed retailer, overseeing Legal Compliance, Enterprise Risk, Internal Audit, Business Continuity and Corporate Insurance. She has also been involved in establishing security and risk reduction functions at a world-class standard.
As a trustee, Carmen aims to apply her extensive governance experience to ensure Val de Vie Estate HOA is managed in alignment with its vision. Drawing on her extensive governance experience, she brings a disciplined, process-driven approach to oversight. Independent of any business or financial ties to the developer or the broader Estate, her only financial interest is the property in which she resides. Her priority is to represent homeowners’ best interests and support sound, ethical and well-informed decision-making.
Rayno van Vuuren
Rayno and his wife, Lynn, moved to Val de Vie Estate in December 2023 after 26 years in Pretoria, with their two children, Oliver and Milan. As a family, they enjoy the Estate’s facilities and lifestyle and look forward to seeing these continue to evolve to reflect the Estate’s full potential. They value the freedom, security, and natural beauty. As active community members, they are committed to ensuring it remains one of South Africa’s most prestigious places to live.
A financial advisor and entrepreneur with over 27 years’ experience, Rayno works with high-net-worth individuals and business owners, specialising in multi-generational
Gerald Seegers
Carmen van der Vyver
Rayno van Vuuren
Fred Swanepoel
wealth planning and values-based financial strategies. He helps families build legacies rooted in purpose, identity and long-term stewardship, guided by his belief that true wealth extends beyond assets to the values we live and pass on. He is also actively involved in several business ventures and serves clients through a family-office-style approach.
As a trustee, Rayno is committed to upholding his fiduciary duties with integrity, protecting the interests of homeowners and safeguarding the value of their investments. He champions sound governance, transparent decisionmaking, open communication, fairness and responsible stewardship. Rayno brings a fresh, perspective as a family man raising his children on the Estate. He is passionate about ensuring that the voices of all residents, from young families to long-standing homeowners, are heard and represented in decisions that shape the Estate’s future, while preserving the unique lifestyle and strong sense of community that define Val de Vie Estate.
Fred Swanepoel
Fred has been happily married to Colette for over 15 years and is the proud father of two adult sons, who work in Cape Town. Originally from Johannesburg, Fred studied at Stellenbosch University and has owned property in the Western Cape for the past decade. An extrovert passionate about people and the community, Fred enjoys rugby, tennis, water sports, performance vehicles and aviation. He has served as a Trustee of the HOA at Tedderfield Airpark, an aviation estate south of Johannesburg, for nearly nine years.
With over 35 years of experience in Property Development, Finance, Banking and IT, Fred brings a wealth of expertise. He holds a B.Com Honours from Stellenbosch University, an MBA from the University of the Witwatersrand, and has completed advanced programmes at Harvard Business School.
Fred’s distinguished career at Nedbank began in 1996 as Divisional Director of Group Technology and Support Services, eventually culminating in his role as Group CIO. He gained local and international recognition for spearheading the modernisation and digitisation of Nedbank’s technology landscape, driving business value through innovation. Under his leadership, Nedbank received numerous awards for its leadership in the digital space, successfully commercialising several marketleading products and services, with an ongoing pipeline of innovations that continue to enhance the bank’s market reputation among analysts and stakeholders.
Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Reyn Vlietstra
Reyn Vlietstra was a pioneering urban designer whose work laid the foundation for Val de Vie Estate. When Martin Venter, founder and CEO of the Val de Vie Group of Companies, acquired the land in 2003, he imagined a secure and sustainable community in the Cape Winelands. Vlietstra’s expertise was crucial in bringing that vision to life. He had an exceptional eye for detail and a deep understanding of how spaces should work for the people who live in them.
Martin remembers Reyn:
Reyn Vlietstra was, in many ways, a modern, blended incarnation of Da Vinci and Vermeer. He possessed an exceptional analytical mind and could always create order in his designs from an almost limitless number of variables, always in a creative yet perfectionist manner.
This, combined with the charisma and passion with which he approached urban design, set him apart as truly one of a kind. Reyn cannot be measured against any standard or benchmark in urban design; he was the standard, the benchmark.
Reyn taught us to appreciate both attention to detail and fine dining, but he also taught us to always find the humour in situations and never to take life too seriously.
In a complex and chaotic world, he captured the beauty and splendour of life through designs that spoke of harmony, balance and authenticity.
Reyn was never afraid to be himself and it was always a pleasure to watch him, sometimes surprising the consultants around the table who didn’t know him well, with his razor-sharp wit and bold, candid remarks. But these always came from a good heart, informed by acute observation and a profound understanding of human behaviour.
Reyn, we will miss you dearly, but your legacy is rich. Even future generations will hear and see you as they move along Val de Vie Estate’s broad, leafy streets, gaze down your long vistas and pause at the focal points on the horizon, where they can quietly take in and experience the simplicity, authenticity and beauty that you captured in your designs.
Checkmate
The Val de Vie Chess Club, established on 2 October 2025, invites residents of Val de Vie Estate and Val de Vie Evergreen to come and join the fun. Chess enthusiasts of all ages are welcome to pull up a chair and take their place in front of chessboard. The club was created to become South Africa’s leading chess community, right here at Val de Vie Estate. Future plans include hosting tournaments and casual games, providing residents with opportunities to challenge themselves and connect with fellow players.
A Celebration of Wellness and Community
Val de Vie Estate came alive on Saturday 27 September, as residents gathered for Super Saturday, a day of fitness, fun and genuine community connection.
The day kicked off at 07:30 with a Dog Walk, sponsored by Investec, that started from Platō at the Val de Vie Sports & Leisure Centre. Neighbours connected while walking and chatting, as their dogs happily wagged along. Canine companions were treated to bandanas and tasty treats from Investec, while owners enjoyed discounted Platō coffee vouchers.
The walk concluded at The Yard Wellness Centre, where the first dogs were pampered with a complimentary wash from the mobile pet grooming truck, Woofspa.
From there, The Yard Wellness Centre became the hub of activity. Residents participated in a variety of classes ranging from Jumpstart Rebound and yoga to boxing, Groovy Fit and the ever-popular Fit45. On the courts and fields, games of padel, netball, soccer, rugby and cricket kept everyone moving. Children enjoyed a giant jumping castle and colourful face painting, ensuring there was something for all ages.
Super Saturday was a celebration of wellness and enjoying each other’s company. Keep an eye on Val de Vie Estate’s social media and the weekly newsletter to stay informed about the next Super Saturday, where there will once again be plenty of activities to keep everyone moving and connected.
Keep an eye on Val de Vie Estate’s social media and the weekly newsletter to stay informed about the next Super Saturday
How to Avoid the Most Common Investment Mistakes
A MESSAGE FROM BRENTHURST WEALTH
Have you ever wondered, “Am I really doing the right thing with my money?” Keeping cash in the bank can feel safe and market headlines can make selling seem wise. These are natural emotions. Yet they are also the reasons many investors fall short, not because they chose the wrong fund but because emotions guided their choices.
A common trap is buying something that sounds incredible without understanding how it fits into a proper plan. Another is holding too much cash. It feels secure, but inflation quietly eats away at its value. Panic selling is another danger. When markets fall, reacting quickly can turn temporary losses into lasting ones.
Chasing last year’s winners can also backfire. Strong past performance does not guarantee future success. The key is to know what you own, why you own it and to stay the course.
Start with a clear plan, diversify, automate contributions and review your progress calmly and consistently. The goal is not perfect timing but time in the market. That is what truly builds wealth.
6 Fun Facts
A LITTLE WATER GOES A LONG WAY
The Cape grysbok can go for long stretches without drinking water, getting almost all the moisture it needs from the plants it eats.
TEENY TINY
This little antelope stands at approximately 54cm tall at the shoulder and weighs roughly 10kg, small enough to vanish behind a single bush.
MALE VERSUS FEMALE
Only the males have horns, which are short (around 6-8cm), upright and slightly curved. They’re used for display and the occasional squabble rather than serious fights.
A SOLO KIND OF LIFE
Cape grysbokke are mostly solitary. Females’ territory ranges may overlap, but males are territorial and mark their boundaries with dung middens and scent from glands near their eyes.
BREEDING SEASON
There’s no strict breeding season, though most lambs are born in spring and summer when food is plentiful.
SAFE AND SOUND
The Cape grysbok is currently listed as “Least Concern,” but preserving natural habitats and corridors, like ours at Val de Vie Estate, helps ensure their continued thriving.
A Glimpse into the Estate’s Most Introverted Locals
Have you ever noticed a flicker of movement in the fynbos and wondered what it was? You might have been fortunate enough to spot a Cape or southern grysbok (Raphicerus melanotis), affectionately known in Afrikaans as the Kaapse grysbokkie.
These tiny, shy antelopes are native to the Western Cape and thrive in the Fynbos Biome. They prefer rocky valleys and shrubby plains, the very terrain that surrounds Val de Vie Estate. Although they are relatively common in this region, their secretive nature means that most residents share their space with them without even realising it.
If you take a quiet walk before dusk, especially along the wilder patches of fynbos or dense shrubs, you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Cape grysbok. They are small and well-camouflaged, with reddish-brown coats flecked with white and soft, rounded ears. When startled, they tend to dash away quickly before freezing flat against the ground, a clever tactic to avoid being seen.
During the day, they typically hide in thick vegetation, blending perfectly with the dry grasses and reddish soil. As the sun sets, they become more active, grazing on leaves and shrubs under the cover of dusk. The mature shrubs and biodiversity corridors on the Estate provide ideal hiding spots for these gentle creatures.
Have you ever been fortunate enough to spot a Cape grysbok on the Estate?
WINE OF THE MONTH
POLO CLUB CHARDONNAY PINOT NOIR 2025
The Polo Club Chardonnay Pinot Noir 2025 is a blend of 60% Chardonnay from Durbanville and 40% Pinot Noir from Elgin, showcasing the unique character of both regions. The Chardonnay is picked at 21.5 degrees Balling and the Pinot Noir at 23. Both grapes are bunch-sorted and whole-bunch pressed, then vinified separately to preserve their individual qualities.
This wine has a smooth, balanced mouthfeel and a soft, lingering finish. It opens with aromas of red fruit, raspberry and frangipane, with notes of apple and warm citrus adding depth.
It pairs beautifully with roast chicken or pan-seared fish and complements duck, Mediterranean dishes and soft cheeses like brie, camembert and mozzarella. The wine encourages conversation and slow, easy sips, reflecting the relaxed elegance of life at Val de Vie Estate.
A 10% discount will be applied when you purchase six bottles or more of the Polo Club Chardonnay Pinot Noir 2025 in November 2025.
Price per bottle: R90
Price per case: R540
Natural Rejuvenation
Spend time in any natural area and you become instantly relaxed, invigorated and more connected with yourself. One of the costs of modern living is the stress it induces; from the moment you wake up to the time you go to bed, you are bombarded with stress-inducing signals from the urban environment. Natural areas don’t have these signals. Time spent in the garden, in botanical parks, at the beach or in game reserves gives the mind and body a chance to reboot.
As you enter a natural area, most of the resident birds and animals go quiet. This gives them time to assess how much of a threat you might be; it also allows your senses to adjust. Sit down with your back against a tree and remain still for a while and you’ll find that as you become accepted by the local inhabitants, they begin to call, move and generally go about their daily lives. This stillness allows you to become accustomed to the sounds and movements around you. Slowly and selectively, your senses are no longer being bombarded.
While immersing yourself in nature or as the Japanese custom refers to nature bathing, you’ll become aware of a sense of peace and tranquillity and after some time, feel completely content. If you consider the reasons behind this, you’ll realise that you feel at home, and that is simply because you are. This is where humans developed; nature used to be our home.
Modern man has largely wandered away from his original abode, yet still carries an inherent craving to return. Whether this is a way of rediscovering lost roots or simply escaping the madding crowd is a personal choice, but who needs an excuse to return home?
OPEN GARDENS 2025
Saturday 8 November from 08:00 - 12:00
Join us for a stroll through the top three gardens in the Val de Vie Evergreen, Petite and Fair categories and help us choose this year’s winners together.
A Taste of Italian Soul
Food has always been a way of showing love for the Viljoen family. When co-owner Chiara Viljoen talks about Café del Sol, she doesn’t just talk about menus and recipes – she talks about family, about the way her mother cooked with such care that every meal felt like coming home. That is the heart of Café del Sol and it is what they’re bringing to their new restaurant at Val de Vie Estate.
“It’s a family legacy of heart and soul,” Chiara says. “My brother Ryan, my mom Luciana and I have a giant purpose of spreading love through food. Our mum cooked with love and we’ve carried that into everything we do. We want people to leave Café del Sol feeling like they’ve been looked after, like they’ve found a home away from home.”
Why Val de Vie Estate?
Since opening their first restaurant in Johannesburg in 2007, Café del Sol has become synonymous with Italian warmth and hospitality. Now, together with their Italian partner Adriano, they have just opened their flagship Cape Winelands branch at The Yard Wellness Centre, located within the former Sela Vie restaurant space. The Cape Winelands have always been close to their hearts – the wine, the sense of community and the lifestyle rhythm of estate dining felt like the perfect fit for their next chapter.
What’s on the table?
“Our food is simple, honest, everyday Italian,” Chiara
explains. “Fresh, wholesome dishes you can enjoy every day of the week. No preservatives, organic options wherever possible and food that nourishes the soul are key.”
The classics are all there, from Neapolitan pizzas with that perfect puffy crust, to hand-rolled pasta, soft gnocchi and ravioli made from scratch. Every sauce, every dough, every bite is prepared fresh in their kitchen.
“Our biggest secret is the way we cook – with love,” Chiara says. “This is the most important ingredient in any dish and the one that makes people leave our space feeling happier and fulfilled.”
Café del Sol has always been about connection as much as it is about food. Guests are treated like family and the team is already dreaming up exceptional experiences to bring people together, from wine pairings and Aperol hours to whisky dinners and seasonal celebrations.
When to visit
• Monday: 07:30 – 17:00 (Kitchen closes at 16:30)
• Tuesday: Closed
• Wednesday: 07:30 – 17:00 (Kitchen closes at 16:30)
• Thursday to Saturday: 07:30 – 22:00 (Kitchen closes at 21:00)
• Sunday: 08:30 – 15:00 (Kitchen closes at 14:30)
A Fresh New Look for Back’s Deli
Back’s Deli at the Polo Pavilion has recently undergone an exciting relaunch with a subtle French touch. In addition to the updated space, the deli now offers an expanded selection of fresh produce, pantry favourites, premium meats and a curated wine collection available at cellar door prices, making it easier than ever to enjoy a local feast at home.
For coffee lovers, Truth Coffee, one of South Africa’s most celebrated roasters, is now available. You can enjoy a perfectly brewed cup on-site or take a bag of beans home to enjoy later. Either way, it pairs beautifully with Back’s Deli’s famous golden, buttery croissants.
Long-time regulars will be pleased to know that their favourites haven’t gone anywhere. You can still build your own breakfast just the way you like it and pick up traditional staples such as biltong and droëwors. If you haven’t visited the newly refreshed deli yet, it’s well worth a stop.
PHOTO SUPPLIED FROM LEFT: Ryan, Luciana and Chiara Viljoen
Heritage Day Around the Potjie
On Wednesday 24 September 2025 L’Huguenot Vineyards and SOMM at Village Deli hosted a Potjiekos Competition & Family Fun Day in celebration of Heritage Day. The Val de Vie Estate community came together to enjoy the nation’s diverse cultural heritage through food and music, with plenty of activities to keep the children entertained.
A total of 16 teams competed, with potjies ranging from traditional waterblommetjie to curry chicken, seafood and even a pulled pork potjie served with roosterkoek. What made this competition so special was the variety of flavours and styles. Not a single potjie was the same. Every team brought their A-game, adding a unique twist that showcased true creativity.
Judges Marinda Engelbrecht, Bertus Fourie and Hennie van Loggerenberg had their work cut out for them tasting all 16 potjiekos entries. With so many deliciously diverse
dishes, picking the winners was no easy task. Once the friendly fires burned out, it was time to crown our potjiekos champions, with first place going to Rish and Duran Reddy from Spice Spice Baby. Val de Vie Properties’ Stanley Barnes and Marinique Viljoen claimed second place, while Rowan Anderson, Cameron Moore and Costa Drepaniotis from Boklava, Bagpipes and Kosher took third. Congratulations to everyone who entered and contributed to the wonderful atmosphere.
Meanwhile, from SOMM @ Village Deli, Chef Ricardo once again reminded everyone why the famous Harvest Table is such a hit. Guests enjoyed Moroccan lamb potjie and hearty oxtail potjie, served alongside comforting favourites like pampoentert, creamy samp and paptert. Thanks go to the sponsors La Motte Wines, Paarlberg BMW, Vodacom 4U Rembrandt Mall, Stella Artois and Winilla Confectionery, whose support helped make the day so memorable. We can’t wait to see what next year’s Potjiekos Competition & Family Fun Day will bring.
SATURDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2025 09:00 to 15:00
The Discreet Power of Jewellery as Investment
WORDS BY HOWIE VILJOEN, DIRECTOR OF VILJOEN JEWELLERS
Driving through the Cape Winelands is an experience of timeless elegance. Heritage Cape Dutch homesteads, centuries-old farms and family legacies whisper stories of wealth carefully built from humble beginnings.
I often see collections like these at Viljoen Jewellers. That echoes the same sentiment: exquisite, finely crafted jewellery, each piece carrying history, foresight and the quiet magnificence of legacy. Opening such a collection feels much like that Winelands journey –humble roots, remarkable stories and wealth that endures across generations.
The true marvel lies in scale: investments of unimaginable value today, often born from modest costs at the start. Jewellery investment is not mere extravagance – it is refined elegance with foresight
In my opinion, in the last two years, two pivotal shifts have shaped the jewellery industry.
1. GOLD
Since 2022, the price of gold in South African Rand has surged over 33% year-on-year. Over the past two decades, its value has climbed more than 500%, weathering recessions, inflation and uncertainty. Gold remains the anchor of wealth
2. DIAMONDS
For the first time, natural diamond prices have dipped by 26% since 2022 – driven by the rise of lab-grown stones. For those seeking savings or pure enjoyment, lab-grown diamonds are a suitable option. But for investment, earth-mined diamonds remain unparalleled. We know that this is an unprecedented opportunity to acquire natural diamonds.
HOW TO ACT WITH FORESIGHT:
1. Invest in solid, beautiful gold pieces. Although high in price, the curve is trending in only one direction.
2. Take advantage of this unique season in natural diamond prices – think of it as a chance to build generational wealth
3. Re-evaluate your collection to reflect today’s market shifts.
I invite you to book a consultation at our atelier, right here in Val de Vie Estate, to take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity.
Viljoen Jewellers is available by appointment Monday to Friday from 10:00 – 16:00. Polo Offices, Unit B1, Offices 3&4
A Decade of Giving Back
This year, the Val de Vie Foundation celebrates 10 years of meaningful community contribution in the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley. Since its launch in July 2015, the Val de Vie Foundation has invested over R50 million into projects that empower and uplift the surrounding communities, positively impacting more than 47 000 lives.
“The commitment to uplift and invest in surrounding communities has been part of the Val de Vie developer’s vision since the very beginning. With the formal establishment of the Val de Vie Foundation in July 2015, our residents have been given a meaningful way to carry that vision forward,” says Ryk Neethling, Trustee of the Val de Vie Foundation. Through a unique model, 1% of all property sales and 2.5% of monthly levies support community projects, allowing residents to live a purpose-driven lifestyle that extends beyond the Estate.
The Foundation proudly supports several beneficiaries. Among them, Hope Through Action uses sport and education to develop young people’s physical and life skills through programmes run from community centres in Mbekweni, Franschhoek and Malmesbury. Other beneficiaries include The Elevation Programme, Khula Development Group, Mosaic Community Development, Thuma Mina Teaching, Paarl Youth Initiative, Drakenstein Association for Persons with Disabilities (DAPD), Monte Christo Miqlat, Mbekweni Music Academy, HearX Foundation and The Franschhoek Hospitality Academy.
Thanks are due to all residents who actively contribute through volunteering, fundraising and initiatives such as clothing and blanket drives.
To honour this milestone, residents are invited to a special 10-year celebration on Tuesday 28 October 2025, at the Ballroom, Polo Pavilion. The main programme begins at 17:30 with wine and networking. Highlights include talks from Ryk Neethling, Martin Venter, founder and CEO of the Val de Vie Group of Companies, and Philip Green, Hope Through Action Founder, as well as other beneficiary representatives.
Join the Val de Vie Estate community in honouring the partnerships and people shaping a better life for all. To RSVP, send an email to foundation@valdevie.co.za.
We are opening in Franschhoek Offering a variety of skin treatments & medical aesthetic modalities to get you skin confident.
THE GRAPEVINE IS PUBLISHED ON BEHALF OF VAL DE VIE MANAGEMENT (PTY) LTD
Val de Vie Utilities +27 (0)21 860 0830 | help@vdvu.co.za
The Local Choice Pharmacy +27 (0)87 880 0042 valdevie@thelocalchoice.co.za
WhatsApp: +27 (0)71 436 2291
After hours: +27 (0)72 115 4993
GATEHOUSES
EMERGENCY
A heartfelt thank you to our cover stars, Rish and Duran Reddy, and their beautiful daughter Sonalia, for being part of this edition of Grapevine. It was a pleasure shooting you for the cover.
HORSE SAFETY GUIDELINES
KEEP OUT OF THE STABLES
All stables are private property and unauthorised entry is not allowed. Horses are large animals and are unpredictable, which increases the risk of accidents and injuries to both humans and horses.
BEWARE OF ELECTRIFIED PADDOCKS
Fences inside some paddocks are electrified to ensure horses remain secure. Avoid contact and proximity to these paddocks.
RESPECT HORSES' SENSITIVITY
To avoid startling and agitating horses, refrain from any interaction without permission. Take pictures only from a safe distance, without trespassing restricted areas.
KEEP DOGS AWAY FROM HORSES
Dogs must remain leashed, except in dedicated dog parks. Keep a safe distance from horses while walking your dog to prevent startling them. Horses may respond aggressively to protect themselves against your dog.
BE CONSIDERATE WHEN PASSING
When walking or running near horses, maintain a safe distance and avoid sudden movement or noises that may startle or intimidate them. Pass with ample space and be visible before approaching.
OBSERVE HORSE CROSSINGS
Horses have right of way. At a horse crossing, stop at the red light and allow them to pass safely.
NO ENTRY AT PADDOCKS
Paddocks are strictly o -limits. Horses may kick, bite and accidentally trample a small child. Beware of potential injuries should they step on your foot.
FEEDING HORSES IS PROHIBITED
Certain foods can induce illnesses such as laminitis, equine metabolic syndrome, and colic, requiring medical intervention. Beware of accidental bites to fingers or hands.
BICYCLE CAUTION
Be aware when cycling near horses. Sudden bike appearances can startle them, provoking fear-driven responses. Reduce speed, ensure visibility, and pass at a safe distance when encountering horses.
NO PETTING
Exercise caution when approaching a mare and her foal, as she may display aggression. Beware of foals kicking and accidentally biting.
WITH THE LEXUS NX
*Ts&Cs Apply.
The Lexus NX is built with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 and protects pedestrians as much as you and your passengers. It also features the Safe Exit Assist* that links with the e-latch system, which ensures your doors never open when there’s an impending collision, and the Blind Spot Monitor*, which detects vehicles and bicycles approaching from behind.
That’s why the Lexus NX is the car with tomorrow written all over it.
