A new month brought with it a plethora of change. Not only are the days growing shorter and the chill in the air a few degrees cooler, but music to many ears was the reopening of wine sales. Monday, 1 June – the start of alert Level 3 – was buzzing as many of our wine producers were kept busy attending to deliveries of online wine sales. We wish our Vignerons all of the best during this time as they get back on their feet again.
Our village seems to be getting its sparkle back as more businesses have been allowed to reopen. Some of our restaurants have reopened as delis with the most delicious local produce and other tasty treats on offer. With all establishments following the proper regulations it would be the perfect excuse to venture to the valley to stock up on some of these delectable delights, browse the clothing boutiques or simply enjoy a leisurely walk down Main Road on that perfect Winter’s day over a weekend.
Some more good news is that hiking trails have reopened and allows for outdoor enthusiasts to once again explore the beautiful surrounds of the Franschhoek Valley. Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve with its abundance of flora and fauna, boasts breathtaking views of the valley, while the Berg River Dam is the perfect outdoor ‘playground’ for avid mountain biking, walking or trail running fanatics. Pets on leashes are also allowed to join you on your outing to the Berg River Dam. Permits for both the nature reserve and dam are required, which can be obtained directly from our tourism offices. Simply contact us on 021 876 2861 or email info@franschhoek.org.za for more information. Alternatively you can pay via SnapScan or Zapper at the Berg River Dam.
On alert Level 3 business travel is allowed to resume, and we have a number of properties in and around the valley who are ready and waiting to make your business trip a relaxed, safe and memorable one. Although you may be here for business we invite you to set aside some time to browse some of our retail shops who have also reopened under Level 3. These include clothing boutiques, art galleries and décor, amongst others.
Although we’re just getting used to June, we need to remind you of an important event taking place in July, which is Bastille month and this year celebrates its 27th year since it was launched. Although festivals in their traditional format are prohibited, the Franschhoek Bastille Festival, will still be taking place, but with a twist. This year the festival comes to you. We will bring you a virtual Bastille festival, which allows you to enjoy Franschhoek’s offerings in the comfort of your home. An exciting line up is on the cards and all will be revealed in the coming weeks.
Wednesday, 3 June will be a lasting memory for many in Franschhoek. A night where the community came together by means of a world-class laser projection, spearhead by local business entrepreneur Prakash Patel. The laser show was the culmination of a fundraising initiative, to raise funds for Together Franschhoek who are currently helping those less fortunate in the area. The iconic church building in Franschhoek’s main road was the backdrop for the ‘show’, which display the numerous organisations and members who contributed towards this campaign as well as pay tribute to the frontline staff, policemen and women, chefs and NGO’s for the amazing work they are doing. More than R50 000 was raised and will certainly go a long way to help those in need.
Let’s not forget Father’s Day this month, which this year takes place on Sunday, 21 June. Treat him to a ‘home cooked’ meal prepared by none other than our Franschhoek chefs. Browse our website for the list of restaurants offering a home delivery service. Or why not buy him some of his favourite Franschhoek wines to be delivered to your door. With wine sales resuming you’re bound to find him the perfect wine. Alternatively, spoil him with a voucher from one of our members to enjoy at a later stage – head on over to our website today to browse the vouchers on offer
