| 29 January 2008 |
CVA E-Newsletter #4 |
In this issue:
Contact Us :
Tel: +27 (0)73 561-6769
info@constantiavalley.com
Chairman's Welcome
A very warm welcome back and wishing you, your family and business all of the best for 2008. Judging by the
number of cars on the roads – and in the Constantia Village Shopping Centre car park - we have, once again,
had a good influx of tourists. Hits on our website prove that our marketing is continuing to work well and
the Constantia Valley Association name is becoming firmly established and synonymous with our beautiful
valley.
2008 looks as though it will be a busy year for the CVA. We start with our first member function in early
February, a Garden Party celebrating the first harvest in Constantia in 1659. This will become an annual
event that will be held on the second Saturday in February and we have decided to make a small number of
tickets available for member friends and family to purchase.
Our membership numbers are still on the increase, many thanks to all those members who put forward
suggestions and names at our Bihari function; please feel free to keep the details coming as word of mouth
is always the best.
Finally, another welcome to our two new CVA Exco members, Peter Gilder and John Loubser of Steenberg Wine Farm.
I know that they will bring even more energy and ideas and it is great to have two more senior members of the
Constantia Valley joining our exco.
Until the 9th February,
Kind regards,
Ian Kilbride
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Crush on Constantia Celebrating the Birth of South African Wine
"Today, God be praised, wine was pressed at the Cape for the first time"
So reads the Feb. 2, 1659 entry in the diary of Jan van Riebeeck, written just five years after European vines
were first planted at the southernmost tip of Africa. By the 18th century, South African Muscats were being
served in Europe's royal houses; Napoleon drank a bottle a day during his exile on St. Helena and Jane Austen
prescribed Cape Constantia wine for the broken-hearted Marianne in Sense and Sensibility.
To celebrate this auspicious event in the life of Constantia we have decided to extend our member function to
incorporate this important historical date. Our Garden Party theme will remain but will be expanded!
Come along and join us on the cricket pitch at Uitsig from 16h00. Enjoy your cool Constantia wine under the shade
of the oak trees whilst listening to a classical duet, join the Croquet Tournament or have a bash at Petanque –
don’t forget the sumptuous Garden Party finger food menu.
As a CVA member you are entitled to 2 tickets; additionally a limited number of tickets will be offered for
sale to non-members. Children are welcome free of charge and hot dogs and drinks will be available for them
to purchase!
For further info, tickets or to RSVP please contact the office or Jooles on 082 332 7844 jooles@constantiavalley.com
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Out & About in the Constantia Valley
Piggy's Market
The place to go on a Saturday morning! The Porter Estate Produce Market is a unique outdoor market where
you can shop for fresh produce and enjoy a farm style breakfast. Best of all, there are lots of activities
for the little ones. It’s the perfect family outing.
Open: Saturdays 9.00am until 1.00pm (weather permitting)
Address: On the grounds of the Chrysalis Academy, Tokai Manor, Tokai Road
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Peddlars on the Bend
Peddlars on the bend is without a doubt one of the best known landmarks in Constantia. Like a good wine, Peddlars has matured well over the years and a day in Constantia would not be complete without a visit to this popular establishment.
Address: Spaanschemat River Road, Constantia
Tel: +27 (0)21 794 7747
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The Barnyard (with children)
The Barnyard is the perfect family venue set in a safe, rural environment. Outdoor facilities for all age
groups, a wide variety of farm animals and a garden centre sit alongside the restaurant that prides itself
in its freshly prepared food and famous fresh, hot farmhouse bakes in the farm stall.
Address: 4 Steenberg Road, Tokai
Tel: +27 (0)21 712 6934
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Cellars-Hohenhort Gardens
A trip to internationally renowned gardens at Cellars-Hohenhort is a must. Book early for the guided
garden tour on Tuesday morning followed by complimentary tea and pastries in the Sun Lounge.
Address: 93 Brommersvlei Rd, Constantia
Tel: +27 (0)21 794 2137
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Picnic on the Terraces with Simons
On the Terraces at Groot Constantia, in a stunning vineyard setting, a combination of table seating and picnic blankets sets the tone for a relaxed, tranquil experience. Pre-order from the comprehensive picnic options, including Terrace, Superior, Vegetarian or Kiddies all made up of fresh, delicious country fare.
Address: Groot Constantia Wine Estate, Groot Constantia Road, Constantia
Tel: +27 (0)21 794 1143
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Groot Constantia Manor House Museum and Buildings
Simon van der Stels impressive home, originally built more than 300 years ago and rebuilt during the 1790's is now a museum and well worth a visit. Then see the Cloete Cellar, the original wine cellar that now houses a display of drinking vessels and wine making equipment; its beautiful pediment gable by sculptor Anton Anreith is not to be missed.
Address: Groot Constantia Wine Estate, Groot Constantia Road, Constantia
Tel: +27 (021) 795 5140
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Shopping
You'll find it all in the Constantia Village Shopping Centre; art galleries, chic fashion boutiques, glittering jewellery, lifestyle and interior decor emporiums, e-stores, adventure dealers, fresh food halls, soul-stirring music and book centres, beauty salons, banks, travel agencies and foreign exchange services. Alternatively the more intimate High Constantia Centre is home to a small but exclusive selection of shops, galleries and restaurants including the fine French Bistro Pastis.
Address: Constantia Village Shopping Centre, Constantia Main Road, Constantia
Tel: +27 (0)21 7945065
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Steenberg Golf Course
The Steenberg golf course is rated as one of top three courses to visit in South Africa. This championship 18-hole golf course, designed by Peter Matkovitch, was designed to make full use of natural features and hazards. Its environmental diversity gives the course its unique character. (Advance booking is essential)
Address: Steenberg Estate, Steenberg Road, Tokai
Tel: +27 (0)21 715 0227
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Catharina's Restaurant
The excellence of its award winning sophisticated contemporary South African cuisine accompanied by a superb wine list will ensure a memorable meal. Upon entering Catharina’s one basks in the immediate attention of welcoming restaurant staff who discreetly pamper guests throughout their meal. From breakfast to brunch to lazy lunches under the oak trees on the Terrace a stop at Catharina's is a must for all visitors to the valley.
Address: Steenberg Estate, Steenberg Road, Tokai
Tel: +27 (0)21 713 2222
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Hiking
Table Mountain and the surrounding Cape mountains have an abundance of excellent hiking and walking trails. Starting from Constantia Nek walk through attractive and scenic mountainous landscapes to Kirstenbosch Gardens or take a stroll in the Silvermine Reserve and discover the multitude of caves.
www.uncoverthecape.co.za
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New Members
Welcome to our latest members Little Works Design, Meadowridge Convenience Centre, Manuka and Generator Consulting.
Little Works Design Studio
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
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Meadowridge Convenience Centre
Meadowridge Convenience Centre offers the following:
- Nedbank ATM
- Harrington's Dry Cleaners
- Lotto - National Lottery
-
Corner Bakery Café
You can get fresh rolls, muffins and croissants everyday
, anytime! We also have a wide range of Danishes, a variety of
tarts and other sweet tempatations to make your mouth water
- Rotisserie Chicken
- Chicken Burgers
- Chicken Schwarma
-
Woolworths Food Stop
Get you favourite Woolworths food and flowers
at Meadowridge Convenience Centre
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Manuka
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.
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Generator Consulting
Generator Consulting is a locally-based web-centric consultancy that builds and transforms businesses and other organisations online.
With a strong background in marketing and branding strategy, business analysis, information architecture and usability, web technology and design, Generator Consulting has successfully designed and implemented a significant number of web-based solutions (about 200 and including the Constantia Valley Association website) for a broad range of clients both locally and abroad.
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Belinda, Jooles and the CVA Team |