Cellarmaster, Niel Bester, said:  “We had high hopes of the 2012 Sauvignon Blanc after the successful sell-out of the 2011 vintage, and this has been confirmed with this award. When blending this wine my focus was on the ageing as I believe that South African Sauvignon Blancs have the potential to develop. We thought it would come into its own after 12 to 24 months – and it did. As for the 2010 Grand Brut, it has made us very proud, because it was our debut Méthode Cap Classique sparkling wine, and a new addition to our range of cultivar wines.”

Bester – who celebrates 21 years at Plaisir de Merle this year – knows what to expect from his vineyards and earmarks specific vineyards that will give him the desired style of wine. Few cellars can boast the honour of having a winemaker with such dedication, passion and knowledge of the infinite details of getting the best from his vineyards.

The grapes for the Sauvignon Blanc were harvested by hand and sourced from three different vineyards – two on Plaisir de Merle and one in Darling, with the grapes sourced from a cool climate area adding an extra dimension that Bester wanted, and contributing to the traditional cool climate typicity such as green peas, green figs and nettles associated with the cultivar. It is elegant, delicate with prominent passion fruit and tropical fruit aromas, but still retaining that typical Greenness in the flavour.

The Plaisir de Merle Grand Brut MCC 2010 was made in the classic French tradition from two noble varieties, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.  A scintillating blend which truly captures the essence of these two noble cultivars with the Pinot Noir imparting distinctive body, flavour and maturity and the Chardonnay a clean flintiness.

The Decanter World Wine Awards is the world’s leading and most rigorously judged wine competition and the most authoritative source of wine recommendations for wine lovers worldwide. This year an expert panel of 219 judges, including 75 Masters of Wine, and 13 Master Sommeliers, from 27 countries all around the world assessed 14 362 wines from 52 countries. Of these 156 wines were awarded a Regional Trophy (1.09%), 229 a Gold Medal (1.59%), 1 665 a Silver Medal (11.6%), 4 165 a Bronze Medal (29%) and 3 658 a Commended Medal (25.47%).
Plaisir de Merle wines are available from leading bottle stores, wine departments of most supermarkets and from the Tasting Centre on the farm.  The Sauvignon Blanc 2012 sells for R90 from the cellar door and the Grand Brut 2010 MCC for R180. Plaisir de Merle Wines are exported to 43 Countries around the world. Visit the website on www.plaisirdemerle.co.za or follow on Facebook
.

Want to learn how to cook with Franschhoek’s chefs and taste with Franschhoek’s winemakers?

Stand a chance of winning
four tickets
to attend a demo at Cook Franschhoek
on Saturday, 15 June 2013,
courtesy of Franschhoek Wine Valley and Leopard’s Leap Rotisserie & Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards!

At this demo you will be joining Chef Pieter de Jager
and learn how to make a delicious breakfast tart, while
winemaker Eugene van Zyl will be
pairing this dish with Leopard’s Leap Culinary Méthode Cap Classique.

To stand a chance of winning these tickets, simply visit the competition post on our Cook Franschhoek website:
www.cookfranschhoek.co.za,

Comment on the post by telling us at which wine estate the demo mentioned above will be taking place.
Also tell us which other demo you would love to attend at Cook Franschhoek
(you can access the programme via the Cook Franschhoek website)

Then simply click on the ShareThis button at the bottom of the post and share the post
via any one of the social media channels available
(email, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or any of the other channels available).

Competition entries close on
Wednesday, 5 June 2013.

Also remember to visit the Cook Franschhoek website for more information on the event and to download the complete programme.

TERMS & CONDITIONS OF COMPETITION

• Entries close on Wednesday, 5 June 2013 at 12h00.
• Entrants should be older than 18 years.
• Tickets valid for Cook Franschhoek demo at 9h30 at Leopard’s Leap on 15 June 2013 only.
• Flights and transport not included in prize.
• The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence may be entered into.
• Prizes are not transferable and may not be redeemed for cash.

Did you miss out on the first Franschhoek Mystery Weekend?

Well here’s the good news! Join us over the weekend of 7 – 9 June in Franschhoek the vavavoom capital of the winelands, for the next in our series of Mystery Weekends.

Our dynamite Winter Mystery Weekends are heating up the winelands. For just R2340 per couple, for the whole weekend, you’ll experience the best our little village has to offer.

How the Franschhoek Mystery Weekend Works:

We – Franschhoek Wine Valley – randomly select a range of amazing Franschhoek adventures and create your unique couple Mystery Weekend Package. This means that you have no idea where you’re staying, where you’re eating or what other experiences are in store for you. How awesome!

Every Franschhoek Mystery Weekend Package includes the following:

• Two nights of accommodation (for two people sharing) at one of Franschhoek’s
excellent four or five star hotels, B&B’s or guesthouses;
• A meal voucher (for two) to one of Franschhoek’s renowned fine
dining establishments;
• Two breakfasts (for two );
• Two tickets to The Screening Room at Le Quartier Français ;
• A discount voucher (per couple) to use at the participating
Franschhoek retail outlet;
• Two different wine tastings (per couple), each taking place at an award-winning
participating Franschhoek wine farm;
• One other surprise Franschhoek experience (per couple).

It’s time to bid au revoir to winter and ‘allo Franschhoek. It’s time for more sizzle and less drizzle! Book your Mystery Weekend in Franschhoek today.

For bookings or queries please contact Carmen Kleinschmidt on office@franschhoek.org.za or 021 876 2861.

P.S Why not include the Franschhoek Cap Classique Route or the new Franschhoek Artisan Food Route as part of your weekend journey of discovery. Tailor-make your trip and take the concept of a bespoke food and wine experience to a new level.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Rates are for two persons sharing per weekend, no singles
Non Refundable and/or transferrable Deposit
Children 12+ welcome paying full rate

Franschhoek is going to Johannesburg! We are giving away…

four tickets

to the Winter Sculpture Fair, presented by MasterCard, with Franschhoek’s top chefs and wine makers,

at the Nirox Residency and Sculpture Park in Johannesburg,

for Sunday 5 May 2013!

courtesy of Franschhoek Wine Valley!

To enter, name one of the delicacies that our chefs will be dishing up at the Fair and stand a chance of winning!

Simply write your answer on our Facebook wall

You will find the answer on the Franschhoek Wine Valley website at www.franschhoek.org.za or view our Facebook page for posts about the fair!

Competition entries close on Thursday 25 April, 2013.

NOT BASED IN GAUTENG? You can win too!

Simply share this competition with your friends based in Gauteng, either on Facebook or send an email to your friends and copy in marketing@franschhoek.org.za

and stand a chance to win

four tickets

to the Franschhoek Uncorked Festival on 14 and 15 September 2013!

Remember the more you share the greater the chance of winning!

To read more about this festival, please visit www.franschhoek.org.za

South African wine writers are invited to enter the 5th Annual South African Wine Writers Award. Articles written during 2012 and published in South Africa, or on a recognized South African website, will be considered. Initiated in 2009, the Wine Writers Award is presented annually by the Franschhoek Wine Valley Tourist Association (FWVTA) in association with the Franschhoek Literary Festival, and carries a R25 000 cash prize. Norman McFarlane won last year and Edo Heyns was the runner up.

The purpose of the award is to celebrate the art of wine writing, and the articles will be evaluated on both technical accuracy and literary quality. Each writer may submit one wine-related entry, in the original language of publication. If necessary, they will be translated into English for judging purposes. The articles will be forwarded anonymously to an independent panel of local and international judges chosen by the organizers.

This year the judges are local radio personality, John Maytham; author and BBC radio producer Duncan Minshull; and editor of the Canadian wine magazine, VINES Magazine, Christopher Waters.

After all three judges have agreed on a winner, he or she and the runner-up will be announced at the Franschhoek Literary Festival on 17 May this year.

The judges’ decision is final. The closing date for submission is Thursday 18 April 2013. Articles should be submitted in MSWord format to publicity@flf.co.za. Please supply the following information on a separate page: author, publication, date of publication, article title and author contact details.

For any enquiries or further information on the festival or the Wine Writers Award please contact Claire Richards at publicity@flf.co.za or on 082 044 6446

The Franschhoek Wine Tram is a fun-filled experience for the whole family. To celebrate the school holidays we are giving away…

four tickets
(two adults & two children)

to join an experience on the Franschhoek Wine Tram,
courtesy of the Franschhoek Wine Tram and Franschhoek Wine Valley!

To enter, name one of the stops on this hop-on hop-off tour and stand a chance of winning!

Simply write your answer on our Facebook wall

You will find the answer on the Franschhoek Wine Tram website at www.winetram.co.za

Competition entries close on Thursday 11 April, 2013.

Also remember to visit our website http://franschhoek.org.za/ for more information on things to do in Franschhoek these holidays.

]]> http://franschhoek.org.za/win-four-tickets-to-experience-the-franschhoek-wine-tram/feed/ 0 http://franschhoek.org.za/franschhoek-farm-worker-of-the-year-award-2013/ http://franschhoek.org.za/franschhoek-farm-worker-of-the-year-award-2013/#comments Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:40:02 +0000 tania http://franschhoek.org.za/?p=5619 Continue reading →]]> The 4th annual Franschhoek Farm Worker of the Year prize-giving was held at the Oesfees at Solms Delta in Franschhoek on 23 March 2013. Since its inception the award has gained great momentum, with an enthusiastic crowd cheering as the finalists mounted the stage and the winner was announced.

Franschhoek Wine Valley, along with its wine members, initiated this award in 2010, giving recognition to their farm workers, all of whom have dedicated many years to this very successful wine producing area.

The Oesfees is not only an opportunity to celebrate the harvest of that particular year, but it is also the perfect platform from which to give vineyard workers recognition. Through this award the aim is to create role models amongst the farm communities and to enhance and promote the acquisition of vineyard skills.

Eleven candidates were nominated by the individual farms and were interviewed by an independent panel of judges. The criteria for assessment were dedication, knowledge, community involvement, responsibility and interpersonal skills. Although the final decision was difficult, Cornel Paulse from Glenwood proudly walked away with the trophy.

Cornel has been described as demonstrating great strengths in his professionalism, reliability, attention to detail and his ability to supervise his team and deliver a quality product within the agreed time. He is one of the friendliest, most courteous, positive and eager workers the panel of judges interviewed.

In addition to his dedication to his work, he is also very much involved in his community and church. He has a deep passion for youth development on all levels. Since starting at Glenwood he has equipped himself with knowledge of the vineyard processes and the general operations of the farm. His versatility as handy man, supervisor of 22 people and knowledge of farm activities such as spraying, irrigation, afforded him the much deserved title of Farmworker of the Year for 2013. Cornel Paulse is indeed a role model for many young people.

His fellow nominees, all of whom won a training course, were: Alfred James (Rupert & Rothchild), Donavan Krediet (Rupert & Rothchild), Saul Williams (Mont Rochelle), Clive Cupido (Mont Rochelle), Danie Cupido (Mont Rochelle), Denise Mapeto (Antonij Rupert Wines), Ivan Sauls (Noble Hill), Sabata Ndabeni (La Bri), Debra Paulse (Haute Cabriere) and Johan O’Ryan (Solms-Delta).

Franschhoek Wine Valley thanks Landau Du Val for their valued contribution and the Oesfees organisers for their support.

Back from left: Denise Mapeto (Antonij Rupert), Debra Paulse (Haute Cabriere), Johan O’Ryan (Solms-Delta), Ivan Sauls (Noble Hill), Alfred James (Rupert & Rothschild), Donavan Krediet (Rupert & Rothschild). Front from left: Danie Cupido (Mont Rochelle), Cornel Paulse (Glenwood & Winner), Clive Cupido (Mont Rochelle), Saul Williams (Mont Rochelle) and Sabata Ndabeni (La Bri).

The official awards statement: “The Eat Out DSTV Food Network Produce Awards celebrate outstanding, independent South African producers for their integrity, passion and innovation. Winners are those who deliver a consistently high quality product that is SA grown or developed using primary produce from SA. Due care and consideration for both the environment and workforce are essential criteria. In addition to small producers, we also recognize stores and markets for their vital role in the process.”

Neil’s passion and commitment to using only the best ingredients coupled with insatiable creativity makes him a very worthy candidate of this award.

Bread & Wine Vineyard Restaurant on Môreson Farm <http://www.moreson.co.za/>  specialises in fare that encompasses the best produce Franschhoek has to offer and showcases it in a beautiful country chic restaurant; paired with the estate’s award-winning wines.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

email: susan@lqf.co.za
phone: +27 21 8768452

For High Res Images: Bread & Wine Restaurant Images <https://www.dropbox.com/l/LdUsBnehCcTsLK08vJAXW7>

HotChillee Cape Rouleur, Cape Town, 07 March 2013:

The event’s three speed groups departed simultaneously and cycled through the crisp early morning temperature that welcomed them at the start of the day.  Stage Three’s route took them from Franschhoek along the coast, passing through Somerset West, Gordon’s Bay, Pringle Bay and Kleinmond with the refreshing smell of the sea accompanying them along their ride, and back to Franschhoek.

During the Red Flagged Climb Section at the 130km mark, South African Development Rider Nicholas Dlamini, who is riding for Wattbike, and Team Bulls’ Karl Platt and Tim Böehme broke-away.  Böehme edged-out to claim prime position at the end of the third stage and the overall Pro Red Jersey.  Geddan Ruddock, Franschhoek local from Team Oryx1 retained the Amateur Red Jersey at the conclusion of the event.

Platt was the overall winner of the Pro Green Jersey for the fastest sprinter, while Dlamini was named the winner of the Amateur Green Jersey at the end of the event.

Stage Three of the Cape Rouleur marks the finish of this year’s timed event.  A festival ride is scheduled from Franschhoek to Mouille Point in Cape Town on Thursday, 7 March in celebration of the riders’ achievements over the past three days.

At the finish line, Founder of HotChillee’s Cape Rouleur, Sven Thiele praised the success of the event.  “The 2013 Cape Rouleur was expertly organised and special mention must be made to all involved in this event, from local authorities to sponsors and to the riders themselves,” said Thiele.  “The team spirit over the past four days has been superb, and we have also had the great privilege of riding some of South Africa’s most scenic cycling routes,” he added.

This year’s event attracted Pro and Amateur riders from all over the world – Europe, South America, Australia and North America – with most of the visitors choosing to stay-on and participate in the world’s largest individually timed cycling event, the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour taking place on Sunday, 10 March.

“One of my bucket list items has always been to compete in the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour and after seeing the Cape Rouleur in 2012 I decided to participate this year and to do a full week of cycling,” said Alan Sales, one of the amateur cyclists from Canada.  “I will be staying on for two weeks after the Cycle Tour to travel around the country and enjoy the beauty of South Africa,” he added.

CEO of Franschhoek Tourism, Jenny Prinsloo, and Chairman of the Franschhoek Cycling Club, Paul Barclay, were excited to have such a prestigious event associated with the town.  The local cycling club has a total of 150 members, four of who rode in this year’s event including Amateur Red Jersey Winner, Ruddock.

The day was followed by a VIP dinner with dignitaries and press.  1987 Tour de France winner Stephen Roche and 1988 World Champion Maurizio Fondriest presented the prizes and winners’ jerseys to the top performers of the event.

For a full set of results for the Cape Rouleur, visit www.caperouleur.com

Tell us how you would spend a perfect summers day in Franschhoek and stand a chance of winning

two tickets 
to Franschhoek Summer Wines on
Saturday, 16 March 2013,
courtesy of Franschhoek Wine Valley!

Simply write your answer on our Facebook wall

Competition entries close on Tuesday, 12 March 2013.

Also remember to visit our website http://franschhoek.org.za/events/event/franschhoek-summer-wines-2/ for more information on the event and to download the Programme and list of participating wineries.