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Dear Members, As this year heads to a close, we are already looking toward a fantastic 2008. Our membership base is on the increase thanks to a successful launch, member function at Bihari and to you, our members who are out there spreading the word about the Constantia Valley Association. There are lots of exciting things in the pipeline for the New Year and we will keep you updated through the E-News letter each month. We would like to take this opportunity to thank those of you who joined us in our principal year of operation and to our newest members we welcome you and are sure that you will soon see the benefits of belonging to an organisation like the CVA. To our EXCO Committee (Jean Naude - Groot Constantia, Nicky Cloete-Hopkins - The Alphen Hotel, Kathy Cassells - Constantia Uitsig, Tom Glover - Constantia Uitsig, Lowell Jooste - Klein Constantia, Joanne McGilvray - Rodwell House and CVA Chairperson, Ian Kilbride from Warwick) thank you for the giving of your time and expertise, we do appreciate it. Wishing you and your families a happy and restful season. Belinda and Jooles. Bubbly Boxes from the Wine Farms For the first year in our entire history, six of the eight producers in the Constantia Valley included a Methode Cap Classique as part of their portfolio. They are very diverse, with some being 100% Chardonnay, some classic Chardonnay / Pinot Noir blends, and one Merlot Cap Classique. The producers are: Klein Constantia, Groot Constantia, High Constantia, Buitenverwachting, Steenberg Vineyards and Constantia Uitsig. The participating farms felt that it would be a great idea to put the pack together as an initiative to drive the Constantia Valley. Sparkling wine is all about lifestyle, all about Life Savoured Slowly, and is such a versatile drink: for some it is a drink of choice, for other a celebration of life, and for the rest of us an everyday necessity! Whichever way you look at it, the consumption of sparkling wine is increasing in leaps and bounds. The Constantia Valley MCC Collection will be available only from cellar doors of the farms involved (@ R995.00 to R1000.00), after the official launch of the product which is being held on Wednesday 19th December. The first couple of cartons from each farm will be signed by the various wine makers, making this a real collector's item. Anetha Homan - Steenberg Vineyards
Ruth Penfold Diners Club 2007 Young Winemaker of the Year Penfold's Steenberg Semillon 2007 is one of her first wines since taking charge of the Steenberg cellar earlier this year. This award winning wine came out ahead in a field of 58 entries in the category 'dry white wine' earning her the much coveted title. This is the second time a Steenberg Vineyards winemaker is honoured by these awards, John Loubser won the 2003 Winemaker of the Year with his Semillon. "2007 was a little daunting because it was the first year I was in full charge of the harvest, but it was thrilling for the same reason," Ruth says of her maiden effort as winemaker, adding that while she is looking forward to the 2008 vintage, the award means that expectations will be that much higher. Panellist and international winemaker Alain Graillot of Croze-Hermitage in the Rhône, France, was amazed that every entry was of such high quality, saying it augured well for the future of South African wine. The other judges were Chairman Dave Hughes, Margaret Fry CSM, Carrie Adams of Norman Goodfellows and Nederburg winemaker Tariro Masiyati.
The Heritage Suites at Steenberg Hotel
Gaby Gramm, general manager of the Steenberg Hotel, said: "We find that discerning travelers are asking more often for facilities that are a 'home away from home.' So rather than expanding in number of suites, we felt we would serve our market better by having fewer suites that are more luxurious, spacious, and private." Graham Beck, a noted figure in the world of wine, has channeled the passion, enthusiasm and skill he has for wine into The Steenberg Hotel. The result is a true picture of a rich and colourful nation portrayed from the position of sincere and complete quality.
Ascot Gardens self catering accommodation situated in Bergvliet in the Constantia Valley was recently assessed by TGCSA and given a 3 star rating for self catering. Ascot Gardens were also once again awarded the "Highly Recommended Award for Self Catering" from AA Travel Guide for 2007/2008. Ascot Gardens offers well priced accommodation with discounted daily rates for stays of 21 nights or longer and offers 12 different sized and priced garden suites, sleeping up to 40 persons.
Member Function Bihari On Monday 26 November the inaugural member function was held at Bihari restaurant in the Westlake Lifestyle Park. Over 100 members attended this event, kindly sponsored by David and Donna Ross of Bihari with additional sponsorships from the Constantia Valley Association foundation member wine farms, Cobra Beer and Aqua d'Or. The seven wine estates of the valley provided a superb selection of red and white wines which were heartedly appreciated by the members who drank all 70 bottles in record time! The Bihari staff put on a delectable feast of a variety of their most popular north Indian cuisine and many members were heard to say that they would be returning to Bihari in the very near future. One of the main purposes of the evening was to network and the CVA members proved to be very proficient with most members leaving with new friends and business associates - all in all a very successful evening!
Welcome to our latest members Tarragon, Little Works Design, Generator, Manuka and Meadowridge Convenience Centre. Tarragon Restaurant is the product of 23 years of combined experience on the part of proprietors, David Haupt and Emma Stern Tarragon’s approach may be expressed as ‘back-to-basics’. Restaurateurs David and Emma have pared away the frills, the foreign terminology, they hype and trendy gimmickry often intended to baffle and intimidate the patron. Rather, Tarragon concentrates purely on exquisite quality of ingredients and focused technique, intended to enhance and reveal the essential character of food. In keeping with their love of uncomplicated dishes, Tarragon restaurant situated in Tokai's West Lake Lifestyle centre, recently launched a sushi bar. Previously of Hongs Sushi Restaurant in Claremont, Sushi Chef Jason Wu brings his experience and reputation to add to Chef David Haupt's philosophy of "simplicity and flavour".
Meadowridge Convenience Centre Meadowridge Convenience Centre offers the following:
Nestled below the famous Elephants Eye Mountain in Tokai at the Steenberg Shopping Centre, Manuka offers a Mediterranean dining experience, with a full cocktail bar and pizza menu. In the adjoining wine boutique up to approx. 700 wine labels, from some better known to exclusive smaller wine estates from all around the Cape Province are available. Full tasting notes accompany each bottle of wine to help you chose the right wine for the right occasion. All staff have attended the world renowned Cape Wine Academy courses thus are able to offer you clear and passionate advice.
Since 1999, Phil & Christy have specialised in printed wedding, corporate and event stationery. Their advanced digital printing techniques ensure a high quality finish, while allowing flexibility to work on small functions as well as the larger events. The studio has a wide variety of the finest papers and embellishments to create truly captivating stationery within most budgets. Continue your theme with menus, order of events, seating plan, place cards and gift packaging, all styled to form a well rounded whole
Belinda, Jooles and the CVA Team |
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Constantia Valley E-Newsletter #3 - 19 December 2007. |
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