December calls for reflection, much-deserved relaxation and taking a moment to appreciate our health and good fortune. But that does not mean sitting home looking pretty. We bring you our favourite top ten things to do this month.
#1: Win a deluxe Morgenster hamper
Kickstart your festive season with spoils from Morgenster Wine & Olive Estate. Family-owned and family-run Morgenster not only has a rich history dating back 300 years, but has recently also been recognised with some of the industry’s most prestigious awards for olive oil and wine. These range from a 99/100 score from the international Flos Olei guide and an Absa Top 10 Olive Oils Award, to a five-star star Platter’s rating and a win at the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show. Morgenster certainly has ample reason to clink the bubbly glasses. In celebration of the estate’s many accolades, we are giving away a Morgenster hamper to one lucky reader to the value of R1,000. The hamper includes:
• 2 x bottles Morgenster Vermentino 2020
• 2 x bottles Morgenster Sangiovese Rosé
• 1 x 500ml bottle of the highly-awarded Morgenster Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 2 x jars of Morgenster olive paste
• 1 x jar of Morgenster estate Nocellera olives
TO ENTER, send an email to digital@stellenboschvisio.co.za with ‘MORGENSTER’ in the subject line. Remember to include your full name, contact details and courier address. No entrants under 18. The winner will be chosen at random and notified telephonically. Competition closes on 16 December 2020 at 11:00.
#2: Glorious art in the Riebeek Valley
This weekend, the Riebeek Valley will be a hive of cultural activities and other diversions with the eagerly awaited Solo Studios Intimate Art Encounters. Privileged visits to artists’ studios and larger exhibitions, performance art, wine and food experiences, and live theatre form part of the enticing programme. Since its inception in 2016, Solo Studios has established itself as a premier art event by inviting a limited number of aficionados into the intimate studio spaces of the renowned participating artists for one weekend. Complementary fringe activities and entertainment add to the experience, making it a not-to-be-missed date on the arts calendar.
When: 11-13 December 2020
Book online or call +27 (0)74 209 6838 for more information. Click here to view the weekend’s full programme.
#3: Warm up for 2021 at Hazendal
Talented bassist and composer Sean Sanby closes 2020 with an all-original set from his debut album Out of the candlelight at the Hazendal Jazz Club. Sanby’s debut album is already making waves amongst local jazz lovers and was recently nominated as Best Contemporary Jazz Album at the Mzantsi Jazz Awards. Joining Sanby on the stage at Hazendal is his collective of young jazz talents: Muneeb Hermans (trumpet), Jesse Julies (saxophone), Bradley Prince (guitar), Brathew van Schalkwyk (piano), Lilavan Gangen (percussion) and Damian Kamineth (drums). Cue innovative jazz, fine food and memorable wine.
When: 30 December 2020. Doors open at 17:00 and show starts at 19:45.
Tickets: R195 per person. Book online or send an email to bookings@hazendal.co.za for more information.
#4: Celebrate photography at Quoin Rock
Featuring contemporary photography by an exciting range of artists, Quoin Rock Wine Estate will host its inaugural art exhibition until 28 March 2021. Art, intellect and passion translate perfectly into what has been created at Quoin Rock and interpret the philosophies of the current custodians, the Gaiduk family. Surrounded by beauty, visitors can explore the estate, making their way through the cellar walkway where the photographs will be displayed. Entitled Content, this group exhibition includes work by late photography master David Goldblatt, established photographer Ashley Walters and exciting new artists Noncedo Gxekwa, Strauss Louw, Elsa Smit and Nina Zimolong. The exhibition is curated by celebrated fine art photographer Daniel Naudé, who is known for his striking animal photography.
Time: Monday to Sunday 11:00-16:00. Entrance is free. Send an email to info@quoinrock.co.za for more information.
#5: Vintage and fabulous
Start your December on a vintage note with the Retro Rendezvous Christmas Market. Stellenbosch Visio’s very own fashion editor, Jackie Burger, will be co-hosting the market and there will be around 25 stalls with nothing but carefully selected vintage items and collectables. Spend the morning amid the best vintage finds while enjoying a glass of wine. Once you’ve bagged your summer treasures and stocked up on one-of-a-kind timeless gifts, relax in the shade under a giant tree and soak up the relaxed atmosphere. Traders include Past Perfect Vintage, Myrtles Vintage Bazaar, Just Your Luck, Vintage House Eccentric, White Elephant Collectables, Natotela Vintage, PTO Books & Vinyls and more.
When: 16 December 2020 09:00-14:00
Where: De Meye Wine Estate, Muldersvlei Road, Stellenbosch
#6: Make memories at Grootbos
Until 10 January 2021, five-star Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is offering an exclusive festive season special not to be missed. This luxury eco-reserve – close to the southern tip of Africa and tucked between mountains, forest and sea – is a melting pot of biodiversity, culture and natural wonder. With 2,500 hectares of pristine wilderness, 100 endangered plant species, the ocean’s Big Five and more than 20 mammal species, guests are set to experience an unforgettable African breakaway. The special offer includes five-star accommodation in a luxurious free-standing suite (R6,750 per person per night sharing) or a private Grootbos villa (R66,500 per night), fine dining, private beach picnics, complimentary wine and sparkling wine, Lady Stanford river cruise and 50% off all spa treatments. Book online or send an email to florentina@grootbos.co.za for more information.
#7: Bubbles for everyone!
The festive season is synonymous with many a celebration and what better addition to your festive table than some proudly South African bubbles?
- Groote Post Brut Méthode Cap Classique: A blend of traditional Champagne varietals – 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir – harnessing structure and acidity from the Chardonnay and fruity components from the Pinot Noir. The grapes are whole-bunch pressed, an important process when creating fine sparkling wines. To prevent too much colour extraction from the Pinot Noir, only the first free-run juice of the Pinot is used. The juice spends three months on the lees after the first fermentation. The wine then undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle and matures for 15 months on the lees, adding a creaminess and beautiful texture to the wine. Thereafter the disgorging and dosage take place.
- Quoin Rock Blanc de Blanc Méthode Cap Classique 2009: This limited edition MCC was created using only the best parts of their Elim farm’s Chardonnay blocks. The grapes for this 2009 vintage were whole-bunch pressed and stored in French Oak barrels for seven months. Following the strict guidelines of producing a Méthode Cap Classique, the wine was allowed to mature on the lees for roughly nine years before being disgorged. It then spent a further two years in the bottle, lending a depth and complexity that is well worth the wait.
- Graham Beck celebrates 30 sparkling vintages: Graham Beck recently released an exclusive commemorative 30th celebratory magnum crafted by cellar master Pieter (Bubbles) Ferreira. Pieter has been at the helm of the Graham Beck Cap Classique production team since the maiden vintage. This elegant Cap Classique is a tailor-made blend and a timeless expression of the finest terroir made all the more special with the use of a rare liqueur d’expedition (dosage) that was initiated three decades ago as part of the cellar’s perpetual reserve. This captivating cuvée comes full circle, offering a tribute to the estate’s past, acknowledgement of its present, and a toast to the future. This limited release is exclusively available via Graham Beck’s online store and tasting room.
#8: Out and about on the Garden Route
This December, folks visiting the Garden Route can choose between various exciting events:
- WINE & WHATEVER EXPERIENCE: 18 & 19 December 2020, Fancourt, George, 12:00-19:00, R100
- SPLASH QUACK ATTACK DUCK RACE: 28 December 2020, Knysna Quays, from 13:00, R50 per duck
- KNYSNA SPLASH SWIM: 28 December 2020, Knysna Yacht Club, starts 14:30, R160-R300
- GROOTBRAK GRABADOO: 30 & 31 December, Grootbrak, from 13:00, R100-R200
#9: A runner’s heart
- The second edition of the storied Maxi-Race Cape Winelands takes place on 12 December 2020. More than just a trail race, the Maxi-Race takes you on a journey, an adventure of self-discovery amongst exquisite and unique landscapes. Choose between 20km, 40km and 75km.
- The Meerkat Gravel Ride & Trail Run gives you the chance to ride, race and enjoy the outdoors on 13 December 2020 at the Welbedacht Wine Estate in Wellington.
#10: A host of activities at Nederburg
Next time you’re in Paarl, make sure to visit Nederburg’s revamped wine and food experience hub, The Manor. On the line-up?
- Full-flavoured, fresh, summer-inspired food prepared by chef Maveer Thulsie and his team is served inside the elegant manor house, outside on the stoep or under the trees in the lush garden.
- Family-friendly picnics are held under the trees in the garden with an array of fun lawn games available to enjoy. Picnic baskets are filled to the brim with scrumptious picnic fare and fine wines. Kiddies’ picnic boxes are also available.
- Play winemaker for a day as the experts guide you through the blending process. Learn the characteristics of various cultivars and discover why some harmonise better than others. Blend and bottle your own signature wine to take home. Available on request for groups of 6-24.
Bookings: Contact Nederburg on +27 (0)21 862 3104 or send an email to info@nederburg.com for more information.