Domaine des Dieux, the boutique Cap Classique specialist from the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge appellation near Hermanus etched its name in the annals of the show by winning Best Producer for the third time in eight years. At the 21st Amorim Cap Classique Challenge held on 22 September at Tintswalo Atlantic in Cape Town, Domaine des Dieux Claudia Brut Cap Classique 2016 was named best wine overall out of the 126 entries to this year’s competition.

Domaine des Dieux also won the competition’s Best Producer award in 2014 and 2018.

The competition is exclusively committed to honouring the country’s leading Cap Classique wines, having been held under the guidance of the Cap Classique Producers Association and sponsored by international cork company Amorim since 2002.

Besides its Best Producer Trophy, Domaine des Dieux won two gold medals, also for its Claudia Brut. The 2015 vintage took gold in the Brut section of the competition, while Claudia Brut 2009 won gold in the Extended Aging Class for wines of seven years or older.

Claudia is a blend of the two classic Cap Classique varieties Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Domaine des Dieux’s overall winning Cap Classique topped the competition’s category for Brut wines. The trophy for Best Blanc de Blancs went to Constantia Uitsig MCC 2018, while Plettenberg Bay stalwart Newstead took the top prize in the Extended Aging class for its Blanc de Blancs 2015.

Joaquim Sá, MD of Amorim Cork South Africa and a founder of the Cap Classique Challenge, says that Domaine des Dieux’s showing at this year’s event underscores the competition’s importance in recognising consistently excellent Cap Classique producers.

“It is always exciting to see new and unknown wineries performing at this Cap Classique competition, but the barometer of consistent excellence, such as shown by Domaine des Dieux in winning Best Producer three times in eight years, is one on which an image and reputation of greatness is built,” he says.

“Image and reputation in the crafting of Cap Classique has laid the foundation for this wonderful South African category which can compete with some of the finest bottle-fermented sparkling wines from any country in the world. As sponsors and co-founders of the Amorim Cap Classique Challenge, we feel honoured to have been a part of the tremendous inroads Cap Classique has made over the past two decades.”

Sá says Cap Classique is one of the most popular premium wine categories in South Africa with annual sales nipping at 11m bottles a year. “The popularity of Cap Classique can be ascribed to product excellence and diversity, as well as innovative marketing from producers portraying their wines as an integral part of a fashionable lifestyle. This combination of wine quality and vivid, fresh marketing makes Cap Classique the exciting and leading category it is.”

At this year’s Amorim Cap Classique Challenge the Frans Malan Legacy Trophy was awarded to Jeff Grier who as proprietor and winemaker of Villiera played a major role in developing and expanding the Cap Classique category.

This judging panel for the 2022 Amorim Challenge was convened by Heidi Duminy, Cape Wine Master. Assisting her were wine educator Cathy Marston, winemakers Morgan Steyn (De Grendel), Johan Fourie (Benguela Cove) and Nathan Valentine (Villiera) and wine service ambassador Spencer Fondaumiere. Tarryn Vincent from Reciprocal was an associate judge.

List of the Gold Medalists

Blanc de Blancs

Brut Blends

Rosé

Nectar

Extended Aging

The post 2022 Cap Classique Challenge winners appeared first on Stellenbosch Visio.

Die Covid-pandemie en grendeltyd het skitterende gevolge vir die Afrikaanse boek ingehou, te oordeel na die kreatiwiteit, diepte en reikwydte van titels wat vanjaar meegeding het om die kykNET-Rapportpryse. Die wenners betrek van ’n herverbeelding van die plaasroman tot die skeibrekers van die Dorslandtrek tot charismatiese lekepredikers tot vroue in opstand teen die patriargie.

Die pryse, wat altesaam R1 miljoen beloop, is Saterdagaand 24 September 2022 op ’n glansgeleentheid in die Mount Nelson-hotel in Kaapstad oorhandig. Die bekroonde digter Ronelda Kamfer, wie se eerste roman Kompoun in twee kategorieë benoem is, is aangewys as wenner van die Jan Rabie-Rapportprys vir debuut- en tweede prosawerke.

Altesaam sewe pryse is toegeken – naas die Jan Rabie-Rapportprys ook pryse vir Afrikaanse romans, niefiksie en ’n werk met filmpotensiaal, en drie pryse vir Afrikaanse resensies van Afrikaanse boeke. Die prysgeld beloop R300 000 elk vir romans en niefiksie, R155 000 elk vir die filmprys en die Jan Rabie-Rapportprys, en R30 000 elk vir die drie resensiepryse. Dit is die negende jaar dat die kykNET-Rapportpryse toegeken word.

Op dieselfde geleentheid is aangekondig dat die filmprys voortaan as die kykNET-Rapport Herman Binge-prys bekend staan, ter erkenning van die reusebydrae van die ontslape filmmaker en boekliefhebber Herman Binge die afgelope nege jaar as keurder en tot die Afrikaanse film- en boekbedryf as geheel.

Boekpryswenners

• Fiksie (romans): Gerda Taljaard vir Vier susters (Penguin)
• Niefiksie: Nicol Stassen vir Van Humpata tot Upingtonia (Protea Boekhuis)
• Debuut en tweede prosawerke: Ronelda Kamfer vir Kompoun (Kwela)
• Film: Francois Smith vir Die getuienis (Tafelberg)

Die keurders van die kykNET-Rapportprys vir romans het Gerda Taljaard se Vier susters, oor susters wat in 1945 op ’n plaas in Magoebaskloof bymekaarkom vir ’n begrafnis, geloof as ’n “veelfasettige, veeltalige, veelkantige” kragtoer.

“Dit is ’n roman oor die geskiedenis van Suid-Afrika en Afrikanerskap wat ook kennis neem van ander geskiedenisse en vele verhale van swaarkry op meer as een kontinent. Die koms van die Italiaanse krygsgevangene dwing die susters byvoorbeeld om bewus te bly van ander traumas as net dié wat hulle persoonlik raak. Dit is ook geen wonder nie dat die titel gelees word as ’n toespeling op Tsjechof se Drie Susters, want dit gaan hier op ’n baie universele manier oor die wanhoop en woede van vroue in oorlogstyd – álle oorloë. Natuurlik gaan dit ook om die oorlog tussen man en vrou, en die letsels wat dit laat. In hierdie opsig blink die roman uit as een wat nie net breed kyk nie, maar ook diep kyk.”

Dit is Gerda Taljaard se tweede kykNET-Rapportprys – sy het in 2018 die filmprys vir Die laksman se dogter ontvang. Vier susters is ook pas met die ATKV-prys vir prosa bekroon.

Saam met Taljaard op die fiksiekortlys was Lien Botha vir Vin en Ronelda Kamfer vir Kompoun.

Aan niefiksiekant is Nicol Stassen se Van Humpata tot Upingtonia, oor die Dorslandtrekkers in die negentiende eeu, uitgesonder as ’n kultuurprestasie. “Nicol Stassen se boek is ’n skitterende voorbeeld van kleingeskiedenis oor afdraaipaaie wat ’n vars en verrassende bydrae lewer, nie net tot Suid-Afrikaanse historiografie nie, maar ook tot algemene historiese kennis,“ sê die keurders. “Dit is die lewenswerk van ’n noukeurige en gewikste navorser wat baie min miskyk. Die inhoud is die resultaat van uitsonderlike navorsing met materiaal aangehaal uit die wydste primêre bronne.“

Stassen het ook vanjaar se ATKV-prys vir niefiksie ontvang vir Van Humpata tot Upingtonia.

Die ander niefiksie-benoemdes was Malvory Adams vir Als is nie net swart en wit nie en Ebbe Dommisse vir Fortuine: Die wel en wee van Afrikaner-magnate.

Die sestiger Jan Rabie skryf in sy Paryse dagboek oor “Afrikaanse skrywers se onvermoë om objektief en brandend-eerlik oor hul mense se groot probleme te skryf”. Hy sou oor Ronelda Kamfer se Kompoun gejubel en gejuig het, sê die keurders vir die Jan Rabie-Rapportprys. “Met dieselfde klaarheid skryf Kamfer Kompoun teen die geskiedenis en die konvensies van die plaasroman in. Dit is ’n déúrgekomponeerde werk uit die hand van ’n meesterstorieverteller met die taalgevoeligheid van ’n digter en die vernuf, tegniek en waarnemingsvermoë van ’n wêreldklasskrywer. Terselfdertyd konfronteer die roman ons met indringende vrae, nie net oor wat ons van die verlede onthou nie, maar oor hoe ons onthou, oor hoe die geskiedenis ons menswees in hierdie land gevorm het en steeds beïnvloed.”

Ook op die kortlys vir die Jan Rabie-Rapportprys was Emma Bekker vir Vel en Azille Coetzee vir Die teenoorgestelde is net so waar.

Vir die filmkeurders was Francois Smith se Die getuienis, oor ’n arm egpaar se geloofsreis na ’n afgeleë godsdiensbyeenkoms, “’n meesterlike wisselwerking tussen opregtheid, humor en trauma”. “Die Getuienis verower die kykNET-Rapport-filmprys vir 2022 omdat dit die leser van begin tot end verras; dit voer die gelowige én ongelowige mee; die prosa smeek om visueel getransponeer te word tot film en die wêreld van die lesersverbeelding te veruiterlik vir verdere ontplooiing voor die kinematografiese oog. Dit wen omdat ons bedryf sulke tipe films nodig het. Klein films, in die luim van Wim Wenders se Paris, Texas, wat sagkens dog dapper deur ’n eg Suid-Afrikaanse lens die groot en universele temas met deernis en humor verken.”

Die ander benoemdes op die filmkortlys was Hannes Barnard vir Roet en Marco Botha vir Die spore van Gert Saggiestrap.

Resensiepryse

Die kykNET-Rapportpryse vir Boekresensent van die Jaar word in drie kategorieë toegeken vir uitnemende Afrikaanse resensies van Afrikaanse boeke. Vanjaar se wenners is:

• Fiksie: Charl-Pierre Naudé vir “Dekonstruksie as gebundelde terrorisme” oor Die wrede relaas van Vuilgat en Stilte deur Aryan Kaganof in Beeld/Die Burger/Volksblad, 27 September 2021
• Niefiksie: Jean Meiring vir “Goldblatt ’n vreemde, fiere eik van ’n vrou” oor Op soek na Saartjie deur Dominique Malherbe in Beeld/Die Burger/Volksblad, 17 Mei 2021
• Langer resensies: Izak de Vries se resensie van Die kleinste ramp denkbaar deur Francois Smith, LitNet, 6 April 2021

Jean Meiring en Charl-Pierre Naudé is vir die vierde en derde keer onderskeidelik vir hul resensies bekroon.

Die keurpanele vir die onderskeie pryse was: kykNET-Rapport-fiksieprys: Sonja Loots, Elna van der Merwe, Kirby van der Merwe en Beer Adriaanse; kykNET-Rapport-niefiksieprys: Anne-Marie Mischke, Bill Nasson, Jean Meiring en Kerneels Breytenbach; kykNET-Rapport Herman Binge-filmprys: Suzaan Keyter, Beer Adriaanse en Kerneels Breytenbach; Jan Rabie-Rapportprys: Anastasia de Vries, Charl-Pierre Naudé en Bibi Slippers; kykNET-Rapport Boekresensent van die Jaar: Bibi Slippers, Mercy Kannemeyer en Ryan Pedro.

Inligting oor deelname aan die pryse vir 2023 word binnekort bekend gemaak.

The post 2022 kykNET-Rapportprys wenners appeared first on Stellenbosch Visio.

The 2022 South African edition details tasting notes, a ‘Podium’ of top performing wines and winemakers, a classification of Cape wineries and recommended restaurants.

“Overall, I am extremely impressed with the quality of what I tasted in 2022, especially from the 2017 and 2021 vintages. I am more convinced than ever that 2017 deserves its place among the best-ever Cape harvests, as good as and, in some cases, even better than 2015. But I have a feeling that 2021 could equal and possibly surpass it.”

He is “amazed by the remarkable progress” the country has made since his first report issued in 2013 and is urging producers “to take great pride in Brand South Africa”. This is as 8,5% of the record 2 282 wines tasted from 433 wineries garner scores of 95 or higher. For several producers to feature on this list of 195 wines, it is a first-time achievement.

“South Africans are a resilient bunch, but I was amazed by how the wine sector has bounced back after so many pandemic-induced setbacks. Producers are still pushing viticultural boundaries in places like Sutherland, Stanford, as well as the Koo Plateau and the Agulhas Triangle and, at the top end, growing grapes that express their terroir with increasing fidelity and precision across the Western Cape.”

Stand-out categories amongst the top-scoring wines this year are not only Chenin and Shiraz/Syrah as in the recent past, he says, but also Bordeaux blends, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. “South Africa has proved it can make almost any wine style well, while its best wines belong among the world’s elite.

“There is also a very interesting dynamic at play. Greater numbers of younger-generation winemakers are excelling and prompting some of the more established producers to innovate more. All round, these developments suggest that South Africa remains one of the most exciting wine-producing countries with still so much potential to reveal.”

He notes the extent to which the country’s socio-political transformation is gathering momentum, bringing more people of colour into pivotal positions within the wine industry.

Also encouraging is the strong commitment to addressing climate change with new approaches to rootstocks, trellising systems, cover crops and ploughing techniques to see what works best in drier conditions, while giving greater focus to drought-resistant varieties, from Assyrtiko to Vermentino.

Stellenbosch can reaffirm its pre-eminent regional position, as the source of a third of all the top-scoring wines, he confirms, followed at some distance by the Swartland.

While no wine achieves a perfect score of 100 points this year, two 2020 wines earn scores of 99. One white and one red, they are the Boekenhoutskloof Semillon and Sadie Family’s Columella. (Eben Sadie, who regularly garners amongst the highest Tim Atkin ratings, has twice been crowned Winemaker of the Year, in 2015 and again in 2019.)

This year, there are 10 wines that score 98 each.

THE PODIUM 2022 (TOP ACHIEVERS)

Winemaker of the Year: Duncan Savage of Savage Wines

Young Winemaker of the Year: Charla Bosman of Sijnn

Viticulturist of the Year: Sheldon van Wyk

Producers’ Cellar of the Year: Darling Cellars

Winemaking Legend: Kevin Arnold

Best Cellar Door Experience: Benguela Cove

Overall White Wine of the Year: 2020 Boekenhoutskloof Semillon, Franschhoek

Overall Red Wine of the Year: 2020 Sadie Family Columella, Swartland

Overall Rosé of the Year: 2021 Lievland Liefkoos Rosé, Stellenbosch

Overall Sparkling Wine of the Year: 2015 Graham Beck Cuvée Clive Magnum, Western Cape

Overall Sweet Wine of the Year: NV Mullineux Olerasay Straw Wine #3, Swartland

Overall Fortified Wine of the Year: 2005 Boplaas Cape Tawny Single Harvest Colheita, Calitzdorp

Red Wine Discovery of the Year: 2019 Kershaw Syrah Deconstructed Groenland Bokkeveld Shale SH22, Elgin

White Wine Discovery of the Year: 2021 Rall Noa Chenin Blanc, Swartland

Sparkling Wine Discovery of the Year: 2014 Le Lude Venus Brut Nature, Western Cape

Best Value White of the Year: 2021 Paul Cluver Village Chardonnay, Elgin

Best Value Red of the Year: 2021 Brookdale Mason Road Syrah, Paarl

Best Value Rosé of the Year: 2021 Dieu Donné Blanc de Noir, Franschhoek

Best Value Sparkling Wine of the Year: 2013 Bon Courage Jacques Bruère Brut Reserve, Robertson

Best Value Sweet Wine of the Year: 2020 Slanghoek Winery Crème de Chenin, Slanghoek

Best Value Fortified Wine of the Year: NV KWV Classic Cape Tawny, Western Cape.

Click here to purchase the report.

The post Stellenbosch wines shine in the latest Tim Atkin Report appeared first on Stellenbosch Visio.

The showcase of the finest local wines will be held in the Stellenbosch Town Hall from 5 to 6 August 2022. It features an impressive line-up of over award-winning wines, chefs, as well as tastings, food and wine pairing sessions and masterclasses. Tastings will take place 16:00 – 20:00 on Friday; and 14:00 – 18:00 on Saturday.

Click here to book for Stellenbosch Wine Festival featuring over 200 of the regions finest wines will be represented that include legends and favourites such as Spier, Alto, Neethlingshof, Middelvlei, Hidden Valley Wines, Morgenster, Lanzerac, Villiera, Remhoogte, Groenland, Boschkloof, Peter Falke wines, Hartenberg, Cavalli, Kaapzicht and Zevenwacht, as well as new wine route members Weltevreden Estate, Bertha Wines and Compagniesdrift. This unique oenological experience will be complimented by food from renowned chef Bertus Basson and music by local talent.

 

But wait, there’s more

This years’ Wine Festival forms part of Wine Town Stellenbosch – the celebration of the grape from 4-9 August. Look out for farm walks, inspired meals and tutored tastings – all featuring top wines as the main attraction.

Bang for your buck when you stay over

With so much to do, why not stay over? Book and stay for four consecutive nights between 4 – 11 August and get double Stellenbucks to the maximum value of R2,400. Stellenbucks can be used to pay for meals, wine and experiences at participating Stay Stellenbucks partners.

Click here for more information on dates, locations, prices and terms and conditions.

 

The post Stellenbosch Wine Festival appeared first on Stellenbosch Visio.

Stellenbosch estates scooped up top honours at the 2022 edition of the Trophy Wine Show. The jury comprising of winemakers, sommeliers, distributors, and international judges worked through 673 entries to find South Africa’s best wines.

The trophy for the show’s best producer was awarded this year to Spier Wine Farm. This is the second time that Spier has taken home the coveted Most Successful Producer overall award. The Investec Trophy for the Best Red Wine was won by Glen Carlou for the cellar’s 2019 red blend, which also won the Riedel Trophy for the best Bordeaux Blend and the inaugural Vinolok Trophy for the best Premium wine.

The Investec Trophy for the Show’s best white wine was won by Paul Cluver Estate for its 2020 Chardonnay. The Rosa Kruger Trophy for the best Old Vine wine is awarded to a gold medal-winning wine produced entirely from certified heritage vineyards (minimum vine age 35 years). This year’s laureate is Brookdale for its single vineyard Chenin Blanc 2020.

The International Judges’ Trophy – awarded to the wine which has the highest score from the three international judges on the trophy panel – was taken home this year by Oldenburg vineyards for the cellar’s 2021 Chardonnay.

One of the only newcomers on the trophy-winners’ podium this year was Trade Winds, which won the Sunday Times Trophy for the show’s best Sauvignon Blanc. The cellar shared this newcomer status with Brookdale estate, MAN Family Wines, Louisvale, and Babylonstoren.

The post Stellenbosch estates take top honours at the Trophy Wine Show appeared first on Stellenbosch Visio.

A remarkable auction of fine wines takes place on July 10 with some of South Africa’s greatest heritage specimens going on sale to help fund the preservation of local wine history.

The dominant component of the sale, which includes selected international classics, comprises wines from the most comprehensive collections of South African wines. Among the treasures contained behind the thick, reinforced door to Distell’s underground Tabernacle wine library in Stellenbosch is a bottle of 1821 Grand Constance, of which same vintage a bottle sold for close to R1m last year.

While the Tabernacle is occasionally a supplier to prominent auctions of fine wine, the upcoming event under the auspices of long-established auctioneers Strauss & Co, stands out for the cause it will support.

“All the funds raised through the auction will be used for a wine history preservation initiative in honour of Duimpie Bayly,” says Tabernacle curator Michael van Deventer, who is also manager of Distell’s Vinotèque.

A luminary of the South African wine and brandy industry, Francis ‘Duimpie’ Bayly passed away last year. He is credited for enormous technical leadership and mentorship as well as visionary initiatives that included the founding of the Tabernacle under what was then Stellenbosch Farmers Winery (SFW), in 1979.

The library is situated at the sprawling Adam Tas production facility where many of Distell’s well-known wine brands are made. At the time of its opening, the idea had been to retain vintages of SFW wines as an internal company reference. The emergence of fine wine as a category in South Africa had been fuelled just five years prior with the historic establishment of the Wine of Origin scheme.

But as time went on, its acclaim went beyond that of mere filing cabinet. Rather, it ascended to widespread recognition as a vital, living record of South African wine legacy. A tabernacle is a temple or sanctuary; and so the space at Adam Tas has become.

Gradually, the collection began taking in wines from the wider industry too.

As can be imagined, storage needs quickly outstripped the available space originally set apart for the Tabernacle. Although this original location only has capacity for some 12 000 bottles, the rest of the collection is held at various of Distell’s other locations.

Details of the preservation initiative are still being finalised and are likely to include a visitor centre, says Michael. The first steps however include the recent revamp of Tabernacle facilities, mainly with improved lighting and air reticulation in the private tasting lounge.

“Nothing was done in the cellar itself,” says Michael. “We didn’t want the bottles to be moved around.”

The auction on July 10 will offer a total of 99 lots with 64 comprising up to three bottles and dedicated to South African wines from the Tabernacle. It will be presented by Strauss & Co, which partnered with sommelier, wine entrepreneur and former Nederburg Auction co-ordinator Higgo Jacobs to add fine wine to its portfolio in 2019.

“For me, the importance of preserving and sharing these wines is the inspiration they give local winemakers, but also the credibility they provide to the ageability of South African wines,” he says.

Higgo further highlighted the involvement of Amorim Cork, which has been major role-player in not only preserving South African wine heritage, but also giving classic old wines a new lease on life via its re-corking programme.

“All the South African wines on auction have been re-corked, which gives the buyer greater convenience in opening the wine as well as guaranteeing the condition contained within,” he says.

Among the wines included in the sale are a trio of 1940 Chateau Libertas (starting prices R20 000 each); the 1966 GS Cabernet Sauvignon (starting at R25 000), which scored 100 points from influential UK wine writer Jancis Robinson.

Also on offer will be the 1974 Nederburg Cabernet Sauvignon Auction Reserve, described by Michael Fridjohn at a tasting in the Tabernacle this week as “the classic of the decade with ’74 certainly being one of the greats of Cape vintages”.

The tasting also featured the 1974 SFW Stellenbosch Cinsaut, 1963 Lanzerac Pinotage, 1961 Zonnebloem Cabernet Sauvignon, 1968 GS Cabernet Sauvignon and 1974 Overgaauw Cabernet Sauvignon – all wines that will be available on July 10.

Why sell them at all? Michael van Deventer says sales of these special wines are important because amongst others, space must be managed to allow the collection to take in new wines. “For it to survive, the Tabernacle must be a ‘living’ collection,” he says. “Wine lovers should be able to access them to understand and appreciate our history and capability,” he says.

Starting prices at the Straus & Co Virtual Live Auction vary. Tabernacle wine reserve prices begin at R1 500, for bottles of 1970 Chateau Libertas.

The Strauss & Co Tabernacle Virtual Live Auction starts at 11am. Bids will be taken online, telephonically and in person at Strauss & Co premises in Johannesburg, at 89 Central Street, Houghton. The auction will also be streamed.

Registration for prospective bidders has opened and pre-sale bids are being received. Lots and further details may be viewed at Strauss & Co.

The post Sale of SA wine treasures to fund preservation initiative appeared first on Stellenbosch Visio.

The concerts schedule features a star-studded lineup of internationally acclaimed artists in various combinations.

For those who enjoy Baroque, Vivaldi’s concerto for violin, cello and string orchestra will feature the formidable couple of Daniel Rowland (violin) and Maja Bogdanović (cello) as soloists.

A newly published arrangement from Beethoven’s day of his fourth piano concerto will be played for the first time in South Africa by the award-winning pianist, Emanuil Ivanov. Ivanov, who wowed local audiences in SA last year, first attracted international attention after winning the 2019 Ferruccio Busoni Piano Competition in Italy. Other gems from the Classical and early Romantic era include Mendelssohn’s third string quartet, Schubert’s “Trockne Blumen” and a seldom heard, but beautiful octet by Woldemar Bargiel.

The great late Romantic period will be represented by the likes of Dvořák’s second piano quintet, Saint-Saëns Caprice for winds and piano, and Taneyev’s momentous piano quintet in G minor.

Nina Schumann prides herself in presenting new music each year to the extent that the SICMF has secured an exclusive new music sponsor in the Ernst von Siemens Foundation in Switzerland. This year the SICMF has commissioned a world premiere from Pieter Bezuidenhout, which together with works by Caroline Shaw, Oswaldo Golijov, Jörg Windemann and Garth Knox will receive their South African premieres.

Returning stars from the past include Nicolas Dautricourt, Madeline Adkins and Andrey Baranov (violin), Boris Andrianov (cello), YaoGuang Zhai (clarinet), Dwight Parry (oboe), Marco Silva (trumpet) and Jauvon Gilliam (percussion). Newcomers include the sensational Russian flute virtuoso Ekaterina Kornishina, Ivy Ringel, the principal bassoonist of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Fedor Belugin, violist of the internationally acclaimed David Oistrakh String Quartet, and the celebrated double bass player, Zoran Marković to name a few.

The last three concerts feature performances by the Festival Symphony and Festival Concert orchestras. The FSO under the baton of Michael Repper will perform Borodin’s great second symphony as well as accompanying the duo of Andrey Baranov and Boris Andrianov in the Brahms Double concerto on Friday 12 July and Jennifer Stumm in Bartok’s viola concerto on Sunday 15 July. Maestro Repper will be making his debut in South Africa. His album with the New York Youth Symphony, featuring debut recordings of works by Florence Price, Jessie Montgomery, and Valerie Coleman reached #1 on the Billboard Chart, and won a Grammy® Award, marking the first time a youth orchestra has achieved this milestone. The main work on the FCO programme is Dvořák’s eighth symphony, one of the most beloved symphonies of all time. FCO conductor, Simeone Tartaglione, currently holds a number of positions in and around Washington DC. He will also be making his South African debut at the SICMF.

Whilst the coveted evening concerts of the SICMF attract the lion’s share of public attention, it is the rest of the daily programme that really speaks to the mission and vision of the festival. The SICMF is after all, a project of the Department of Music in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Stellenbosch University. More than 90 student ensembles will partake at this year`s festival. 

Every day after lunch, the full programme of chamber music activities is open to the public with one hour student ensemble concerts taking place every day at 13:00 and 17:00, public master classes taking center stage at 15:00 and the vibrant and interactive “in Conversation with” lecture series at 19:00 just prior to the evening concert at 20:00. This year the SICMF will also be hosting a free student composers jam session after the 20:00 concert on 10 July. Click here for the full programme of student concerts, master classes and lectures.

The student concerts, master classes and lectures take place in the Fismer and Janasch halls and are free of charge for Festival Pass holders. For daily patrons, tickets for R30 per session are available at the door only. Tickets for the concerts that take place in the Endler Hall from 5 to 14 July are available online through Webtickets.

Bookings

Click here for the full SICMF 2024 programme. Tickets are available through WebTickets.

The post Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival Highlights appeared first on Stellenbosch Visio.

Where to stay in Stellenbosch

BONNE ESPERANCE GUESTHOUSE

Discover the charm of Bonne Esperance Boutique Guest House in the
heart of Stellenbosch, where warm hospitality meets elegant comfort.
Nestled in a tranquil garden setting, our landmark Victorian Villa features
classic contemporary decor and modern amenities. Enjoy a delicious
breakfast made with local ingredients and explore nearby vineyards and
historic attractions. Relaxation and ­ adventure await!.

For more visit www.bonneesperance.com or call +27 21 887 0225

DE ZEVEN

Dreaming of an intimate celebration under the autumn leaves in 2025? Designed for the most magical of days – let De Zeven bring your wedding dreams to life with our boutique wedding offerings.

Visit www.dezeven.co.za or contact 021 020 1573

HERITAGE HOUSE

Self-catering units where restored antiques and old-world luxuries rub shoulders with modern technology and comforts are the hallmark of Heritage House, an elegantly renovated Victorian building in historic and central Neethling Street.

For more visit www.stbhh.co.za or call +27 82 777 0370.

 
LANZERAC

Gatekeeper of the Jonkershoek Valley, this 333-year-old legacy awaits your discovery. Visit our estate and unwind in opulent surroundings.

Visit www/lanzerac.co.za or call 021 887 1132.

LIFE & LEISURE BOUTIQUE GUEST HOUSE

Indulge in the warm hospitality of Life & Leisure Boutique Guest House. Enjoy cozy accommodations, delicious breakfasts, and a distinct blend of local character and comfort. Your perfect getaway awaits.

Visit lifeandleisure.co.za or call +27 21 887 0713

OUDE WERF HOTEL

Explore freely, rest deeply. Escape to Oude Werf and immerse yourself in a blend of timeless charm, contemporary comfort and heartfelt hospitality.

For more visit www.oudewerf.co.za or call 021 887 4608.

SPIER HOTEL

The art of comfort and connection. Our new Spier Hotel is a place of peace and discovery, set amidst the Cape Floral Kingdom.

Visit spier.co.za or contact +27 809 1100

The post Best places to stay in Stellenbosch appeared first on Stellenbosch Visio.

There are few things that make me feel as alive … and as young … as when I am horseback riding. This I realised again recently when an opportunity presented itself to get back in the saddle.

Over the past two years, while in lockdown, my life has revolved around my home. In a wonderful centredness, I have packed away and cleaned out and baked and settled into a very comfortable routine. But now, post-pandemic, I feel driven by a need to add some adventure to my life, to push my boundaries and reclaim the wider world.

This is where my newfound enthusiasm for horse-riding came in. I grew up on a farm and had my own horse until I left home to study at Stellenbosch University. Even though I have done some riding over the years, I have not been an active rider for quite some time. When an invitation came to hike the Baviaans Camino, and I saw in the ‘small print’ this trail could also be done on horseback, I was in, boots and all.

Four days through the mountains of the Baviaanskloof on horseback – with no cellphone reception – sounded like heaven. I crossed my fingers and hoped my not-18- anymore body would cope!

It follows, then, that this issue of Stellenbosch Visio is designed to pack considerable horsepower, with its focus on horses, men and adventurous exploits for both sexes. Stellenbosch’s own racing legend Giniel de Villiers shares stories about his adventures in the Dakar race (p. 120). Ian McLaren takes the Continental GT Speed coupé for an eye-popping spin through Helshoogte to the summit of the Franschhoek Pass (p. 66). Dieter Losskarn puts various all-wheel-drive SUVs to the test (p. 100). And Jacques Marais – proponent of pedal-power – reports back on an exhilarating ‘spiritual bike journey’ on the gravel track of the Namaqua Coastal Route of the Bikamino (p. 104).
For more sedate journeys, there’s always the one where you don’t drive, but drink. Read more about our favour- ite tipples for winter: Cabernet, brandy and Pinot Noir.

Maar die testosteroon gaan nie heeltemal oorneem nie. Elsa Krüger steek kerse aan om sublieme geure tuis te versprei (p. 90) en Jackie Burger vertel van die rus wat die Karoo na haar gees gebring het (p. 86). Dave Pepler skryf ’n loflied op die winter se beste geskenk aan ons … die goue aardsheid van suurlemoene (p. 126). Ek gaan onmiddellik nog ’n suurlemoenboom in my tuin plant.

PS Remember to treat your Dad or a loved-one to a gift that shows you care – order here.

The post Stellenbosch Visio Winter 2022 appeared first on Stellenbosch Visio.

This year, the Fair’s ninth edition, features the non-traditional ALT, new talent at SOLO and Modern Masters exhibitions – in addition to parties, talks, hosted debates, a bookshop, popup store and an immersive online experience for those unable to physically attend. Here are some of this year’s Investec Cape Town Art Fair highlights.

ALT Debut

ALT is eye-catching and adventurous. An exciting new addition to the 2022 line-up, the focus is fresh, offering artists outside of the conventional exhibition space a chance to showcase work in a nonconventional way in the art fair setting. This year it’s dedicated to projects that reflect the ways in which the art world has had to adapt in response to the global shift from physical to virtual. Among the artists who have been selected for ALT are Daniel Malan (South Africa) of The Plot online gallery, Colijn Strydom (South Africa) of Untitled in South Africa, Rharha Nembhard (South Africa) of THEFOURTH (South Africa) and Willy Karekezi (Rwanda) of KomezART in Rwanda.

Galley Night

Go gallery hopping on the Cape Town Red Bus. Departure details and the full list of galleries that will be visited can be found on the Gallery Night Facebook page and or the Investec Cape Town Art Fair website.

SOLO

A selection of young and vibrant artists explore “how artists have reacted to intimacy and introspection caused by the pandemic, as well as the effect that exchange and collaboration have on artistic practice as a whole”. Among the participating artists are Johannes Phokela (South Africa) of Eclectica Contemporary, Brett Charles Seiler (Zimbabwe) of Everard Read, Thebe Phetogo (South Africa) of Guns & Rain, Luyanda Zindela (South Africa) of SMAC, Osvaldo Ferreira (Angola) of This is Not a White Cube in Angola, Duduzi (DuduBloom) and More (South Africa) of Berman Contemporary in South Africa.

See Tomorrow’s Artists Today

Tomorrows/Today showcases emerging and under-represented artists who are expected to make waves in the future. It’s open to those working in Africa and beyond and the ongoing theme is one of transformation and experimentation. This year it is curated by Nkule Mabaso (Head Curator, Michaelis Galleries, South Africa) and Luigi Fassi (Artistic Director, MAN-Contemporary Art Museum, Italy). The artists include Aldo Salucci (Italy) of A.MORE Gallery, Feni Chulumanco (South Africa) of EBONY/CURATED, Mavis Tauzeni (Zimbabwe) of First Floor Gallery, Philiswa Lila (South Africa) of Melrose Gallery, Abdus Salaam (South Africa) of THK, Bev Butkow (South Africa) of Guns & Rain and Michaela Young (South Africa) of SMAC. The artist with the most exciting presentation wins a cash prize and will be announced on Friday, 18 February at 12h30 at the TOMORROWS/TODAY booth at CTICC.

Public walkabouts

Saturday 19 February, budding art collectors can learn about Starting an Art Collection with art advisor and avid art collector Amy Ellenbogen. Later in the afternoon, curator Andrew Lamprecht will talk Understanding Contemporary Art. On Sunday 20 February, Lamprecht will host The SOLO Section, sharing further insights into the featured SOLO Section artists and their response to the pandemic. This is followed by Female Artists, a curated tour of noteworthy female artists locally and internationally. An essential insight into some of the most important voices in the industry led by Founder of Under The Aegis & Curator Anelisa Mangcu.

Modern Masters

Past/Modern guest curator João Ferreira,  adds historical context through the works of modern masters, such as Christo Coetzee, Edoardo Villa, Hannes Harrs, Irma Stern, Judith Mason, Paul du Toit, Gregor Jenkin, Cecile Skotness, Lucas Sithole, Marion Arnold, Robert Hodgins, Tinus de Jongh and Willem Boshoff.

Culture Club

Cultural institutions and non-profit organisations who nurture and support artistic production in the region through exhibitions and artist residencies, have the opportunity to present their work to the public. Participants this year include A4 Arts Foundation, Bag Factory Artists’ Studios, Evolving Art, LALELA, Norval Foundation, Zeitz MOCAA, and more.

Newbies And Navigating

Budding collectors features specialist prints and multiples from leading print studios and galleries include 50ty/50ty, ArtThrob and South Atlantic Press (all Cape Town), Artist Proof Studio, Dale Sargent Fine Art and LL Editions Contemporary (all Johannesburg), Asele Institute (Nimo, Nigeria) and Samuel Maenhoudt Gallery (Brussels, Belgium).

Talks

Artists, curators, gallerists and specialist collectors take to the stage on Friday, 18 February from 11h00 to 18h00 at the Westin Hotel. Some of the topics are: Preserving, Interpreting and Appropriating Heritage for a More Equitable Future; Art & Design for the Future: Towards Radical and Creative Ecologies;  Autobiography, Self-Representation, and Shifting Narratives: Ashraf Jamal in Conversation with Thania Petersen and Billie Zangewa; and Into the Metaverse: The Impact of NFTs on the Art World.

Online

This years event can also be experienced online from 18 – 20 February 2022. The access, simply click on the button at the top of the home page to the digital fair site.

Venue and tickets

The ninth Investec Cape Town Art Fair will run from Friday 18 to Sunday 20 February at the Cape Town International Conference Centre from 11h00 to 19h00.

Tickets can be purchased via the Webticket link on www.investeccapetownartfair.co.za

The post Investec Cape Town Art Fair Highlights appeared first on Stellenbosch Visio.