Ten years ago, in the summer of 2014, it was lift-off for the first issue of Stellenbosch Visio. And look at us now!
We are elated that, for the third year in a row, Stellenbosch Visio has been named Consumer Publication of the Year at the South African Publication Forum Awards! This incredible honour reflects our passion for storytelling, our commitment to excellence, and most importantly, the love and support of our readers.
“Stellenbosch Visio has proudly served its niche target market for over a decade,
setting itself apart among South Africa’s upscale publications focused on a C-suite
audience,” said the SAPF judges. “Stellenbosch Visio continues to be a relevant and professional publication for its discerning audience.”
This summer we were elated to be putting to bed the 40th issue of the magazine and celebrating a decade of highlights.
It took a leap of faith to launch a new magazine at a time when others were closing down, but Petro du Toit and I shared a vision and we would not be deterred.
Petro’s creativity and experience as the creative director made all the difference and under her leadership Tip Africa Publishing’s formidable team (pictured above) took Stellenbosch Visio to the pinnacle. To all of them: Thank you for your dedication, hard work, energy and enthusiasm, and for making work feel like fun. The social pictures taken at the festive events on Delaire Graff Estate (p. 41) and Quoin Rock Estate (p. 70) leave no doubt about that.
Right from the outset our dream has been to create a publication to highlight the inspiring people, stories, organisations, and places that make Stellenbosch and its region so extraordinary. We wanted to shine a light on those who strive to make a difference and leave the world a better place.
This issue is once again dedicated to showing our valley in all its glory, from exhilarating experiences in the Winelands to inspiring people who make the town come alive with their entrepreneurial zeal (p. 42).
Richard Holmes and Emile Joubert take us on a wine routes road trip and share their insiders’ knowledge of some of the best destinations and wines (p. 103). This is bucket-list stuff! To crown it all, Jacques Marais jumped into a helicopter to do some wine-tasting with a difference (p. 87). Not to be outdone, Peter Frost put a BMW R 1300 GS through its paces on the passes to Knysna (p. 84). All too fast-paced for you? Then grab your hiking shoes and accompany Karla de Bod on the Eerste River Trail (p. 124). Or head out to some picturesque spots for an unforgettable meal (p. 74).
It’s the season for joyous occasions, and your chance to dress up and shine in the most awe-inspiring jewellery from Picot and Moss (p. 60). Not to forget the pages of ideas and inspiration for gifts that will wow your nearest and dearest (p. 28).
No gift, though, can equal the relationships we have formed with you, our readers.
Thank you for making Stellenbosch Visio a part of your lives. You are the reason we do what we do, on paper and online. We also owe a debt of gratitude to our advertisers for their loyal support. Without them, as you know, it would not have been possible.
Although the past is never past, the future is already with us. There is much to look forward to: among other things to the Stellenbosch Triennale 2025, with Dr Mike Mavura opening the conversation on p. 72.
Ek lig graag ’n glasie op die toekoms, en op nog baie meer suksesvolle jare vir Stellenbosch Visio en die tallose goeie verhale wat vertel kan word. Tot lof van hierdie skeppende verhouding tussen publikasie, plek en mense het Tom Dreyer op versoek van Hettie Scholtz, ons literatuurredakteur, ’n baie spesiale gedig vir Stellenbosch Visio geskryf. Lees dit (p. 136) en verbly jou in ons lieflike uithoek binne hierdie onstuimige wêreld.
Met my beste wense vir die feestyd!
