Estate

Refreshingly clean lines abound in this modern home with clean white spaces & feature textured walls.

Open plan living with two lounge areas, dining area, Euro styled kitchen with induction hob and a separate scullery. Lovely private entertainment patio with a splash pool.

Spacious Master bedroom downstairs, with dressing area and a stunning bathroom with courtyard garden. Upstairs there are two additional bedrooms with an adjoining family bathroom.

BONUS staff accommodation!

R4.85m

Please contact Val de Vie Property for more information about this exceptional property.

We're proud to introduce Val de Vie Estates’s new Equestrian Manager, Kelly Tamarind Mathias. Whether you'd like to learn from the best or stable you horses in world-class facilities, Val de Vie's stable and livery facilities are in a league of their own.

We have the beautiful backdrop of the Simonsberg mountains on our outrides, top quality polo fields, a 90 x 90 grass exercise field, a sand training track and three sand lunging rings with brand new jumping equipment including planks, trays and fillers. The estate also provides 24-hour supervision and full grooming and livery services at the stables. To top it off, horses and ponies enjoy grazing on large open grass paddocks.

Please do not hesitate to contact Kelly should you require any additional information: kelly.mathias@valdevie.co.za

The Market at Val de Vie is back this Sunday, 7 April, and promises to have loads of gorgeous local goodies on sale! Savour fine foods, discover stunning crafts and wares, listen to live music and enjoy the action of a live polo match. Kids can take part in a variety of fun activities, including a delightful petting zoo by Zoo to You, face painting by Bazinga and a tricycle track for toddlers.

The market will be held between 10AM and 3PM, see you there!

Photos by Inecke Photography

Val de Vie Estate hosted its first market on 24 March 2013. As the first market of its kind in the Paarl-Franschhoek valley, the event was a great success and attracted over 1000 visitors to the estate.

Held twice a month on the Polo Pavilion’s terraces, the Market at Val de Vie showcases some of the region’s finest local produce in a spectacular country setting. Visitors had the opportunity to discover lovingly crafted goods as they enjoyed sunshine, smiles and festive atmosphere.

18 irresistible food stands presented a variety of delicious homemade fare, ranging from oysters, pies and gourmet delicacies to decadent sweet treats. There was no shortage of refreshment either, with seven drink stations selling wines, bubbly, local beers and fresh juices.

Beautiful clothes, jewellery and homeware were also on sale, lovingly made by Different, Handmade by Me, Roxanne, Wild Orchid Boutique, 22kids, Louw van Heerden, Daffadowndilly, Poloworld International, Patatie Designs, Lullybay and Dakota Fashion Wear. To top it off, the works of acclaimed artist Louis Janse van Vuuren were displayed in the pavilion’s foyer, while Alta Venter’s works could be viewed in the Polo Club Restaurant.

Apart from the all the tempting goods on offer, there was something for everyone at the market. Patrons were entertained by an exciting game of polo, chocolate and bubbly pairings by Pongracz and live music by Sven Blumer. Children were treated to a variety of fun activities, including a delightful petting zoo by Zoo to You. Bazinga entertained kids with face paint and balloons, while toddlers loved riding around the tricycle track.

The next Market at Val de Vie will be held between 10AM and 3PM on 7 April and promises to be another must-attend event.

Photos by Inecke Photography

Ryk Neethling, Wynand Louw and Martin Venter recently attended the Ylvisaker Cup Final as VIP guests at the International Polo Club Palm Beach, Florida. Ryk was asked to do the handover of prizes at the end of the event, which was attended by over 8000 spectators. Fellow South African Suger Erskine was named the Most Valued Player, so it was also a great day for our country! The event was a wonderful opportunity to enjoy world-class polo and to promote our brand abroad.

We are so excited to announce that Val de Vie will soon be hosting a fabulous market! On Sunday 24 March, The Market at Val de Vie will take place for the first time. As a fresh goods and craft market, it will showcase some of the finest local produce from the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley Region and beyond.

The market is the first of its kind in the Paarl area and offers a unique experience to visitors. We invite you to visit the market and browse a variety of local wares, taking in the scenery of the surrounding countryside. To top it off, each market will be accompanied by a lively polo match for your entertainment. It's the perfect opportunity to purchase delicious foods and gorgeous goods, and to support local businesses. We can't wait to see you there!

The Details

The Market at Val de Vie will be held from 10am to 3pm bi-monthly on Sundays at Val de Vie’s scenic terrace, which overlooks the polo fields.

Set against the backdrop of the majestic Drakenstein and Simonsberg Mountains of the Paarl-Franschoek Valley near Cape Town. With its combined French Provencal and Cape Colonial architecture epitomise a harmonious and tranquil grand country lifestyle.

Polo played weekly on the Pavilion Field from October to April.

Living in Luxury...

Val de Vie Estate in the Cape’s Paarl-Franschoek valley recently set a new record when a property on the estate fetched the highest price per m² for any estate property in the Cape Winelands. The beautiful house was formerly occupied by Olympic swimming champion and Val de Vie shareholder Ryk Neethling, who recently acquired another property on the estate and with the building of his new house well underway. The grand Polo House was completed in October 2011 by Guardian Development Projects, fetched a price of R 11 250 000, which translates to R 20 680 per m2. This is the highest price for any cape winelands, estate property which typically fetch prices of around R 12 500 per m2.

The purchaser is a leading businessman and Polo patron from Nigeria. He has a broad range of business interests and at one time was the biggest private employer in Nigeria. His family has vast experience in international finance and he knows a great investment when he sees one. “I see great potential for increased business co-operation between South Africa and Nigeria,” says the purchaser. “Within my portfolio of business interests, I am involved with several leading organisations with Cape-based offices and Val de Vie is conveniently located for me to be able to interact with my business interests and maintain my involvement with my passion for Polo. It is a fantastic estate and offers everything that I need for my South African home base.”

The house has featured in many magazine articles and television programmes and is one of the hallmark developments on the estate. The house is in excess of 540 m² and is built on a stand of 1130 m².

“We’re delighted to attract international investors of this calibre,” says Val de Vie CEO, Martin Venter. “It reinforces the quality of the investment and property proposition that Val de Vie presents as a primary residence estate and shows that this is truly a world-class development. We have excellent security, beautiful houses and plenty of open spaces to create an atmosphere of country living, whilst being conveniently located for resident’s business interests.”

Val de Vie  also recently scooped two International Property Awards in Dubai: a 5-star award for Best Development, Multiple Units; and Highly Commended in the Best Leisure Development category. “I’m really thrilled and proud that Val de Vie Estate has won these awards,” says Venter. “The diverse offering that encompasses Val de Vie has had a positive bearing on sales and was a prime factor in us winning. It is still a relatively young development and despite tough economic conditions, has managed to attract attention and investment with over 90% of stands already sold.”

For more information on the International Property Awards visit propertyawards.net

The sale of the Polo House was put through by Maureen de Waal, Maureen@BeautifulHomes/www.valdevie-properties.co.za

There have been many exciting events at Val de Vie Estate recently, so it's no surprise that we're making headlines! Die Burger recently featured two articles about BlackBerry Pink Polo and the Kia and Val de Vie Mountain Bike Challenge, highlighting the success of both events.

Click here to read the full article about Pink Polo, or the full article about the Kia and Val de Vie Mountain Bike Challenge.

The Franschhoek Valley is definitely one of the most spectacular in South Africa, with the Berg River Dam, a full 488ha and 68m high in the mountains, as its magnificent centre piece. And what a perfect setting for the very first Bridge House Mile this Sunday, 4 November, hosted by Energy Events and Glacier.

Val de Vie Team was present on the day, being one of the proud sponsors of the new event, including the Polo Club Restaurant serving delicious ciabattas to hungry swimmers coming out of the wonderfully clean water after their 200m, 400m and 1 mile long swim.

To the delight of the swimmers taking part their olympic hero, Ryk Neethling, made his way to the waters edge with the starting pistol. Danie Marais, the winner of the non-wetsuit mile, clocked in at 17 min. Not far behind was Achmat Hassiem, who will be at the next Paralympics in Rio. Kate Roberts was first amongst the ladies and our very own Mieke le Roux, who runs the Health Club and Gym on the estate, braved the chilly waters along with several other Homeowners' family members and children.

Onlookers and supporters on the grassy banks were spoiled with a breath taking view and the good humour of Trevor Ball as he handed out the many sponsored prizes to the lucky winners. A total count of participants amounted to over 250 swimmers. We look forward to seeing this event grow more and more every year!

Val de Vie Estate, South Africa’s first and only Wine and Polo Estate has scooped two International Property Awards out of 140 entries, namely: A 5-star award for Best Development, Multiple Units and Highly Commended in the Best Leisure Development category. The International Property Awards are presented in association with Bloomberg Television and were accepted on behalf of Val de Vie Estate by CEO, Martin Venter and Marketing Director, Ryk Neethling at the annual awards banquet which was held in Dubai on 18th October.

“I’m really thrilled and proud that Val de Vie Estate has won these awards,” says Venter. “The diverse offering that encompasses Val de Vie has had a positive bearing on sales and was a prime factor in us winning these awards. It is still a relatively young development and despite tough economic conditions, has managed to attract attention and investment with over 90% of stands already sold.”

“To be named the Best Development for Multiple Units is a tribute to the planning and design of the estate,” says Neethling. “The Best Leisure Development Award honours the fact that the estate boasts a fully-equipped gym, tennis and squash courts, a 25 metre heated indoor swimming pool, a restaurant, and many other features, particularly the Polo and Wine.”

Val de Vie is set against the backdrop of the majestic Drakenstein and Simonsberg Mountains of the Paarl-Franschoek Valley near Cape Town. The primary residence estate boasts state of the art security, stunning residences and its leafy, wide-open spaces, World-class polo fields, Rhône-style vineyards, modern pre-school, and its combined French Provencal and Cape Colonial architecture epitomise a harmonious and tranquil grand country lifestyle. It’s vineyards produce the internationally-acclaimed Val de Vie signature wines and the Polo facilities have hosted several international tournaments.

The estate is located about 30 minutes from Cape Town CBD and the airport and offers a balance between city and countryside living. Stands are priced from R 600 000 upwards and Villas are available from around R 1.9 million to R12 million. There are already in excess of 200 homes built on the estate and there are currently some 65 construction projects in progress. The estate has more than 100 stables, 2 kilometres of Berg River Frontage, and 12 Hectares of lakes.

For more information on the International Property Awards visit propertyawards.net

Residents, friends and guests all made their way over to the Polo Pavilion on Saturday to celebrate the new season with our annual Fun Run. The route took runners on a journey between around polo fields, beautiful lanes and then through vineyards, along the Berg River and between the 5 dams on the estate.

Young and old, a couple of prams and even our favourite pony, Nugget, took part in the 5km. The 9.5km ventured into the farmlands and fynbos, showcasing the serene beauty of the valley with its towering mountains. Runners gratefully received their medals and goodie bags as they crossed the finish line and went on to enjoy the sunshine and eagerly awaited the announcement of the lucky draw winners. Prizes included Personal Training Sessions at our Health Club, Polo Shirts, Restaurant Vouchers and the sought after signed bottles of Ryk Neethling Shiraz Blend.

Having the freedom to run around the estate and enjoy the beautiful surroundings, knowing you are in a safe environment, is a true privilege and a cherished part of the lifestyle on Val de Vie Estate.

If you're looking for excellent accommodation in the Paarl Valley, look no further than the historic Lanquedoc Farm Estate. Located in the beautiful foothills of the magnificent Klein Drakenstein Mountains, the estate offers four star self-catering accommodation in the heart of the Cape Winelands.

Lanquedoc is a wonderfully tranquil setting and a true country retreat, even though it's a mere 50km from Cape Town. Guests can take leisurely strolls through the estate's olive groves, enjoy a picnic in a scenic setting or simply relax in the secluded pool area. There is also plenty to do in the area, such as wine tasting or playing golf at one of the many nearby golf estates. Of course, a visit to Val de Vie Estate is a must!

For more information about Lanquedoc Farm Estate, please visit their website.

Val de Vie is thrilled to hear that the Franschhoek Wine Valley took the award last night for the Best Local Tourism Authority (LTA) Information Service in the Cape Winelands 2012.

The Cape Winelands District Municipality Mayoral Awards were presented by the Executive Mayor Alderman de Bruyn and the MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Alan Winde.

We would like to congratulate all those involved with the Franschhoek Wine Valley on this fantastic achievement, which recognises their hard work and commitment to local tourism.

A GROUND-BREAKING initiative was formulated this week in an attempt to win the fight against crime in the Valley. This was brought about by various role-players in the Paarl police sector 5 area. This area consists of the farming areas from Du Toit’s Kloof and Klein Drakenstein to Wemmershoek. On Monday afternoon members of the community, the police, social services and management of luxury estates Val de Vie and Pearl Valley met at Val de Vie Polo Club Pavilion to devise a strategy to ensure a safe and secure rural environment where all can prosper and live without fear.

This whole initiative is dependent on partnership policing between all role-players in this area, building a working relationship between the police and public. This strategy aims to address the day-to-day crime prevention actions, based on the principals of sector policing to address the needs of the entire community in Sector 5.

Morné Bosch MD of Val de Vie Estate said that this initiative has been discussed for a long time between landowners of the Wemmershoek Road right up to Franschhoek.

“As stakeholders in the area we are adamant to develop the area into a safe haven for all who live here." “The idea is to establish an non-profit company that with the help of the police will be responsible for securing the area. We are certain that we can establish the necessary funds for this.”

The idea entails securing the area by means of security cameras at vital entrances, such as from the N1 onto the Wemmershoek Road and making vehicles available for patrolling the area, including farms. “This will only be the start and later we will roll out more security measures. But the most important vehicle we have is that the whole community stands together so that a network of crime-related information is created.”

But this plan is by no means only for wealthy land-owners, as everyone who lives in the area is in some way or another affected by crime. The entire community must be involved and work together. During the meeting the concept of such a public/police partnership was widely discussed with the question of various crimes in the area.

It was evident that the main concern is alcohol and drug abuse which often leads to crime and it also a huge social dilemma. One farmer pointed out that one of his employees had an obvious drug problem. When he approached an institution which deals with addiction for help, he was told that he could not be helped because the waiting list was too long. Social workers also admitted that they cannot deal with their work load, as there are far too few staff members for the number of cases that they have to attend to.

At the end of the day it was agreed that such a partnership committed to helping fight crime, can make a great contribution to this wonderful valley and continue making it one of the best places to live in the world.

By Lise Beyers, Paarl Post

Former Springbok wing Breyten Paulse, Olympic swimmer Ryk Neethling and rally driver Gugu Zulu added a touch of celebrity glamour to the field of almost a thousand riders who took part in the inaugural Kia Val de Vie Estate Mountain Bike Challenge in the Paarl-Franschhoek valley on Sunday.

The 60km race, which crossed 21 Western Cape wine farms, was won by Charles Keey of Team Blend Properties. He claimed line honours ahead of Team USN rider Jacques Rossouw and Adriaan Louw of Team Contego.

Phelia Burger was victorious in the women’s race, followed by Desiree Loubser and Tandi Kitching.

In the 30km event, junior riders Louw Kriel and Catherine Colyn took the men’s and women’s titles for Team Contego/Sludge’ish and bizhub-FCF respectively.

Toks ‘n Tjops presenter Paulse said he had been very impressed with the organisation, the vibe and the “lekker track”.

“It’s a nice family outing and was very well-supported. We couldn’t have asked for better weather and the scenery was fantastic – so, all in all, it was a very successful first event.”

An experienced rider, Paulse easily finished the shorter distance but the Capetonian’s co-host Janina Oberholzer found her first off-road race a little tougher, coming in at the back of the field.

“Shame, she was broken,” he said. “It was a tough day for Janina but I’m proud of her for finishing.”

The show’s namesake and anchor, former Springbok prop Toks van der Linde, was also seen sampling the local wines and chatting with the farmers along the route.

Paulse joked that his aim was to get Van der Linde to eventually ride the race. “We’re busy building a four-wheel bike for Toks; at 190kg, he wouldn’t fit on a normal one.”

Race organiser Wynand de Villiers, of ASG Events, seconded his plan. “We might have to build Toks a special course too, maybe just take him around the polo field and leave it at that.”

According to De Villiers, the participants’ lighthearted approach to the day was exactly what organisers had hoped for. “I don’t want this event to get too serious because it’s just so much fun!

“Most riders stopped for about 10 minutes at each waterpoint to socialise and sample wine with the farmers. It was more like a bazaar than a bike race.”

However, good riding remained a priority with exciting racing upfront and a well-marked off-road course that did not include any district road, said De Villiers.

“A couple of people came across the line and said it was the best race they’d ridden in the Western Cape, so we’re very chuffed with that.”

He said the local community had pulled together to make the race happen. “We’ve made so many friends here – it was just a great time and an absolutely unique event.”

On a serious note, De Villiers said the local Rotary and Vrede Foundation for young cancer sufferers would also benefit from the race.

The event was the second fixture in the new Kia series, which includes the Walkerville Classic in July, the KZN Expedition in November and the Krugersdorp Game Reserve Mountain Bike Challenge, which takes place in February next year.

For more info, contact ASG Events on 076 621 1807 or eventsupport@asgworld.co.za. For updates, follow @CyclingnewsZA.

Toks ‘n Tjops presenters Janina Oberholzer (left) and Breyten Paulse enjoyed a great day’s racing in the Cape winelands at the inaugural Kia Val de Vie Estate Mountain Bike Challenge, presented by ASG, on Sunday. Photo: Paul Nielsen

Pro rider Charles Keey (Team Blend Properties) won the inaugural 60km Kia Val de Vie Estate Mountain Bike Challenge, presented by ASG, in the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley on Sunday. Photo: Paul Nielsen

Women’s race winner Phelia Burger in action during the inaugural 60km Kia Val de Vie Estate Mountain Bike Challenge, presented by ASG, in the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley on Sunday. Photo: Paul Nielsen

Voted one of the top 15 address in SA, even the air seems more fresh and life in the country so much more enjoyable.

Val de Vie offers its residents an exceptional country lifestyle! State-of-the-art security, breathtaking scenery and a variety of leisure activities, the estate presents the perfect balance between nature and affordable world-class modern living. Val de Vie is also conveniently situated close enough to the Airport and Cape Town - a 40 minute drive - and several excellent schools such as Bridge House in Franschhoek (private), and Paarl Gym and Paarl Boys (public) in Paarl, to mention but a few.

French Provencal and Cape Colonial architecture sets an elegant tone in this luxurious yet laid back development, complemented by the spectacular beauty of the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley.

Those who enjoy the finer things in life will delight in the culinary offerings of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch.

Golfers will appreciate the estate’s proximity to Pearl Valley Golf Estates and Boschenmeer, both neighbouring Val de Vie.

To enquire about luxury living at val de Vie, email villas@valdevie.co.za

Val de Vie Estate is the perfect place to enjoy a healthy and happy lifestyle. With a world-class gym and outdoor activities such as horse riding and fly fishing,  there are many ways to keep fit and have fun too.

As we head into Spring, we encourage you to get outside and get into shape with the Val de Vie 2012 Fun Run. It's the perfect chance to enjoy some exercise, fresh air and beautiful scenery. For the full details, please click here to download the flyer.

You can enter the 5km Run or the 9.5km Run by purchasing tickets on our website.

It's soon going to be time for our popular Fun Run! This year's run will be on 6 October 2012 and there are 5km and 9.5km races to choose from. Prams welcome on our 5km route and tickets will shortly be on sale on out website.

Tickets cost R80 and includes a runner’s snack, goody bag, medal and lucky draw ticket. There will also be a Polo Match and a Runner’s Menu will be open until 12h00 at the Polo Club Restaurant.

Please click here to download the full details.

- Click here to enter the 5km Run
- Click here to enter the 9.5km Run

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.

South African swimming icon Ryk Neethling spent time in the pool at Val de Vie on Saturday, coaching children suffering from the bleeding disorder haemophilia, to raise awareness on World Haemophilia Day.

“It was the first time in a pool for some of these boys, and it was amazing to see how quickly they gained confidence,” said Neethling. “At first they’d hang on to me for dear life, but as they saw that they were safe and that they could float, and swim, such big smiles would spread over their faces! It was really moving.”

The event was coordinated by the SA Haemophilia Foundation and the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, who approached Neethling to get involved. “Swimming is one of the best activities for people with haemophilia,” explains Bradley Rayner, chairperson of the SA Haemophilia Foundation and someone who lives with the disorder himself. “The weightlessness in water means there is no risk of injury. And if you’re going to show youngsters what swimming is all about, who better that the guy who won the gold? ”

Rayner says it was heart-warming to watch Neethling in the pool with the kids. “These children come from difficult circumstances, so it makes it all worthwhile when you see them honestly enjoy themselves for a change. Having someone coach them so gently and with such empathy made all the difference.”

Haemophilia affects the clotting ability of blood, which can cause severe bleeding at the slightest injury. It is generally found in boys, though one in 1 000 peoplehave some form of bleeding condition, and it can impair quality of living immensely when socioeconomic reasons prevent proper medical care.

“Thank you Ryk Neethling for allowing us to spend the day with you,” wrote one mom in a thank-you note after the event. “It gave me great joy today to see my son so happy, it was like a piece of heaven even if just for a little while.”

And that is why he turned down that multimillion rand offer to go and swim in Qatar, Neethling explains. “I want to be here, where you can make a difference simply by giving of your time, and love. You don’t have to be wealthy to make a difference in South Africa.”

Val de Vie hosted KDay this past weekend and what a fantastic day it was! Thousands of fans, families and friends flocked to the estate to watch some of their favourite South African acts, including Prime Circle, The Arrows, Danny K, Locnville, GoodLuck, Flash Republic and Elvis Blue. With sunny skies and spectacular scenery setting the scene, it was the perfect day out in the countryside.

This video captures the fun that was had by all, we can't wait to see you again next year!

Val de Vie recently hosted the Five Nations Tournament and we're thrilled at the success of this exciting event. 500 guests, 14 sponsors and a host of happy spectators enjoyed fun-filled, action-packed polo in the beautiful setting of the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley. Five international teams competed in the tournament, which was won by SA Carrol Boyes, followed by and Nikon Great Britain.

With such riveting polo, gorgeous weather and Val de Vie's fine wines flowing, it was undoubtedly one of the highlights of our calendar!

Val de Vie is very excited about its latest addition to its vintage car collection, a stunning 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280S Automatic (W108 model). We also recently acquired a new Black C200 Merc, a stylish addition to our two elegant Rolls Royces.

Our vehicles are available to hire for events or functions, providing a chic mode of transport for you and your guests. For more information, please contact Val de Vie Events.

The Tygerberg Bird Club recently held its mid-week outing at Val de Vie, and we're delighted at the variety of bird species that they observed at the Estate. Near our cellars they saw a Spotted Flycatcher, Cape Batis, Fiscal Flycatcher as well as an African Harrier-Hawk (Gymnogene). Outside the Polo Pavilion they spotted African Pipits and a pair of Spotted Thick-knees, while along the Berg River they saw an African Paradise Flycatcher and a female Klaas’s Cuckoo.

The club managed to view 63 species in total, which is a fantastic indication of how indigenous wildlife is thriving on the Estate.

African Harrier-Hawk

Spotted Flycatcher

African Paradise Flycatcher

Val de Vie is proud to introduce the Footprint Edition Shiraz. This is a limited volume wine and only 300 bottles will be produced, making it a very vintage indeed. It's called Footprint because we use no electricity at all in the production of this special batch from the Swartland. It will be de-stemmed by hand, stomped by feet and crushed by hand. Alcoholic fermentation as well as Malo-lactic fermentation will be carried out with as little interference as possible. After all, when you have the quality in the grapes, all you need is minimal interference.

Property Magazine showcases Val de Vie's most premium home this month, the beautiful manor house that is also home to Ryk Neethling. Situated next to vineyards, the house overlooks a 300m Polo lawn, stables and the Polo Pavilion with the Simonsberg Mountains as a backdrop. The house is exceptional in every way, from the state-of-the-art home automation system to the impeccably stylish interiors.

To view the full article, please click here.

Val de Vie can't wait to host the 94.5 Kfm K-Day Music Festival on 31 March 2012. The line-up promises to be spectacular, with live acts such as Prime Circle, The Arrows, Danny K, Locnville, GoodLuck, Flash Republic and Elvis Blue. It's guaranteed to be a fun day for friends and family, with our beautiful scenery creating a very special setting.

It's best to get your tickets early to avoid missing out, click here to buy some. Tickets cost R160 per adult and R80 for kids (3 – 12 yrs).

For more details, please visit the event's website.

Val de Vie was recently mentioned in an interesting article in The Property Magazine about wineland residential developments. The article explores how the demand for houses within estates is on the rise, as more and more buyers are drawn to the exceptional lifestyle that they offer.

To read the full article, please click here.

We're thrilled to be hosting KFM's exciting KDAY Music event again this year! This fun family music festival will take place at Val de Vie Estate on 31 March 2012 and it's not to be missed.

Expect incredible performances from artists such as Prime Circle, Locnville, The Arrows, Flash Republic, Good Luck, Danny K and many more.

Tickets cost R160 for adults and R80 for children and they can be bought from Computicket. We can't wait to see you there!

Brought to you by Santam - Insurance Good and Proper

Ryk Neethling is featured in the latest issues of YOU and Huisgenoot in an insightful article that explores his valuable role at Val de Vie. Be sure to check the article out to find out more about his involvement in the Estate.

Click here to see the article.

Credits: YOU and Jacques Stander

Holiday time is approaching and I am sure everyone can’t wait for the long awaited festive season the lies ahead of us.
The polo club will be closed from the 19 December and will re-open on the 4 January.

The ponies are going to enjoy a mid season break, which will give them time to re charge those batteries, put on a bit of condition and get them ready for the busy polo that awaits them next year.

We have had a great season so far, the polo and skill that has been exceptional and we are expecting a number of overseas visitors in the new year.

We have sadly said goodbye to a very important Val De Vie personality, Toffee. He was a very precious and dear little chap. He has moved to a big farm in Stellenbosch, with huge lush fields that would be the dream of any pony, to be a companion to another horse. We are also sadly saying goodbye to a very special polo pony, Angel, who has been with us since July 2011. She has unfortunately become blind in her one eye and can’t play polo anymore. She will be going back to Natal to retire on a farm with her previous owners.

We have had a number of new ponies arriving at Val De Vie over the past couple of months. We also welcomed Jason Drew s three ponies, Whistler, Charlie and Hunk at the beginning of October, Gavin Watson’s two ponies, Fernanda and Pepita that arrived at the beginning of November and we welcomed Joseph Bronn s three polo ponies that arrived on the 6 December all the way from Natal. Girlie, BMW and Jura stepped out of the truck late Tuesday afternoon and settled into the Val De Vie way of life as if they had been here before.

The Bentley Polo was held on Friday 25 November, with all the top polo players from around the province coming together to display their talents and skill on the polo field. This was truly a chart topper of an event with the prestigious Bentleys everywhere added in the mixture with exceptional polo, what more could you ask for?

Val De Vie was very proud to sponsor a Championship class at the South African Dressage Championships that were held in Stellenbosch from the 14 till the 20 November. We have a number of talented Dressage riders from Val De Vie that will start competing in shows next year such as Karen Dormehl on her young horses Kontikki and Frosty Kiss, Stacey de Villiers on her horse Dallas and Michelle Evert riding her new polo pony, True Rhythm. Hopefully all of these riders will be competing at the next SA Dressage Championships and we can offer as much support to them along the way as possible.

That’s all from us at the Polo club for now, wishing you all the best for the holidays!

Tehri

Don't miss Top Billing tonight to see their exciting feature on Ryk Neethling's birthday party and his beautiful home at Val de Vie. The stylish event was attended by a host of socialites, celebs and sports stars, who all enjoyed a fabulous evening at the estate.

Click here to read more about the show.

Here are some more photos of Ryk Neethling's recent birthday party at Val de Vie, taken by the savvy Twisted Lifestyle. Our events team coordinated this chic event, which was sponsored by BlackBerry, Chivas and Nikon. The party was featured on Exspresso and it will also be on Top Billing tonight, be sure not to miss it!

Visit Twisted Lifestyle's blog to view more photos.

Scalini will be hosting a trunk show at Val de Vie on 24 November, showcasing their exclusive range of luxury fashion. Guests receive a 10% discount on all purchases, making this a fabulous opportunity for all style-savvy ladies to update their wardrobes!

Click on the inviation below to view more details about the event.

Here are some photos from the recent Val de Vie Fun Run. The event was a great success and gave participants the chance to enjoy some outdoor fun (and keep fit) in a beautiful setting. Well done to all the runners!

Val de Vie recently launched its new tasting room, offering visitors a stunning space in which to discover and savour our award-winning wines.

We invite you to visit the Estate and discover our fine wines for yourself. The tasting room is open seven days a week from 10h00 - 16h00. For more information, kindly contact us at wine@valdevie.co.za.

At Val de Vie we're proud of our efforts to reintroduce formerly indigenous game into the Berg River valley. The Estate is home to both Springbok and zebra, and as this photo shows, the animals have settled well into to their new home and delight both residents and visitors alike.

We're thrillled that the Estate is becoming a haven for our beautiful indigenous flora and fauna. It's another reason why Val de Vie is aptly called the Valley of Life!

Be sure to enter the Val de Vie Spring Fun Run which takes place on 30 0ctober 2011. Choose between a 10 km and 5 km Run/Walk and enjoy a fun-filled morning in the beautiful countryside.

Price: R80 (children under 2 free, only 300 tickets available)
Cut-off for entry: 17 October 2011
Start Time: 08:00
Collection of numbers on the day from 06:30

Click here to enter.

Top Billing recently visited Val de Vie to find out more about the Estate and our fine wines. Be sure to watch Top Billing to find out more!

We're thrilled that Ryk Neethling is the brand ambassador for the new Nikon 1 J1 and V1. Here's a video that gives you a behind-the-scenes look at a photo shoot that took place at the estate.

The past year at Val de Vie has certainly been busy, but we've enjoyed every moment and are so proud of what the Estate has achieved. Here are some moodboards that capture the spirit of the estate, from its beautiful landscaping and architecture to the fun-filled events and activities that we've hosted.

We are proud to introduce our newest residents, two beautiful zebra! Their introduction to the estate forms part of our ongoing initiative to make Val de Vie a haven for indigenous flora and fauna, preserving our precious natural heritage.

Val de Vie is a truly family-oriented estate, which is why we're looking forward to hosting a play activity workshop that has been developed by an Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist. The programme is specifically for mums with their babies in their first year and will be launched during September/October at the Playroom here at Val De Vie Estate. Click here to download a flyer with more details about this informative workshop.

For further information contact Wendy at (083) 235 9951 or wendy@momsandbabes.co.za. Alternatively, visit www.momsandbabes.co.za

The latest issue of Private Edition includes an insightful look at how executives are finding balance in their lifestyles. With its superb lifestyle offering, it's no surprise that Val de Vie was featured in the article.

Click here to view an extract of the article.

Morne Bosch, MD Val de Vie Estate; Simone de Wet, MD Val de Vie Events; and Ryk Neethling, Marketing Director Val de Vie

The Val de Vie Team was delighted to be invited by BMW to the BMW Polo Series that recently took place at the Indanda Club in Sandton on 22nd August 2010.

With a fresh theme of tones of green and gold, it was a glamorous event that included a  fashion show featuring the work of 10 fashion designers.  Guests were also treated to a three course meal before viewing the exciting polo match between South Africa and Australia. The Australian team secured two points against the South African team with a final score of 9–7 to Australia.

We love Wine Times' recent article about Val de Vie's passion for Rhone-style wines. It showcases the talent of our winemaker, Harold Versfeld, and how successful he has been in creating exceptional wines from Mediterranean varieties such as Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre. As the article puts it, he is a true "Rhone Ranger" and that he has "conquered these lesser know grape varieties and turned them into magnificient wines." Bravo!

Click here to read the full article.

Image courtesy of Wine Times

Here are some more photos from the recent shoot of Queenspark's spring men's collection, which was shot at Val de Vie. Click here to view more photos from the shoot, which captured the sense of style and elegance of the Queenspark brand.

We're thrilled that Val de Vie was the location for the shoot of Queenspark's spring men's collection. The estate's elegance ambience beautifully complements the effortless style of the Queenspark brand, as these photos show.

Visit Queenspark's website to view their clothing range.

As the start to the new polo season is on the horizon, we are getting ready for what should be the best, most exciting polo season Val De Vie has see yet. With the growing numbers of people wanting to become members of the Val de Vie polo club every week, and our stables at full capacity, we are all very excited and can’t wait for the season to start in October.

I thought I would share a little information about what we, the Polo Club and Stable personal have been up to all winter. With the end of Polo Season at the beginning of 2011, the polo ponies have all had a well, long deserved rest. They have had the opportunity to re charge their batteries, relax, get as fat as possible and as furry as possible. The grooms and Polo Team have been keeping a close eye on them, making sure they get sufficient feed, love and attention.

The horses have been kept to a very structured schedule, being creatures of habit, they do not adjust to drastic changes very well. So we have to make sure that they get their feed at specific times in the morning and afternoon. Horses mainly get two meals a day . With drastic cases with horses either being drastically under weight, or at times of excess pressure and hard work, they can get up to 4 meals a day. The stomach structure is such that they need to have sufficient grazing all day long. Without this grazing, the stomach acids can cause serious damage which can lead to serious medical complications and stomach alsers. With the lack of grazing down at the sand paddock, we supplement the horses grazing with a product called oat hay.

We have also had a few more livery clients joining us over these past months, I would like to welcome them. Karen Lewis who has just recently purchased her new Polo Pony Angel. Stacey and Kaylee, they came to us from Franschoek with their three beautiful warm blood mares, Star Bucks, Dallas and Moet. Stacey is also a qualified Equine Physiotherapist, so if you are interested in having her look at your horse please feel free to contact me for more information. Tessa Moxon who also moved from Franschoek with her Polo Ponies and young warm blood mare that she will be training as a dressage horse. The Anderson Family, Anuchka, Albert and Sharron and their lovely ponies Trixi and Leo. Anuchka has represented South Africa in Show Jumping up in Johannesberg. Candice Starke who will be with us at the end of the month with her two very talented show jumpers Just London and Chase. Candice was competing in the 1.45m show jumping classes last year. We are very excited to have such top quality horses and riders at our yard. I am sure that the Val De Vie flag will be flying high at many of the big horse shows locally and nationwide in the months to come.

I would also like to welcome Erin and Marilyn Young. Erin has recently joined us from another stable yard in Cape Town, she is leasing a lovely pony from the Anderson Family, Leo. Erin is a very talented and gutsy rider and we can t wait for her to start competing and going to shows on her lovely pony.

The Polo Ponies have also just received their second African Horse Sickness Vaccination. We vaccinate the horses once a year during the “off season” . The purpose of this vaccination is to strengthen the horses immunity against this deadly viral disease which kills thousands of horses around South Africa every year. The vaccination consists of 2 injections 3 weeks apart. There are two types of AHS ( African Horse Sickness) that the horses can contract, Dunkop and Dikkop. I have inserted some additional information with regards to AHS below.

WHAT IS AFRICAN HORSE SICKNESS?
African horse sickness (AHS) is a highly infectious non-contagious, vector born viral disease affecting all species of Equidae. It is classified as an Orbivirus of the Reoviridae family of which there are 9 serotypes. All serotypes (1-9) are distributed throughout South Africa, although there is a variation in their temporal distribution. It is endemic to (occurs naturally on) the African continent, and is characterised by respiratory and circulatory damage, accompanied by fever and loss of appetite.

Host and Vector
Animals affected are, all breeds of horses (mortality rate of 70-90%), mules and donkeys. Wild life Equine species (Zebras) are resistant to the disease. The vector host, Culicoides midge, spreads AHS virus.

How do horses contract the disease?
AHS does not spread directly from one horse to another, but is transmitted by the Culicoides midge, which becomes infected when feeding on other infected equidae. It occurs mostly in the warm, rainy season when midges are plentiful, and disappears after frost, when the midges die. Most animals become infected in the period associated with sunset and sunrise, when the midges are most active.

Symptoms
The disease manifests in three ways, namely the lung form, the heart form and the mixed form. The lung (dunkop) form is characterised in the following manner:

• very high fever (up to 41 degrees).
• difficulty in breathing, with mouth open and head hanging down.
• frothy discharge may pour from the nose.
• sudden onset of death.
• very high death rate (90%).

The heart (dikkop) form is characterised in the following manner:

• fever, followed by swelling of the head and eyes.
• in severe cases, the entire head swells (“dikkop”).
• loss of ability to swallow and possible colic symptoms may occur.
• terminal signs include bleeding (of pinpoint size) in the membranes of the mouth and eyes.
• Slower onset of death, occurring 4 to 8 days after the fever has started.
• Lower death rate (50%).

The Polo Ponies will start exercising in September so they can lose their winter “fat layer” and get into shape for Polo Season that starts in October. I am sure many of the Polo Players will also be exercising to rid themselves of the excess “winter warmth layers” that have accumulated over the past couple of months. The horses exercise program will consist mainly of walking for the first couple of days around the track located around the stick n ball field and then we will gradually increase the exercise speed and distance as the weeks go by, so the Ponies will be sleek, fit galloping machines come polo season. As for the Polo Players, we have the gym and Mieke! There are many exciting events, tournaments and family days planned so be sure to keep a close eye on the Events calendar. Polo lessons and educational chukkas with Kevin Rixon will also start in October.

Tehri

We're delighted that Val de Vie's flagship wine, the Seventeen Eighty Three, was recently featured on South African Wine. Forming part of Val de Vie's signature premium black label range, this Southern Rhône-style wine is a red blend that combines hints of dark fruits, perfume, and warm spices. It's a superb vintage and can be ordered on our website.

This mood board was created out of pure excitement about our upcoming Pink Polo Event!

BlackBerry, Edith Venter and the Val de Vie Team are getting ready for this must-attend occasion on 15 October 2011

We invite you to come and celebrate with us in style and enjoy being pampered with a gift bag and bubbly as well as a sumptuous High Tea menu.

Kobus Dippenaar will be showcasing a custom designed fashion range for the occasion. Be sure to book your ticket before 10 October 2011.

Tickets are cost R350 in aid of breast cancer.

To book your ticket click here, or email edith@edithunlimited.co.za or events@valdevie.co.za. Alternatively you can contact us on 011 783 5887 or 021 863 6191.

A host of celebrities such as Heinz Winckler, Dieter Voight and Jo-anne Strauss recently attended the spectacular STOP Fashion show at Val de Vie. Held in support of the fight against human trafficking, the event included a dazzling fashion show and dinner at the estate. As these photos show, it was a fabulous night that helped to bring attention to a very worthy cause.

BlackBerry and Val de Vie are very excited about the upcoming Pink Polo event on 15 October 2011, held in aid of breast cancer. This exceptional event includes a captivating polo match, a Kobus Dippenaar fashion show and a host of decadent treats for all who attend.

Tickets cost R350.00 and can be reserved by clicking here. Alternatively you can email edith@edithunlimited.co.za or call 011 783 5887.

We're thrilled to see the recent article that Entrepreneur featured on Martin Venter, the developer and CEO of Val De Vie Wine and Polo Estate. Click here to view the article.

Discover the Val de Vie lifestyle with Villa Grande. This gorgeous home is situated in Val de Vie Wine and offers luxurious accommodation from the bustle of life. This beautiful french interior designed house consists of 4 bedrooms (all en-suite), an open plan kitchen and dining area, scullery, living room, fireplace and a patio with a built-in braai next to the outdoor swimming pool.

Come and discover all that the estate has to offer, from vineyards and wine, to horses, golf, fishing, mountain biking, a health club, tennis courts, squash courts, polo, good food and dining and ultimately the freedom to enjoy life worth living!

For more information contact Izelle van der Merwe (izelle@guardianprojects.co.za) or click here to download an info pack.

We are very proud of a gorgeous photo shoot at Val de Vie featuring Ryk Neethling and Lieschen Botes. The glamorous shoot will be featured in the Summer Val de Vie Magazine and really evokes the elegance of our beautiful estate.

Val de Vie is delighted that Black Bass have been spotted in the Berg River! In keeping with our efforts to encourage biodiversity, the Black Bass are an indication of how the estate is becoming an eco-haven in the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley.

Val de Vie invites you to the Veuve Clicquot Masters Polo Tournament on Sunday 17 April 2011. This exclusive high society event is not to be missed and promises a day of glamour, excitement and luxury.

Click on the flyer for a closer look at what this event promises.

A gorgeous Val de Vie home was recently featured in Live Out Loud magazine, showcasing the exceptional quality of life and style that the estate is known for.

Click here to download a PDF of the article.

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 Polo Club Restaurant and Lounge Bar at Val de Vie was recently featured on local site What's up Cape Town. With the restaurant's relaxed but sophisticated atmosphere (not to mention the amazing views of the polo fields and mountains), it's no surprise that it's becoming such a popular spot to enjoy a meal in the winelands.

Val de Vie is delighted to congratulate Anneke Schoeman, our GM from Val de Vie Wines, on her recent engagement. We also love how her Frikkie, fiance decided to propose to her: two divers at the Two Oceans Aquarium held up a banner that read, “Anneke Schoeman, sal jy met my trou?” It's no wonder that Anneke was taken completely by surprise!

We wish them a joyful engagement period and are so excited about their upcoming wedding.

Click here to read more about the proposal.

Val de Vie is proud to anounce that it has recently been voted as one of the top 15 luxury street addresses in South Africa. The survey was conducted by an independent auditer and highlights how the Estate's exlusive lifestlye has placed it as a luxury destination of note. For an overview of South African luxury property market, read the full article on Times Live.

If you visit Val de Vie, you're sure to meet a small personality who is very much part of the stables and polo fields. Her name is "Amadevu" (which means moustaches in Zulu) and she is such a lively little character!

Devu was found at the SPCA waiting for the right home, and she has since adopted John as the most important person in her life (followed closely by the bakkie which allows her to get around and check on the daily activities much quicker than her small legs would allow).

Devu is always around the stables, keeping an eye out for rats and mice and also accustoming the horses to having a dog around. During chukkas she sits under a chair and guards the drinks and snacks, and once everyone is sitting down she likes to find a comfy spot from where she hopes to share some snacks (although she's not so keen on the strange stuff we drink...). She often forms part of the after polo entertainment by galloping in wild circles around the chairs to expend some energy.
Luckily on hot days the sprinkler irrigation offers a great way to cool down.

Very popular with every guest at the polo school, Devu is rapidly becoming one of the most photographed dogs in the world, as every visitor lines her up in the lens! She even joined Jo in the Polo SA Magazine.

Devu loves children - the smaller the better - and has been known to invite herself to parties and weddings in search of small company. As a matter of safety and hygiene dogs are not allowed around the stables or on the polo fields, and Devu is very quick to point out transgressors of this rule! She is not a dog, of course...

Homeowner and mother of Tahila, Maureen, has appointed herself as Devu's fairy godmother and keeps a special eye out for her!

Carina Prins, Anel Steyn and Esther Loubser organised the opening of the wonderful new jungle gym at the Val de Vie lifestyle centre. With perfect blue skies and sunny weather, a lovely party was held for the children of Val de Vie.

Much to the kids' delight, Nugget and Mischka gave several pony rides. Mishchka is still a little nervous of loud noises and people riding her, but she loves to let the children pet and stroke her. Both of the ponies have a real fondness for carrots and Nugget was most disappointed that there wasn’t a goodie bag for him!

It was a fantastic time for the children to get to know each other and have fun in a communal setting – the ideal country lifestyle!

Well done to Carina, Anel and Esther for organising the event.

Val de Vie residents recently had a very special guest when Santa decided to pay a visit! During a party for the Homeowners at Val de Vie which was organised by Carina Prins, Father Christmas arrived on a polo pony (we admit, it was actually John and Matthew, accompanied by Nugget!).

The kids were absolutely delighted with the surprise visit, complete with a large bag of goodies carried on Santa’s shoulder. There was plenty of excitement and there's no doubt that the younger residents had loads of festive fun.

This week we can't get enough of Peartree Photography! The talented team recently took some fantastic shots of the estate, showcasing the luxury housing and way of life at Val de Vie. Visit the Peartree blog for more great photos.

When the French Huguenots settled in the spectacular valleys of Franschhoek and Paarl, they recognised that the area's terroir would be ideally suited to crafting exceptional wines.

Today residents at Val de Vie enjoy their own piece of this celebrated valley, living the grand life those first French wine-makers envisaged. Home owners have the opportunity of learning the art of winemaking under Val de Vie’s own winemaker and, under his tutelage, produce their very own “boutique” wine for their exclusive enjoyment.

Summer is almost here and Val de Vie is the perfect place to enjoy every moment of the gorgeous weather! Watch the sun go down as you sip on a glass of Val de Vie Viognier at Sabrage, or spend a relaxed day enjoying a picnic on the estate's expansive grounds. For those who just want to cool off, members of our sports and leisure centre have access to a 25 metre indoor swimming pool. Visit the Val de Vie website to find out about all the wonderful events and activities the estate has to offer.

Come rain or sunshine, Val de Vie is truly a place for all seasons. It might be Spring, but the Cape weather is always unpredictable and it's not unusual for dramatic rain clouds to make an appearance. Here are some beautiful pictures taken by homeowner Ryal de Waal at Val de Vie after Sunday's rainfall, when a spectacular rainbow appeared over the estate.

Val de Vie is proud to be an example of how eco-friendly development can be achieved. The estate falls within the Cape Floral Kingdom which has been proclaimed a World Heritage Site and is committed to preserving the incredible biodiversity of this beautiful region.

As a result, Val de Vie is home to a wealth of indigenous flora, much of which have been re-introduced as part of the estate's development. This ensures environmental compliance and brings back some of the lost indigenous vegetation along the Berg River valley. The estate has also set aside a conservation area within Val de Vie to preserve rare plants. As part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, the smallest of six floral kingdoms world wide, Val de Vie has its fair share of indigenous and endemic flora.

The estate has a high natural water table, strong boreholes and water rights along the Berg River – all of which are being managed responsibly. Small mammals and birds, especially water birds, abound on the estate and the extensive landscaping, including four interlinking lakes and islands, has attracted even more birds to the area.

To ensure that the world class polo facilities use water as sparingly as possible, a state-of-the-art drainage, as well as an automated irrigation system has been installed – in keeping with the biodiversity plan.

There are so many reasons why Val de Vie presents the perfect environment for children, and one of them is the abundance of activities that the estate has to offer. Aspirant young polo players can take polo lessons, or simply enjoy outrides in the surrounding vineyards. The fully equipped gym includes tennis and squash courts as well as a 25 metre heated indoor swimming pool; the perfect place for budding athletes to practice and train.

Val de Vie's emphasis on security also ensures that children can safely play outside and enjoy the fresh country air. From afternoon picnics to relaxed walks in the estate's gardens, there's always something for kids to do at Val de Vie.

Val de Vie boasts an enviable location in the Cape winelands, surrounded by vineyards, mountains and picturesque countryside. Residents are also close to both Paarl and Franschhoek, two historic towns that have a lot to offer. Whether you're in the mood for fine dining, retail therapy or some fun family activities, you're certainly spoilt for choice. Find out more about Paarl at the official town website, or discover the charms of Franschhoek at the town's tourism website.

Get a picture of what life at Val de Vie is all about at the Sales website, where a comprehensive gallery showcases the different aspects of the Estate. From the Residential Estate to the surrounding countryside, you'll get a good idea of how spectacular Val de Vie is. After all, seeing is believing!

Val de Vie is proud of its history, which extends to the first small community of French Hugenots who landed in the Cape in 1688. Seeking the ultimate terroir to continue their craft of master wine-making, they settled in the spectacular valleys of Franschhoek and Paarl, which have now been proclaimed as world heritage sites.

Established in the heart of this area, the Val de Vie Wine Estate lies on land that produced its first wine in 1825. The historic manor house has been caringly restored with the centuries old oak trees still standing guard. Renovations have been completed to the traditional, old cellar with its original open wine fermentors (“kuipe”) into a cellar where tradition meets the latest technology to produce first-class wines.

Residents of Val de Vie Estate enjoy their own piece of this celebrated valley, living the grand life those first French wine-makers envisaged. Indeed, a walk through the landscaped grounds is a walk through our unique South African heritage - leafy boulevards, watched over by the stately peaks of the Drakenstein Mountains.

Buying property at Val de Vie is assured to be a pleasant and personalised experience, thanks to the impeccable service offered by the Sales Team, as well as their inspiring passion for life at Val de Vie.

Visit the team's website to find out about more about each Sales Executive and why they love this beautiful estate. If you have any questions about property, be sure to get in touch.

Want to shop until you drop? Val de Vie is conveniently located near some of the best shopping experiences in the Cape. Various shopping meccas in the surrounding areas are within easy reach and offer long trading hours to facilitate your shopping experience.

The V&A Waterfront is Cape Town’s most famous shopping centre, and a premier tourist destination. It boasts over 400 stores catering to all your shopping needs. Similarly, Canal Walk Shopping Centre is a massive mall that houses some of the world's most desirable brands.

For those who enjoy a more quaint shopping experience, Franschhoek is a treasure trove of antique shops, boutiques and speciality stores.

Now there's no excuse not to go shopping!

Image courtesy of V&A Waterfront

Parents understand that a good education is one of the most valuable things that you can give to your children - it enriches, inspires, motivates and also paves the way for their future success. Val de Vie is perfectly positioned to offer your children an excellent education. The estate is in close proximity to a number of top schools (both primary and high schools) such as Bridge House and Paarl Gimnasium. In addition, both Stellenbosch University and UCT are nearby. It's no wonder that the estate is so popular amongst young families. Visit the Val de Vie website to find out more.

Image courtesy of Flickr

Residents at Val de Vie are spoilt for choice when it comes to fine dining. The estate is located near some of the finest restaurants in South Africa, including La Quartier Francais and Haute Cabriere in Franschhoek, as well as Bosman's Restaurant at the five star Grande Roche hotel in Paarl. Bon appetit!

Image courtesy of Flickr

Here is a map showing the precise location of Val de Vie, perfect if you're planning to join us at the launch of Sabrage Bar this weekend (click on the map for a larger version). See you there!

As Autumn turns to Winter we all like to spend more time indoors, but it's also a lovely season to enjoy a drive through the countryside. The vineyards boast shades of gold, burnt red and deep yellow, making the landscape beautifully dramatic and picturesque. Our own vines are aflame with colour, watched over by the stately peaks of the Drakenstein Mountains.

Top image courtesy of Flickr

Val de Vie is one of the most secure residential estates in the country, offering a truly tranquil lifestyle for its residents. With 24 hour integrated state-of-the-art security, biometric scanning, intercom systems, infra-red beams, facial id and number plate cameras, the estate’s security is exceptionally advanced. It's no wonder that Val de Vie is fast becoming known as the ideal home for discerning families.

When you're enjoying Val de Vie's idyllic country setting, it can seem as if you're far away from the hustle and bustle of life. But the estate is merely a 40 minute drive from Cape Town, making it conveniently close to the Mother City and all its amenities. Visit Blue Flag beaches, shopping centres and world-class restaurants, then return to the tranquility Val de Vie. It's the best of both worlds.

Image courtesy of Moscone

We might be biased towards polo, but residents at Val de Vie are also spoilt for choice when it comes to the game of golf. Our estate borders two well-established golf estates, namely the Jack Nicklaus Signature championship golf course at Pearl Valley and Boschenmeer Golf Estate. Both courses present a challenging golfing experience, perfected by the lush, scenic setting of the Boland countryside. There simply couldn't be a better place to tee off.

Image courtesy of Flickr

Val de Vie Estate occupies an extensive stretch of land in the Paarl-Franschhoek valley. If you'd like to have a better idea of the estate's geography, be sure to visit our website's interactive map. Here you will be able to see exactly where everything is, and also get a good idea of how idyllic our surroundings are!

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!

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.