Innholdsfortegnelse for August/September 2024 i Franschhoek Life

Mont Rochelle, Sir Richard Branson’s stunning hotel and vineyard in the heart of Franschhoek, invites you to join a brand-new wine club. Wine lovers across South Africa can now experience the award-winning wines through three exclusive membership tiers: The Discoverer, The Enthusiast, and The Connoisseur. It has been ten years since Mont Rochelle became part of the Virgin Limited Edition family, and the journey has been remarkable. The team has lovingly replanted 15 hectares of vineyards using sustainable, cutting-edge methods, resulting in top-quality wines that have gathered international acclaim. From Sauvignon Blanc to the gold-medal-winning Rosé, every bottle is a testament to their passion and dedication. The wine club is all about bringing these exquisite wines right to your doorstep and each tier is packed with perks. The Discoverer offers…

As the birthplace of South Africa’s Cap Classique Wine Route, the Franschhoek wine valley holds a special place in the country’s winemaking heritage. Proudly encompassing 23 local producers, it’s the country’s largest and most impressive showcase of exceptional sparkling wines, combined with world-class hospitality and picturesque vineyard vistas. The Cap Classique Safari weekend is a new event on the calendar, offering visitors the opportunity to indulge in the finest Cap Classiques of the region, a celebration of all things sparkling. Transportation is provided within designated pods, each carefully curated to showcase a selection of renowned wineries: POD 1: Guests will visit Haute Cabriére, Black Elephant Vintners, Le Lude, La Bri, Wildeberg and Stony Brook. POD 2: This pod features Franschhoek Cellar, Grande Provence, Leopard’s Leap, La Motte and Rickety Bridge.…

Prepare yourself for an exhilarating experience as the Audi driving experience returns to the iconic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Gauteng. Following the resounding success of last year’s relaunch, this year’s event guarantees to deliver heightened levels of adrenaline and excitement. The full-day driving program offers a premium, performance-based experience designed to unlock the potential of Audi’s cutting-edge technology. Participants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in high-performance driving during the next two upcoming events: Event 1: 25 to 29 September Event 2: 20 to 24 November Created in collaboration with the Audi driving experience centre in Germany, the program provides expert guidance from champion racing drivers. The comprehensive curriculum enhances participants’ skills in cornering, braking, acceleration, and understanding the ideal driving line. “The Audi driving experience embodies the…

JULY 9&31 WINEMAKER’S DINNER AT LE COIN FRANÇAIS Le coin Français proudly presents two exquisite Winemaker’s Dinner Evenings this August. Friday, 9 August | Boschendal Wines Saturday, 31 August | Idiom Wines Join us for a seven-course dinner, where each dish is thoughtfully paired with a handcrafted wine. R1495pp. reservations@lecoinfrancais.co.za BOOKINGS 074 126 0022 https://lecoinfrancais.co.za/ TUES-SUN TEA AT ORANGERIE RESTAURANT, LE LUDE Indulge in the timeless tradition of Morning and Afternoon Tea at Orangerie. Enjoy an exquisite selection of delicate pastries, and freshly baked scones, all paired with our finest teas. Reservations need to be settled 24 hours in advance. Morning Tea: 10h00, 10h30 and 11h00 Afternoon Tea: 15h00 restaurant@lelude.co.za BOOKINGS 021 876 2961 https://lelude.co.za/the-orangerie-restaurant/ WED-SUN LA MOTTE BAKERY Looking for a sunny spot? Join us at the La Motte Bakery…

As the sun rises a lone meerkat emerges from its burrow, followed shortly by the rest of the mob. They yawn … stretch and then turn to the rising sun to warm their little tummies, all the while scanning the horizon as they balance, perfectly poised on their hind legs and tails. The fur on meerkats’ tummies is darker than on the rest of their bodies and actually serve as mini-solar panels absorbing the sun’s warming rays, giving them a much needed boost for a day spent foraging for insects. These are 100% wild meerkats – they have never been fed, handled or otherwise engaged with humans; but they are accustomed to people, particularly the ones gawking at them – and it bothers them not a jot! Seven kilometres outside…

The Babylonstoren team of master builders and historians have been going about the business of constructing and curating an extraordinary project and are proud to present Soetmelksvlei, a unique historical experience on the slopes of Simonsberg. Just a short shuttle ride from Babylonstoren lies an interactive farmyard set in the late 19th century. Immerse yourself in an era before rampant industrialisation – before electric lights and the Model T Ford became common sights – when the world moved at a slower pace and people used their hands to create what was needed. Soetmelksvlei honours the legacy of artisanry. Visitors are encouraged to interact with master craftspeople as they go about their daily chores. Get a glimpse of home life before the turn of the 20th century through the immaculately recreated…

Guests who book directly with Virgin Hotels can also benefit from luxury perks and a personalised experience by simply signing up to The Know, Virgin Hotels’ loyalty and preferences programme, granting access to room upgrades, member rate discounts, special events and dining offers, as well as a complimentary daily cocktail hour. This newest addition to Virgin Hotels will become the eighth hotel in its portfolio, and the 17th property within the wider Virgin Hotels Collection. The 120-bedroom hotel, located at 45 Curtain Road in the heart of London’s Shoreditch neighbourhood, will bring the brand back to its roots in the city where it all started for Sir Richard Branson and the Virgin Group. Resident guests at Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch will also benefit from access to a private members club managed…

The exclusive rooms offer views over the V&A Waterfront, Table Mountain and the whole of Table Bay. The Westin is also a conference hotel with unmatched meeting, conference and banqueting venues with over 19 unique spaces. But it is the hotel’s personalised services that make it a memorable experience for every invitee. All Westin Hotels & Resorts, empower guests to transcend the rigors of travel through the brand’s Six Pillars of well-being: Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, Work Well, and Play Well. The Westin Cape Town more than upholds this mantra and is all about ensuring that guests feel rested and rejuvenated during their stay. SLEEP WELL We know that restorative sleep is essential to our well-being, which is why The Westin has created signature programs to…

1. MEET THE UNIQUE LEMURS OF MADAGASCAR Madagascar, the world’s fourth-largest island, is famed for its extraordinary biodiversity, with lemurs being among its most iconic inhabitants. These unique primates, found nowhere else on Earth, have evolved in isolation over millions of years, resulting in a fascinating array of species, each with its own distinctive traits and behaviours. This unforgettable family adventure will create lasting memories, sparking a love for wildlife and conservation in young explorers. 2. DISCOVER MAURITIUS FROM THE AIR ON A HELICOPTER RIDE Take your adventure to new heights and discover Mauritius from a breath-taking perspective – from the air! Strap in for an exhilarating helicopter ride that will unveil the island’s stunning landscapes, cascading waterfalls, turquoise lagoons, and lush greenery. 3. WATCH THE DANCE OF THE EXOTIC…