Monthly Archives: April 2009

We're thrilled that the wedding of Val de Vie CEO, Martin, and his beautiful wife is featured in the Aleit Wedding Coordination's latest newsletter. Known as South Africa's premier wedding coordinators, Aleit and his team created an enchanting occasion that was enjoyed by all. Be sure to read all about it!

Images courtesy of Aleit Wedding Coordination

After any special occasion, it's the photographs that let the event live on. To capture a moment on camera takes true skill and creativity, which is why we love the work of Jean-Pierre Uys. He has photographed numerous prestigious weddings and events and recently captured some spectacular images of Val de Vie. Visit his website for a showcase of his work. He's a must for any event!

Photograph courtesy of Jean-Pierre Uys

Val de Vie has got a proud winemaking tradition that goes back nearly two hundred years. Situated on the Berg River, the farm of Kliprug (on which Val de Vie is built) began to produce wine in 1825. The name of the farm is derived from the valley's rocky or stony formations, similar to those in the Rhône Valley. Directly translated, Kliprug means "rock spine" or "stony spine."

The farm boasted a gracious Manor House shaded by towering oaks, and today the structure has been meticulously restored and boasts sumptuous, French-inspired interiors. The historic wine cellar is also the site of our modern production centre, which retains a tangible sense of history while still including the latest equipment and facilities. We couldn't ask for a lovelier place to produce our award-winning Rhône varietal wines!

With 1.8 kilometres of Berg River frontage and four interlinking lakes, Val de Vie is the perfect place to go trout fishing. Stream water perpetually flows from the mountains into the lakes, creating the ideal environment for this popular sport.

With the scenic natural surroundings framing the lakes and river, there's no excuse not to get that tackle and bait ready (don't forget the picnic basket).

Residents at Val de Vie can enjoy the use of the Sport and Leisure Centre, a world class facility that boasts features such as a fully equipped gym, tennis and squash courts, a 25 metre heated indoor swimming pool and a modern change-room. With such excellent utilities, it's a pleasure to stay in shape!

Our polo fields aren't just about riveting matches and exciting action - they're also the hottest new location for photo shoots. Our horses and the estate have been featured in several publications, including Private Edition,as well as high profile campaigns for brands such as BMW. Looking good...

Every Wednesday we're going to focus on Val de Vie's proud winemaking heritage, and this week we're featuring the Val de Vie Polo Club White 2008. It's a luscious white blend that consists of 65% Viognier and 35% Clairette Blanche. With nuances of apricots, peaches and prickly pears that are well integrated with whiffs of rose water and Turkish Delight, you'll find this vintage rather hard to resist. It might be the ultimate summer wine, but with winter approaching it would also be delicious served with a mild curry.

If there's one magazine that you have to read this month, it's Private Edition, one of the most sophisticated glossies we've ever seen. We're delighted to be featured in Issue 3 (the current issue, available at leading newsagents and bookstores), which features the BMW Polo International that was hosted at Val de Vie in February. Be sure to check out the Social Pages, as well as page 86 for a peek into what the day was all about.

Photograph courtesy of Private Edition

The winter months might be filled with clouds and rain, but that's no excuse not to host spectacular event. With several indoor venues to choose from, Val de Vie is the perfect setting for a warm and welcoming winter function. Celebrate a sumptuous wedding in the ballroom, enjoy an intimate party in the Founder's Lounge or savour a festive winter dinner in the dining area.

Winter events are always fun, because they're the perfect opportunity to dine on hearty roasts, decadent puddings and hot treats such as Gluhwein. The right atmosphere is also important, which is why our sophisticated lighting can create a cosy ambience, coupled with the golden hue of soft candlelight.

It might get cold outside, but your guests will agree that you've got the hottest venue in South Africa.

Whether you're an amateur quaffer or a true wine connoisseur, you're sure to appreciate the sophistication of Val de Vie's fine wines. There are 13 permitted Châteauneuf-du-Pape varietals and 22 varietals in the Rhône Valley, of which Val de Vie will eventually produce 15 grape varieties. The estate grows Rhône varietals in 15 hectares of its own vineyards and also sources the best grapes cultivated within a 200 km radius, promising wines that are of the highest quality.

Our commitment to excellence hasn't gone unnoticed. The 2009 John Platter wine guide awarded the Val de Vie Flagship Wine no less than four and a half stars, while the Shiraz 2006 and GVC 2007 received an impressive four stars each. In addition, the Shiraz 2008 was rated as South Africa's Champion Shiraz at the SA National Young Wine Show. Now that's something we'll drink to!

You may have heard through the grapevine of the private functions hosted at Val de Vie, including a lavish celebration for CEO Martin Venter. But we're excited to announce that the estate's events venue recently opened to the general public, making it the ultimate setting for special occasions.

Whether you would like to host an intimate celebration for a select group of friends and family or an opulent bash for hundreds of guests, the estate's venue is perfectly suited to occasions such as weddings, birthdays and anniversaries. We'll take care of every detail, from the music and menu to the decor and drinks. The conferencing facilities are also extensive, making Val de Vie a natural first choice for discerning corporate clients.

Photograph by Jean-Pierre Uys

Visitors at Val de Vie often marvel at what life must be like on this beautiful estate. With its natural and spacious surroundings, Val de Vie is indeed a special place to call home.

Only forty minutes from Cape Town, Val de Vie offers a luxury rural setting that remains close to all the amenities. Homes are architecturally designed in the French Provencal/Cape colonial style, with careful planning ensuring that each residence enjoys a sense of space and privacy. Val de Vie also promises its home owners peace of mind, boasting some of the most sophisticated security technology in the country, including biometric scanning, intercom systems, infra-red beams, facial ID and number plate cameras.

Of course, much of what makes life at Val de Vie so unique is the beauty of the Cape countryside. The estate enjoys 1.8 kilometres of lush Berg River frontage, coupled with striking views of the imposing Paarl and Franschhoek mountains. Residents have the freedom to enjoy outdoor pursuits such as trout fishing, horse riding and bird watching. If they are more inclined to hit the greens, the neighbouring Pearl Valley and Boschenmeer golf courses offer world class sporting experiences.

To find out more about the Val de Vie way of life, please visit the Estate's website or phone +27 86 163 6363.

Val de Vie is fast becoming South Africa's top polo venue and our first operational year has been nothing less than spectacular. With an ever growing local and international client base, we've enjoyed a very busy season with high profile events such as the glamorous BMW International, held on 28 February 2009.

The exclusive event was attended by polo enthusiasts and socialites alike, eager to watch the South African polo team face the reigning world champions Chile. The match was marked by its fast and exciting pace, and after an intense battle it was Chile that won the day. As spectators sipped on Val de Vie sparkling wine and took in the views of the surrounding winelands, they also enjoyed a dazzling showcase of the latest BMWs, a lavish display of German design in its finest form. The prestigious occasion is featured in Issue 3 of Private Edition magazine, so be sure to get your copy of this gorgeous publication.

Meanwhile, our Polo School is winding down for the end of the season, but fantastic training is still on offer for anyone who would like to learn the sport or hone their skills. It's also a great way to keep fit this winter!

Val de Vie is thrilled to announce Sabrage Lounge Bar, a sophisticated new addition to the estate. Set to be launched in May 2009, Sabrage is housed in the Val de Vie Pavilion and will offer guests the chance to savour fine wines and drinks in a truly chic setting. Watch this space...

We're thrilled to announce the launch of the Val de Vie blog, an online showcase of all the latest news and highlights from our beautiful winelands estate. From international polo games and high society events to showing off our award winning wines, you'll find it first at the Val de Vie blog.