Talented, young Cape Town chef, John Norris-Rogers, is the Head Chef at one of La Colombe’s latest restaurant ventures which opened August 2017 in Franschhoek – La Petite Colombe. A 90’s child, born in Pretoria, and having lived in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, John Norris-Rogers decided to make Cape Town his…
Earlier in February the Franschhoek Wine Valley had the pleasure of hosting four dynamic women aptly referred to as the Worldwine Women. This group of friends and students – Alice, Louise, Alexandra and Atalante – have made it their duty to explore vineyards across the globe, with the goal of…
Award-winning chef and Franschhoek local, Margot Janse’s passion for food and giving back to the community is a shining example to all through a project very close to her heart. Margot’s charity project, ‘Isabelo, Feeding Hungry Minds’, which she initiated in 2009, provides nutritious breakfasts on a daily basis to…
Our Colmant 2019 harvest is in full swing, with the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir looking promising. It is a year of exciting changes and growth at Colmant. In our continuing journey to produce the finest boutique Cap Classique in South Africa, we are thrilled that Paul Gerber, one of South…
Congenial venue. Up to date equipment. Professional support. Three elements that are essential for young people to study, discover, absorb while reaching required academic standards and attain their development potential. These factors are now available to both the youth and younger children of the Franschhoek valley thanks to the establishment of the Leeu…
Regarded as one of South Africa’s leading wine producing regions as well as the country’s premier culinary destination, the Franschhoek Wine Valley has every reason to raise a glass to a stellar year. Earning top accolades has once again placed this picture perfect valley at the top of visitors’ minds.…
Following on from the announcement of the finalists for this year’s 5th annual Prestige Agri-Awards, there was excitement in the air when the winners of 2018 Western Cape Prestige Agri Worker were announced. The results were announced at a gala event on 3 November at Nederburg Wine Estate in Paarl,…
The 5th annual Prestige Agri-Awards recently took place at Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards in Franschhoek, where the winners for the sought after titles were announced. The initiative, previously known as the Farmworker of the Year competition, honours excellence in the province’s agricultural sector. In doing so the competition is able…
Three top Franschhoek chefs are putting on their super hero aprons in aid of the region’s most vulnerable children at a fabulous StreetSmart luncheon on Monday, 7 May 2018. Chefs Chris Erasmus, Darren Badenhorst and Neil Jewel are joining forces for this not-to-be-missed 3-course fund-raiser at Foliage Restaurant. StreetSmart SA,…
The Val de Vie Foundation believes that the difference between schools reaching their full potential and those that don’t, is not due to social background, but rather the under resourcing of schools. Klapmuts Primary has a visionary principal, Mr. Ronnie Frans, and first-class teachers who have embraced e-Learning to its full extent.…
During Autumn Franschhoek transforms into a display of deep reds, yellows and golden browns. We have also been treated to some of the most glorious sunny, but fresh days, making it one of the best times to head over to Franschhoek to spend time with family and friends. Below we…
We invited a few talented local Instagrammers to join us for an afternoon of #franscHHoekmoments in the valley. We started with a food and wine pairing at Grande Provence, followed by a walk through the village, where we stopped at Reuben's Restaurant, David Walters' ceramics gallery, Huguenot Fine Chocolate and…
In an awards ceremony held on 18 March at the Golden Valley Casino in Worcester, the Franschhoek Wine Valley was presented the Service Excellence Award at the Cape Winelands District Municipality Mayoral Tourism Awards. The prestigious Service Excellence Award is bestowed upon a tourism business that best promotes the tourism…
Grande Provence is home to Hungarian Vizslas, Rez and Kika, and constant companions to winemaker, Karl Lambour. Rez, Kika and Chase also happen to be the Franschhoek Wine Valley Dogs for March. Hungarian Vizslas are a very old and pure breed dating back some 500 years. They are highly intelligent,…
Meet Peggy-Sue the fun loving nine-year-old Staffie, the Franschhoek Wine Dog for February, and whose owner is La Bri winemaker Irene Waller. According to Irene, Peggy-Sue has a distinct passion for Merlot says Irene. She also has a keen sense for ripeness and will taste all, but only eat the…
On Sunday the 7th of February 2015, the sun was out and shining beautifully for the Franschhoek Summer Wines festival. Hosted at Leopard's Leap Family Vineyards, the festival was a celebration of the valley's top summer reds, whites, rosés and MCCs. It was an all-white fashion affair and guests looked…
Regarded as one of the most prestigious culinary competitions globally this year’s San Pellegrino Young Chef 2015 Awards is represented by Franschhoek both on the judging panel and Top 10 finalists. Internationally acclaimed Margot Janse, Executive Chef at Le Quartier Français’ The Tasting Room, will be joining fellow judges chefs Massimo…
Franschhoek may be well known for its superb wines and world class cuisine, but did you know that it is also home to some of the most loyal, and cutest dogs? Regarded as ‘man’s best friend’ we’ll be paying homage to these trusted furry friends, showcasing a different dog each…
Summer is here! Join the Franschhoek Vignerons at the annual Summer Wines Festival on Saturday 7 February at Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards from 12pm to 5pm. Franschhoek winemakers will be showcasing their top white, rosé or MCC wines at this intimate event. Enjoy delicious food from the rotisserie kitchen, while…
This past weekend hundreds of people flocked to Franschhoek to experience the Magic of Bubbles at the Franschhoek Cap Classique & Champagne Festival, presented by MasterCard. It was a flurry of black and white, parasols and Panama hats and lots of good style. Tickets for the event, which showcased some…
Escape the hustle and bustle of the silly season and retreat to the tranquil surroundings of the Franschhoek Wine Valley to recharge. From 10 to 16 December Franschhoek will come alive with festive cheer when wine farms, restaurants, retail stores and accommodation establishments pull out the stops. Dine at leisure,…
We might be biased, but we believe that Franschhoek's Winelands High Tea is the best there is. To get a second opinion, we recently invited a group of lovely ladies from the media and blog world to join us for high tea and bubbly with our charismatic host, Nick Davies. …
Relax in the grand marquee situated on the lawns surrounding Franschhoek’s iconic Huguenot Monument or engage with winemakers as they present some of South Africa’s finest Méthode Cap Classiques (MCC) and France’s best Champagnes. Complementing the selection of bubblies are mouth-watering delights offered by the local restaurants that have firmly…
Relax in the grand marquee situated on the lawns surrounding Franschhoek’s iconic Huguenot Monument or engage with winemakers as they present some of South Africa’s finest Méthode Cap Classiques (MCC) and France’s best Champagnes. Complementing the selection of bubblies are mouth-watering delights offered by the local restaurants that have firmly…
October is regarded as the beautiful month with flowers in full bloom and everything looking sparkling new and fresh. The timing couldn’t be better to visit Franschhoek, which plays host to three intimate yet popular events. View exquisite ceramic works by internationally acclaimed potter David Walters at this year’s Franschhoek…
We are pleased to congratulate Almari Arangies for winning two tickets to the Franschhoek Cap Classique & Champagne Festival from 29 to 30 November! We loved her Franschhoek Uncorked festival image taken at Lynx Wine Estate this past weekend: We have also captured a few of our festival-goers’ Franschhoek Uncorked moments…
School holidays are here! Running out of ideas on how to keep the family and kids entertained? Bring them to Franschhoek for a fun-filled day out. Something sweet is always a treat. The world famous Huguenot Fine Chocolates is pure chocolate heaven and a delight for young and old! Indulge…
This past weekend, 21 of Franschhoek’s wineries showcased their delicious wines and offerings to a great crowd that joined Franschhoek Uncorked with us this year! This is part two of some of the highlights. Check out Part 1 here. La Chataigne Boule, live music, homemade lemonade and La Chataigne wines…
This past weekend, 21 of Franschhoek’s wineries showcased their delicious wines and offerings to a great crowd that joined Franschhoek Uncorked with us this year! We are looking back at some of our best Franschhoek Uncorked moments. Babylonstoren Wine and olive tastings at Babylonstoren Noble Hill Wine Estate Ice cream…
Artfully plated food Arno Janse van Rensburg, chef of The Kitchen at the Maison Estate, cooks on instinct, using whatever is available and fresh. He describes his food as “global contemporary”. Janse van Rensburg developed his cooking style growing up with a family that enjoyed fishing and diving. They cooked…
Jacoline Haasbroek My Wyn, which sits high on a mountain overlooking Franschhoek, is a pretty, and pretty small, winery run by Jacoline Haasbroek. Every year just under 10 000 bottles of wine emerge from her tiny cellar on the farm Uithoek in Uitkyk Street. Jacoline has been making wine since…
Judah James at the entrance to the herb garden When next you’re in Franschhoek, pop into the indigenous herb garden in the town’s main road. There you will find Judah James, a Khoi Rastafarian who has extensive knowledge of local herbs and what they have been used for through the…
David Walters David Walters kneads and stretches a lump of clay a few times before placing it on his potter’s wheel. He sits down and immediately starts working the white clay on the spinning wheel, which quickly takes shape with his manipulation. He deftly coaxes the clay and it defies…
