Category Archives: Helderberg
Foodie Heaven Descends On Taste Of Helderberg 2013
Quality tastes, quality times in one gastronomic hub
Food lovers visiting the 2013 Taste of the Helderberg showcase on Thursday, 6 June, are in for a royal taste bud treat, with an exceptional line-up of eminent winery restaurants and artisan producers all stirred up to transform the NH Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West into a foodie hub of the finest local delights.
In addition to a spectacular array of cellar gems stemming from this prime winemaking triangle, which stretches from Somerset West to Stellenbosch and Sir Lowry’s Pass Village, guests will be indulged and entertained with signature dishes by some of the most popular culinary hotspots and heroes from the area. They include Ghenwa’s Lebanese Cuisine, Pomegranate Restaurant, 96 Winery Road, The Restaurant at Longridge, Somerbosch Bistro and the Restaurant at Avontuur Estate.
The ‘winter blues busting’ dishes that will be on sale in tasting-size portions on the evening include 96 Winery Road’s world-famous Duck & Cherry Pie, or a hearty Creamy Cauliflower Soup from their kitchen. Chef Craig Cormack of All Things Culinary will whip up a spectacular array of nom-nom-ness ranging from Lamb Koftas with hummus and succulent Lamb Fillets with pea puree to Quail Roulade with roasted figs.
The ladies will love Avontuur’s sexy Salmon Roses stuffed with prawns, wasabi mayo and pickled ginger whilst Somerbosch Bistro will tantalise with a scrumptious Camembert, Sweet Onion, Bacon & Sage Quiche. Vegetarians will not be left out in the cold as they can tuck into Ghenwa’s more-ish offerings which include gluten free and vegan dishes.
Other culinary nibbles include olives by Morgenster and Yonder Hill as well as Waterkloof’s naturally matured Healey’s Cheddar, which was recently crowned as South Africa’s Best Round Cheddar at the prestigious 2013 South African Dairy Championships.
Taste of Helderberg 2013 is a true celebration of the latest tastes and triumphs of the Helderberg Wine Route – all under one roof – and guests will be able to mingle with at least 25 wine producers ranging from time-honoured stalwarts to ultra-chic boutique wineries; popular family-owned estates to eco-conscious pioneers.
Participating wineries that will share their passions and pleasures include Haskell Vineyards, Lourensford Wine Estate, Lyngrove Wines and Vineyards, Peter Falke Wines, Vergenoegd, Eikendal, Waterkloof, Morgenster Wine and Olive Estate, Yonder Hill, Avontuur Estate, Grangehurst Winery, Ken Forrester Vineyards, Longridge Estate and Somerbosch Wines.
“Taste of Helderberg 2013 is more than just another food and wine festival. It is a culinary occasion, revealing to locals just what fabulous, world-class food, wine and dining experiences are available right on their doorstep, and giving them the chance to sample and learn about new tastes and flavours at the same time,” shares Annareth Bolton, CEO of Stellenbosch American Express ® Wine Routes.
Since its inception in 2009, Taste of the Helderberg has grown extensively, each year becoming more and more popular. At last year’s event guests turned up in the 100’s despite of rainy weather and nothing less is expected this year.
The doors will be open from 17h00 to 21h00 and tickets cost R70 per person, which include an elegantly branded wine glass and access to the fruits of the Helderberg Winelands.
During and after the wine tastings, guests can relax in cosy chill areas or make use of the hotel’s restaurant for dinner. Pre-bookings for the restaurant are recommended to avoid disappointment. Call 021 855 1040 to make a reservation.
For more information on Taste of the Helderberg 2013 and to reserve your tickets contact Bjorn van Oort at bjorn@cvomarketing.co.za or 021 981 0216. Tickets will also be available at the door.
As part of the route’s commitment to responsible drinking and driving, the NH Lord Charles is offering an accommodation special on the evening: Please contact the hotel directly on 021 855 1040 and quote reference: Taste of the Helderberg accommodation.
Taste Of Helderberg 2013 Presents Local Passions and Pleasures
Hub of fine Helderberg wine and food beats winter chill
The 5th annual Taste of the Helderberg showcase promises a smorgasbord of exquisite food and wine from this prime winemaking triangle stretching from Somerset West to Stellenbosch and Sir Lowry’s Pass Village, when the local chefs and winemakers bring their passions and pleasures to town on Thursday, 6 June.
For one night only, the NH Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West will be transformed into a Helderberg wine and dine hotspot for enthusiasts to enjoy a sensory overload of more than 100 local wines and signature dishes from seven eminent restaurants jotted along the Helderberg Wine Route – all under one roof.
This renowned route – home to some of the oldest wineries in South Africa – is one of five sub-routes of the Stellenbosch Wine Routes and incorporates the majestic Helderberg Mountains, on the slopes of which some of the country’s most prized vineyards flourish. The more than 40 wineries encountered en route each have their own distinctive methods in cultivating their grapes, with different climatic conditions caused by the mountains and the close proximity of the sea influencing the quality in the bottle.
Taste of Helderberg is an exclusive experience of the latest tastes and triumphs of the Helderberg Winelands and this year guests will be able to mingle with at least 25 wine producers ranging from time-honoured stalwarts to ultra-chic boutique wineries; popular family-owned estates to eco-conscious pioneers.
Wines to be sipped and savoured at the event include those stemming from Bordeaux-style expert Morgenster, Avontuur Estate; Chenin king Ken Forrester Vineyards, red and port wine specialist JP Bredell Wines; the upmarket, boutique-style Longridge Winery and Waterkloof, the conservation-minded ‘cellar in the sky’ perched high on the slopes of the Schapenberg.
Food aficionados will certainly not be left out in the cold as leading chefs from seven participating restaurants will be whipping up lip-smacking portions of their signature dishes which will be on sale throughout the evening. The eateries to share a hearty selection of fine fare include Longride Restaurant, Avontuur and 96 Winery Road among others.
Since its inception in 2009, Taste of the Helderberg has grown extensively, each year becoming more and more popular. At last year’s event guests turned up in the 100’s despite of miserable, rainy weather and nothing less is expected this year.
“Even if it is grey and grim out there, Taste of the Helderberg 2013 guarantees you a heart warming experience indoors, enjoyed with likeminded food and wine lovers who all treasure the finer indulgences in life. Tickets are however limited to 500 as we try to keep the show intimate for guests to socialise with the winemakers without feeling cramped,” shares Annareth Bolton, CEO of Stellenbosch American Express ® Wine Routes.
The doors will be open from 17h00 to 21h00 and tickets cost R70 per person, which include an elegantly branded wine glass and access to the fruits of the Helderberg Winelands which will also be for sale at the show.
During and after the wine tastings, guests can relax in cosy chill areas or make use of the hotel’s restaurant for dinner. Pre-bookings for the restaurant are recommended to avoid disappointment. Call 021 855 1040 to make a reservation.
For more information on Taste of the Helderberg 2013 and to reserve your tickets contact Bjorn van Oort at bjorn@cvomarketing.co.za or 021 981 0216. Tickets will also be available at the door.
As part of the route’s commitment to responsible drinking and driving, the NH Lord Charles is offering an accommodation special on the evening: Please contact the hotel directly on 021 855 1040 and quote reference: Taste of the Helderberg accommodation.
WSET Introduces First Stand-Alone Spirits Courses In South Africa.
The International Wine Education Centre is delighted to announce the first ever stand-alone general spirits courses starting in Stellenbosch in May.
The UK-based Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) teaches internationally-recognised wine and spirit qualifications which are the industry-standard in 60 countries around the world. WSET has been educating people about wine and spirits since 1969 and more than 43,000 people, studying in 16 different languages sat a WSET exam in the last academic year alone.
The WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits underpins the skills needed in all areas of the spirit trade – customer service, hospitality, retail and wholesale.
The course covers the history, production and style of spirits of the world: Cognac, Armagnac and other brandies; Scotch, Bourbon and other whiskeys; white spirits, including vodka, rum, Tequila, gin; and liqueurs and other flavoured spirits. Tasting is part of every session with around 40 local and international spirits tasted over the duration of the course.
The first course in South Africa will take place at Van Ryn’s Distillery in Stellenbosch and will be lectured by spirits aficionado Dave Hughes and artisan distiller Roger Jorgensen. The course will last 6 weeks with a multiple-choice exam at the end.
Who is it aimed at?
• People employed in the spirits industry needing information on the characteristics of the principal spirits and liqueurs of the world, to provide guidance on brand selection and assist with tasting and evaluating of spirits and liqueurs using the Systematic Approach to Tasting.
• People who are not employed in the drinks industry, but who have a serious interest in spirits and wish to broaden their knowledge in a fun, informative yet structured way.
• People studying for wine qualifications and who would like a structured spirits course to support those qualifications.
There are limited places available for this course, so for more information, please go to www.thewinecentre.co.za . For more information about future courses in Stellenbosch, Cape Town and elsewhere, please contact Cathy Marston on info@thewinecentre.co.za
Course details.
Course Code L2SWL0513
Location Van Ryn’s Distillery, Stellenbosch
Date & Time Wednesdays from 22 May – 26th June, 6.30pm- 8.30pm (6 weeks, 2 hours/week)
Exam Wednesday 3rd July, 6.30pm
Cost R4,990 per person
Includes All tuition, all course material, exam, tasting of at least 40 local and international spirits and a lapel pin & certificate for successful candidates.
Bot River Bares All At Barrels & Beards 2013
The wine route’s best post-harvest beards and wines revealed
Saturday, 20 April 2013
Wine beauties meet hairy beasts when the colourful wine community of Bot River sets the stage for its annual Barrels & Beards celebration to toast the local winemakers’ post-harvest looks and latest fruits of their labour on Saturday, 20 April 2013.
Each year the laidback wine folk of this prized yet unspoilt Winelands pocket in the Overberg, follow a tradition of ‘no shaving or barber visits for the duration of the harvest season’, only to reveal their scruffy facades during a fun-filled ‘beard parade’. And this year’s event promises one big hairy hullabaloo.
Along with esteemed judges, guests will get to vote for the boldest beard in Bot River and sharing the spotlight with raging beards and monster mo’s will be the latest 2013 cellar gems to be sipped and savoured straight from the barrels.
“We only get one chance a year to make the best wines we can and we invite enthusiasts to come and rub shoulders with our winemakers as we flaunt our whiskers and wines,” shares winemaker Sebastian Beaumont of Beaumont Estate.
The quaint Bot River Wine Route is home to an eclectic bouquet of conservation-conscious wineries ranging from historic and time-honoured to ultra modern, state of the art cellars that are all committed to individualistic, quality-driven wines. Joining Beaumont at this joyous occasion will be Barton, Eerstehoop, Feiteiras, Gabriëlskloof, Genevieve, Goedvertrouw, Luddite, Maremanna, Rivendell and Wildekrans.
“At the Barrels & Beards evening we pay tribute to the pampering that went into our wines and not ourselves over the past few months,” adds bubbly beaut Melissa Nelsen, proprietor of Genevieve Cap Classique.
This exclusive evening includes a hearty ‘terroir to table’ potjiekos dinner of unique tastes and produce from the area, whilst cool-climate, top quality wines from more than eight local producers will be on sale. The ‘boereorkes’, Die Stoepsitters, will add sakkie-sakkie vibes to this homegrown affair.
Barrels & Beards 2013 takes place at The Old Shed at Anysbos Farm on the Swartrivier Road, Bot River and starts at 5pm. A shuttle service will be available on the evening in support of responsible drinking.
If last year’s sell-out inaugural Barrels & Beards event is anything to go by, tickets will be flying fast so make sure you get hold of yours today. Tickets costs R250 per person and include a complimentary barrel tasting of the latest Bot River wines, a souvenir wine glass, dinner, music entertainment and real country hospitality.
For more information or to book your tickets contact Nicolene Heyns at nicolene@botriverwines.co.za. Seating is limited and no kids under 12 allowed.
Bot River is situated en route to Hermanus on the N2 – a mere hour’s drive from Cape Town.
Bot River Bares All At Barrels & Beards 2013
The wine route’s best post-harvest beards and wines revealed
Saturday, 20 April 2013
Wine beauties meet hairy beasts when the colourful wine community of Bot River sets the stage for its annual Barrels & Beards celebration to toast the local winemakers’ post-harvest looks and latest fruits of their labour on Saturday, 20 April 2013.
Each year the laidback wine folk of this prized yet unspoilt Winelands pocket in the Overberg, follow a tradition of ‘no shaving or barber visits for the duration of the harvest season’, only to reveal their scruffy facades during a fun-filled ‘beard parade’. And this year’s event promises one big hairy hullabaloo.
Along with esteemed judges, guests will get to vote for the boldest beard in Bot River and sharing the spotlight with raging beards and monster mo’s will be the latest 2013 cellar gems to be sipped and savoured straight from the barrels.
“We only get one chance a year to make the best wines we can and we invite enthusiasts to come and rub shoulders with our winemakers as we flaunt our whiskers and wines,” shares winemaker Sebastian Beaumont of Beaumont Estate.
Beard Winners 2012
The quaint Bot River Wine Route is home to an eclectic bouquet of conservation-conscious wineries ranging from historic and time-honoured to ultra modern, state of the art cellars that are all committed to individualistic, quality-driven wines. Joining Beaumont at this joyous occasion will be Barton, Eerstehoop, Feiteiras, Gabriëlskloof, Genevieve, Goedvertrouw, Luddite, Maremanna, Rivendell and Wildekrans.
“At the Barrels & Beards evening we pay tribute to the pampering that went into our wines and not ourselves over the past few months,” adds bubbly beaut Melissa Nelsen, proprietor of Genevieve Cap Classique.
This exclusive evening includes a hearty ‘terroir to table’ potjiekos dinner of unique tastes and produce from the area, whilst cool-climate, top quality wines from more than eight local producers will be on sale. The ‘boereorkes’, Die Stoepsitters, will add sakkie-sakkie vibes to this homegrown affair.
Barrels & Beards 2013 takes place at The Old Shed at Anysbos Farm on the Swartrivier Road, Bot River and starts at 5pm. A shuttle service will be available on the evening in support of responsible drinking.
If last year’s sell-out inaugural Barrels & Beards event is anything to go by, tickets will be flying fast so make sure you get hold of yours today. Tickets costs R250 per person and include a complimentary barrel tasting of the latest Bot River wines, a souvenir wine glass, dinner, music entertainment and real country hospitality.
For more information or to book your tickets contact Nicolene Heyns at nicolene@botriverwines.co.za or call 082 852 6547. Seating is limited and no kids are allowed.
Bot River is situated en route to Hermanus on the N2 – a mere hour’s drive from Cape Town.
South Africa’s 2013 Wine Tourism Handbook: Enjoying Wine at the Source
The eighth edition of the popular Wine Tourism Handbook is now available for sale both in bookshops and online. This image-rich, full-colour, comprehensive guide to the farms, restaurants, accommodation venues and activities found in South Africa’s Winelands is one of Wine Tourism South Africa’s (WTSA) most prestigious products. It works in tandem with WTSA’s other exciting social media and online platforms and campaigns to drive interest in the varied wine tourism offerings of the country.
The 2013 edition boasts several key refinements to previous editions but retains its unique core by offering a comprehensive list of farms, complete with opening hours, contact details and easy-to-read maps as well as a number of carefully selected destinations for dining, staying and playing!
This year, the Gourmand Award-winning publication offers independent reviews of Winelands restaurants ranging from delis to five-star establishments as well as route-by-route reviews of boutique wineries (those that make less than 5 000 cases of wine a year) and it showcases the winners of the popular Klink Awards – launched by Wine Tourism South Africa in 2012. More information can be found on the Klink Awards – the first consumer-driven, interactive wine tourism competition in the country – on www.winetourismsouthafrica.co.za. In addition, wine route information has been updated with editorial reflecting the inherent character of each route and photographs capturing the scenic beauty of each region. 
As wine tourism is about the entire experience – wine, food, people, activity and place – detailed listings are offered for the best places to eat, stay and play – whether that is casual cafés or fine dining, rustic cottages or five star hotels, a wine picnic on the river or helicopter flip over the vineyards. The Handbook is an indispensible companion to anyone looking to have a fun, meaningful and in-depth experience when visiting the country’s wine regions.
The publisher, Monika Elias, notes, “Wine tourism is a global phenomenon and it is a growing market, but we are fast getting the impression that here in South Africa, we do it rather well, perhaps better than most. Our handbook is a reflection of this burgeoning market”.
The Wine Tourism Handbook is #notjustwine, it is the complete Winelands experience in one colourful and beautifully-produced guide and at just R99.00 it offers tremendous value for money! The 288-page 2013 Wine Tourism Handbook can be ordered online or downloaded from www.winetourismsouthafrica.co.za and is available in all good bookstores.
For more information about Wine Tourism South Africa, the Wine Tourism Handbook and the Klink Awards, visit www.winetourismsouthafrica.co.za.
Cloud Nine Valentine’s Experience At Waterkloof
Exclusive Degustation Menu of six food and wine pairings to woo the senses
Swap the roses and chocolates for a ‘head-in-the-clouds’ Valentine’s dinner at Waterkloof Restaurant, perched high in the sky on the slopes of the Schapenberg outside Somerset West, where a fairy tale six course Food & Wine Experience will marry a breathtaking view on Thursday, 14 February 2013.
Gorgeously appointed in a 10 metre high glass promontory flowing from the slick wine tasting lounge and state-of-the-art gravitational cellar, the restaurant is set against the majestic backdrop of Waterkloof Estate’s amphitheatre of vineyards and the full expanse of False Bay in the distance – the perfect setting to celebrate your most romantic moments.
French Chef Grégory Czarnecki knows just which fine dining buttons to push with the following six dishes, complemented by Waterkloof’s elegant wines, to woo all senses on Valentine’s eve.
Foie gras in a candy shop
Smiling valley marron – revisited prawn cocktail
Yellowtail carpaccio, mango and Piment d’Espelette (chili pepper)
Bunny chow, Buffalo labneh and confit duck
Blue veined Healey’s Cheddar
For the love of chocolate
Your dreamy dinner will start with a complimentary flute of Cap Classique on arrival and ends on a decadent high with mignardises (tiny bite-sized desserts).
The exclusive ‘Waterkloof Valentine’s Dinner with View’ costs R650 per person which includes all the wines on the evening or R500 per person excluding the wine pairings.
Bookings are essential. To reserve your table contact Tel: 021 858 1491 or send an email to restaurant@waterkloofwines.co.za.
Waterkloof Estate is located outside Somerset West on the M9 Sir Lowry’s Pass Village Road.
New-Look Healey’s Cheddar Leads The Whey
Waterkloof’s wheel of flavour gets a fresh new spin
Waterkloof Estate, the biodynamic wine and fine-dining marvel on the outskirts of Somerset West, has given its naturally matured Healey’s Cheddar a fresh makeover, with this distinguished wheel of flavour now flaunting a new cleaner look.
Its new refined pose in cleaner, contemporary packaging, lends a more sophisticated edge deserving of Healey’s status as one of the country’s finest cheddars.
Since its inception in 2005, Healey’s Cheddar has over the years garnered quality accolades worldwide for its cheddar cheese, aged anywhere from eight to 24 months. In 2006 Healey’s excelled at the coveted World Cheese Awards in London, bringing home Gold as well as Silver, and in 2009 it claimed Gold status at the World Cheese Canary Island Awards. More recently it churned out a Bronze medal at the 2011 World Cheese Awards.
Following the same traditional recipe of 150 years ago, Healey’s famous cheddar is made by hand with unpasteurised, free range Friesian milk and still matured with a muslin cloth in a natural cave like environment which encourages mould growth that enhances the flavour development over a period of time. These noble cheeses, which are clothed and greased to form a natural outer rind to harness its clean, full nutty flavour, contains no artificial colourants or preservatives.
Cheese aficionados can sample the slow matured Healey’s Cheddar (9-month, 12-month and 18-month matured) at Waterkloof Estate at R30 per person or indulge in a sensory cheese and wine tasting at R60 per person which includes six estate wines. In addition, Healey’s Cheddar takes pride on Waterkloof’s popular Ploughman’s Platter and Waterkloof Chef Grégory Czarnecki also combines it with his heavenly Spiced Pear Tarte Tatin on the restaurant’s new menu.
Get your Healey’s Cheddar at Waterkloof’s tasting lounge at R35 (for 200 grams) or at selected deli’s, restaurant, food stores and leading supermarkets including Giovanni’s, Carlucci’s, Food Lovers Market, Pick ‘n Pay, Spar and Checkers.
For more information contact Healey’s Cheddar at Tel: 021 847 0480 or visit www.healeys.co.za.
To reserve your table at Waterkloof’s stylish ‘restaurant in the sky’ contact Tel: 021 858 1491 or send an email to restaurant@waterkloofwines.co.za. Waterkloof restaurant serves lunch and dinner from Mondays to Saturdays and lunch only on Sundays.
Waterkloof Estate is located outside Somerset West on the M9 Sir Lowry’s Pass Village Road.
The new Healey’s packaging design was done by Cape Town based design company,
Room 13 Design (www.room13.co.za).
New Winemaker: La Vierge Brings One Of Our Own back
La Vierge, a private wine estate, situated in the Hemel-en-Aarde valley is known for their quirky collection of wines. The immaculate vineyards, planted in the early 2000’s on the varied shale slopes of the Bokkeveld series, produces true cool climate wines.
The La Vierge Collection consists of three white wines, three red blends and a Pinot Noir. La Vierge has become synonymous with quality Pinot Noir and with this focus, they are welcoming Gerhard Smith to the team as the newly appointed winemaker. Smith has been working abroad at the Gladstone Vineyard in Wairarapa, New Zealand for the past eight years where he managed the 250 ton winery.
“I am excited about the prospects at La Vierge and share their passionate approach to producing only the finest wines”, says Smith. “My winemaking philosophy is a very simple one. I believe in wines with great balance, elegance and texture. Attention to detail in all aspects of producing a great wine are linked, from the first actions in the vineyard to the finishing touches at bottling. First grow great grapes, handle them respectfully and with minimal interference in the winery. Trust your palate, know and believe in what you are trying to achieve and have the courage to follow through on your convictions.”
Gerhard Smith
La Vierge produces the ultra premium – ‘The Black Madonna’ albeit officially labelled the La Vierge Noir. Smith has had a love affair with this cultivar which he has refined in New Zealand. “When I started working with this great cultivar I was surprised by its unique combination of ethereal elegance, subtle power and wide flavour spectrum. It is easy to fall in love with wines with such floral delicacy, dark brooding fruit and savoury spice notes, all from the same varietal. It always leaves you wanting more”, adds Smith.
Highlights in his career include four wine making experiences in France, USA and Australia during the early 2000’s at prestigious wineries such as Chateau La Rose Cotes Roll, Columbia Crest Winery and Wynns Estate.
Being awarded with the Trophy for the best Pinot Noir at the Australian Winemakers Awards 2012 and The Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Competition 2010 is an accolade to this winemaker’s drive to produce high quality wines.
“We are pleased that Gerhard is joining the La Vierge team and we are looking forward to working closely with him. Bringing with him some interesting innovative experiences, especially with Pinot Noir, we urge you to watch this space.” comments Uschi Van Zweel, General Manager at La Vierge.
La Vierge encourages consumers to enjoy their products responsibly. Products are not for sale to persons under the age of 18.
For more information visit: www.lavierge.co.za
StreetSmart Raises R5,6 Million For Organisations Helping Street Children
StreetSmart SA, the organisation dedicated towards helping street children rebuild their lives by collecting R5 donations through participating restaurants in Cape Town and surrounding towns, has raised more than R5,6 million since its inception in 2005.
This year alone, the StreetSmart initiative funded four social workers, one family reconstruction worker, one panel beating instructor and two aftercare teachers directly benefiting over 1 108 children through various beneficiary organisations in the communities of participating restaurants.
“In times when many people struggle to make ends meet I feel enormous pleasure, privilege and most of all gratitude that we as StreetSmart may continue to enjoy support not only from a widening base of participating restaurants but also an increasing number of individuals and companies who are adopting us as their favourite charity. Through their generosity and input are we able to support the great work of our varied beneficiaries who are collectively doing outstanding work for those children who are the most vulnerable in our society,” said Nils Heckscher, Chairman of StreetSmart SA, at the 2012 handover ceremony in Cape Town.
A total of R675 000 raised this year, was distributed to beneficiaries working with children in need in Cape Town, Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and the Helderberg. All the NGO’s are actively involved with social development and rehabilitation of street children with the ultimate goal of family unification.
Left to Right: Pippa Shaper (Home from Home), Margi Biggs (StreetSmart Founding Chairman), Nils Heckscher (StreetSmart Chairman), Jane Payne (Home from Home)
In Cape Town, StreetSmart funds are supporting the panel beating skills training programme at Learn to Live, social worker salaries at Ons Plek and Home from Home: Oceanview & Vrygrond as well as salaries for aftercare and family reconstruction at the Cape Town Multi Service Centre.
Franschhoek’s StreetSmart beneficiaries, Youth Empowerment Action and The Kusasa Project received funding towards social and community worker salaries and life skills education.
The Stellenbosch beneficiary, Home from Home: Kayamandi & Cloetesville received funding towards a social worker salary and family unification services.
In the Helderberg, the community based Nceduluntu Sanctuary Trust received funding towards the salary of a child caregiver.
Funds are raised by adding a R5 donation to each table’s bill at participating StreetSmart restaurants. This donation is voluntary and diners are able to contribute more if they wish to. The 2012 Top 10 contributing restaurants were: The Big Easy, Le Quartier Français, Longhorn Grill, The Atlantic, Harveys at The Mansions, Myoga, Savoy Cabbage, Aubergine, Bodega Restaurant and Bread & Wine.
The number of participating restaurants now stands at 51, with six new restaurants embracing StreetSmart’s vision this year to make a real difference to the lives of children at risk, namely The Roundhouse, Roberto’s Signature Restaurant, Mint Restaurant at the Taj Hotel, Manna Epicure, Bistro Allèe Bleue and Café du Passé at the Franschhoek Protea Hotel.
StreetSmart SA is registered as a Public Benefit Organisation as well as a Non Profit Organisation and ensures that every cent donated by diners goes towards social and educational upliftment projects for street children. StreetSmart’s goal is to be part of the process of social normalisation and to encourage the public not to give money into the hands of a child as this keeps them on the streets. In essence, eating and donating at a StreetSmart restaurant is the responsible way to help a street child.
StreetSmart SA, was set up in 2005 by a group of concerned Capetonians under the patronage of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and comprises resourceful board members representing business and the hospitality and tourism industries. Similar StreetSmart organisations also run independently in the UK, San Francisco and Australia.
For more information or to make a donation, contact StreetSmart at Tel: 021 418 0621, email streetsmart@eqweb.co.za or visit www.streetsmartsa.org.za.
The 51 participating restaurants in StreetSmart SA are:
CAPE TOWN
6 Spin Street (City Bowl, Cape Town)
Ashton’s @ Greenways Hotel (Claremont)
Aubergine (Cape Town)
Azure @ The 12 Apostles Hotel (Camps Bay)
Bizerca Bistro (City Bowl, Cape Town)
Bo-Kaap Kombuis (Bo-Kaap, Cape Town)
Brooklands House (Rosebank, Cape Town)
Buitenverwachting (Constantia)
Cargills (Rondebosch)
Catharina’s @ Steenberg Hotel (Tokai)
Emily’s (V & A Waterfront)
Fork (City Bowl, Cape Town)
Frieda’s on Bree (City Bowl, Cape Town)
Harveys @ Winchester Mansions (Sea Point)
Keenwä (City Bowl, Cape Town)
Manna Epicure (Tamboerskloof)
Mint @ Taj Hotel (City Bowl, Cape Town)
Myoga @ Vineyard Hotel (Newlands)
Nonna Lina (Gardens)
Pure @ Hout Bay Manor (Hout Bay)
Ritz Restaurant (Sea Point)
San Marco (V & A Waterfront)
Savoy Cabbage (City Bowl, Cape Town)
Societi Bistro (City Bowl, Cape Town)
Sunset Restaurant @ The Peninsula Hotel (Sea Point)
The Atlantic @ Table Bay Hotel (V & A Waterfront)
Tobago’s @ Radisson Blu Hotel (Granger Bay)
Toni’s on Kloof (Gardens)
Trisha Delisha’s (City Bowl, Cape Town)
FRANSCHHOEK
Bistro Alèe Bleue
Bread & Wine
Café du Passé @ Franschhoek Protea Hotel
Fyndraai @ Solms-Delta
Haute Cabrière
Le Bon Vivant
Le Quartier Francais
Monneaux @ Franschhoek Country House
Reuben’s
The Grill Room
STELLENBOSCH
Dornier Bodega Restaurant
Jordan Restaurant
Makaron Restaurant @ Majeka House
Morgenhof Restaurant
Rust en Vrede
The Big Easy
Wedgeview Country House & SPA
HELDERBERG
Sage Restaurant@Sweetwell (Somerset West)
Waterkloof (Somerset West)
PAARL
Glen Carlou
Six Senses Evening At Waterkloof Kicks Off Helderberg Wine Festival
Although scientists believe we only have 5 senses, the annual Helderberg Wine Festival will be embracing a 6th one – called ‘enjoyment’ – during the festival’s Six Senses launch event to be hosted at Waterkloof Estate on Thursday evening, 15 November.
23 Wineries and 10 restaurants will be exhibiting their wares for tasting and sale at this arresting ‘cellar in the sky’ with its awe-inspiring views over False Bay. Patrons will be able to taste and buy wine whilst chatting to the winemakers, and enjoy the classy ambiance with tasting portions of signature dishes from the participating restaurants – all included in the ticket price of just R150 per person.
Waterkloof’s Executive Chef Grégory Czarnecki will be offering the following unique food and wine taste sensations on the evening: Springbok loin, aubergine caviar and masala foam (R30), paired with the estate’s expressive Circle of Life Red 2009, and 9 month old Healey’s spiced pear tart tartin (R20), matched with Waterkloof’s elegant blush, the Circumstance Cape Coral 2011.
The Somerbosch Bistro is plunging into summer with strawberries everywhere, including their ow
n freshly-picked products at R30 per box, and home-made fresh strawberry ice cream, which will be sold at R10 per serving. Other interesting dishes will be the sweet and savoury tapas from Blaauwklippen, which includes fresh oysters with a Bloody Mary dressing, Avontuur’s delicious salmon roses, Italian delights from Agriturismo La Masseria, and the full range of olive products from Morgenster.
Tickets for the Six Senses Evening are available on-line at www.ticketbreak.co.za at R150 per person (which includes coupons worth R100 to spend on the night) or save with the Combo Multi-Day Festival Pack (which includes a Six Senses Evening entry) at only R240 per person. Walk-ins are welcome on the night, although pre-booking is preferable as tickets are limited to guarantee enjoyment.
Profits raised will be donated to Amorim Cork SA’s CorkLife project, which is the overall beneficiary of the festival as well.
PARTICIPATING WINERIES AND RESTAURANTS:
Alto, Avontuur Winery & Restaurant, Blaauwklippen Vineyards and Restaurant, Croydon, Dornier Wines & Bodega Restaurant, Hidden Valley, Ken Forrester, Longridge Wines and Restaurant, Lyngrove Wines & Guest House, Morgenster Wine & Olive Estate, Peter Falke Wines, Post House, Romond/Miravel/Heron Ridge, Roulou Wines, JP Bredell Wines & La Masseria Agriturismo, Somerbosch Wines & Bistro, Stellenzicht, Stonewall, Vergenoegd Wine Estate, Waterkloof Wines & Restaurant, Wedderwill Wines.
The Helderberg Wine Festival takes place from Thursday, 15 November to Sunday, 18 November from 10h00-17h00 on the 30 participating wineries in the Somerset West, Sir Lowry’s Village, Faure and Stellenbosch areas. Each winery offers a full programme of events, many of which are free to festival goers, but some of the special events have to be pre-booked. Tickets are R75 per person for a 1-day pass or R120 per person for a multi-day pass and are available on-line at www.ticketbreak.co.za.
For more information and the winery programmes, visit the festival website at www.helderbergwinefestival.co.za.
Waterkloof Reaches Out To Crippled Community On Mandela Day
Madiba Day inspires wine estate to give youngsters a new lease on life
In recognition of the 67 years of his life Madiba devoted to serving humanity, Waterkloof Wine Estate on the outskirts of Somerset West, played its part in celebrating Mandela Day by bringing relief to the local primary school in the property-stricken Sir Lowry’s Pass Village.
Eight weeks ago, gearing up for Tata’s special 94th Birthday, Waterkloof in conjunction with the Sir Lowry’s Pass Community Empowerment Project, initiated a donation campaign which challenged individuals and local 
businesses to donate clothing, educational toys and non-perishable food to the crippled Sir Lowry’s Pass Primary School. This campaign culminated with a charity handout at the school on 18 July, with the contributions benefitting 950 scholars between the ages of 7 and 13.
“Waterkloof donated school shoes and socks to 125 Grade 1 learners and we also gave soup, sweets and drinks to all the scholars on the day. Thanks to fellow Capetonians who also followed Madiba’s example by reaching out to fellow human beings to build a better and caring society, we have managed to collect loads of non-perishable food and clothing items over the past few weeks which we also handed out to the school,” shares Waterkloof Sales and Marketing Manager Claudia Young-Kelly.
These scholars live in dire conditions in the Sir Lowry’s Pass Village. The lack of education coupled with HIV/Aids, drugs and alcohol abuse have contributed to a 40% unemployment rate with most of the inhabitants barely surviving, having to live without proper sanitation, electricity and water.
“The youngsters are the future leaders of South Africa and we cannot instil good values through education if they do not even have the basics like clothes to wear and food to eat. We know that the parents of these children are facing financial difficulty and would therefore like to assist wherever we can to improve the unfortunate social circumstances in a very poor community that has been largely forgotten,” adds Claudia.
For more information on the Sir Lowry’s Pass Community Empowerment Project visit www.empowerment-project.org or contact Toni Rimell at 072 214 4150.
