Monthly Archives: June 2012

Be inspired by Hein Wagner, a blind cyclist and motivational speaker who has made some phenomenal accomplishments. Click here to find out more about this remarkable athlete, or RSVP by emailing janette.griesel@valdevie.co.za

It's time for high tea, polo-style! Dress up in an elegant frock, fill your vases with roses and gather your favourite group of friends. Be sure to add equestrian touches into the theme, such as invitations that use a polo motif, paper place settings with cut-out ponies or biscuits in the shape of horse shoes. Snack on cucumber sandwiches, macaroons and petit fours, while sipping Champagne or Earl Grey tea. So pretty, so chic, so much fun!

By Simone de Wet, MD of Val de Vie Events

At the moment we're in the middle of a chilly Winter, but it's some reassurance that we can look forward to the freshness and beauty of Spring. Brides who are tying the knot in Spring should start planning their flowers now, and there is such a dazzling array to choose from. You are spoilt for choice with classic favourites such as roses, crysanthenums, carnations and irises, or more modern options such as proteas and orchids.

Here is a a list of other gorgeous flowers that are available in Spring:

• Daffodils
• Gerberas
• Gladiolus
• Lace Flower
• Delphiniums
• Tulips
• Veronicas
• Anemones
• Freecias
• Tuberoses
• Snap Dragons
• Larkspurs
• Stocks
• Sweetpeas
• Ranunculus

By Nadia Valentyn, Venue Manager & Wedding Planner

We wish JP and Sue a very happy anniversary today! It was our absoloute pleasure to oversee the Full Coordination of their special day last year, and we wish them all the happiness for the future.

We are thrilled that Bravo! recently featured the Val de Vie 5 Nations Polo. Be sure to watch this wonderful video that captures the spirit of this chic event.

Soft, dusky tones and romantic details complete the look of this beautiful moodboard.

By Simone de Wet, MD of Val de Vie Events

Images sourced from Pinterest.

Here's a great wedding theme for jetsetters! Celebrate the spirit of journey and adventure with a quirky travel theme. There are so many ways to have fun with this look; use maps, globes, childhood books and vintage suitcases in your decor, and have a polaroid photobooth for your guests. Travel name tags are perfect for place settings, while your invitations can take the form of passports complete with wax seals and stamps.
Bon voyage!

By Nadia Valentyn, Venue Manager & Wedding Planner

We are so excited to introduce our new team page! It features stunning new photos of our team, taken by Jean-Pierre Uys. Our flawless make-up was courtesy of Candice Leigh.

Be sure to visit the page to find out about all the talented ladies behind Val de Vie Events.

Life, laughter but most of all, LOVE.

Simone de Wet, MD Val de Vie Events & Full Coordination, created this beautiful blog post that has a true sense of romance and nostalgia. The inspiration behind this post comes from a good friend of hers. As she pust it, "it's inspired by my great friend and her love for the one and only love of her life.” Here's to honouring life, laughter and love!

By Iza de Lange, Marketing Manager and Event Coordinator

The Bastille Day Festival is taking place in Franschhoek on the 13 and 15 July, and we can't wait! Val de Vie Wines will be taking part in this popular event, which celebrates the region's centuries-old French Huguenot heritage.

Expect a feast of delectable food, the finest wines and a host of other attractions, including craft stalls, children's activities, live music and the famous Barrel Rolling and Boules Competition.

BOOKINGS: Tickets can be purchased through www.webtickets.co.za, but hurry as tickets are limited. Once the marquee is full no further patrons will be admitted.

For more details, click here.

Earlier this week we took a look at how vinyl wall art can add some flair to your home's decor. There are so many more ways to to get creative with this modern medium, especially if you have a way with words. Take your favourite quotes, lyrics or words and turn them into a visual statement. It's a great way to beautify a space and lift the mood with a positive message.

By Nadia Ackermann, Venue Manager & Wedding Planner

Join ELLE editor Jackie Burger on 18 August 2012 for a spirited and elegant event in the month dedicated to women: ELLE Loves Being A Woman. This luxurious event is an all-day affair that will be held at Val de Vie Estate. It is the perfect opportunity to spoil a mom or daughter, or to share with sisters and friends.

What Can You Expect?
A salon fashion show featuring the trends for summer 2012/13 from Mango, Forever New, Nine West, Christopher Strong, Klûk CGDT, TWO and others
A goodie bag worth R1 000
Pop-up stores including a make-up touch-up area and a nail bar
A three-course lunch, to end a perfect celebration

Book Now
Tickets cost R450 pp
Go to elle.co.za and follow instructions to reserve your seat and make an electronic payment.
NB: Bookings close on 8 August. Registration starts at 10am and the event will conclude at 4pm on both days.

Download the full details

Val de Vie is proud to have a beautiful new advertisement in the latest issue of the Wedding Album. This must-read publication is the ultimate source for all the latest bridal trends and innovations.

The advert features an elegant photoshoot that we recently held at the estate. We love how it all came together so beautifully and are so excited to be featured in the Wedding Album for the third year running.

Photography: Jean-Pierre Uys, Make up: Helga, Design: Alwijn from Coord
Wedding dresses: Kobus Dippenaar, Menswear: Hilton Weiner

By Iza de Lange, Event Coordinator & Marketing Manager

Val de Vie Events is delighted to present a fabulous pampering experience way for brides-to-be. Pure Bliss is a mobile spa that offers massages and beauty treatments in the comfort of your own own. From Swedish massages to beautiful manicures, it's a convenient way to get ready for the big day with no fuss at all.

Call 021 863 0628 for more details.

At Val de Vie Events we're crazy about vinyl wall art. It's such an easy way to jazz up an interior and create something that looks both unique and eye-catching. Vinyl shapes are also fun to include in your wedding decor, whether you create monogrammed motifs or chic floral patterns.

We're busy decorating our offices with some stunning vinyl decorations, watch this space!

By Iza de Lange, Marketing Manager and Event Coordinator

Elsjé Oosthuizen, a talented Event & Wedding Coordinator from the Val de Vie Coordination Team, has a real flair for cooking. This week she's got some scrumptious recipes that offer perfect way to cheer up your Monday dinner. Yum!

Avocado & Egg Pita Breads

Here's what you'll need:
1. Greek or pocket-less pita, or any kind of flat bread
2. Lemon
3. Ripe avocado
4. Organic egg
5. Sea salt, pepper, chili flakes, cumin, cumin seed, extra virgin olive oil

Here's what you do:

Toast pita until crisp, mash avocado and spread on pita, drizzle with a dash of lemon, olive oil and spices, place egg cooked to your liking on top and serve.

Best as healthy breakfast, afternoon snack or Meat-Free Monday night dinner! Add prosciutto or a sprinkling of feta over the top for a richer snack.

Roasted Strawberry & Brie Sandwich

6 strawberries, quartered
1/2 teaspoon canola oil
pinch of salt
2 tablespoons butter
4 thick-cut slices of multigrain bread
2-3 ounces of brie cheese, sliced
1-2 ounces high-quality chocolate

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Toss strawberries with oil and salt, then spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes.
Heat a large skillet or grilled over medium-low heat. Butter the sides of two slices of bread, place them on the skillet buttered-side down, then layer on a few slices of cheese, chocolate and strawberries. Top with a few more slices of cheese, then butter one side of the other bread slices, and place on top of the cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese has started to melt, then gently flip the sandwich and cook until golden. Serve immediately!

We are so excited to be planning the wedding of Olga and Hanjo on 30 June 2012, which promises to be a lavish winter celebration. It'll be an event that captures pure winter elegance, with chic shades of silver and white, complemented by hints of color. The bride's dream for her wedding is certainly unconventional - she hopes to have a wet winter wedding in a glass marquee tent! Our team is so inspired to help realise her dream day and we know it's going to be exceptional.

The start up for this wedding begins 21 June 2012. We'll be setting up a spectacular glass marquee tent on our lush polo fields. The decor will take a full week to perfect, helping us to be sure that the flowers and elegant details are absolutely perfect. MD Sımone de Wet has confırmed that Elsje Oosthuizen and six wedding coordinators from Val de Vıe Full Coordination wıll be looking after every last detail to ensure that everlasting memorıes are created for this amazıng couple and their 580 guests.

Some of the most beautiful wedding cakes are from Charm City Cakes, a US cake maker that creates real culinary masterpieces. The cakes are almost sculptural in their appearance, with crisp, clean lines and detailing that is executed with the utmost precision. They capture the trend for minimalist, origami-inspired cakes that have a very modern, fuss-free appearance. To view more incedible cakes, visit Design Sponge.

By Simone de Wet, MD of Val de Vie Events

We wish all dads a very happy Father's Day this Sunday! Remember to spoil your dad with something nice, such as tasty snacks to enjoy during the rugby, a smart travel toiletries bag or cologne.

Perhaps the best way to celebrate is at our Father's Day Braai, hosted by the Polo Club Restaurant. Expect hearty, delicious food in a relaxed country atmosphere.

We also have a fantastic Father's Day wine special that includes a bottle of Ryk Neethling Wine and Polo Club Craftsman for only R170.00.

By Simone de Wet, MD of Val de Vie Events

Talented make-up artist Candice Leigh is oferring some fantastic specials this winter. It's the perfect chance to beat the winter blues and treat yourself to some TLC. With her expert advice, you'll be able to find out which styles make you look and feel fabulous. Don't miss out!

Get your man to spoil you rotten
Hair and Make-up for you on your “date” night: R 250.00
This is done at her studio.

Girls' pamper night: Everyday make-up, and other fabulous make-up tricks
Make-up lessons for 5 ladies in the comfort of your own home: R 1000.00
This is a full three-hour experience full of fun and laughter, covering day & evening make–up application, making the most out of your current make-up, advice on what to buy next and fabulous tricks of the trade.

Before & after, one-on-one make-up lesson:
Two hour make-up lesson for you and a friend at my studio: R 600.00
Get to know what works for you, selecting colours, application process, brush choice and the trick of the trade. This short course will give you the confidence you deserve.

Candice Leigh: +27 834418755   Fax: 086 532 5184   e-mail: info@candiceleigh.co.za website: www.candiceleigh.co.za

The Pretty Blog is hosting an inspirational wedding session at Val de Vie Estate on Saturday 23 June. This full day event starts at 8:30 and offers brides-to-be with practical and creative ideas in a relaxed setting. Expect talks from planning experts, make-up artists, stylists and photographers, each helping you to plan your big day in stress-free style. Visit The Pretty Blog to find out more details, or click on the image below.

Val de Vie Events is delighted to be hosting the wedding of Duane and Ezel, a wonderful young couple who will be celebrating their big day at the estate. The talented Elsjé from Val de Vie Full Coordination is coordinating the romantic affair, which is going to be held in December. Duane, a rugby player, and Ezel, a dancer, are looking forward to a simple but elegant occasion that reflects their love for each other.

We’ll be sure to keep you posted with more details on the wedding in the next few months. Planning will get into full swing as Elsjé and the couple meet with the industry’s top service providers, finalising all the details and perfecting each element.

Wedding photographer Charl from Agape Studio joined the couple for their second engagement shoot at Muizenberg beach. Quirky, fun and heartfelt, we love the romance captured in these images.

To see the full shoot, click here.

We are very proud that two Val de Vie homes won Gold Medals in the SALI (South African Landscape Institute) Awards of Excellence. Designed by Prohort Master Landscapers, the gardens meet the high standards of workmanship, plants and materials set by the competition.

The South African Landscapers Institute (SALI) was formed in 1984 by a group of progressive landscapers who saw the potential of the landscape industry in South Africa. They believed that the true potential could only be realised if landscape contractors showed unity, produced excellent work and projected a professional image.

Winter has descended on the winelands and it's the perfect time to enjoy generous meals and fine wines. Our winemaker, Harold Versfeld, presents you with a mouthwatering recipe for Springbok Shank paired with the Val de Vie Shiraz 2008. Bon appetit!

"As the days get shorter, the nights get longer and frost appears on the grass when leave your house in the morning, one thing is clear: it is definitely not summer anymore. Which is perfect! I love summer, but winter is equally enjoyable. After all, it is the intimate season. And with that I refer to staying indoors, lighting up the fire place, snuggling on the couch and enjoying pancakes, hearty food, and of course, red wine.

From a wine perspective, winter is really important for the vines because they go into hibernation. This allows them to accumulate vital reserves and minerals for the growing season. It also fills up our underwater supplies, which is crucial to ripen our grapes in the hot summer months.

One of the most enjoyable things in winter (apart from Super Rugby, Vodacom Cup Rugby, Currie Cup Rugby, Test Rugby and Tri-Nations Rugby) has to be hunting. And if you are a tree hugger, please don’t judge, stone or crucify me. I will send you the meat from an animal that committed suicide, so that you know it had an “organic” death.

Game meat is always a culinary delight! From making “skilpadjies” in the field, to the biltong, chilli bites, droee wors and then of course, the odd shank and leg of venison. Because venison is significantly lower in fat compared to lamb or beef, I recommend cooking the meat in a moist cooking environment, or else it could dry out.

Now, there are two different approaches to pairing food and wine. One involves contrasting rich dishes with wines that have an acidity that cuts through the heaviness, and vice versa. The other approach suggests that neither the wine nor the food should overpower each other; they should be equal in freshness and weight. Seeing as it is winter, my choice of wine is always going to be red. The recipe I chose is an old Karoo favourite and the wine that I paired it with suits the meal spectacularly well. Venison is not fatty, so not a lot of acid is needed. The cream that is added accentuates the texture of the wine perfectly.

Val de Vie Shiraz 2008: this wine evolves in the glass, from initial mocha and chocolate flavours to big opulent red fruits, to a roasted, smoky, spicy and meaty profile. Textures are balanced between tannin and acid, with a smooth and elegant finish that lingers for long on the tongue."

Recipe: Springbok Shank
Ingredients:
1.5kg Springbok shank, cut into 50 mm pieces (this is so that the marrow can cook out of the bone and add flavour to the meat)
5-6 Shards of fatty bacon, chopped
1 Spanish onion, chopped
2 Garlic cloves, bruised
Bouquet garni
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon, grated
350 ml good quality venison stock
1 teaspoon Paprika, smoked
250 ml Crème Fraiche
Salt and Pepper to taste
Fresh coriander leaves, roughly chopped
Pomegranate Arils, fresh

Method:
Fry bacon in a thick base skillet, and remove when browned. Add shanks to the same skillet and sear, remove when done. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent. Add bacon and shanks back to onions, and also add lemon juice, zest, paprika, salt and pepper, venison stock, and bouquet garni. Cover skillet and cook in pre-heated oven at 160 0 C for 5-6 hours. The dish is cooked when the meat falls from the bone. Stir in crème fraiche. Cover with pomegranate arils and fresh coriander. Serve with brown rice, or fluffy mash.
Tis the season to get fat, so go out, buy the ingredients, and start cooking. No food is better than slow food!

“Food and Wine: you decide – which is the soloist and which is the accompanist” – Michael Broadbent

Photograph sourced from ZAphoto

We love the beautiful music of Evelyn Hart, a talented musician with a gentle, folk-inspired style. Her debut collection of music is called Forged by the Sea and includes the sounds of piano, orchestral elements and, of course, Evelyn's remarkable voice.

For more details about her musics, check out these links:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/evelynhartmusic
Twitter: www.twitter.com/evelynhartmusic
Website: www.evelynhartmusic.com

As Winter is creeps up on us, a cosy kitchen is the perfect place to be. This weekend try fluffy gluten-free lemon pancakes with yogurt and fresh blueberries. They're perfect for a warm winter family brunch for in front of the fire place.

LEMON PANCAKES WITH YOGHURT + BERRIES
1/3 cup almond meal
1/3 quinoa flour
1/3 cup oat flour (ground rolled oats)
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
pinch of salt
2 1/2 Tbsp. natural cane sugar
2 eggs, seperated
1 cup buttermilk, yogurt or milk (we used half yogurt and half milk)
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
zest of one lemon
1 Tbsp. melted coconut oil, plus more for cooking

Topping
1 cup whole or lowfat yogurt
1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
2 tsp. honey
Blueberries

In a bowl, combine the dry ingredients and stir to mix.

In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with the buttermilk/yogurt, vanilla, lemon juice and zest, and the oil. Add this wet mixture to the dry and stir to combine.

In a stand mixer or with hand mixers, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Fold the egg whites into the batter.

In a frying pan, heat a small pat of oil over medium heat. Pour a scant 1/4 cup batter in the pan and repeat with as many pancakes as you can without overcrowding. Cook until bubbles form, flip and cook another minute until golden. Repeat with remaining batter.

Mix the yoghurt with lemon juice and honey. Serve the warm pancakes with a lemon yoghurt drizzle and fresh blueberries.

We are always so excited to be part of the design and planning process of ladies who celebrate their 21st birthdays at Val de Vie Estate.

This moodboard is dedicated to a lovely lady called Helene. Her birthday breakfast will be held against a backdrop of icy white and beautiful pastel shades. This gorgeous look will bring a funky youthful edge to the elegant morning celebrations.

Happy 21st Helene, we wish you blessings for many more DAZZLING years!

By Simone

The chilly winter months might be filled with grey skies and rainy afternoons, but there's no reason for you not to spice things up! Make this winter a time to indulge in all that's bold and beautiful. Host a glamorous dinner party, buy an outrageous pair of heels or wear an extravagant shade of red. It's definitely the most fun and fabulous way to defy the winter blues.

By Varety

Be sure to visit CitySlicker to take advantage of their amazing dining special at Val de Vie's Polo Club Restaurant! For only R165.00 two diners can enjoy either Lamb Pie with Lime Vanilla Mash Potato and Minted Red Wine Jus; or Bone Marrow Crusted 300g Rump Steak on Potato Augratin, Béarnaise and Green Peppercorn Sauce. The offer also includes one glass of award-winning estate red wine per person. It's the perfect chance to enjoy our delectable food in a relaxed yet elegant setting, don't miss out!

Lollos is coming to Val de Vie again on 10 July! We can't wait for this fun-filled event that is loved by the little ones.

Tickets cost R50.00 and can be bought by emailing events@valdevie.co.za. Children's lucky packets can alsoo be pre-booked for R20.00.

Add some colour and sugary sweetness to your wedding with a candy station. Indulge and be creative with this sweet sensation; choose your favourite colours and make an edible decor feature. The sweets can be served as part of dessert or as delicious gift favours for your guests.

By Nadia, Venue Manager and Wedding Coordinator

This week AnnaH takes a look at another signature personal style, the minimalist. This simple but elegant is so sophisticated, here is what she has to say about it:

"A typical ‘less is more’ approach. Your wedding exposes the core basics and character of key decor fundamentals through removing all unnecessary features or concepts. Straightforward designs and neutral colour palettes shape the foundation of this ‘persona’.

The inspiration is to strip everything down to its essential quality and achieve simplicity. The design is not completely without ornamentation, but all parts and detail are reduced to a stage where no one can remove anything further to improve the look."

A fantastic hour-long consultation with Anneke is including when booking Val de Vie as your wedding venue. View her full post on The Pretty Blog.

Wedding stylist AnnaH is showcasing various signature styles on The Pretty Blog that can brides help to define the right look for their wedding. This week she looked at "The Lady". As she puts it, “your wedding exposes the sheer romance of your ladylike personality. Celebrate your feminine side with ruffles, lace, pearls, bows, beautiful cutlery, crystal glasses and the finest linen. The idea is not to completely go overboard with detail, but to accentuate key visuals with complimenting embellishments and quality materials.”

Click here to view the post at The Pretty Blog.

As we head into Winter, we're already missing our four-footed polo horses in action. It's time to enjoy the off-season and get some rest! Ladies, stay inspired and start gathering ideas for a show-stopping outfit for the new season. It kicks off with a bang in October with the highly anticupated Pink Polo Event in aid of breast cancer. This is one polo event that cannot be missed!

Moodboard by Nadia