Tag Archives: Franschhoek Cellar

Franschhoek Uncorked toasts long-awaited Spring!

After one of the wettest winters in a long time, Franschhoek is ready to welcome Spring with its ‘Franschhoek Uncorked‘ festival on 1 and 2 September, and has laid on a wine and food tasting feast in its honour. Nineteen wine estates are inviting wine lovers to meet their winemakers and taste their wines on their estates, at a cost of R100 for the weekend pass, covering both days.

Each participating wine estate will offer its wines for a free tasting (some have ‘bespoke‘ tastings too, at a fee). Each estate has some form of musical entertainment, and they all serve food to buy.  The wine estates participating, and their programme for the two days, are as follows:

*   Allée Bleue: live entertainment, fresh herbs of the estate to buy, new vintage Brut Rosé, and enjoy a meal at the Bistro

*   Anthonij Rupert Wines:  Taste Protea and Terra del Capo wines for free, or attend a ‘bespoke‘ tasting of Anthonij Rupert wines at R50.  Half price entrance to Motor Museum, at R30.

*   Boekenhoutskloof:  Taste new release Chocolate Block 2011, enjoy the band, and taste Reuben’s BBQ

*   Dieu Donné : cheese platters and spit braai offered, live music

*   Franschhoek Cellar: jazz band, free tasting of wines, cheeses, chocolates, and olives. Cheese lunch at R100 for two.

*   Grande Provence: free tasting; buy 11 bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon and/or Shiraz and get one free; taste the 2012 Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier, and Chardonnay 2011; tapas; Marimba band; art exhibition ‘Walk this earth alone‘; five-course degustation menu on 1 September paired with Grande Provence and New Zealand Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines, at R495.

*   Haute Cabrière: Ratafia ball throwing competition, wine tasting, restaurant offers a la carte menu

*   Holden Manz: ShenFM performs, Chef Cheyne’s menu, taste wines

*   La Bri: offers cheese platters, olives, homemade bread and chocolates to buy, five year vertical wine tasting R100, chocolate and wine pairing R50.

*   La Chataigne: 2012 vintage, guitarist, boules, ‘Swedish street food’

*   La Vigne: wine tasting, art exhibition by Lötter de Jager, Pasta Fresca, outdoor chess.

*   Leopard’s Leap: free tasting, and introducing two cocktails: Chardonnay Margarita and Shiraz Cocktail

*   Lynx: tapas, Spanish guitarist, taste new Lynx Viognier 2012

*   Maison: taste Chenin Blanc 2011, Shiraz 2010, and new Blanc de Noir 2012, jazz band, slow roast pork belly with pickles, ciabatta and mustard (R85)

*   Noble Hill: taste first Rosé, gourmet taco, live music.

* Plaisir de Merle: sweet and savoury pancakes, live entertainment

*   Rickety Bridge: Reggae band, eat pork belly fingers, rib eye, mini burgers, tempura hake goujond

*   Solms-Delta: Kaapse music, Kaapse food, Kaapse wines!

*   Vrede & Lust: decor for sale, baguettes and mussels, Lindt chocolate.

Franschhoek Uncorked, 1 – 2 September, 11h00 – 17h00.  R100 weekend pass. www.webtickets.co.za

Chris von Ulmenstein, Whale Cottage Portfolio: www.whalecottage.com Twitter: @WhaleCottage

Hop on Hop off Franschhoek Wine Tram will get tourism on a roll, to become Winelands icon!

The Franschhoek Wine Tram has been built and is in Franschhoek, ready to roll in October, being the first Hop on Hop off winetasting tram service in the Winelands.  It will be a valuable tourism boost to a village that has been badly affected by the recession.

This is the second attempt at establishing this service.  Two years ago already it was announced that a steam train would be running on the existing but now unused railway line through the Franschhoek wine estates.  The steam train proved to be environmentally unfriendly, while an imported train from Australia proved to be too expensive.  The owners, father and son team David and Sean Blyth, the financiers and train and tram fanatics, were fortunate to find a local company to build a tram transporting 33 persons.

The ticket office will be at the first stop, behind the Station Pub, once the railway station building in Franschhoek.  Stops along the way are the Franschhoek Cellar, Grande Provence, and Rickety Bridge. Tickets will cost R98, for an Hop on Hop off service, but exclude the tasting fees.  Currently crossing three roads, each crossing will be manned with uniformed staff to warn drivers of the oncoming tram, safety being of utmost concern.  The tram service will be expanded to cross the R45, their biggest challenge in terms of road safety, and warning lights and a bell will warm drivers of the tram crossing.

Wine estates that have expressed interest for the extension of the tram service are Allée Bleue, Gooding Grove, and Solms Delta, and ultimately it is planned to extend the service all the way to Paarl. Exciting too for the restaurants on the tram line is that the chefs of restaurants on the participating wine estates will offer Gourmet Tours on the tram, it running in the evenings as well.  Each wine estate is planning its own special events for the tram visitors, and each will have a platform at the tram line, offering winetastings.  The trip would take about an hour if one does not get out at the wine estates at which the tram stops.

One must salute the Blyths for investing in an innovative wine tourism service, which will be of benefit to all tourism players in Franschhoek, not just the wine estates through which the tram will roll.  It will also position Franschhoek as an innovative and exciting wine destination.

POSTSCRIPT 17/11: The Franschhoek Wine Tram starts rolling today, with only two initial stops, at Grande Provence, and at Rickety Bridge, at the introductory price of R60.

Chris von Ulmenstein, Whale Cottage Portfolio: www.whalecottage.com Twitter:@WhaleCottage

Franschhoek pops the corks at ‘Franschhoek Uncorked’!

This weekend Franschhoek will celebrate its fourth ‘Franschhoek Uncorked’ weekend, and all indications are that the weather will be reasonably kind to the event.  Eighteen Franschhoek wine estates invite visitors to Franschhoek to visit them, not only to taste their wines, but also to enjoy the unique food and entertainment at each estate.

The Franschhoek wine estates offer visitors the following:

*   Noble Hill: Eat at Cosecha Restaurant, gourmet Tachos on grill, music by The Studebakers.   Tel (021) 874-3844

*   Vrede en Lust: Cocktails with strawberries, to celebrate Spring.  Tel (021) 874-7611

*   Plaisir de Merle: One of the wine estates capturing the French heritage of Franschhoek the best.  Serving pancakes, live music.   Tel (021) 874- 1071

*   Allée Bleue: Live jazz, free wine tasting, French foods (Flammkuchen, Bouillabaisse, cheesecake with strawberries), fresh herbs for sale, new vintage Brut Rosé, picnics at R145 per person, meals at The Bistro.  Tel (021) 874-1021

*   Solms-Delta:   Celebration of ‘van die Kaap’, with Cape music, food, wine and traditional music.  Pairing of ‘Cape fusion cuisine’ with Cape wines.  Tel (021) 874-3937.

*   Anthonij Rupert Wines: Complimentary tastings of Protea and Terra del Capo wines.  Boules.  Franschhoek Motor Museum displays and demonstrations, as well as drive in vintage and classic cars.  Tel (021) 874-9000

*   Graham Beck Wines: Fresh oysters, fresh basked breads, cheeses, charcuterie, from Oude Bank Bakkerij to complement tasting of wines and Mèthode Cap Classique.  Master classes by winemakers Pieter Ferreira and Erika Obermeyer, at 11h00 on Saturday and Sunday, at R75 per person.   Tel (021) 874-1258.

*   Lynx:   Spanish fiesta includes tapas, live Spanish band.   Tel (021) 867-0406

*   La Chataigne:   Live music, Boules.  Tel (021) 876-3220

*   La Motte:  Live music, Special menu for the weekend Festival at Pierneef à La Motte.  Tel (021) 876-8000

*   Rickety Bridge: Live band, Boules, chipping competition, braai.  Tel (021) 876-2129

*   Grande Provence: Marimba band, Boules, art exhibition, Oriental Tapas. Tel (021) 876-8600

*  Franschhoek Cellar: Truckles cheese tasting, Huguenot Fine Chocolate Tasting, La Bourgogne olive oil and olive tasting, Pick ‘n Pay sushi bar, cheese lunches at R85, live jazz band.  Tel (021) 876-2086

*   Dieu Donné: Cellar tours, live music by Adagio,  Micro Brewery beer tastings, bridal exhibition, freshly baked produce stall, Sunday Brunch 10h30 – 15h00.  Tel (021) 876-2493

*   Haute Cabriére:  Ratafia ball throwing competition, Unwooded Pinot Noir 2011 tasting, cellar tours and sabrage Saturday and Sunday at 11h00, and at 14h00 on Saturday.  Special ‘Uncorked’ menu at re-opened Haute Cabriére Cellar Restaurant.  Tel (021) 876-8500

*   La Bri: Art by Hamlin, sale of plants, bulbs and seeds, fresh baked breads, cheeses, soups, picnics, three course dinner with winemaker on Saturday evening at R350 per person.  Tel (021) 876-2593.

*   Holden Manz: Live band, cocktails, fun activities, Official Uncorked After Party, Saturday, from 5 pm.  Tel (021) 876-2729.

*   Boekenhoutskloof: Release of Chocolate Block 2010. Barbeque Extravaganza by Reuben’s. Kitchen Jamming Blues Band.  Tel (021) 876-3320.

Franschhoek Uncorked, 3 – 4 September.  R100 allows multiple entries to the wine estates over the weekend.  Book via www.webtickets.co.za Franschhoek Wine Valley supports responsible drinking, and has a number of shuttle services listed on its website www.franschhoek.org.za.  A number of wine specials are available this weekend, and are listed on the Franschhoek Wine Valley website too.

Chris von Ulmenstein, Whale Cottage Portfolio: www.whalecottage.com Twitter: @WhaleCottage

Bastille Festival gives Franschhoek French food and wine flair!

For the 18th year running, Franschhoek will don its red, blue and white flags and bunting to celebrate its French Huguenot past next weekend of 16 and 17 July, celebrated by its most popular annual event, the Bastille Festival, commemorating the storming of La Bastille.

Marrying food prepared by Franschhoek’s top chefs, including salmon trout, sushi, chocolates, and oysters, with wines from the local Vignerons, in a Marquee in the centre of the village next door to the Hospice, the Bastille Festival is an important showcase for the village.  Exhibitors include Akkerdal, Allée Bleue, Anthonij Rupert Wines, Backsberg, Bellingham, Boschendal, Boekenhoutskloof, Cape Chamonix, Franschhoek Cellar, French Connection Bistro, The Grill Room, Glenwood, Graham Beck, Grande Provence, Holden Manz, Haute Cabriere, La Bri, La Petite Ferme Restaurant and Winery,  L’ermitage, Leopard’s Leap, Lynx, Monneaux, Morena, Pick ‘n Pay Sushi Bar, Plaisir de Merle, Reuben’s, Rickety Bridge, Rupert & Rothschild, Solms Delta Fyndraai and Wines, Topiary Wines, Vrede & Lust, and Wild Peacock Products.  

For the first time a Le Marche Français will be set up in the Town Hall, as a market of Franschhoek artisanal food and other products.  Cheeses, charcuterie, pastries, breads, crèpes, water, chocolates, preserves, vegetables, coffee, and herbs will be for sale, as will be soap and linen, and kitchen accessories.  A Farmers’ Market will also be held.

On Saturday 16 July a Boules tournament will be held at the Church grounds, as well as Fencing exhibition matches, a Waiters’ Race, a Vignerons’ Parade, and Porcupine Ridge Barrel Rolling competition.  A party will be held at Holden Manz wine estate in the late afternoon.   On Sunday 17 July there is another Boules Tournament, Fencing exhibition matches and another Porcupine Ridge Barrel Rolling competition.  The Station Pub is hosting a number of bands over the weekend.

POSTSCRIPT 15/7:  Given the wonderful weather of the past few days, and that which is forecast for the weekend, tickets for the Marquee are already sold out for tomorrow.  Given that Franschhoek will be bursting at the seams, here are some suggestions for what to do if you were not lucky enough to buy a ticket for the marquee for tomorrow: get a wine-tasting map from the Franschhoek Tourism Bureau on the main road; go to the Town Hall, where French cheeses, Shiraz bread, chocolates and charcuterie are for sale; taste wines at Franschhoek wine shops La Cotte Inn Wine sales (selling delicious cheeses too), House of Wine, and WINES.  WINES (next door to Café Benedict) is offering tastings of non-Franschhoek wine estates such as Lammershoek, Nabygelegen, Hermanuspietersfontein, Arumdale and Bilton.  Enjoy a light lunch at Franschhoek Kitchen (Holden Manz), Café Benedict, Salmon Bar, Café Le Chocolatier, The Olive Shack, Reuben’s Deli, make up your own picnic at the Franschhoek Food Emporium, or try Fyndraai at Solms-Delta or Allee Bleue on the outskirts of Franschhoek, where things should be a little quieter.  Buy chocolates at Huguenot Fine Chocolates.   Interested in art? Visit David Walter’s Ceramics studio, the galleries on the main road, The Grande Provence gallery, or the Pierneef gallery at La Motte.   Drive up the Franschhoek Pass, and see the view from up there onto the valley.  Go to the Station Pub to listen to the bands.  Go to the After-Party at Holden Manz. 

POSTSCRIPT 16/7: Franschhoek is bursting at the seams, and the excellent weather is adding to the festive fun.  At Reuben’s there is a great Farmer’s market, as well as tastings and sales of Peroni, De Villiers chocolates from Hermanus, Wildekraans wines, and Healey’s cheeses from Lourensford.  Castle is being dispensed from next to Taki’s.  More Peroni is available at Träumerei.  Wildekrans is doing tastings at Café d’Or.  Holden Manz’s after party runs from at 4 pm until midnight today, with DJ.  The Elephant & Barrel is buzzing, with sparkling wine tastings in the courtyard.   A new gem is Taste South Africa, behind Salmon Bar in The Yard, putting Franschhoek wines on show.  An antique market is at the side of The Corkscrew.

Bastille Festival, Franschhoek, 16 – 17 July.  R100 Marquee entrance fee includes a tasting glass and a booklet of tasting vouchers.  Marquee open from 12h00 – 17h00.  Tickets from www.webtickets.co.za

Chris von Ulmenstein, Whale Cottage Portfolio: www.whalecottage.com   Twitter: @WhaleCottage