In this issue:

Contact Us :
Tel: +27 (0)82 332 7844
jooles@constantiavalley.com
Tel: +27 (0) 21 794 0542
karen@constantiavalley.com

Welcome

The transformation of the Constantia Valley as it goes from winter to summer is something one can never tire of. The mountains that watch over us are without their grey winter blanket, families are out on the greenbelts along with the dogs and horses, children constantly nag their parents to take them to the beach, the vineyards are coming alive after their winter slumber, restaurants are bustling once more and guesthouses are welcoming visitors who have come to Constantia to stay for a while.

Living here it’s easy to forget that we are just a short drive away from the centre of Cape Town but that’s what makes the Constantia Valley so exceptional and why it is such a popular destination for the tourists to base themselves when they visit the Mother City.

As we head into season it is my pleasure to share some information about our Valley with you.

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Coming to South Africa for 2010 World Cup?

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Groot Constantia Estate

Winemaker Boela Gerber has just returned from Mega Tasting and various wine tastings at top restaurants and hotels in the United Kingdom.

Tim Atkin selected the Groot Constantia Sauvignon Blanc 2009 as one of his top 25 South African wines which will be featured in the Decanter magazine.

Wine Sales at Groot Constantia Wine is now open from 9am till 6pm every day until the end of April 2010.

We invite you to come and taste the fruit of the vine and enjoy a lovely meal at either of the two restaurants on the Estate or enjoy a relaxed picnic under the oaks.

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Constantia Uitsig

Summer Specials at Constantia Uitsig Spa Hours: Mon - Fri 9am - 7pm Sat & Sun 10am - 6pm Tel: 021 794 0433 or 021 794 6500 spa@uitsig.co.za www.constantia-uitsig.com Inner Radiance - 4hrs - R1500 15mins Steam 30mins Ozone Bath Treatment 60mins Swedish Massage 75mins Dermalogica Deep Cleanse Facial 60mins Reflexology Nature’s Gift - 5 hrs - R1610 15mins Steam 30mins Theravine Bath Treatment 90mins Theranaka African Body Mud Wrap 60mins Theranaka African Body Butter Massage 30mins Theravine Hair and Scalp Treatment Pure Indulgence - 7 hrs - R2825 15mins Steam 120mins Clarins Spa Experience 90mins Carita Hydrante Facial 60mins Spa Manicure 30mins Reflexology 60mins Spa Pedicure Lunch to the value of R200 Adonis - 3 hrs - R1080 15mins Steam 60mins Deep Tissue Massage 15mins Theravine Hair and Scalp Treatment 45mins Clarins Men’s Skin Blitz Facial Awaken your Senses - 1 hr 30 mins - R620 Breakfast to the value of R80.00 at the River Café 90mins Aromatherapy Massage Bridal Package - 3 hrs 30 mins - R1490 15mins Steam 30mins Theranaka Body Scrub 90mins Carita Hydrante Facial 60mins Manicure Mother of Bride Package - 3 hrs 30 mins - R1390 15mins Steam 120mins Carita Prolifting Facial 60mins Manicure Student Package - 2 hrs - R790 15mins Steam 30mins Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage 20mins Dermalogica Clean Start Facial 5mins Eye Lash and Brow Tint and Brow Shape 30mins 3/4 Leg Wax Mother & Daughter Package - 3 hrs - R1645 15mins Steam 60mins Clarins Youth Booster Facial 40mins Aromatherapy Massage 20mins Dermalogica Clean Start Facial 40mins Aromatherapy Massage 30mins File and Paint Rise and Shine - 1 hr - R770 Breakfast to the value of R80.00 at the River Café Bikini and Underarm Wax Eye Brow Wax and Shape Eye Brow and Eye Lash Tint Full Leg Wax

CHRISTMAS 2009
R1035pp + 12% gratuity

Pressed terrine of duck confit, smoked magret and foie gras, Plum confit, truffle and lentil dressed leaves
**
Asian style beef tataki, miso cured cream cheese, caramelized aubergine, sesame ponzu dressing
**
“Assiette” of Francheok trout and Cape Crayfish, with crème fraiche, semi dried tomatoes and basil foam
 
 
Pan fried scallops on butternut, “Tarte fine”, grapefruit “beurre blanc”, grapefruit “sauce vierge”
**
Line fish, “en sous vide”, slow roasted fennel, cherry tomato and octopus ragout, caper and olive beure noisette, olive marmelade


Grilled Fillet of Chalmar beef, porcini and truffle “Café au lait”
**
Pan fried springbok loin, peach and elderflower jus, celeriac dauphinoise
**
Herb crusted rack of karoo lamb, gruyere and thyme veloute, smoked tomato and white bean ragout


Chocolate and orange mousse, peanut butter parfait, praline crème
**
La Colombe lemon and passion fruit tart with summer fruit sorbet
**
Selection of South African cheeses

Menu is subject to seasonal availability and changes.

CHRISTMAS EVE 2009 CHAMPAGNE ON ARRIVAL   SUMMER SALAD A MIXTURE OF FRESH ASPARAGUS, ARTICHOKES, FINE BEAN, SUGAR SNAPS ON A BED OF BABY MIX LEAVES TOPPED WITH A TRUFFLE DRESSING OR VITELLO TONNATO FREDDO COLD VEAL IN TUNA SAUCE OR ½ FRESH CAPE CRAYFISH WITH GARLIC MAYONAISE POACHED AND SERVED COLD WITH A SIDE BABY LEAF SALAD   ** RISOTTO CON PUNTE DI ASPARAGI ASPARAGUS RISOTTO   ** Abbacchio alla Toscana SLOW ROASTED LAMB SHOULDER WITH OLIVE OIL, ROSEMARY AND GARLIC SERVED SPINACH GENOVESE AND ROAST POTATOES OR FIVE-SPICE ROASTED BELLY PORK SERVED WITH PAK CHOI AND TENDER STEM BROCCOLI WHICH HAS BEEN FINISHED WITH OYSTER SAUCE OR GRILLED EAST COAST SOLE WITH SEASONAL VEG AND POMME FRITS AND FRESH LEMON    ** CHRISTMAS PUDDING WITH BRANDY SAUCE AND EGG NOG ICECREAM OR TORTA AL BURRO CON PESCA NOCE CARAMELLATE BUTTER CAKE WITH CARAMELISED NECTARINES OR FRESH SUMMER BERRIES IN MILLEFEUILLE SERVED WITH WHIPPED CREAM   ** CAFÉ , MINCE PIES & TURKISH DELIGHT Please note that Menu is subject to availability CHRISTMAS LUNCH 2009 CHAMPAGNE ON ARRIVAL ½ FRESH CAPE CRAYFISH WITH GARLIC MAYONAISE POACHED AND SERVED COLD WITH A SIDE SALAD OR CHILLED ASPARAGUS SOUP OR QUAIL PIE MINI PIE SERVED WITH CARAMILISED ONION AND A BABY LEAF SALAD ** SAMS RAVIOLI POCKETS OF MUSHROOM AND RICOTTA PUREE WITH A TRUFFLE CREAM SAUCE ** HONEY ROASTED GAMMON AND TURKEY BREAST WITH A CHESTNUT, DATE AND APPLE STUFFING SERVED WITH ROASTED POTATO WEDGES AND A TURKEY JUS OR NORWEGIAN SALMON WITH A CHARDONNAY AND SORREL SAUCE SERVED ON A BED OF WILTED SPINACH WITH BABY POTATOES OR GRILLED SPRINGBOK LOIN WITH A PORT AND TRUFFLE SAUCE SERVED MEDIUM RARE WITH CREAMED POTATOES AND FINE FRENCH BEANS ** CHRISTMAS PUDDING WITH BRANDY SAUCE AND EGGNOG ICE CREAM OR PEACHES AND NECTARINES IN CONSTANTIA UITSIG SAUVIGNON BLANC SERVED WITH CREAM OR HOMEMADE VANILLA ICE CREAM OR FRESH BERRY TRIFLE MADE WITH MASCARPONE AND VANILLA SPONGE FINISHED WITH A SPLASH OF BERRY LIQUEUR ** CAFÉ, TURKISH DELIGHT AND MINCE PIES Please note that Menu is subject to availability

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Constantia Glen Scoops the Awards

Prestigious international awards for cool-climate producer

Constantia Glen is enjoying a fantastic run of competition success for its new releases. The maiden Constantia Glen Red Blend 2007 immediately showed its world-class character by winning a Gold medal at the 2009 Tri Nations Wine Challenge. It was one of only nine wines in this category to shine. The Tri-Nations Challenge is unlike most other wine awards in the world, as entries are by invitation only.

Solely South African wines that are already leaders in their categories domestically are selected to compete against the best of their class from Australia and New Zealand. Judging is very personal and highly focussed, and the judging panel consists of three notable industry experts, leaders in their countries. These are Bob Campbell (New Zealand), Huon Hooke (Australia), and Michael Fridjhon (South Africa).

It was in this fiercely-contested arena that Constantia Glen achieved a Gold Award for their Bordeaux blend, a wine that epitomises the finesse and balance that is a hallmark of the Constantia Glen wines.

Furthermore, Constantia Glen Sauvignon Blanc 2008 was recently recognised as a Grands Vins du Monde in Canada, adding another feather to the cap of this arresting example of cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc.

For further information, a private tasting or to order, please contact Jeremy Nel on wine@constantiaglen.com or 082 331 1656.

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Constantia Wine Estate - Eagles’ Nest wins Best Shiraz in the World

Eagles’ Nest, a boutique vineyard situated on Constantia’s highest slopes, has won the International Wine & Spirit Competition’s (IWSC) International Trophy for the Best Shiraz in the 2009 Competition, announced on Wednesday.

Andrew Leaver, Commercial Manager of Eagles’ Nest, said: “We are delighted with this international acclaim. This is probably the most respected competition held on the international stage. The finest wines from every wine region in the world enter, making the winner, essentially, the best example of its cultivar in the world.”

The acclaim of the International Trophy for the Best Shiraz has previous only been bestowed on two other South African wine estates, Boland Kelder in 2001 and 2003 and Nederburg in 2007. Leaver said: “Both previous South African winners are from well-established estates, the 2007 Eagles’ Nest Shiraz is, however, only our vineyard’s second release.”

Consulting winemaker to Eagles’ Nest, Martin Meinert, who won Winemaker of the Year at the Investec Private Bank Winemakers Choice Awards with this Shiraz, said: “I am exceptionally proud of this wine. To my knowledge it is unprecedented that a small estate can win such international acclaim with its second release. The team at Eagles’ Nest are passionate about what they do, it is an exceptional wine estate to work with and I am absolutely delighted with this award.”

“We are concentrating on three cultivars, our prize winning Shiraz, Merlot which is award winning in its own right with four stars in the John Platter and ironically the cultivar our customers often prefer, and one white, our Viognier, which also won a Silver-Best in Class award at this year’s IWSC.”

The Eagles’ Nest Shiraz is a typical cool climate Shiraz with rich, fresh dark-plum colour and white pepper tones on the nose. It also won local acclaim with a Best Red Wine Trophy at the Investec Private Bank Winemakers Choice Awards.

Tastings at Eagles’ Nest are welcomed, but by appointment, please call 021 683 0487.

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Bistro 1682 at Steenberg

The Constantia Valley will see a new innovative restaurant opening on the 13th November in the form of Bistro 1682 located on the Steenberg Wine Estate.

Executive Chef Brad Ball’s enthusiasm about heading up the restaurant is wickedly refreshing and has you reaching for the telephone (as soon as he stops talking) to make that booking. His individuality shines through when he explains his interpretation of what modern bistro food is all about. I’m sure after that first visit we will all be back for more! 

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The Cellars-Hohenort

Nestled in the beautifully manicured gardens of The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel, lies the eloquent and serene D&D Spa; an innovative retreat where guests are treated to signature treatments, leaving them refreshed, relaxed and eager to return.

Apart from the signature treatments such as the “Liz McGrath Rose” Botanical Facial and the Frangipani Body Wrap, guests can choose from a variety of indulging pampers or opt for a soothing session in the steam baths. Should anyone feel the need to extend their beauty regime into something to eat, the full spa menu offers delectable breakfasts, lunches and snacks.

D&D Spa uses Dermalogica, Elemis and Africology product as part of their treatments and also offers gift vouchers and stay over packages in collaboration with The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel.

Jean Almon part of the award winning team for Kirstenbosch Exhibit

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden will be recreating this year's award winning Chelsea Flower Show exhibit until 11th October. Jean Almon, head of the beautiful 9 acres of gardens at five star, Relais & Chateaux hotel, The Cellars-Hohenort was part of the Kirstenbosch team in the UK who created this spectacular garden.

Bookings are essential and can be made directly with Elizma Du Plessis. Cost for the tour R35 per person. 021 794 2137.
 

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Mama Mia Restaurant

LUNCH TIME SPECIALS

Portuguese chicken liver & chips or rice
R50.00

Steak, egg & chips
R59.00

Surf & turf (calamari, sirloin & chips)
R59.00

CHRISTMAS SPECIALS
 for functions of fifteen guests or more
Set menu - R150

Starters
Famous Rudi salad, Italian bread

Main course choices
Beef fillet & pepper sauce & chips
Veal schnitzel & chips
Linefish of the day & chips
Lasagne

Dessert choices
Meringue & strawberry with cream
Ice cream & hot chocolate sauce
Trio of Italian sorbet
Coffee/tea


WINE SPECIALS

Du Prees Sauvignon Blanc
R85.00

Old Man’s Groote Post red
R85.00

Our portions are generous and excellent value for money, phone Kim or Rudi to make your booking.

Steenberg Village Centre, Reddam Avenue
Tel: 021 701 8585 Fax: 021 701 3565

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The Vine Art Project at Klein Constantia

With Christmas fast approaching many of us are looking for something special……..

The Vine Art Project was started in 2003 at Klein Constantia. The purpose of the project was to show the ladies working on the farm how to begin basic entrepreneurial skills. In the beginning the ladies went into the vineyards and starting collecting leaves, twigs and anything else that they could put onto cards to sell. Soon after, they began making wine bags which were available at the wine sales.

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Two internationally acclaimed artists to exhibit at Light From Africa Ceramic Art Gallery

The Light from Africa Foundation (LFA), an internationally recognised NGO situated on the awe-inspiring Constantia Nek, are thrilled to introduce and welcome some of South Africa’s leading ceramic artists to showcase their internationally acclaimed products in the gallery space.

Ardmore, one of South Africa’s greatest success stories in the ceramic world, will be showing their Summerhill Stud Equestrian Collection for the first time at the LFA gallery. Inspired by the caregivers of Summerhill Stud; the artists create everyday stud scenes of stallions, mares and foals being born; along with riders on their favourite mounts with hounds at foot. Familiar Ardmore urn and tureen forms are adorned with horses leaping from within and yearlings galloping to victory. Ardmore’s ceramics, which have earned the description of ‘modern collectables’ by Christie’s of London, will be on show from the 31 October – 25 November.

During December and January, art lovers will be treated to an exhibition by award-winning Stellenbosch ceramic artist, Laura du Toit. A common theme throughout her work is bringing her interest in shapes, textures and colours she finds in nature alive; finding inspiration in volcanoes, fossils and geological formations. Du Toit makes use of a variety of materials such as Kalahari sand, oxides and multiple stoneware firings to enable her to capture the essence of weathered surfaces and intriguing patterns of the earth.

The LFA foundation which raises funds, through the sale of unique handcrafted ceramic artwork, continues to support small, community-based homes for children whose lives have been severely affected by poverty. Many of them are affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

LFA is proud and honoured to host these two exceptional exhibitions and going forward the focus of the foundation will be to operate the breathtaking gallery space, purely as an exhibiting gallery for visiting artists.

For more information please visit www.lightfromafrica.com or email info@lightfromafrica.com.

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+27 (0) 82 334 8010

+27 (0) 82 332 7844

Karen Michalowsky - Office Administrator

karen@constantiavalley.com

+27 (0) 72 410 9959

Lindsay von Kalckreuth - Membership Consultant