Monthly Archives: January 2011

Cape Town - South Africa’s passionate and glamorous polo community will be able to witness one of the world’s most iconic polo nations in action when India tour the country in February as part of the BMW International Polo Series.

On Saturday, February 26, the lush polo fields of the Val de Vie Estate in the magnificent Paarl Franschhoek Valley will host a classic encounter between India and South Africa.

A day of elegance between man and beast will be matched by a host of celebrities and VIPs reveling in the finest Val de Vie wines, gourmet food, and a display of the latest BMW vehicles.

“Polo is an exciting sport, and we are proud to be associated with a sport that so epitomises excellence and with which we have a long and successful relationship with. People marvel at the ability of man and horse to achieve such perfect unity, and BMW shares this drive for creating perfect partnerships in the pursuit of a passion,” said Guy Kilfoil, General Manager: Communications and Public Affairs at BMW South Africa.

India will bring with them a rich legacy in the sport dating back to medieval times, and which has earned the country the status of being the cradle of modern polo.

“The prestige of this particular contest is highlighted by the fact that India rarely tours South Africa, having done so on only a handful of occasions in the past 20 years,” said Clive Peddle, the Executive Director of the South African Polo Association.

“But equally important will be overall enjoyment of a wonderful event. India are a very hospitable nation and the South Africans were treated with five star luxury on their recent trip. We aim to reciprocate by providing the Indian team with a wonderful time matched by exciting polo.”

Now in its third year, the BMW International Polo at Val de Vie has become one of the most keenly anticipated events on the Cape Town social calendar. It is arguably one of the most sleek, glamorous and sought-after tickets in town.

Chile was the first to tour South Africa as part of this series. Last year the series was highlighted by a 14 to 5 goal victory over Italy, watched by the likes of Ryk Neethling, Ard Matthews, Lee-Ann Liebenberg, Vanessa Haywood and a host of other celebrities.

“The BMW International Polo at Val de Vie is an elegant affair where Cape Town’s elite will enjoy an exclusive, elegant and relaxing day of Polo,” said Michelle van Eyden of SAIL, the Executive Promoter of the BMW International Polo at Val de Vie as well as the highly successful L’Ormarins Queens Plate held recently.

“The gates open at 14:00 and tickets are on sale at Web Ticket and at Val de Vie Estate on the day. The cost is only R50 per ticket, excluding food and drink, and we offer a variety of hospitality packages.”

The hospitality packages available from SAIL include the Chukka Club package (www.webticket.co.za) and the Champions Pavilion package (www.sail.co.za).

At R360 per person, guests of the Chukka Club will be granted access to a private area next to the Val de Vie Pavilion, where they can enjoy a complimentary glass of wine, and a limited cocktail style menu. The venue makes for an exclusive environment providing a superb view of the match.

For those seeking an even greater level of elegance and sophistication combined with unrivalled networking and socializing, the Champions Pavilion offers all of this at a cost of R1 400 per person, excluding VAT. Here guests will be able to enjoy an Indian style cocktail menu and a complimentary local bar.

From its ancient roots as the chosen sport of the Sultans of India to the polo fields of Val de Vie Estate, this will be a memorable encounter between two great polo nations.

The Val de Vie New Years Polo Tournament took place in Cape Town this week. 

The Val de Vie Polo Tournaments are fast growing into a very popular attraction in the Cape Town entertainment scene and the excited crowd enjoyed spectacular polo while sipping champagne on the stoop of the Polo Club restaurant.

The matches were fought out by the four teams over three days with Cape Town Polo Club, ultimately winning the tournament. Congratulations to them.

The Teams were:

• Val de Vie
• Quattro Snaith
• Cape Town Polo Club
• Cape Hunt Polo Club

The Val de Vie Polo Club is now preparing in all earnest for the BMW International in which India will be playing South Africa. An exciting 6-8 Goal tournament is being planned for just after the International.

We hope to see you there!

VDV Team, Rolf Thielen, Kevin Rixon, Alessandro Balestri, Martin Hartman

We are very proud of our lovely ladies, Maureen de Waal, Michelle Evert and Karen Dormel who competed at the Endurance Race in Riebeek Kasteel on the 22 January. The race started at 5:15 am on the Saturday morning, and it took them 3 hours and 45 min to complete the race of 35km. They finished at 8:45 am, it was a very proud moment for Maureen, knowing that all her dedication, hard work and training had paid off.

Educational Chukkas are played once a week, under the guidance of our Polo Pro, Kevin Rixon. Our enthusiastic bunch of up and coming Polo Players learn a lot during these chukkas. They are purely educational chukkas, where the rules are explained to the players before during and after the game. We find that it is a great way for the players to learn the rules and understand them before they will start to play in the fast chukkas one day. It is a great way for people to come together in a unique environment . We are very blessed to have the most amazing Polo Students that are so dedicated and passionate about the game of Polo, as well as the welfare of the horses. We look forward to year full of fun and great Polo.

Karen Lewis, Haidee Marklew and Pippa Rathcliffe

Floral Affairs are true pioneers when it comes to glam decor design. These style gurus never fail to pull off chic designs that retain a sense of your own personal style.

We love what Jolise did with the wedding decor for Gherda and Dirk. It was a showstopping affair that captured the dream wedding that Gherda had been dreaming of for years.

The deep love shared by this wonderful couple was tangible in the moving speeches at their wedding. Val de Vie Events wish you the all the best for the future! May the bling factor always remain in your relationship.

Contact Floral Affairs to book an appointment on 082 807 3334.

Mandi and Daniel celebrated their wedding at Val de Vie on 11 Jan 2011. They were a truly awesome Couple to host and we really enjoyed helping them to realise their special day.

Mandi, you are so beautiful and Daniel, you are a legend!

The Val de Vie Events Team wish you all the happiness, blessings, health and love that will last forever and ever!

For more gorgeous photos, visit Ryan Graham's website.

We are delighted to introduce you to our very own incredible dance teacher, Carly Chapman.

Carly has danced professionally all over the world, but it was in New York that she really enjoyed the energy of the stage. Originally from the UK, she spent most of her time in London where she worked alongside top dancing professionals. Today she's followed her heart and we're very lucky to have this Britsh dance expert on South African soil!

As she says, "its all about the connection paired with the perfect song, complemented by gracious movement and some ambient lights. You're pretty much guaranteed a picture perfect opening dance that everyone will be talking about for many years!"

Dance packages tailored for Weddings
Once in a lifetime dance
Blow your guests away and perfect your opening dance with Carly. She'll spend one-on-one time with couples who wish to focus on more traditional forms of dancing, such as the waltz, Viennese Waltz or the Rumba.

Individually tailored wedding dances
This is geared for couples who have a song or style of dance in mind and need some creative assistance to turn it into choreography.

Dance fitness classes: Have fun with your fiancé before the big day
Pre-wedding dance fitness classes to help the bride and groom get into shape, as well as enjoy each other’s company in a more relaxed environment.

TSR class
Tone, stretch and relaxation. A one hour class broken down into three sections. The first section focuses on toning those key areas of the body – legs, bums, arms, and stomachs. We then move onto the stretching section of the class, using the strength of our muscles from the toning section to safely stretch our muscles. The class ends with a relaxation and revitalising focus.

Latin exercise
A one hour exercise class based on Latin rhythms, such as Salsa, Jive, Cha Cha Cha, Rumba and Samba. Using the Latin technique to build stamina, improve co-ordination and tone up the body.

For any further information contact Carly on 071 591 6868.

"Fashion, figure-hugging frocks and all that's fabulous! There's definitely a true sense of excitement, elegance and romantic flair in 2011. This year has it all blushed up and brides are oh so lucky that they've decided on this great year.

After all, it's the first year of a brand new decade, so let’s celebrate with volumes of French lace!" – Simone, MD Events

Mood Board Created by Elsje Oosthuizen

Val de Vie offers its corporate clients the ultimate venue for five star events and conferences. If a mid-year break is what you're after, enjoy a conference in the fresh country air in true style. It's also never too early to book a year-end function like no other.

Contact the Events team to arrange a site visit and to receive more information about our state-of-the-art facilities.

Something Old:
Coffee around the world is consumed in different ways, in different styles, with different strengths and with different meanings.

Coffee-making in Arabian countries is like a ceremony or solemn performance. In some parts of Arabia, especially in Bedouin tents, the process of coffee-making has become a ceremonial and important obligation, which was perfomed only by the host. Arabian coffee is served in a small cup without a handle and in no circumstances it should be sweetened. The cup should always be held with the forefinger and thumb of the right hand.

Ethiopia's coffee tradition is sacred, ceremonial and honoured. Native Ethiopians sit around a carpet of newly cut flowers and grass. Over ignited charcoal, the coffee is roasted and brewed in a jebena or clay pot. The coffee's aroma is enhanced by the burning of frankincense. The rich, hot coffee is poured into handless cups and served to the guests. The first serving of coffee is called abol bunna. The jebena is then topped up with more hot water and boiled again before the next serving, tona bunna, is poured. Again the jebena is filled with water, boiled, and then the last serving, baraka or blessing, is provided. This ritual is the original version of a coffee house experience.

- Design by Elsjé Oosthuizen, Val de Vie Events Assistant

"I smell peppermint, I see green grass, I feel relaxed and I'm paging through my favourite novel, enjoying the sounds of little birds flying by. That is the inspiration behind my design."

Pastel garden with a hint of mystical vintage and endless elegance.
– Designed by Elsje Oosthuizen, Val de Vie Events Assistant

Something Different Lighting and Concepts have created a mood board that sheds some “light” on the topic of lights at your function.

Their mood board is inspired by the hottest looks for 2011 and showcases how glitz and oversized bling remain as big trends, but coupled with an element of fun and excitement, bold shapes, retro colours and a pure sense of freshness.

For any lighting needs at your event, contact Melanie:
mobile: 072 140 3331 office: 0861 266 2378 fax. 021 761 0951
86/88 Princessvlei Rd, Plumstead, Cape Town.
www.something-different.co.za

Val de Vie got into the festive spirit this season and hosted a kids Christmas carnival on 9 Dec 2010. 700 terminally ill children attended the fun-filled occasion, and it gave the Val de Vie team great pleasure to see the kids enjoying every minute of the event!

We're planning to hold the event again this year on 8 December. If you'd like to support and sponsor this worthy cause, kindly contact Simone on 072 72 655 21.

We thank all the goodwill doers in advance.

The Val de Vie Events team wish everyone a colourful, healthy and festive 2011.

I’m not a particularly huge fan of Crowded House, but one thing is for sure:  you always take the weather with you. We, unlike our vines, can move to the seaside where it’s cooler, or to the river where you have plenty of water, or put on a nice round hat and sunscreen, almost as if you were at the cricket. All of these factors (minus the cricket) have a great influence on what quality of wine year we’re going to have.

This has been quite an erratic wine growing season, with sporadic showers one day and dry-out-the-spit-in-your-mouth heat the next. There is absolutely nothing that we as wine growers and makers can do about it. And so the weather has been strange all over the show. All of a sudden there’s rain in Beaufort West and the three big dams in the Vaal area have exceeded their capacity! That is something that hasn’t happened in quite a while! The wind has been strange too – never just a fresh breath of air. It's either kite surfing weather, or it feels like an asthmatic mouse blowing at you through a straw – nonexistent. So you either have a drying effect, or a heating effect.

But if I put my mindless barking at the moon aside, and think about it, this has actually been a great year for wine, apart from the lack of cold units (I won’t bore you with science and details). We have had rain at the right times, we are having a warm ripening period, and thus far we are disease-free (touch wood!). So if you are into gambling but you’re tired of horses, cards, roulette, or even betting on who’s going to win the Oscar, just start making wine. The only difference is that with gambling you may have skills that could influence your outcome, like counting cards or injecting horses with steroids. With wine, there’s nothing you can do about it. All you can do is let nature take its course. And we believe that is the way wine should be made, Au Natural!

Have you ever tried cheating the weather?

Val de Vie Events welcomes the new creative and energetic Events Assistant, Elsje Oosthuizen.

This young dynamic lady has an eye for all things pretty and funky. Elsje will be designing moodboards of things that inspire her and she'll be posting them regularly onto our blog. Watch this space!

Val de Vie is thrilled to be hosting KDay, an exciting music festival brought to you by KFM. This fun-filled event will be held on Saturday 19 March 2011 and will include talented SA artists such as Prime Circle, Jack Parow and Danny K, to name but a few!

As an outdoor festival it promises to be a wonderful event for the whole family, complete with dazzling winelands scenery. Tickets are available at Computicket.

For more details visit the KFM website.

The BMW Polo International will soon be hosted at Val de Vie, and we can't wait for this prestigious polo event!
Held on Saturday 26 Feb 2011, the event will see India playing against South Africa. Expect plenty of excitement, celebs and hot polo action.

Tickets will be sold at computicket and include a range of options. For VIP treatment, the hospitality tickets at the Champions Pavilion are a must. Some of the benefits include an entrance ticket, access to the exclusive lounge area and the after party, as well as cocktail-style menu and unreserved seating. Click here to download a PDF with more details about the the Champions Pavilion tickets.

Other ticket options include R50.00 tickets for access to the outside area on the berm, as well as Chukka Club tickets which offer access to a special spectator area (price TBC).

The Val de Vie Polo Club is kicking off the New Year with an exciting Zero Goal Tournament.  There are five teams currently which is an oversubscription.  What a wonderful problem to have. The Club is really going from strength to strength with new players and horse nearly every week. 

 Kevin Rixon (our Polo Coach) is also jam packed with lesson and there are 7 new aspiring players about to start their first slow chukkas. How exciting!

 Alessandro and Rolf, both recently back from the SA Open are also rearing to get stuck in and win more cups.

 Please feel free to email rolf@valdevie.co.za for any queries or interest.

Kind Regards

the Polo Club

Val de vie 8 Goal Team

Here is some decor inspiration from the talented team at Okasie, one of the most innovative florists in South Africa.

Their style forecast for 2011 includes natural tones such as fresh green and nudes, as well as organic styling and textures of raw wood. The monotone look will also be big, accompanied by a focus on simple shapes, bold accent pieces and clean lines. We can't wait to see how these themes will be incorporated into wedding and events decor during the year ahead!

Visit the Okasie website to discover more floral and decor ideas.

Val de Vie was delighted to host the wedding reception of Anrea and Paul (the great great great grandson of historical statesman Paul Kruger).

See some wonderful photos of the newlyweds and their celebration at the ZaraZoo blog.

I honestly have no how idea how to start with my first newsletter. How do you introduce yourself through an email without looking like a serial spammer?! But here we go…

My name is Harold, and I am the newest addition to the wine works at Val de Vie. 5 months have passed since starting here, and man, this is awesome!!! We have so many new and interesting projects, I feel like a kid in a cookie shop!

Firstly we had Ryk Neethling joining our team. He helps us with blending, is a shareholder, and by me knowing him, gives me a lot more “street cred” than I deserve (apparently credit is too long to say). His wine has been bottled, and will be released soon! We’ve decided to involve you with the pricing of the wine.  We’re planning to send you some wine, you decide what this wine is worth to you, and you pay us that amount (if you’re keen of course!) Simple enough… By doing this, we will know where to price this wine. Of course, depending on what you pay, I’ll decided what to send you next time...

Secondly, we launched two new white wines. The Polo Club Sauvignon Blanc, a fresh and vibrant wine with the best of both world flavours. Not overpowering green, or diabetically sweet with tropical flavours. Balance is the key to this popular wine from Durbanville. Now, the Polo Club Filly. This blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc is the health conscious person's dream! It’s lower in alcohol, 10.5% (now you can drink 2 bottles rather than 2 glasses), lower in calories (now you can drink 2 bottles rather than 2 glasses), and lower in sulphur (now you can drink for 2 weeks in a row rather than 2 days).

Summer holiday is upon us, and I’m sure you don’t want to leave you braai unattended. So we will deliver straight to your doorstep, anywhere in the country.

Drop me a mail if you are interested in buying some of our wines, or if you need advice/want to know more about wine, or if you need somebody to join you for a glass of wine.

I look forward to your immediate response!