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In this issue:
Introduction I don’t know about all of our readers out there but I am definitely looking forward to seeing the back of winter and its constant rain so that I can once again enjoy relaxing outside of one of my favourite local restaurants sipping my favourite Constantia wine in the African sunshine! Speaking of favourite restaurants I have a new one to add to my list and this is thanks to the CVA Member Function which was held at the Buitenverwachting Restaurant on the evening of 8th September when Mother Nature was in a particularly bad mood. Despite the torrential rain and howling wind the CVA members descended on the restaurant to catch up with one another and delight in the exquisite canapés prepared by Chef Edgar Osojnik whilst sipping on world class Constantia Valley Wines.
You may also be interested to know that Buitenverwachting Restaurant are the recipients of the following awards for 2008/09:
Visit the website www.buitenverwachting.co.za for more details. At the event the CVA also launched its new brochure for the coming season. In this brochure you will find a host of new members who offer everything from trendy fashion jewellery to haute couture clothing as well as professional business services and of course delicious restaurants’ to visit while you are enjoying your time in the Constantia Valley. The brochure is definitely a keepsake thanks to the excellent quality achieved. I wish to thank all of the CVA members for making the entire process an extremely pleasant one by providing all of their artwork timeously. I really enjoy the member functions and I am sure you do too. It is definitely a positive way in which to get to know people and learn more about their businesses in a relaxed atmosphere.
Eagles Nest joins the Constantia Wine Route.
We are pleased to announce that Eagles Nest Wines now officially form part of the Constantia Valley Wine Route bringing the number of wine farms on the route to EIGHT.
After the devastating fires of 2000 all of the natural fynbos vegetation and protea plants, as well as approximately 95% of the forestation, the farms focus moved to wine production. While the Constantia Valley is most famous for its whites, it was felt that Eagles Nest, with its unique terroir within the valley, would be most suited to reds. With its East, West and North facing slopes it is the steepest commercially farmed land in the Cape Region, if not all of South Africa. Of the total 38.4 hectares, approximately 12 hectares are under vine which will deliver around 12 ton due to the fact that the steep slopes allow for a higher than normal vine density per hectare. The farms objective is the production of two premium reds, a Shiraz and a Merlot and a single cultivar white, Viogner. Tastings at Eagles Nest are by appointment only. Please visit the website www.eaglesnestwines.com for more information. Welcome to the Constantia Valley Association. This month we also welcome new members The Wade Bales Wine Society and Taylor and Finlay to the Constantia Valley Association.
Real quality is instantly recognized and impossible to impersonate. Taylor and Finlay is one of the very few chocolate makers in South Africa, making chocolates in the traditional way to these standards. Please be sure to visit the new Taylor and Finlay shop located at the Steenberg Village Shopping complex. Steenberg Golf Course In addition to Steenberg Vineyards and the Steenberg Hotel we now have the pleasure of welcoming Steenberg Golf Course to our membership base. Golf is a huge sport all over the world and we are extremely fortunate to have a world class course right here in our valley. Read on for some more information about Steenberg Golf Club……
Nestled in the Constantia Valley, surrounded by the Steenberg Mountains, the course attracts golfers seeking a total golfing experience. Known for its hybrid plan, it offers traditionalists the opportunity to “bump and run” (a rare shot) in the rough around the greens and to meet the challenges of strategically placed sand pits and waterways. The par-three, not-so-short 14th hole features the largest green in Africa at 76 meters long; indigenous shrubs guard the green and the mound has been shaped to echo the distinctive mountain range behind. Steenberg has always placed among the best conditioned courses in South Africa Golf Digest’s annual Top 100. This year, it climbed to number 28 in the country—ranking as the fifth best course in the Western Cape and the 19th best conditioned course in South Africa! The clubhouse has recently undergone an extensive renovation, and irrespective of any score, golfers will want to sample one of Steenberg’s fine wines at the end of the game. Situated on the Cape’s oldest wine farm, the vineyard produces award-winning wines. The fully-restored hotel buildings, dating back to 1682, have been declared a national monument. Private and exclusive, the Steenberg Golf Club is open to the public, but priority is given to hotel guests and members. For further information on the Steenberg Golf Club please visit www.steenberggolfclub.co.za
Steenberg Releases Magna Carta
It was released on 15th August and is now available at The Tasting Room at Steenberg Hotel at R395 a bottle.
Diamond Award in Diners Club International 2008 Winelist Awards
The Diners Club 2008 Winelist Award epitomizes what the South African patrons demand from their restaurant, what they enjoy and is also an indication that society knows its wines. “The awards are not only recognition for the establishment, but prestige that in turn influences the turnover of the wine serving establishments,” said Diners Club Regional Manager, Jane Ledger. This highly coveted Winelist Award has benefited both the consumers and the establishments and it is highly regarded in the wine industry. “Diners Club, a partner in ensuring that our members enjoy a good lifestyle, be it travelling, dining at home or abroad, are proud to have initiated and supported this event over time” said Diners Club Managing Director Linda Manzini. Andre Rousseau presents Constantia Uitsig 2008 vintages “Constantia Uitsig launched their 2008 vintages on a glorious, rain free evening at The River Café. Smiles were the order of the evening, with wines presented by winemaker Andre Rousseau complimented with an amazing array of “bowl food” conjured up by chef, Max Bothe of The River Café. The new vintages are available from the Wine Shop on Constantia Uitsig as well as the restaurants on the farm.
A personal letter from Luke Dale-Roberts (Chef at La Colombe).
Transcending Seasons @ La Colombe The inspiration for a new and exciting menu came to me as I was driving to work through the Constantia Uitsig vines. I noticed that on one side of the road the wheat that separates the vines was a lush green, and the other side was very dry. I started to think about this, and looked around the farm for items that represent the season or changing of the season. I found plenty of examples: from old vines to new shoots; old staves from the previous vintage wine barrels and newly-cut wood. The list goes on. From these inspirations I have developed a menu that transcends the seasons from autumn to winter and into spring. The idea is that each course has a relevant accompaniment that will encourage other senses to be stimulated. For example, a piece of wet vine with the aroma of moss may come to the table with an earthy veloute of preserved chestnuts and celeriac, or a smoked tongue dish served with pure of lentils and Jerusalem artichokes. Then as the menu progresses the dishes become lighter and fresher highlighting new shoots, berries, flowers and so on… The wines will be paired, and also develop in their lightness and youthfulness. This menu will be our introduction to a full gourmand menu that will take place in mid-November, and will give us the opportunity at La Colombe to push our creativity even further. I look forward to inviting you to La Colombe as my guest, so you can experience this first hand. Kindest regards Luke Groot Constantia hosts the WOZA Cape Wine Cuisine 2008. On the evening of the 22nd September Groot Constantia hosted the celebration of the Cape’s best wine, paired with dishes created by the region’s top chefs. A contingent of around 500 people from all over the world and from all walks of life arrived at the Estate to enjoy a perfect evening sampling food and wine second to none. The Constantia Valley wine farms showed their world class Sauvignon Blancs and were ably represented by Karl Lambour (Winemaker at Constantia Glen), David van Niekerk (owner and winemaker - High Constantia) and Gus Allen (Co-owner of Constantia Glen) all of whom kept the visitors entertained and informed while they tasted our wines and savoured the culinary masterpiece created by La Colombe Chef Luke Dale Roberts. I would like to thank the whole team who were present for their professionalism and hard work. A vote of thanks should also go to Sam Dreyer for her remarkable organisational skills which ensured the whole event ran smoothly and successfully. Groot Constantia has received some wonderful accolades of late. Gold Awards for the following wines:
The Martini Bar at the Cellars-Hohenort Hotel
At night the space is transformed into a sophisticated place to be seen, where guests can sample the signature drink, the martini, of which there are 152 on the menu, making this one of the world's longest martini lists. This feat is at present being verified by the Guinness Book of Records and The International Bartenders Association. If martini is not your drink there are numerous other cocktails on the menu, Champagne by the glass and of course, all of the fabulous wines of the Cape with emphasis on the wines of the Constantia Valley. For more information visit www.cellars-hohenort.com Summer in the Constantia Valley…..Where life is savoured slowly! With the season just around the corner the Constantia Valley offers visitors a wide range of accommodation from 5 star guesthouses and hotels to quaint B&B’s. Here are a few to to encourage that “take me away” feeling. Constantia Woods Guest House and Villas Constantia Woods Luxury Guest House and Self-catering Private Villas are decorated with themes of bygone eras, filled with period pieces, genuine antiques and memorabilia. Nothing has been spared to make yours the most interesting and enjoyable stay in Cape Town that you could ever imagine. For more information about Constantia Woods please visit www.constantiawoods.com Constantia Manor Chris and Sarah will personally prepare for you a substantial continental and full English breakfast to ensure a great start to your day of touring the Constantia Valley attractions that include 7 award winning wine farms. For more information about Constantia Manor please visit www.constantiamanor.co.za Glen Avon Lodge The dining room is open daily for hearty breakfasts, offering a full English and continental buffet with freshly baked pastries being the order of the day. In the evening the For more information please visit www.glenavon.co.za Dining Al Fresco in the Constantia Valley Dining Al Fresco is a popular pastime for Constantia Valley locals who are spoiled for choice and Jonkershuis at Groot Constantia is just one of the many restaurants in the valley who offer that Al Fresco experience. Jonkershuis Constantia Guests also have the option of stopping by our deli and selecting from our range of meats, cheeses and relishes. The hand-picked basketwill be ready for collection within an hour. Meanwhile back in the restaurant, Laurence Burgess (formally Blues, The Bay Hotel and Morton’s chef) controls the colourful palette of culture and style in the Jonkershuis kitchen where the menu is vast yet approachable, serving a healthy blend of traditional Malay classics and other contemporary favourites. Jonkershuis Constantia has extended its Winter Buffett Special until the end of October where you can expect to find delicious mains such as Kingklip and Salmon pie, Oven-baked Beef Bobotie, Beef, Tomato, Lentil and Bean Curry and mouthwatering desserts such as Malva Pudding with homemade Vanilla Custard. Sandy McCormack has gorgeous Mother Love Necklaces in stock at their shop in Little Chelsea, Wynberg. The necklaces are sterling silver boy and girl charms on leather, which one can have engraved with your children’s names – a wonderful gift for a mum or grandmother!! Please call the shop on 021 7629179 or pop in to 34 Durban Road, Chelsea, Wynberg.
Over the years office developments have meant that the Constantia Valley has become the headquarters for many professional businesses. These companies provide a valueable service to both residents and other businesses. The Constantia Valley while retaining its country feel is also a thriving business hub
PRESS RELEASE WARWICK Private Wealth, the national Private Banking Services Company has been expanding both organically and by acquisition during 2008. Last week, WARWICK announced that it had concluded its fifth acquisition of the year and is in negotiation with a further five private client companies. With offices in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Durban the concluded and proposed acquisitions are spread across the country. In addition WARWICK’s sponsorship of grassroots sport continues to build. Over the last seven years WARWICK has developed close ties with a number of sports including bowls, tennis, football, cricket and croquet. WARWICK has now announced that it will sponsor South African Bowls and its 40,000 members to the tune of R12,000,000 over the next four years. This is the largest sponsorship of any non professional sport in South African history. WARWICK is a foundation member of the Constantia Valley Association and is based at WARWICK House at the Alphen Estate. For more information please visit www.thewarwickgroup.org
Euroconsulting is a young and dynamic firm, specialised in Foreign Investment consulting. Our offices are situated in Kirstenhof and Table View. We are proficient in assisting foreigners with their investments in South Africa. If it is property the foreign investor wishes to purchase we obtain property portfolios from local estate agents, are active in the negotiations and keep the communication fluent between the client, local agents and conveyancers. Should one of our clients desire to start a business we can assist in the set up of the company structure, handle the necessary foreign exchange control applications, negotiate with regards to immigration matters, register the client for Income Tax and VAT if necessary (especially for Zero VAT transactions). Euroconsulting will also open bank accounts, recommending our office based Nedbank Corporate Saver or Investec Corporate Cash Manager accounts. With these we can offer our clients high interest rates that are competitive with the interest rates of private banking. We also offer these services to our local clients. The property market is quiet at the moment and people are looking for alternatives. We can offer interest rates of 11% p.a. and more for fixed deposits. Our special relationship with Investec Bank makes it possible for our clients to administer their foreign transfers free of charge. We further offer our local clients general legal advice in German and South African law. Our advice: from the 1st September 2008 onwards all close corporations are obliged to lodge an annual return with the Registrar of Close Corporations (CIPRO) in the anniversary month of its inauguration and no later by the end of the following month. If you need assistance please do not hesitate to contact us. For more information on Euroconsulting please visit the website www.euroconsulting.co.za
Jooles and the CVA Team |
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If you haven’t been to Buitenverwachting Restaurant then you need to do yourself a huge favour and book yourself in. Edgar is a master in the kitchen and if you love food as much as I do you will not be disappointed. I also have to comment on the excellent service provided by the staff at the event. Bruce, the manager runs a tight ship and it was a delight to be served by the friendly staff. 
Eagles Nest was originally a section of Groot Constantia, the wine supplier to European nobility, established by Simon van der Stel in the late 1600’s. Its history reveals that it operated as a commercial farm producing export fruit, as well as, vegetables for the local market up until the 1960’s. The farm has had a number of owners but since 1984 it has been in the control of the Mylrea family.
Ursula Crookes, professional chocolatier and graduate of the Ecole School of Chocolate Arts, started Taylor & Finlay Chocolates in 2006. 
Award Winning Championship Golf Course Capitalizes on Unique Natural Terrain
It’s divine
Did you know of the existence of The Martini Bar at The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel? 
Constantia Woods is a Portfolio of three unique guest house properties situated in the leafy heart of the world renowned Constantia Valley. Here you can unwind in the glorious surroundings of this tranquil estate where exquisite Mountain and Valley views prevail.
Owners Chris and Sarah look forward to welcoming you to their beautiful thatched guest house in the heart of the Constantia Valley. Each of the seven rooms is beautifully decorated in a chic primarily colonial décor creating a contemporary African ambience for guests to relax in.
Glen Avon Lodge lies within the tranquil valley of the Constantia Winelands, tucked away in the foothills of the majestic Constantiaberg Mountains. The Cape Dutch Manor House is a peaceful haven set amidst exquisite gardenscapes, boasting extensive displays of indigenous planting and abundant bird life with the estates unique character of comfort and romance lending to the reassurance of time invested in restoring ones senses.
dining room is transformed as the lights are dimmed for intimate candlelit dinners. With a blend of international flavours enhanced by freshly picked herbs and greens from the lodges own gardens, prepare yourself for a unique journey of the senses. The cuisine is prepared by Glen Avon Lodges team of professional chefs and is served with an air of sophistication complimented by a selection of premium wines. 
Dine alfresco overlooking False Bay or in the courtyard under the vines. Bring the family and enjoy a leisurely lunch while the kids play on the lawns out front… Jonkershuis also offer a Vineyard Picnic with a selection of local & imported delicacies and a Kiddies Picnic including a toy. Vineyard picnic baskets must be reserved at least 24hours in advance please enquire on 021 794 6255 regarding prices and details.
All Jonkershuis picnics come standard with utensils and a picnic blanket.
Warwick Acquisitions and R12m Sponsorship Deal
EUROCONSULTING