Tag Archives: Johan Rupert

Graham Beck Franschhoek Cellar Door operation to continue until mid-2012, despite Rupert sale

The sale of the Graham Beck Wines Franschhoek farm to Antonij Rupert Wines, the owners of the neighbouring L’Ormarins estate, resulted from a consolidation of the Graham Beck Wines’ assets, and should not create any visible changes at Graham Beck Franschhoek for the next 15 months or so in terms of cellar door tasting and sales.  The Graham Beck brand and its wine range will continue to be marketed as before, says Graham Beck Wines Global Sales and Marketing Manager Etienne Heyns.

It was announced last week that Antonij Rupert Wines had bought the Franschhoek operation of Graham Beck Wines, the culmination of discussions that had taken place over a number of years between Johan Rupert and the late Graham Beck.  With the passing of Mr Beck last year, the sale of the Franschhoek property reached its natural conclusion.  The deal was signed last week, and is subject to certain conditions, as well as regulatory approvals.  The sale includes 452 ha of land, of which only 16 % is planted to vine, a cellar each for red and white wine production, the tasting room and other administrative buildings, and the La Garonne manor house.  The bulk of the Graham Beck wines are produced in Robertson, including their award-winning Cap Classique sparkling wines. 

The sale to Mr Rupert’s company is considered to be of benefit to both parties.  Antonij Rupert Wines’ intention with the property after the sale is unclear, and could be to expand the thoroughbred stud they already have on L’Omarins, and/or continue the winemaking under the L’Omarins and Rupert & Rothschild wine brands.  For Graham Beck Wines the sale to Antonij Rupert Wines is one of comfort, in that the farm, which Mr Beck loved, will go to someone they know and trust, that Mrs Becks’ beloved gardens will be well looked after, that the good name and reputation of the Becks will be upheld on this property, and that the estate will continue to be operated with care and consideration for the beautiful buildings and cellars on the estate. 

For Graham Beck Wines ultimately it may mean finding a new cellar door for the Graham Beck wines, in addition to their Robertson tasting room.    They have a number of options, including using Steenberg Vineyards in Constantia (a sister Graham Beck property) as the tasting room and sales point,  or even being as bold as DGB’s Brampton, and setting up shop in a town such as Franschhoek or Stellenbosch, to continue connecting with their winelovers close to Cape Town.

 While Heyns would not commit himself to a figure of the percentage of sales that go through the Franschhoek cellar door specifically, it appears to be below 10 %, by far the larger percentage of Graham Beck wines being exported.  Only a small percentage of the wines is produced in Franschhoek, and this means that the sale of the property will lead to increased production in Robertson, or perhaps even at Steenberg Vineyards. The Graham Beck vineyards in Firgrove are not part of the sale.

Gary Baumgarten, CEO of Graham Beck Wines, said in the media release that “None of the other Beck family wine interests form part of this transaction, there will be no change in the ownership of the Graham Beck Wines group, and the management of the operations of the Graham Beck Wines group remains unchanged”.   Johan Rupert, owner of Antonij Rupert Wines, said:  “The late Graham Beck was a friend of over thirty years.  We have been neighbours for decades and he offered us the opportunity to acquire the land adjacent to L’Omarins some time ago.  As a farmer, it is generally accepted that if, during your lifetime, the neighbouring farm becomes available, you are very fortunate”.  

It will be a pity to see the closure of the Graham Beck Franschhoek cellar door next year, given that it is one of the most modern and professional tasting rooms in the Franschhoek valley, and that its sparkling wines in particular are so highly regarded.   I have no doubt that Graham Beck Wines will find a creative solution to creating a new cellar door, which will allow them to continue connecting with their winelovers.

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

Merchants on Long opens as new African Design ‘salon store’

Cape Town’s finest Art Nouveau building, at 34 Long Street, has been given a new lease of life, and has opened as ‘salon store’ Merchants on Long, a most wonderful showcase not only of the architecture of 114 years ago, but also of the talent of design from Africa.

Merchants on Long belongs to Hanneli Rupert jnr, and the renovation was driven by her, with input by interior designer Graham Viney.  The walls have been left as rough stonework in places, being coffee stone walls made from slate taken from Table Mountain, the first stages of the building having been built between 1652 – 1700.  The ceilings are original Oregon Pine timber beams.

Outside the store, a collection of vintage cars from the family collection at the Franschhoek Motor Museum lined the block in Long Street for the opening on Thursday.  Two live models showed off swim and summer ware in the shop window, to the amusement and interest of shoppers passing by. 

Beautiful marine-inspired silver jewellery by  Patrick Mavros, as well as the finest leather handbags under the Okapi brand name by Hanli Rupert, and Ardmore Ceramics were on display on the opening night. In general fair trade goods as well as products made from organic materials, where possible, are sold.

To accommodate the large number of guests, all of whom had been sent personalised calligraphy invitations, and were welcomed with Mumm champagne, many of the displays were removed from the floor.  Other products that are stocked at Merchants on Long are Suno clothes hand-made in Kenya from designs originating from New York; Frazer Parfum soaps made by organic perfumer Tammy Frazer; The Letterpress Company, ‘purveyors of bespoke stationery’;  La Lesso, who make khangas in Kenya;  SAWA, making sneakers in Cameroon; LemLem clothing and accessories from Ethiopia;  Sika shoes and dresses from Ghana;  and Madwa contemporary craft and functional art.

Said Ms Rupert: “I wanted to create an environment that has the ability to transport you, it is meant to remind our visitors why the world’s bravest explorers and pioneers of the arts and sciences came to Africa in the first place”. In welcoming her guests, Ms Rupert highlighted that her merchandise will inspire job creation, helping to uplift local communities whilst highlighting the best of design in Africa.

The shop has a coffee bar, serving Fairtrade coffees from different African countries, as well as home-made cake.   African music adds to the ambiance.   Wonderful snacks were served on beautifully styled trays.

Tourists will love the quality of the African design, art and fashion experience at Merchants on Long, compared to the flood of bead items they can find on many a street corner in Cape Town, whilst locals will also be impressed with the quality and variety of design from Africa.  All shoppers at Merchants on Long will love the character of the building.

Merchants on Long, 34 Long Street. Tel (021) 422-2828.  www.merchantsonlong.com.  Open Monday – Friday 10h00 – 18h00, and Saturdays 10h00 – 14h00.

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

Introducing the Stellenbosch Restaurant Route!

Stellenbosch has always been top of the pops as far as its wine selection and quality goes (i.e. wines winning awards), but has played poor cousin to Franschhoek for many years when it comes to its restaurant status, that is until recently, when the Eat Out Top 10 restaurant list included more Top 10 restaurants in Stellenbosch (Rust en Vrede, Overture and Terroir) than in Franschhoek (The Tasting Room and The Restaurant at Grande Provence).  Stellenbosch has always been the best marketed collective wine region, and was the first to introduce the Wine Route concept, which has been adopted by most wine-growing regions now.

My visit to Stellenbosch last week, to experience recently opened restaurants, confirmed my view that Stellenbosch by rights now should be called the Gourmet Capital of South Africa, not only due to the Eat Out Top 10 listings, but also in terms of the newer restaurants bubbling under.  I believe that the tourism authority should be ahead of the game, and introduce a Restaurant Route for Stellenbosch, given the wealth of its creative and gourmet talent.   It is easy to see that opening good quality restaurants on wine estates is a growing trend in Stellenbosch, and is good for business, as Werner Els told me at Haskell Vineyards, its Long Table restaurant leading to wine sales from restaurant patrons.

My recommendation for the Stellenbosch Restaurant Route is the following, based on own experience and recommendations.  It is not comprehensive.  I have added links to the restaurant listings that I have reviewed, and reviews of the newer restaurants will be published shortly.

*  Rust en Vrede – probably the best restaurant in the town currently, a slick operation, run by modest but talented chef David Higgs, on the Rust en Vrede wine estate.  Featured on the Eat Out Top 10 list 2009 and 2010, number 74 on 50 Best Restaurants in the World 2010 list, and Top vineyard restaurant of 2010 Great Wine Capitals in the World – read the review here.  Tel (021) 881-3881  CHEF DAVID HIGGS LEFT THE RESTAURANT ON 25 JUNE, NOW WORKING AT RADISSON’S BLU GAUTRAIN HOTEL IN JOHANNESBURG. 

*   Overture – Chef Bertus Basson is a hard-working re-inventor of his menu and operation, always looking to improve his complete package.   On the Eat Out Top 10 restaurant list for 2009 and 2010.  Fantastic views from the location on the Hidden Valley wine estate – read the review here.  Tel (021) 880-2721

*   Terroir does nothing for me, I must admit, and therefore I do not understand that it is a perennial on the Eat Out Top 10 list (2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010 – the Terroir website does not list the awards after 2006, so some awards may have been left out!).  I have been there a number of times, and have not been excited about its menu, restaurant interior, and service.  The outside seating on the De Kleine Zalze wine and golf estate is great for a warm day.  Tel (021) 880-8167

*   Restaurant Christophe – Die Skuinshuis is the setting for this exceptional restaurant, Chef Christophe Dehosse being the hands-on owner and chef, who talks to his customers in his charming French accent, a rare treat in restaurants.  The foie gras, served with toasted brioche, is to die for – read the review here.  Tel. (021) 886-8763. THE RESTAURANT CLOSED DOWN ON 24 JUNE.

*   Delaire at Delaire Graff –  no money was spared in building and decorating this restaurant and winery building, and it houses a most impressive art collection.   Chef Christian Campbell is doing outstanding work, and his crayfish lasagne is exceptional.  Turnover of staff has reduced the quality of service  – read our latest review     Tel (021) 885-8160

*   Indochine at Delaire Graff – this is the newest Stellenbosch restaurant, and is relatively less opulent in its interior design compared to its sister restaurant.   Young chef Jonathan Heath is a star to watch, and his Asian fusion menu is sure to attract the attention of the Eat Out Top 10 judges.   He explains the menu, and the dishes when he serves them personally.  The two course special at R225 sounds expensive, but it does not reflect the amuse bouche, sorbet and sweet treats (with cappuccino) one receives at no extra charge.  The Tikka Duck Marsala starter is excellent –  read our review.  Tel (021) 885-8160

*  Restaurant at Majeka House –the restaurant is overshadowed by the Boutique Hotel in terms of its branding, and is not known to most foodlovers, a hidden gem in Paradyskloof, a suburb opposite the Stellenbosch Golf Course.   Its young Chef Anri Diener trained at Tokara and Delaire, and is a rising star, presenting exciting French cuisine.  The Millefeuille of chocolate mousse served with coffee meringue bars is to die for – Read the review.  Tel (021) 880-1512

*   Jordan Restaurant with George Jardine –  a mouthful of a brand name but also a mouthful in value and excellent quality, a far cry from Jardine, which he co-owns in Cape Town, but rarely still cooks at.  It is set at the end of a long road, on the Jordan wine estate, overlooks a big pond and the beautiful Stellenbosch mountains in the far distance, teeming with birdlife.  Interior functional, as in Cape Town.  Most beautiful and unique “bread” plate ever seen.   Read the review.  Tel (021) 881-3612

*   The Long Table Restaurant and Cafe – set at the end of a long road up a hill, above Rust en Vrede, on the Haskell Vineyards (marketers of Haskell and Dombeya wines), the food of Chef Corli Els is a wonderful surprise.  The restaurant interior and waiter service do not match the excellence of her food or the quality of the Haskell wines. The Papaya and Avo salad stands out as one of the special treats I enjoyed last week.   Read the Review.  Tel (021) 881-3746

*   The Big Easy – set on Dorp Street with some parking, and owned by Ernie Els and Johan Rupert, the restaurant is large, but divided into different rooms, allowing private functions.  Average food, below average service generally.  Sweet Service Award.  tel (021) 887-3462

*   Warwick wine estate – owner Mike Ratcliffe is a good marketer, and his gourmet picnics, designed by Chef Bruce Robertson, and prepared by their chef Bruce, are a great hit in summer.  Winter warmer foods available too – read the picnic review here.  Tel (021) 884-3144

*   Nook Eatery – has been operating for a year, and has developed a reputation for good value, healthy (organic where possible) and wholesome food.  Restaurant location in ‘League of Glory’ TV series, and next door to Restaurant Christophe.  Good value buffet lunch, Wednesday pizza evenings, and sweet treats throughout the day.  Hands-on owners Luke and passionate Chef Jess do not open the Eatery if they are not there themselves.  Read the review here.  tel (021) 887-7703  

*   Tokara DeliCATessen – has a buffet lunch too, very large restaurant space combined with a deli, but service poor and food quality average – read the review here.   Tel (021) 808-5950

*   Eight at Spier – the menu was designed by Judy Badenhorst, ex-River Cafe, and now running the Casa Labia Cafe in Muizenberg.  Have not read much about it, and not experienced yet.   Tel (021) 809-1188

*   Melissa’s on Dorp Street – a perennial favourite, with a limited menu and standardised across all the branches.  Fresh and wholesome foods, service not always great.  Sour Service Award Tel (021) 887-0000

*  Wild Peacock Food Emporium on Piet Retief Street (ex Okasie) – this is the newest eatery to open, belongs to Sue Baker and is managed by ex-Rust en Vrede front of house manager and daughter Sarah, selling deli items, a range of cold meats, imported French and local cheese, fresh breads, and has a sit-down menu as well.    Review to follow.  Tel 082 697 0870

*   Mila, The Cake Shop– this must be the tiniest eatery interior in Stellenbosch, next door to The Big Easy, but it is crammed full of the most delectable cakes and pastries.  Service not great when sitting outside.  Review to follow.  Tel 074 354 2142.

*   Cupcake – serves a range of cupcakes, but not as wide a variety as one would expect.  Good sandwiches and cappuccino, pretty square with water feature in which to sit.  No review written.  Tel (021) 886-6376

*   Umami – set in the Black Horse Centre on Dorp Street, this restaurant had not wowed me, but serves satisfactory lunches and dinners.   No review written, and I rarely hear anyone talk about it.  Tel (021) 887-5204

*   Wijnhuis – located on Andringa Street, in the vicinity of tourism outlets.  Given its name, it should be very popular in this town, and given the connection to its namesake in Newlands, and its parental link to La Perla, it should offer a lot better food quality and service than it does.  Not reviewed, and would not recommend.  Tel (021) 887-5844

*   Pane E Vino – this food and wine bar is hidden to those who do not come to Bosman’s Crossing.  Owned by Elena Dalla Cia, husband George and father-in-law Giorgio do wine and grappa tastings in the restaurant too.  Good Italian fare. Not reviewed yet.  Tel (021) 883-8312 

*   Cafe Dijon – French-style bistro on Plein Street.  One experience not satisfactory due to owner not being there.  Rated by JP Rossouw of Rossouw’s Restaurants.  Tel (021) 886-7023

*   Bodega @Dornier – I have not been to this restaurant on the Dornier wine estate, and have not read any reviews yet.  Tel (021) 880-0557

*   Cuvee Restaurant, Simonsig – Interesting Cape Dutch modernist interior curation by Neil Stemmet. Excellent quality food, Simonsig wines, napery, cutlery, tableware, stemware, and service.  Read the Review Tel (021) 888-4932

*   De Oude Bank Bakkerij, Church Street – newly opened, opposite Vida e Caffe, this artisan bakery and cafe allows one to order from a list of cold meats, cheese and preserves what one wants to eat with the breads they sell.  Read the review.  Tel (021) 883- 2188  

*   Tokara – Etienne Bonthuys has left Tokara, and Richard Carstens is said to be stepping in his shoes, when his contract with Chez d’Or in Franschhoek finishes in September (he left in July already). Tokara denied that Carstens is taking over the restaurant lease.   It has now (30/7) been confirmed that Jardine’s Wilhelm Kuehn is taking over Tokara, and that Richard Carstens will be the Executive Chef.  Opened on 19/10.  Read the review. Tel (021) 808-5959.

*   Towerbosch Earth Kitchen on the Knorhoek wine estate. Lovely fairy-like setting, fantastic Boerekos feast served in bowls rather than dishing up per plate.  Read the review.   Tel (021) 865-2114.

*   Stellenbosch Slow Food Market, Oude Libertas – previously the Bosman’s Crossing Market, it moved to Oude Libertas late last year.    Good quality and often organic foods, not quite as top level and exciting as in its previous location, only open on Saturdays

*   Casparus is the name of Etienne Bonthuys’ new restaurant on Dorp Street, an amazing marriage between the cuisine creativity of Bonthuys and the interior design creativity of partner Strijdom van der Merwe.  There is no restaurant like this in South Africa!   Read the review.   Tel (021) 882-8124.

*   Johan’s at Longridge is a refreshing new restaurant on Longridge Winery, with a focus on fresh vegetables from its large vegetable garden alongside the restaurant.  Co-owner Chef Johan comes from a Michelin two-star restaurant in Holland, as does Chef Marissa.  Attentive service led by Chris Olivier, excellent food, great wines.  Read the review.   Tel (021) 855-2004 

*  de Huguenot, on De Huguenot Estate in Johannesdal, Pniel, is a superb fine-dining restaurant which opens in July, headed up by Chef Tanja Kruger, a member of the South African Culinary Olympic team.  Beautiful view onto Groot Drakenstein mountains.  Read the review.

POSTSCRIPT 17/10:  The Top 20 finalists for the Eat Out Top 10 Restaurant Awards were announced at the end of last month, and the list contains five Stellenbosch restaurants (compared to only two from Franschhoek):  Rust en Vrede, Overture, Terroir, Jordan Restaurant with George Jardine, and Restaurant Christophe.   The Top 10 winners will be announced on 28 November.

POSTSCRIPT 29/11:  Stellenbosch now wears the Gourmet Capital crown, with four Eat Out Top 10 restaurants:  Overture, Rust & Vrede (now South Africa’s number one restaurant and top chef David Higgs), Terroir, and Jordan Restaurant with George Jardine.

POSTSCRIPT 15/4:  It has been announced that David Higgs has resigned, and will leave Rust en Vrede mid-June.

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

Franschhoek’s top class on the run at L’Omarins

Franschhoek’s finest vintage cars, which are showcased in the Franschhoek Motor Museum on the L’Omarins wine estate, will be put on show today and tomorrow, when the first Franschhoek Motor Museum Concours and Time Trial takes place on the wine estate.

Sixty of the approximately eighty vintage cars, dating between 1900 and 1980, in the Motor Museum’s collection will be taken through their paces on one of three routes:  up to 50 km/hr, 70 km/hr and 90 km/hr, to showcase the pedigrees and speeds of the various vintage cars. 

The Concours will showcase Africa’s finest vintage cars, a panel of judges finely examining the detail of each masterpiece, from the upholstery, the paint, to the mechanical condition of each vintage vehicle.

The Franschhoek Motor Museum was established by Johan Rupert, in honour of his father Anton Rupert, who was an avid vintage car lover.  Anton Rupert built up a museum of vintage cars in Heidelberg in the Cape, and his son Johan moved the car collection to the L’Omarins farm, which belonged to his late brother Antonij, after his father’s passing.   More than 80 vehicles, including motorcycles, bicycles and memorabilia, are showcased in four air-conditioned halls, The Motor Museum is closed on Mondays, so that all vehicles can be polished for the visitors arriving on subsequent days of the week.

The event is so popular that most accommodation in Franschhoek has been sold out for tonight.

For further details, visit Franschhoek Motor Museum www.fmm.co.za.  Tel 021 874 9000. Buy tickets at Computicket only.

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