Blog and Media

Our annual BlackBerry Pink Polo Event will be taking place on 26 October 2013 and we're already so excited, even though we have a few months to wait! The day is all about celebrating polo, fashion and luxury in the name of supporting breast cancer.

Guests always arrive looking chic and stylish, so take inspiration from these moodboards which showcase how stunning pink can be, whether it's bright and bold or soft and sensual.

By Elsje Human, Events Assistant

Val de Vie Estate hosted the Infiniti 4 Nations Polo Invitational Polo Tournament on the 20^thApril 2013 and the event has been described as a great success. With Infiniti as the head sponsor, the invitational teams included Nigeria, Pakistan, Holland and South Africa.

The event ended the polo season on a high note and highlighted how the sport has enjoyed phenomenal growth and recognition in the past year. Alec Combrink, Infiniti Cape Town’s Dealer Principle, observed that "Infiniti Cape Town is proud to be part of the Infiniti 4 Nations Polo event at Val de Vie and feels that the event is a wonderful opportunity to expose potential customers to our luxurious brand."

Mr Combrink opened the Plate Final, which saw Nigeria taking on Holland in a fast paced match and Nigeria winning 6-4.  Several of the competing ponies were supplied by Val De Vie Polo Club and were in top sporting condition.

South Africa played against Pakistan in an exhilarating Final Match in which Pakistan won 5-2. The winning team was awarded the glittering trophy by Michele Stuurman from Carrol Boyes along with generous prizes from Rudy Project, Polo SA, Val de Vie Wines, Polo World and asparkly Cap Classique from GM & Ahrens.

The tournament was commentated byMr.Gavin Kanigowski from Cape Town Polo Club and kept guests on the edge of their seats and up to speed with the rules of the sport. Olympic medallist and Val de Vie Estate Marketing Director, Ryk Neethling was MC of the event, while Val de Vie Events coordinated all the elements of the day. Chic, corporate-inspired decor with shades of black and white set the scene for guests to enjoy the polo, relax and network. Gentleman guests, not to mention some curious ladies, were treated to get a feel of driving some of the elegant Infiniti cars on display.

Charl du Plessis was named as the Most Valued Polo Player, while the Best Playing Polo Pony prize went to Bubbles, who is owned by Mr. Martin Venter and ridden by Mr. Lance Anderson. The day ended with three cheers saluting the polo ponies' valorous play and guests enjoyed the rest of the evening celebrating in the Polo Club Restaurant and Pavilion.

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

Check out this video of the gorgeous US Polo Assn. photo shoot that was held at Val de Vie. Filmed by Big Sky Productions, it offers a behind the scenes look at all the beautiful clothes, models and scenery. U.S. Polo Assn. brand products are authentic and officially sanctioned by the United States Polo Association, the governing body for the sport of polo in the United States since 1890. We love their elegant style and are so proud to have been the venue for the shoot.

If you missed Top Billing's showcase of the Veuve Clicquot Polo Masters 2013, you can check out all the glamour in this fabulous video. We're thrilled that the Top Billing team were part of this event, which celebrated all the finer things in life. We can't wait for next year!

Val de Vie was thrilled to be featured on the Expresso Show last week. With Jen Su as their guest presenter, the show takes a look at the highlights of the Veuve Clicquot Polo Masters 2013 and also interviews some of the celebrity guests.

Tune into Top Billing tonight at 8pm on SABC 3 for their look at the event, it's guaranteed to be sensational!

Twisted Lifestyle attended the Veuve Clicquot Polo Masters 2013 and we love the gorgeous photos that Ross took of the day. They truly capture the glamour of the event, as well as the fun that was had by all. As he puts it, "Thoroughbreds, elegance and champagne were experienced in abundance, while smiles, good conversation and quality friends rounded up a wonderful day out at Val de Vie."

Be sure to visit the Twisted Lifestyle blog to view more photos and to read their full write-up.

Images courtesy of Twisted Lifestyle.

Celebrity photographer Denzil Jacobs attended the Veuve Clicquot Polo Masters 2013 this weekend and we love his glamorous photos from the event. A host of VIP guests attended the event, including Jeannie D, Jennifer Su, Thulane Hadebe, Lee-Anne Summers, Natalie Becker, Leizel van der Westhuizen, Marilize de Clercq and Sonia Booth. Be sure to visit Denzil's website to find out more about his take on the fun-filled day.

Images courtesy of Denzil Jacobs.

The Veuve Clicquot Polo Masters 2013 was held this past weekend and what a magnificent event it was! The day was filled with all things fabulous: high fashion, polo action, decadent food, VIPs, a Bentley car parade, an Elizabeth Arden pampering lounge and fine Champagne and wines. The prestige event was co-owned and coordinated by Val de Vie Events and Vivid Luxury, with a host of sponsors that included
Veuve Clicquot, Polo world, BlackBerry, Carrol Boyes, Hilton Weiner, Whimsical Nomad, Haagen Daz, Elizabeth Arden, Jenny Button, Bentley and Hospitality Partner, Equus. Media partners included SABC 3, who will broadcast their coverage at the following times:

Top Billing –  Tuesday, 05 March 2013 at 20:00 onwards; and
Expresso – Tuesday, 26 Feb 2013 at 7:30 / 7:45
Bravo - VCM 2013 to air on Thursday 28th February @ 19h30 on kykNET.

Guests were treated to a gorgeous fashion show by Jenni Button and Hilton Weiner, after which Team Val de Vie beat Veuve Clicquot in an exciting polo match that had everyone enthralled. These photos by Martin de Kock are just a peek at how much fun was had by all, be sure to look out for more photos during the course of the week!

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.

This weekend it's time for the Veuve Clicquot Polo Masters at Val de Vie Estate, an absolute must-attend event! It's a day of fun, fashion and all that's fabulous, with plenty of polo action in the line-up. Other entertainment includes a fashion show, live bands and a showcase of stunning Bentley cars.

Simone de Wet, the MD of Val de Vie Events Full Coordination, spoke to MFM about the event today, click here to listen to the interview. If you don't have your ticket yet, be sure to buy one on our website. See you there!

Next month is February, which is mean it's time for the third Annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Masters! This highly anticipated event is taking place on 23 February and it's undoubtedly the most glamorous polo event in South Africa. Guests can expect a celebration of all the finer things in life: riveting polo action, stunning fashion and, of course, delicious French Champagne.

Click here to view the Save the Date, and be sure to get your tickets for the events on our website - this is a day that you don't want to miss!

The third Annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Masters is taking place on 23 February and we can't wait! This exciting day is a celebration of all the finer things in life: riveting polo action, glamorous fashion and, of course, delicious French Champagne.

Keep up to date with all the latest news about this prestigious event by visiting the official Facebook page. Be sure to also get your tickets for the events on our website - this is a day that you don't want to miss!

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

We love this BlackBerry Pink Polo photo collage from Jen Su, Hollywood Reporter on 5 FM and SABC3's Expresso Show. It captures how gorgeous all our lovely guests looked, in keeping with the event's focus on fashion and luxury living.

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.

We love Twisted Lifestyle's write-up about BlackBerry Pink Polo 2012. This fabulous lifestyle magazine is always in touch with what's hot and happening, and we're delighted to read what they had to say about the day: "A perfect Saturday out that just flowed, coupled with quality company, food, fashion and fun. It was definitely a day to remember as well as to be reminded of constant awareness of our health and bodies."

View more photos on the Twisted Lifestyle website.

Don't miss Bravo! on KykNet (channel 144) at 21:00 tonight! This exciting lifestyle show will be taking a look at our recent BlackBerry Pink Polo Event which was held in aid of breast cancer.

Click here to view the promotional video about the episode.

Val de Vie is recognised as South Africa's premier lifestyle, wine and polo estate, and once again we hosted BlackBerry Pink Polo, the most sought after event on the social calendar.

For the third year in a row BlackBerry® sponsored the event in line with its support for the cause of women's wellness and the fight against breast cancer. Supporting sponsors included Bosch Siemens Gaggenau, Discovery, Polo SA and Marie Claire.

This year at this exclusive event saw BlackBerry and Gaggenau, two top male Polo teams, play an exciting match on Val de Vie's celebrated polo fields.

Guests enjoyed a lavish high tea in the spectacular setting of this beautiful estate. Pongracz and Pink Pigeon ensured the guests were kept hydrated, while pop-up shops included Carrol Boyes, Elizabeth Arden, The Little Hattery and Jan & Guy.

The highlight of the afternoon was a fashion show by Polo SA, who showcased their latest designs and trends for summer. A special range of Pink Polo products are being sold in their retail stores and select Stuttafords whereby 15% of proceeds from these products will be donated to CANSA.

One in 29 South African women is diagnosed with breast cancer each year. If breast cancer is diagnosed and treated early, a woman stands a good chance of recovering completely. As such, educating women about the symptoms of breast cancer and the need for regular check-ups is vital to combating the disease.

The Pink Polo event helps highlight these facts to the public and to raise funds for Reach for Recovery whose programme is to supply practical and emotional support to breast cancer patients and their families.

A quote from Edith Venter, event organiser: "This is a wonderful day filled with fabulous entertainment, South Africa's favourite celebrities, prizes and goody bags. It is an enjoyable way to show your support for breast cancer sufferers and survivors while enjoying a spectacular day out."

Pink Polo 2012 was a celebration of polo chic style, and GQ has highlighted some of the best dressed gents at the event. From tailored suits to edgy ensembles, there's no doubt that these guys were every bit as chic and fashion-forward as the ladies! You can view the full gallery on the GQ website.

Our recent Pink Polo 2012 event took place on 27 October and it was a spectacular success! Held to raise awareness about breast cancer, the event is a major highlight in the South African social calendar and brings together high fashion, luxury indulgence and exciting polo action. Here are some photos from this fabulous occasion. We already can't wait for next year's event!

Jen Su talking about her shoes during TV interview; Ryk Neethling

Tanya van Graan taking part in the polo distance hitting competition

Polo fashion show & BlackBerry fashion show

Denim performing

Crowd watching the polo game, Roxy Louw

Guests dishing snacks by the polo field

Polo game in action

Captain of the BlackBerry team receiving the trophy

Our Pink Polo 2012 event was just as chic and fabulous as it always promises to be. Guests went all out to look stylish and sophisticated for the day, making it very difficult indeed to decide on who was the best dressed!

After the votes were cast, we're thrilled to annouce Pink Polo's best dressed man and lady: Ritza van Rensburg dazzled us in her stunning soft pink gown, while Liam Vandiar captured the spirit of classic polo elegance.

You can view the other nominees on our Facebook page.

Personal stylist and image consultant Marilize De Clercq is our Style Maestro for our 2012 BlackBerry Pink Polo Event, which is taking place this weekend. As a talented fashion expert who knows how to make anyone look their absolute best, Marilize has got some great style advice about wearing hats.

"I love wearing hats. Come rain or shine; wearing a head accessory makes you feel and look confident, vibrant and ‘oh so’ stylish!

Although some might not feel confident enough to wear a hat, even a small fascinator or hair pin can ease you into wearing YOUR hair charm with assurance and sophistication.

Having said this, recently I was introduced to the very creative team from The Little Hattery – I was blown away by their designs – providing young and old, imaginative or not, with pieces of joy! Hats are such a feminine accessory; they always makes me think of big ball gowns with a tightly pulled corset as well high teas and polo fields – women elegantly moving through the room; meeting and greeting all the attending guests.

The great thing is that The Little Hattery will once again be creating wonderful goodies for the Pink Polo on 27 October 2012. They design and make to order gorgeous hats and beautiful fascinators for events the world over.

Kerry and Dominik, owners of The Little Hattery agree: "We are having a ball and making beautiful things as we go along!" Two years from when they first started, it seems that things in hat land are looking very promising!

For the latest trends and inspiration follow me on http://pinterest.com/marilizedc/; like http://www.facebook.com/Marilizedeclercq or contact me styling@marilizedeclercq.co.za."

This weekend it's time for our highly anticipated BlackBerry Pink Polo Event, which is always a fabulously fashionable affair. Our favourite wedding stylist and consultant, annaH, gives advice on how to perfect your look for the event:

"It’s almost time for the larger-than-life BlackBerry Pink Polo Event. You’ve planned and picked the perfect fashionable outfit, but what about the finishing touches? Of course, you want to go all out with an ȕber stylish hairstyle, fantastic shades and the perfect make-up. Here are some fresh beauty trends for the 2012/13 season. Be inspired, indulge and spoil yourself with a Spring make-over that will have you looking and feeling like a polo princess."

Ryk Neethling was recently interviewed on KFM about our upcoming BlackBerry Pink Polo Event. Click here to listen to the full interview.

Everyone is invited to join us at this fabulous event on 27 October. Tickets costs R350.00 per person. RSVP by 19 october 2012 to experience this exclusive  event. Contact Edith Unlimited on 011 783 5887 or via edith@edithunlimited.co.za. Click here to download the full invite.

Earlier this week we wrote about our recent Pink Polo School, a fun-filled day that was held by Ryk Neethling in aid of breast cancer. Several fabulous celebrities visited Val de Vie to learn how to play polo, as well as the chance to design their own fascinators and to savour a delicious lunch at the Polo Club Restaurant and Lounge Bar.

Marie Claire's Romy Heldsinger attended the event and we love their write-up about the day. Everyone did exceptionally well during the lesson, which was coached by Kevin Rixon.

Read the full write-up on Marie Claire's blog, and don't forget to get your tickets for BlackBerry Pink Polo! Tickets costs R350.00 per person. RSVP by 19 October 2012 to experience this exclusive and exceptional event. Contact Edith Unlimited on 011 783 5887 or via edith@edithunlimited.co.za.

Excitement is building up for BlackBerry Pink Polo! 021 Magazine has featured the event on their website, highlighting it as a must-attend event on the social calendar. There is so much to look forward to: exciting polo matches, fabulous hospitality areas, a glass of bubbly on arrival sponsored by Pongraz, a scrumptious high tea, fashion by Polo SA, accessories and gifts from Carrol Boyes, an Elizabeth Arden pampering area and pop up store and a fun cook off by Gaggenau.

Tickets costs R350.00 per person. RSVP by 19 october 2012 to experience this exclusive  event. Contact Edith Unlimited on 011 783 5887 or via edith@edithunlimited.co.za. Click here to download the full invite.