January 2026 | Ʉ̌ͷɄ͍Ωࢫ࠵࠳࠵࠹ࢫࢫच ĊɲɄ̌ࢫͩ˂ʍࢫüþࢫ ɲ̛ɾʍࢫ̛ͩࢫ͍ʍɄɾࢫͩ˂ʍࢫėɄͩ˵ʍ͍ ̛̌˵ˏ̌ʍ
öɄʳʍࢫ࠵ öĊÌĊ ơ̈˵˵
öɄʳʍࢫ࠴࠳ %̛̛ˬࢫ þʍΘˏʍΝ
öɄʳʍࢫ࠶ üऑ ࢸ ·Ʉ͍ˬࢫ8ʍ̌ɾΩࢫŖ̛ͷ̌ʳ
Ʉ̌ͷɄ͍Ωࢫ࠵࠳࠵࠹
HĽţřĖūÍĬĖūƍǢ ÍŜūĴöŜţĒĖř ė˂ʍࢫ k͍Ʉ̌͛ɲ˂˂̛ʍˬࢫ z̛͛ͅˏͩɄ˵ˏͩΩࢫ ɲɄɾʍ̆Ωࢫ ऑࢫ §ʍɄ͍̌ˏ̌ʳࢫ -ʍ͍̌ͩʍࢫ ࣜkz ࣝࢫ ʍ̌ɾʍɾࢫ ࠵࠳࠵࠸ࢫ ̛̌ࢫ Ʉ̌ࢫ ͷͅ˵ˏʱͩˏ̌ʳࢫ ̛̌ͩʍࢸࢫ Ʉࢫ ʱ̛͍̆Ʉ˵ࢫ ͅɄ͍ͩ̌ʍ͍͛˂ˏͅࢫ Ʉʳ͍ʍʍ̆ʍ̌ͩࢫ ΝɄ͛ࢫ ͛ˏʳ̌ʍɾࢫ Νˏͩ˂ࢫ ͩ˂ʍࢫ ö͍ˏ̌ɲʍࢫ ˵ɩʍ͍ͩࢫ -̛̆̆ͷ̌ˏͩΩࢫ ė͍ͷ͛ͩࢫ ࣜö -ėࣝࢫ ̛ͩࢫ ʍ͛ͩɄɩ˵ˏ͛˂ࢫ ͩ˂ʍࢫ ö͍ˏ̌ɲʍࢫ ˵ɩʍ͍ͩࢫ -̛̆̆ͷ̌ˏͩΩࢫ ė͍ͷ͛ͩࢫ z̛͛ͅˏͩɄ˵ˏͩΩࢫ ɲɄɾʍ̆Ωࢫࣜö -ėz ࣝࢫɄ͛ࢫkz ࣭͛ࢫёࢫ͍͛ͩࢫ͛Ʉͩʍ˵˵ˏͩʍࢫɲɄ̆ͅͷ͛ࢫˏ̌ࢫͩ˂ʍࢫ Ʉ̛̛͍ࢶ
ŋˏ˵ɩͷ͍ࢫ ˵ɄɄ͛ͩʍࢷࢫ%Ʉ͍ˏ͛ͩɄࢫɄ̌ɾࢫ%Ʉ͍ͩʍ̌ɾʍ͍ࢫɄͩࢫ̽ĊࢫHɄͩʍ͍ΩࢫɄ̌ɾࢫė͍Ʉˏ̌ˏ̌ʳࢫ ˏͩɲ˂ʍ̌ࢷࢫö͍ˏ̌ɲʍࢫ ˵ɩʍ͍ͩࢫɄ̌ɾࢫ ʍ͍ʍ̆Ωࢫ8ɄΘˏɾ͛ࢷࢫ ɲɄɾʍ̆ΩࢫzʍɄɾࢸࢫk͍Ʉ̌͛ɲ˂˂̛ʍˬࢫz̛͛ͅˏͩɄ˵ˏͩΩࢫ ɲɄɾʍ̆Ωࢫऑࢫ§ʍɄ͍̌ˏ̌ʳࢫ-ʍ͍̌ͩʍ ė˂ˏ͛ࢫ ɲ̛˵˵Ʉɩ̛͍Ʉͩˏ̛̌ࢫ ̆Ʉ͍ˬ͛ࢫ Ʉࢫ ͛ˏʳ̌ˏёࢫɲɄ̌ͩࢫ ͛ͩʍͅࢫ ˏ̌ࢫ ʍΦͅɄ̌ɾˏ̌ʳࢫ˂ˏʳ˂࣒͋ͷɄ˵ˏͩΩࢫ˂̛͛ͅˏͩɄ˵ˏͩΩࢫʍɾͷɲɄͩˏ̛̌ࢫɄɲ̛͍͛͛ࢫ Ċ̛ͷͩ˂ࢫ ʱ͍ˏɲɄࢶࢫĊˏ̌ɲʍࢫˏͩ͛ࢫʱ̛ͷ̌ɾˏ̌ʳࢷࢫkz ࢫ˂Ʉ͛ࢫʳ͍ɄɾͷɄͩʍɾࢫ ࠸࠻࠺ࢫ ͛ͩͷɾʍ̌ͩ͛ࢫ Νˏͩ˂ࢫ ̛Θʍ͍ࢫ ࠶ࢷ࠸࠳࠳ࢫ ͅʍ̛ͅ˵ʍࢫ ˂ɄΘˏ̌ʳࢫ ˏ̌ɾˏ͍ʍɲͩ˵Ωࢫɩʍ̌ʍёࢫͩͩʍɾࢷࢫɄ̌ɾࢫ࠼࠹य़ࢫ̛ʱࢫʳ͍ɄɾͷɄͩʍ͛ࢫ͛ʍɲͷ͍ˏ̌ʳࢫ ʍ̆ͅ˵̛Ω̆ʍ̌ͩࢫ ʍˏͩ˂ʍ͍ࢫ ˵̛ɲɄ˵˵Ωࢫ ̛͍ࢫ ˏ̌ͩʍ͍̌Ʉͩˏ̛̌Ʉ˵˵Ωࢶࢫ ė˂ʍ͛ʍࢫ ̆ˏ˵ʍ̛͛ͩ̌ʍ͛ࢫ͍ʍђࢫʍɲͩࢫkz ࣭͛ࢫ˵̛̌ʳ࣒͛ͩɄ̌ɾˏ̌ʳࢫɲ̛̆̆ˏͩ̆ʍ̌ͩࢫ ̛ͩࢫ ɩ͍ʍɄˬˏ̌ʳࢫ ͩ˂ʍࢫ ɲΩɲ˵ʍࢫ ̛ʱࢫ ̛ͅΘʍ͍ͩΩࢷࢫ ͍͛ͩʍ̌ʳͩ˂ʍ̌ˏ̌ʳࢫ ͩ˂ʍࢫ ˂̛͛ͅˏͩɄ˵ˏͩΩࢫ ͛ʍɲ̛͍ͩࢷࢫ Ʉ̌ɾࢫ ɲ͍ʍɄͩˏ̌ʳࢫ ͍ʍɄ˵ࢫ ͅɄͩ˂ΝɄΩ͛ࢫ ̛ͩࢫ ̛̛͍ͩͅͅͷ̌ˏͩΩࢫʱ̛͍ࢫɾˏ͛ɄɾΘɄ̌ͩɄʳʍɾࢫΩ̛ͷͩ˂ࢶ ė˂̛͍ͷʳ˂ࢫ ͩ˂ˏ͛ࢫ ͅɄ͍ͩ̌ʍ͍͛˂ˏͅࢷࢫ kz ࢫ Νˏ˵˵ࢫ ͛˂Ʉ͍ʍࢫ ˏͩ͛ࢫ ʱͷ˵˵ࢫ ɲͷ͍͍ˏɲͷ˵ͷ̆ࢷࢫ ̛͍ͅΘˏɾʍࢫ ɄɲɄɾʍ̆ˏɲࢫ ʳͷˏɾɄ̌ɲʍࢷࢫ ͛ͷ̛͍ͩͅͅࢫ͋ͷɄ˵ˏͩΩࢫɄ͛͛ͷ͍Ʉ̌ɲʍࢷࢫɄ̌ɾࢫɄ͛͛ˏ͛ͩࢫΝˏͩ˂ࢫ͛ͩͷɾʍ̌ͩࢫ Ʉɾ˥ͷɾˏɲɄͩˏ̛̌ࢶࢫ ö -ėz ࢫ Νˏ˵˵ࢫ ˵ʍɄɾࢫ ˵̛ɲɄ˵ࢫ ̛͍ͅʳ͍Ʉ̆̆ʍࢫ ɾʍ˵ˏΘʍ͍Ωࢷࢫ ʍ̌͛ͷ͍ˏ̌ʳࢫ ͩ˂Ʉͩࢫ Ω̛ͷ̌ʳࢫ ͅʍ̛ͅ˵ʍࢫ ˏ̌ࢫ ö͍ˏ̌ɲʍࢫ ˵ɩʍ͍ͩࢫɄɲɲʍ͛͛ࢫͩ˂ʍࢫ͛Ʉ̆ʍࢫ͛ͩɄ̌ɾɄ͍ɾࢫ̛ʱࢫ͍ͩɄˏ̌ˏ̌ʳࢫͩ˂Ʉͩࢫ ˂Ʉ͛ࢫ͛˂Ʉͅʍɾࢫ͛ͷɲɲʍ͛͛ࢫ̛͍͛ͩˏʍ͛ࢫˏ̌ࢫk͍Ʉ̌͛ɲ˂˂̛ʍˬࢶ ė˂ʍࢫ ͅˏ˵̛ͩࢫ ˏ̌ͩɄˬʍࢫ ˏ͛ࢫ ͛ɲ˂ʍɾͷ˵ʍɾࢫʱ̛͍ࢫkʍɩ͍ͷɄ͍Ωࢫ࠵࠳࠵࠹ࢫ Ʉ̌ɾࢫ Νˏ˵˵ࢫ Νʍ˵ɲ̛̆ʍࢫ Ʉࢫ ͛̆Ʉ˵˵ࢷࢫ ɲɄ͍ʍʱͷ˵˵Ωࢫ ͛ʍ˵ʍɲͩʍɾࢫ ʳ̛͍ͷͅࢫ̛ʱࢫ͛ͩͷɾʍ̌ͩ͛ࢶࢫė˂ˏ͛ࢫ̆Ʉ͍ˬ͛ࢫͩ˂ʍࢫɩʍʳˏ̌̌ˏ̌ʳࢫ̛ʱࢫɄࢫ ͛˂Ʉ͍ʍɾࢫ˵̛̌ʳ࣒ͩʍ͍̆ࢫΘˏ͛ˏ̛̌ࢫ̛ͩࢫʳ̛͍Νࢫ˂̛͛ͅˏͩɄ˵ˏͩΩࢫ͛ˬˏ˵˵͛ࢷࢫ ͍͛ͩʍ̌ʳͩ˂ʍ̌ࢫ ˵̛ɲɄ˵ࢫ ̛ͩͷ͍ˏ͛̆ࢫ ʍɲ̛̛̌̆ˏʍ͛ࢷࢫ Ʉ̌ɾࢫ Νˏɾʍ̌ࢫ Ʉɲɲʍ͛͛ࢫ̛ͩࢫʍɾͷɲɄͩˏ̛̌ࢫˏ̌ࢫͷ̌ɾʍ͍͛ʍ͍Θʍɾࢫɲ̛̆̆ͷ̌ˏͩˏʍ͛ࢶ kz ࢫˏ͛ࢫ̛͍ͅͷɾࢫ̛ͩࢫͅɄ͍ͩ̌ʍ͍ࢫΝˏͩ˂ࢫɄ̌ࢫ̛͍ʳɄ̌ˏηɄͩˏ̛̌ࢫͩ˂Ʉͩࢫ
͛˂Ʉ͍ʍ͛ࢫˏͩ͛ࢫɲ̛̆̆ˏͩ̆ʍ̌ͩࢫ̛ͩࢫʍɾͷɲɄͩˏ̛̌ࢷࢫ̛̛͍ͩͅͅͷ̌ˏͩΩࢷࢫ Ʉ̌ɾࢫ ɲ̛̆̆ͷ̌ˏͩΩࢫ ͷͅ˵ˏʱͩ̆ʍ̌ͩࢶࢫ ė̛ʳʍͩ˂ʍ͍ࢷࢫ kz ࢫ Ʉ̌ɾࢫ ö -ėz ࢫ Ʉ͍ʍࢫ ɩͷˏ˵ɾˏ̌ʳࢫ Ʉࢫ ɩ̛͍Ʉɾʍ͍ࢫ ʱ̛̛͍ͩͅˏ̌ͩࢫ ̛ʱࢫ ˂̛͛ͅˏͩɄ˵ˏͩΩࢫ ʍΦɲʍ˵˵ʍ̌ɲʍࢫ ࣔʍ̛̆ͅΝʍ͍ˏ̌ʳࢫ Ċ̛ͷͩ˂ࢫ ʱ͍ˏɲɄ࣭͛ࢫΩ̛ͷͩ˂ࢷࢫ̛̌ʍࢫ͍ʍʳˏ̛̌ࢫɄͩࢫɄࢫͩˏ̆ʍࢶ ö͍ˏ̌ɲʍࢫ ˵ɩʍ͍ͩࢫ -̛̆̆ͷ̌ˏͩΩࢫ ė͍ͷ͛ͩࢫ ࣜö -ėࣝࢫ ˏ͛ࢫ Ʉࢫ ɲ̛̆̆ͷ̌ˏͩΩ࣒ɩɄ͛ʍɾࢫ ̛̛࣒͍̌̌ͅёࢫͩࢫ ̛͍ʳɄ̌ˏ͛Ʉͩˏ̛̌ࢫ Ν̛͍ˬˏ̌ʳࢫ ˏ̌ࢫ ö͍ˏ̌ɲʍࢫ ˵ɩʍ͍ͩࢫ Ʉ̌ɾࢫ ͩ˂ʍࢫ Νˏɾʍ͍ࢫ Ʉ̛̛͍ࢫ ͍ʍʳˏ̛̌ࢷࢫ ˏ̌ɲ˵ͷɾˏ̌ʳࢫ §ʍʍͷ࣒nɄ̆ˬɄࢫ Ʉ̌ɾࢫ ˵ɄɄ̛̛͍͍͛ͩ̆ࢶࢫ ö -ėࢫ ʱ̛ɲͷ͛ʍ͛ࢫ ̛̌ࢫ ɩ͍ʍɄˬˏ̌ʳࢫ ɲΩɲ˵ʍ͛ࢫ ̛ʱࢫ ̛ͅΘʍ͍ͩΩࢫ ɩΩࢫ ˏ̌Θʍ͛ͩˏ̌ʳࢫ ˏ̌ࢫ ɲ˂ˏ˵ɾ͍ʍ̌ࢫ Ʉ̌ɾࢫ Ω̛ͷ̌ʳࢫ ͅʍ̛ͅ˵ʍࢫ ͩ˂̛͍ͷʳ˂ࢫ ʍɾͷɲɄͩˏ̛̌ࢷࢫ ˂ʍɄ˵ͩ˂ࢫ Ʉ̌ɾࢫ Νʍ˵˵ɩʍˏ̌ʳࢷࢫ Ʉ̌ɾࢫ Ω̛ͷͩ˂ࢫ Ʉ̌ɾࢫ ͛ˬˏ˵˵͛ࢫ ɾʍΘʍ˵̛̆ͅʍ̌ͩࢫ ̛͍ͅʳ͍Ʉ̆̆ʍࢫ͛ࢶࢫ k˵Ʉʳ͛˂ˏͅࢫ ˏ̌ˏͩˏɄͩˏΘʍ͛ࢫ ͛ͷɲ˂ࢫ Ʉ͛ࢫ ͩ˂ʍࢫ z̛ͅʍࢫ ŋɄ͍͍ˏ̛͍͛ࢫ Ω̛ͷͩ˂ࢫ ˵ʍɄɾʍ͍͛˂ˏͅࢫ̌ʍͩΝ̛͍ˬࢷࢫͩ˂ʍࢫ ̛ͷ͍̌ʍΩࢫ̛ͩࢫ Ʉηηࢫʱʍ͛ͩˏΘɄ˵ࢷࢫɄ̌ɾࢫ ͩ˂ʍࢫ̽Ċࢫ̛͛ɲˏɄ˵ࢫʍ̌ͩʍ͍͍ͅˏ͛ʍࢫ͍ࣜͩɄˏ̌ˏ̌ʳࢫˬˏͩɲ˂ʍ̌ࢷࢫʍɄͩʍ͍Ωࢷࢫ ʍΘʍ̌ͩ͛ࢫ ͛ͅɄɲʍࢫ Ʉ̌ɾࢫ ɩ̛ͩɄ̌ˏɲɄ˵ࢫ ̛͍ͅɾͷɲͩ͛ࣝࢫ ɲ̛̆ɩˏ̌ʍࢫ ͍ʍɄ˵࣒˵ˏʱʍࢫΝ̛͍ˬࢫ ʍΦͅʍ͍ˏʍ̌ɲʍࢫΝˏͩ˂ࢫɄɲɲ͍ʍɾˏͩʍɾࢫ ˵ʍɄ͍̌ˏ̌ʳࢫ Ʉ̌ɾࢫ ̆ʍ̛͍̌ͩˏ̌ʳࢷࢫ ˂ʍ˵ͅˏ̌ʳࢫ Ω̛ͷ̌ʳࢫ ͅʍ̛ͅ˵ʍࢫ ̛ͩࢫ ɩͷˏ˵ɾࢫ ɲ̛̌ёࢫɾʍ̌ɲʍࢷࢫ͛ˬˏ˵˵͛ࢫɄ̌ɾࢫͅɄͩ˂ΝɄΩ͛ࢫˏ̛̌ͩࢫʍ̆ͅ˵̛Ω̆ʍ̌ͩࢶ k̛͍ࢫ ̛͍̆ʍࢫ ˏ̌ʱ̛͍̆Ʉͩˏ̛̌ࢫ ̛͍ࢫ ͅɄ͍ͩ̌ʍ͍͛˂ˏͅࢫ ͋ͷʍ͍ˏʍ͛ࢷࢫ ͅ˵ʍɄ͛ʍࢫɲ̛̌ͩɄɲͩࢸࢫ͛˂Ʉ̌ʍˏ˵˵ऐʱ˂Ʉ˵ɲࢶɲ̛ࢶηɄ ΝΝΝࢶʱ˂Ʉ˵ɲࢶɲ̛ࢶηɄࢫचࢫΝΝΝࢶͅɄɲ͍ͩͷ͛ͩࢶɲ̛ࢶηɄ L ’Ami Family Brasserie Wednesday - Sunday for lunch, 11:30 - 15:00 Friday & Saturday for dinner, from 18:00 La Motte Bakery Wednesday - Sunday, 08:00 - 16:00 JAN Franschhoek Season III Only on reservation – visit la-motte.com La Motte Tasting Room Tuesday - Sunday, 09:00 - 17:00 La Motte Farm Shop Tuesday - Sunday, 09:00 - 17:00
La Motte invites you to experience its beautiful Franschhoek Valley setting with a reimagined farm experience. Explore new and thoughtfully curated spaces, from a warm and inviting tasting room to a family-friendly brasserie, an artisanal bakery, a reimagined farm shop, and an Ateljee, a creative hub showcasing art as well as the craftsmanship of local artisans.
La Motte Ateljee Wednesday - Sunday, 10:00 - 17:00 La Motte Spens Tuesday to Sundays, 09:00 - 17:00 La Motte Hiking Trail Tuesday - Sunday, 09:00 - 14:00
Visit www.la-motte.com for more information. T +27 (0)21 876 8000 E info@la-motte.co.za
www.la-motte.com
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| January 2026
2026 Grape Harvest Forecast Cableway Developers Reveal IPSOS Poll Results With yet another harvest season approaching, Cape wine producers’ hopes are high. According to several reports and indicators, the 2026 harvest could deliver exceptional quality, thanks to the combination of good rainfall, proper winter dormancy, healthy canopy growth and favourable spring weather patterns. Even after extreme weather events of the past seasons, vineyards have avoided major setbacks and now show overall healthy development. Vineyards have also avoided major weather setbacks such as flooding and frost for the second consecutive season, allowing the positive momentum of 2025 to continue. According to latest (mid Dec) report of South Africa Wine, the stable climatic conditions have supported healthy vineyard development. Moderate temperatures during the bunch initiation period, minimal disease pressure, active canopies and improved winter chill across key regions contributed to uniform budding and good fertility heading into a new season. Rico Basson, CEO of South African Wines, states that early assessments suggest excellent quality potential. While cultivars such as Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are showing good yields, noble reds are also developing promising clusters. New vineyards plantings further strengthen the outlook for a productive season. Dr Etienne Terblanche, Consultation Services Manager of Vinpro, emphasized that the next few months will be crucial. If current conditions hold, we can expect a harvest similar to, or slightly larger, than last year. Terblanche commented that water access remains a risk but that irrigation systems and storage dams are functioning well. The Franschhoek Valley with its mountain amphitheatre is a unique wine region with a diversity of sites each with its own microclimate, varied soils, rainfall differences and water resources. The result is unique wines and styles that capture the valley’s specific terroir. Local weather conditions can affect the harvest – the recent exceptionally windy conditions being one of the main concerns – as well as the early season heat that impacts the spraying schedules and soil humidity management. This is according to winemaker Irene De Fleuriot and vineyard manager Gerard Olivier of La Bri. But besides that, they look forward to a phenomenal harvest.
Glenwood’s Cellar Master, DP Burger, is cautiously optimistic but states that early high temperatures may have an influence. Water access is not a concern having enough storage dams and springs. Reflecting on the ideal weather conditions of the past winter and spring seasons, he hopes for a quality harvest. Head Winemaker at Anthonij Rupert wines, Dawie Botha, foresees an earlier harvest for the Cap Classique varietals and states that the vineyards are healthy. They are overall very optimistic for an excellent harvest, better than 2025 if the ideal weather conditions persist. In summary, Rico Basson highlighted South African producers’ commitment to excellence, emphasizing that they are focused on delivering wines that reflect both the vineyard and season. As the 2026 season progresses, the South African wine industry appears well positioned to deliver another vintage that showcases the country’s winemaking expertise and resilience. Consumers can look forward to wines that truly capture the essence of South Africa’s diverse terroir. Text: Ingrid Maritz | Image: Sabine from Pixabay
An Enormous SHARF 'Thank You' to Franschhoek Removals, Storage & Trailer Hire Shaun and Christie Winkler we humbly thank you for our beautiful big pink trailer! We have borrowed so many trailers from you since we began… We wish to thank, each and every friend of our community animals, who donated a whopping 2.3 tonnes of dog and cat food to SHARF. Our gratitude to all our Franschhoek friends, who further donated a huge R30,000 to enable us to carry out another mass sterilisation. SHARF has a weekly programme of sterilisation for dogs & cats throughout the year. And finally, a very grateful thank you, for the lovely baby mattresses donated for our recovering dogs. And all the small, but much needed animal extras that help us to continue our work! It's so extremely kind and thoughtful. We were overwhelmed by all your support, kindness and compassion and wish to convey our astonishment and gratitude. TEAM SHARF: Juani, Abigail, Bettina, Nathan, Freddy.
The developers of the proposed Franschhoek Cableway recently released the results of a poll conducted to test valley residents’ perceptions of the initiative. The poll was conducted by global market research company IPSOS in November 2025 and was supervised by highly-respected international pollsters Robyn Williams (PhD) and Mari Harris. The report states that the methodology “was designed to deliver a scientifically robust and truly representative understanding of community perception. The multi-stage approach ensures every voice in Franschhoek had an opportunity to be heard, guaranteeing the credibility and defensibility of the insights.” A representative sample of Franschhoek residents aged 18 years and over was engaged for the research. The final sample was a substantial 500 individuals, of whom 400 were South African, and 100 were non-South African. Seventy-four business owners were engaged. The script was available in Afrikaans, English and isiXhosa. The main findings of the survey were that: • At least 60% of all age groups are strongly in favour of the cableway, • 30% of respondents above 55 are strongly against the cableway, and • 78% of respondents believe the cableway will result in job creation. The survey also found that sentiment is positive across almost all demographics and is broadly consistent by race, gender, education and employment status. Opposition was notably higher among older residents, with around 3 in 10 respondents aged 55+ being strongly opposed to the development. According to the report: “This indicates that while the project has a solid license to operate overall, there is a critical older segment that feels threatened or unconvinced.” Residents primarily see the cableway as an economic opportunity. The top three perceived positive impacts identified were:
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Job creation (cited by roughly 8 in 10 respondents), • Increased tourism and visitors, and • Economic growth for local businesses. These views were shared across age, race and most employment groups. Business owners in tourism-related sectors (accommodation, food and beverage, wine and vineyards, attractions, transport and retail) are especially supportive, with around 6 in 10 fully in favour from both a personal and business perspective. “This frames the cableway as a catalyst for local economic development and resilience, especially in a tourism-dependent economy,” according to the report. The top three potential negative impacts identified were: • Increased traffic congestion, • Increased noise pollution, and • Damage to the natural landscape and broader environmental impact. Homemakers, some retirees and non-tourism business owners (e.g., real estate, professional services) are especially worried about the strain on local resources and changes to Franschhoek’s character. Around 3 in 10 older residents and a notable minority of non-South African residents feel the development will not benefit their household. The report concludes that: “the project’s social acceptance will depend on visible, credible mitigation plans around traffic, environmental protection and preservation of the town’s aesthetic and community character.” Text: Editorial Desk
Communities Picket Berg River Dam Members of Franschhoek communities gathered at the Bell’s Lodge entrance to the Berg River Dam area on Saturday, 13 December 2025, in a peaceful picket organised by the La Motte Empowerment Trust. They objected to the granting of a lease by the Department of Water Affairs to a private company without any public consultation, and to fees for access to land that generations of local residents have freely and regularly enjoyed. 100
They support development of recreational facilities and activities in and 95 around the dam by and for disadvantaged communities that creates sustainable 75 jobs and opportunities. Documented assurances of this were given by then Minister of Water Affairs, Kader Asmal, 25 forestry operations ceased before when construction of the Berg River Dam. The 5 La Motte Empowerment Trust submitted detailed proposals to the Department in 0 but there was no response. 2017, Text & Image: Barry Phillips
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January 2026 | nineties I have worked with my parents managing, building and expanding La Petite Ferme and gained experience in almost every sector of the hospitality industry.
with Mark Dendy Young, General Manager at La Cotte Farm Franschhoek
When did you come to Franschhoek and how long have you been in the village? I have been in Franschhoek for 53 years. I first came to Franschhoek as a five-year-old boy with my two brothers and my parents, John and Carol Dendy Young in 1974. My father was a farmer in Zambia who farmed with maize and tobacco. He bought a piece of land, then known as Kismet, on the mountain slopes leading up the Franschhoek pass. My mother started a farmstall and tearoom and named it La Petite Ferme. What do you remember of your days as a young boy in the village? I remember being an English-speaking boy in sub- A at the Franschhoek High School with only one other English-speaking friend in the class, Mike Enslin, we did not understand a word of Afrikaans! Back then there were only four English speaking families in the village, the Pickerings, Enslins, Schmidts and us. We played freely in the mountains and swam in all the rivers – there were no restrictions. How did you get involved in the hospitality and tourism industry in Franschhoek? After I matriculated from Rondebosch High School, went to the army and studied at UCT, I backpacked through Greece when my father called me back to help with the business which had become very popular and busy. My grandparents on both my mother and father’s side helped in the business. Since the early
Tell us more about your love for wine and winemaking. When I was a young boy at school in Little Boys High in Paarl, I had to do an oral on wine appreciation. John Platter stayed in Franschhoek, and I visited him to ask for advice. He sparked my passion and interest in wine. 1994 was a big year for me; I got married to Josephine (Stiebel), we took over the business of La Petite Ferme from my parents and I started a little winery with two barrels at the back of my office. Two years later we harvested and released our first Blanc Fumé, gaining double gold at Veritas, and our Sauvignon Blanc earning gold, despite the devastating Big Fire of ‘96 which destroyed the restaurant and half of the winery. For 24 years I have been making wine. In more recent times, I approached Cathy Marshall Wines in Elgin for cellar space to produce my own wine. I specifically am interested in the two cold climate cultivars, Pinot Noir, which fascinates me, and Sauvignon Blanc. Unfortunately, with my busy schedule and full-time commitment at La Cotte, I decided to put this project on hold. But I still have a dream of producing my own wine again.
harmonious relationships with our neighbors. La Cotte is unique in the sense that it is the only wine estate situated in the urban edge of the village. Besides managing the La Cotte hotel with such passion what else do you enjoy? My other passion is birding; I am fascinated with the world of birds and the quiet experience of watching and learning about them. I also love to spend time at our beach house at Die Kelders with my wife, Jo and my children, Timothee and Jessica who live in Cape Town. Image: Bruce Paxton
How did you get involved in the new era of La Cotte farm? In 2015 we decided to sell La Petite Ferme as I felt it was time for a new challenge and chapter in my life. A few years later, the La Cotte farm was finally sold to the Pascal family, also a new era for the neglected heritage estate. In 2020 architects and designers started working and restoring the historical buildings while I was consulting, and in the same year I was appointed as General Manager. During the time of the Covid pandemic, Dominic Touwen managed to establish the lavish gardens, now maintained by Sue Norman. We started with sixteen staff members, today we have a team of more than seventy-five. What are the biggest challenges you face with managing La Cotte? The very sensitive issue of water management, but also the importance of having good and
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| January 2026
FROM THE FRANSCHHOEK WINE VALLEY DESK As we welcome a new year in the Franschhoek Valley, we do so on the high note of a sparkling finale: the Capitec Franschhoek Cap Classique & Champagne Festival closed off 2025 with its most successful edition yet, drawing the largest number of guests in its history. The energy, elegance and celebration of that weekend have set the perfect tone for the year ahead. A renewed sense of possibility settles over the valley as January unfolds, with long summer days, warm village charm and the promise of an unforgettable 2026. This is the time of year when Franschhoek feels both relaxed and alive - inviting slow moments, new discoveries and the joy of fresh beginnings. From sun-drenched vineyard lunches and boutique shopping to cellar-door discoveries and long, lazy afternoons savouring the best of the valley, Franschhoek offers the ideal backdrop for fresh starts and memorable moments. And with a brand-new calendar of events unfolding, there’s plenty to look forward to. This year’s lineup promises everything from culinary celebrations and art showcases to open-air experiences designed to make the most of our extraordinary surroundings. Topping the agenda, and already generating international excitement, is the inaugural Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek. A first for Africa, this extraordinary March weekend will see global artistry, food, wine and culture converge in the heart of the valley, weaving together the legendary spirit of Montreux with the soulful rhythms of Franschhoek. It’s set to be the highlight of the year, and an unmissable moment in our village’s cultural story.
The Old Corkscrew to Showcase Unique Cape Gold Artefacts at the SAADA 2026 Fair The Old Corkscrew is proud to present two unique pieces of Cape Gold at the prestigious SAADA Antiques, Art & Design Fair, to be held at the Franschhoek Town Hall from 13–15 February, 2026.
Here’s to a year of discovery, celebration and new experiences in the valley we love. Welcome to 2026!
NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Groot Drakenstein Games Club Since 1895, Groot Drakenstein Games Club has been the heart of sport and social life in the Groot Drakenstein Valley - a place where history, community, and great sport come together. On 1st June 2025, a new and exciting chapter began as the Franschhoek Sport & Social Club was appointed as the management company. They immediately undertook a focused renovation of the clubhouse and grounds, elevating the historic pitch to the highest standards. Most excitingly, they are currently busy building three state of-the-art padel courts, which are set to open soon!
“The club is now home to a vibrant community of cricket, cycling, and running enthusiasts, and we look forward to welcoming padel players to the mix. We honour our past while building a bright and dynamic future for our members and the wider community.” Discover more: www.grootdrak.co.za
19-carat gold double buckle by Johannes Casparus Lotter, circa 1811–1823
Hairpin by Johannes Hendricus Beyleveld, dating from roughly 1814–1827,
Since its founding in 1994, The Old Corkscrew has specialised in Cape silver—silver produced in South Africa from about 1654, now collectively known as Cape Silver. Much of this material is marked and identifiable. Comparable in standard to European sterling silver, many early pieces were fashioned from the coinage available at the time. Because there was no central, governmentregulated assay system, and as many silversmiths worked far from Cape Town in the depths of the colony, their work often bears only maker’s marks and other simple devices. From around 1810 onwards, most silversmiths began using what we now call pseudo-hallmarks, imitating the European marks of the period. Their intention was not to deceive buyers, but rather to reassure them that this silver matched the quality of European standards. These adopted marks often reflected the maker’s cultural background and the tastes of their clientele.
While Cape silver is rare today, Cape gold is even scarcer, with only a handful of surviving examples. Among them is a hairpin by Johannes Hendricus Beyleveld, dating from roughly 1814– 1827, which we will be showcasing. Hairpins of this type were popular among Malay women at the Cape during the 19th century, and similar forms also appear in Straits Chinese silver made for the nonyas (a Malay honorific for married women). The pièce de résistance of our collection is a unique Cape 19-carat gold double buckle by Johannes Casparus Lotter, circa 1811–1823—a piece one can easily imagine gleaming on a cloak worn to Sunday services or religious festivals, proudly signaling its owner’s wealth and standing within the community. These and other exquisite pieces will be on show at our SAADA Fair stand. www.theoldcorkscrew.co.za | 021 876 3671
Franschhoek Hair & Beauty Located in the heart of the village, guests are welcomed into comfortable surroundings for anything from a quick trim to a full restyle, including rich, beautiful colour services. Guests can unwind at the basins with a gentle massage and enjoy a soothing scalp or hand massage. The salon also offers manicures, polish changes, and luxury pedicures using Bio Sculpture products, paired with a fresh coffee. A qualified beauty therapist provides safe, sunless tanning for a natural, sun-kissed glow.
Your Wealth. Your Family. Your Future.
Discover more: www.franschhoekhairandbeauty.co.za
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO MONTREUX JAZZ FESTIVAL FRANSCHHOEK 27 - 29 MARCH 2026 Nearly six decades of cultural influence, artistic innovation, and unforgettable moments. Now, that legacy comes to Africa.
Kevin Yeh, CFP®
From founder Claude Nobs’ vision to global expansion, Montreux has shaped the sound and soul of music around the world. Franschhoek is ready to write the next chapter, where history meets a distinctly African stage.
Top of the Table MDRT Member 083 633 4671 (Call/WhatsApp) www.daberistic.com
Be part of the legacy. Book your stay early and join us in Franschhoek. 27 to 29 March 2026.
Authorised Financial Services Provider, #25477
Discover more: www.mjfsa.com FRANSCHHOEK CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL 12 - 15 FEBRUARY 2026 IInternational violinist Miclen LaiPang and pianist Ariane Haering headline the 5th Franschhoek Chamber Music Festival, presented by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO) at the Dutch Reformed Church. Enjoy ten intimate chamber performances featuring CPO musicians, with works spanning from Baroque to contemporary, and a special appearance by German bandoneon specialist Lothar Hensel.
Between performances, indulge in fine Cap Classique from Le Lude, local wines, and delicious fare. Tickets available on Quicket. Discover more: www.fcmf.co.za
With love from the Valley of Dreams,
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January 2026 |
The Table that Never Closed Christmas always brings more people through my kitchen than at any other time. Patio doors stay open longer. Chairs multiply. The table stretches. And somewhere between the first cold drink and the last plate scraped clean, patterns emerge — not just in what people eat, but in how they live. This past holiday, my kitchen reminded me of something simple and quietly profound: we don’t just feed bodies, we accommodate lives. Family Christmas guests do not behave like ordinary guests. They arrive carrying more than bags and presents. They arrive with opinions. They wake up hungry at inappropriate hours. They open cupboards as if they own the house. They hover. They snack. And most critically, they all believe they are the easiest person in the room
to feed. They are not. One won’t eat gluten. One won’t eat dairy. One eats everything except fish, unless it is raw. Another eats only fish. One is “off sugar” in theory but not in practice. Someone isn’t hungry until they suddenly are, urgently. Someone else wakes at dawn and wants eggs immediately. Teenagers operate on a grazing system previously observed only in the wild. At first, it felt chaotic. The fridge was operating at diplomatic-crisis capacity. Every surface was sticky. The fridge contained seventeen half-used condiments. I caught myself wondering when feeding people had become so complicated. But as the weeks passed, I began to listen more closely — and judge less.
And so the kitchen adapted. The chicken roasts plainly. The salad waits naked for its dressing. Sauces are offered on the side like small acts of independence. Choice became the real hospitality. People build their plates as they build their lives: carefully, generously, defensively, joyfully. What surprised me most this Christmas was how little anyone needed things to be perfect. Overcooked vegetables were forgiven. Melted ice went unnoticed. What mattered was not polish but permission: permission to eat oddly, slowly, eagerly, cautiously, greedily — without comment. And then there were the quiet moments that remind you why you do this: someone scraping the last of the sauce with bread, someone asking for the recipe with gravy still on their chin, someone going silent after the first mouthful, which is always promising, someone swearing they’re done and then is back within minutes ‘just for something small’. By the end of the season, I had not learnt a new technique, but I had remembered something
easily forgotten: a good host does not control a table — they respond to it. The table tells you what it needs. More bread. More lemon. More space. Less pressure. Now January has arrived. The fridge is emptier. The kitchen is calm again. And I am left with the quiet knowledge that Christmas always delivers, whether I am ready for it or not. Feed simply. Accommodate generously. Let people be as they are at your table. And never believe someone who says they’re “not really hungry.”
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| January 2026
Why BMW’s ‘Classic’ X3 M50 Is Just So Cool Current X3 flagship M50 screams sheer driving pleasure We’ve been spoilt by BMW in the past month or so. We’ve had three of the four made in SA X3s to drive in that time and to be honest, we have become pretty big fans of the variant. While we’ll leave the woke to decide which of the plug-in hybrid or exceptional diesel is better, there’s no argument about the flagship M50 xDrive M Performance that closed off our little triad. A proper BMW in good old Sheer Driving Pleasure style, it packs the most powerful straight six-cylinder yet fitted in an M Performance model, they say. The 3-litre M TwinPower six gets a 48V mild hybrid set-up in its eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission to help it to a heady 293 kW and 580 Nm. Aided and abetted by a Sport Boost function. And it puts all that down via BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. BMW calls X3 M50 the beast. We cannot disagree. Bespoke chassis technology includes M Sport suspension, variable sport steering and brakes along with an M Sport differential. Add a lighter
yet more rigid shell, enhanced kinematic and elastokinematic double-joint spring strut front and a five-link rear axle. To deliver what BMW promises to be best yet agility, cornering stability and long-distance comfort. We cannot disagree. Pessimistically, as always, Munich claims100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. It’s actually ten percent quicker in the Auto Test. In fact 4.2 seconds to 100 is nothing short of supercar performance. All wrapped up in a superb BMW SAV cocoon. Of all things. Power is fat and healthy, creamy and full. So much so that you miss any rising peak as it thunders down the road. BMW X3 quotes a long and confusing line of fuel and carbon data. Which we think means it will do around 8 litres per hundred. We generally managed far better. But then with a car like this its way to easy to get carried away for the least sensible reasons. And then it’s just mad. Wild. Beautiful. A brilliant Bavarian cocoon Enough of that already. What about that fine Bavarian cocoon? BMW calls its new X design language bold and monolithic with distinctive BMW X model proportions and generously surfaces offset by crisp creases. To be honest, this is far and away the best looking X3 yet. 34 millimetres longer at 4,755 millimetres, 29 mm wider 1,920 mm but 25mm lower, it certainly is more powerful and sporty. The large BMW kidney grille is emphasised by contour lighting. It sits between L-shape DRL blue detailed adaptive nondazzling matrix high beam M Shadowline LED headlights. Some things are just not easy to explain! And M50 is set apart from the rear by visible exhaust tailpipes BMW X3 xDrive. A splendid machine faced M light-alloy 20-inch wheels. BMW calls the cabin robust. It splits opinion. Some of us love it, others don’t. Either way, it’s a sumptuous driver-focused cockpit. We love how BMW uses material on elements like the dash. The recycled highclass knitted polyester dash is
called Luxury. If that’s not enough, they call the new Individual Merino leather clad power heated sport seats Econeers. X3 M50 even pulls a 2.5-ton trailer As ever, it’s also supremely tech laden space. We’d still prefer more buttons. But this latest system is a little easier to understand and operate. The boot expands from 570 to 1700 litres and there’s even a retractable hitch good to tow a heady 2500 kilogram braked trailer. You can tow horses and racecars with that. Anyway, I am at present writing a book on the history of South African saloon car racing. I’m at the part where BMW came back with Tony Viana and others racing the M535is, BMW’s second local era in the early 1980s. Not long after Eddie Keizan’s dominance in the original 530 in the mid’70s. Life was simpler then. But BMW already ruled on road and track. I remember so well how damned impressive that M535i was. Yes, it seems archaic now, but that straight-six rear-wheel drive family sedan was at another level altogether. If anything, this straightsix turbo all-wheel drive 2025 BMW reminds me most of that M535i in this mad world of M cars and exaggerated everything. X3 M50 isn’t over the top. And that’s just so cool All considered, we were expecting a far loftier price for all of this. Yes, one and a half million rand seems mad to most. But for what you get, versus what else is out there, tt still seems a bargain. Then,
of course, the BMW X3 is proudly built right here in Pretoria. And Made in SA in our book, is hugely important when you consider your next car. Yes its smart, luxurious, spacious, versatile and supercar fast. But the current BMW X3 rangetopping M50 xDrive isn’t at all over the top. And that’s just makes it so cool. Images & testing: Giordano Lupini ROAD TESTED: BMW X3 M50 xDrive Engine: 293 kW 580 Nm 2-litre turbo petrol I6 Drive: 8 speed automatic AWD TESTED: 0-60 km/h: 1.89 sec 0-100 km/h: 4.23 sec 0-120 km/h: 5.86 sec 0-160 km/h: 10.14 sec 400m: 12.5 sec @ 178 km/h 80-120 km/h: 2.80 sec 120-160 km/h: 4.27 sec CLAIMED: VMax: 250 km/h Fuel: 8.2 l/100 km CO2: 187 g/km Range: 800 km Warranty/Service: 2y unl. /5 y 100K km LIST PRICE: R1.54M *Catch all Michele & Giordano Lupini’s motoring adventures on https://theauto.page
JANUARY NEWS
BEST OF BRITISH
2026 KING’S PLATE
Think of vintage Bentleys and for many people that conjures up images of their classic shape, resplendent British Racing Green paintwork, hood down, driver and passengers wearing flying helmets and goggles, charging through the open countryside emulating victorious performance at Le Mans. The 1920s Bentleys were something special and victories at the famous Circuit de la Sarthe in France in 1924, 1927, 1928, 1929 and 1930 certainly did nothing to harm the company’s image, despite Ettore Bugatti’s jibe about Bentleys being ‘fast lorries’. One of the prized vehicles in the FMM collection is a 1928 Bentley 4½. According to car’s original Vanden Plas Coachbuilder records, this car was originally fitted with “Body No.1518 a 4-seater Sports, long bonnet; black fabric/green/black; 11/1928”. Michael Hay’s book ‘Bentley: The Vintage Years’ states that the car still has the same body, although now it is painted an attractive maroon colour. A total of 720 4½-litre cars were produced between 1927 and 1931, including 55 with a supercharged engine. It has a commanding presence, measuring 4 380 mm long. The steel, lattice-frame chassis is suspended on semi-elliptic leaf springs front and it is heavy, tipping the scales at around 1 625 kg, depending on the equipment fitted. Brakes are 17-inch drums on all four of the 21-inch wheels. A major contributor to the car’s mass is the cast-iron, in-line, 4,4-litre four-cylinder engine that that was an amalgam of the 3,0- and 6,5-litre motors. With a compression ratio of 4,8:1 and an Autovac feeding the twin SU carburettors coupled with dual ignition and Bosch magnetos, peak power was 82 kW at 3 500 r/min with a rev limit of 4 000. If this sounds a little bit agricultural, the engine did have a single overhead-camshaft
On Saturday 10 January 2026, Hollywoodbets Kenilworth will once again transform into a sea of blue and white for the 165th running of the L’Ormarins King’s Plate, run over 1 600 metres. It’s a day of sophistication and spectacle, with dazzling prizes for Best Dressed and Best Hat. And as is also tradition, FMM will be represented with a display of vehicles in appropriate blue-andwhite paintwork, namely a 1950 Chevrolet Deluxe Coupé, 1953 BMW Isetta, 1955 BMW 501/2 and a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible. Tickets are on sale now for what promises to be the most anticipated day on the social and sporting calendar. For those seeking the finest experience, premium hospitality packages offer access to exclusive lounges, gourmet dining, prime trackside views, and stylish social hubs. Book now at lormarinskingsplate.co.za. Tickets are being sold on Computicket for the Stud Club and Style Village hospitality areas (linked from LKP website). Anyone wanting to spend the day in the building should contact Race Coast directly via their website www.racecoastturfclub.co.za.
operating four valves per cylinder inclined at 30 degrees, along with Duralumin rockers, which was technically advanced for the time. However, the four-speed gearbox has no synchromesh so requires some familiarity, timing and dexterity to operate smoothly when changing up or down. Top speed was 148 km/h. The big 450 mm steering wheel controls the low-geared worm-and-nut steering that is naturally heavy at lower speeds, lightening up as speed increases. Ride quality is comfortable, which is why the Bentley was such an excellent long-distance tourer in its day, while that victory at Le Mans illustrates its sportier attributes. Despite the quality and variety of vehicles offered by Bentley during the 1920s, let alone the racing successes, the company ran into financial difficulties. In 1931 Rolls-Royce successfully bid for the company and the takeover led to many years of complementary development. But the 4½ stands out as one of Bentley’s pre-merger successes and FMM’s model is a fine example of this quintessential British sports tourer. It is currently on display in Hall C.
The King’s Plate remains the crown jewel of the South African horse racing calendar. For any further information, logon to the LKP website www.lormarinskingsplate.co.za
VISITING FMM FMM’s opening times are Monday to Friday 10h00 to 18h00 (last admittance 17h00), Saturday and Sunday 10h00 to 17h00 (last admittance 16h00). Visiting the museum is by appointment only and via online booking. Entry fees: R90 adults, R70 pensioners and motor club members (with membership ID), R50 children (ages 3-12). Only electronic payments are accepted. The famed FMM Pitstop Deli is open throughout
the visiting hours, offering refreshments, sandwiches, snacks and light meals. There are also counters offering exciting estate products and souvenirs. A selection of wines produced by Anthonij Rupert Wyne is also available. For booking tickets and any other information as well as signing on for a free monthly newsletter, logon to www.fmm.co.za or phone 021 874 9000 or e-mail fmm@fmm.co.za
NEW YEAR WISHES FMM wishes everyone a healthy, happy and prosperous 2026 and hope to see many of you visit the museum and the L’Ormarins Estate during the year.
January 2026 |
January My first article for 2025 started with a wish for love and peace to spread through the world and pave the way for a period of healing and recovery for humans and the earth. I will have to extend that wish into 2026 as we only saw more disruption, destruction, hatred and death in the past year. Let us as gardeners and farmers think carefully how we can leave the world around us a better place. For many, gardening is escapism. We garden for therapy, to get away from it all, to clear our minds and to create little private havens for ourselves. In this new year, let us all work together to turn that inward focus outwards. It is time to let the love spill over our garden fences into our neighbourhoods and townships. Rather than scaling down we must scale out. Letting our gardens spill over onto our pavements and into surrounding parks and open spaces will bring the enhancements we hopelessly demand from a defunct government. Portable gardening is already trending due to people scaling down; let’s explode this trend in 2026 by making live potted vegetables and flowers the gift of the year. The joy of eating food grown by your own hand needs to be experienced by all. The way we treat our outdoor spaces is also changing. Where in the past we extended our homes into our gardens, I see us bringing the garden in. Patios will not be seen as an extension of the lounge, but of the garden. Garden rooms will make way for hidden pools and secret sanctuaries; furniture will make way for rocks and sculpted earth. Let us move beyond wilding to a point of connection with the earth and the cosmos. We will see gardeners become more knowledgeable about their role in bringing the good of the cosmos to the world through the soil. As that knowledge spreads, we will become more aware of our impact, and care and love for the earth will become intuitive, not guided by the latest media scare. Speaking of media scares, I see a trend towards fire safe landscaping. Any well-tended and maintained garden will fireproof your surroundings, and we do not have to buy specific plants for it. Rather spend your efforts on joining
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As at 17th November 2025 a local hacking group and assist in removing invasive vegetation in your area. Also join the local firefighting group while you are at it. Volunteering should be trending, and my wish is for gardeners to get together to make a positive difference in the world around them. Community food gardens, local parks, schools, clinics and police stations all need your expertise and able hands. On the design front, I see “cloudscaping” trending in 2026, guided by the Pantone colour of the year. We see a washout happening with designers picking the lightest hues in their palette. We will see lots of white spaces, with wispy Gaura, Gypsophilla, allysum and flox leading the show. Greenery is being shaped into less rigid and more flowing forms, and functional spaces are geared towards cloud and star gazing. Environmentalism is still shaping design and plant choices, with a trend away from annuals towards bulbs and perennials. Gardeners are becoming more in tune with the rhythms of nature, and we are using seasonality to guide us in our choices. Gardens are moving from form to function, with plant choices focused on pollinators and edible plants. Technology is also creeping into our outdoor spaces. As forecast last year, we are seeing AI-driven advanced sensors and automation incorporated to assist the gardener in making decisions on irrigation, spraying and planting times and species. Sound is also used extensively, with more plant and gardening-specific playlists showing up on Spotify. Food growing will always be on top of our minds, and we will see this becoming easier and more accessible through box gardens and vertical hydroponic system for the city dweller. Let 2026 be a year where you are guided by your senses and intuition. May your garden flourish and spread the love. Happy gardening.
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Ansche’s People ANSCHE LÖTTER Ruth McCourt There are people whose stories quietly shape a place’s heartbeat, and Ruth McCourt is one of them. Her calm strength, deep love for community, and commitment to Franschhoek Tourism has made her a steady presence behind many of the valley’s most celebrated events. But Ruth’s journey to this valley starts far from the vineyards, in the wide-open landscapes of Piet Retief, near the Swaziland border. Ruth grew up on a farm, where life looked very different from the vineyards and bustle of the winelands. As a fourth-generation German in South Africa, she attended a German junior school before moving to an English private school for high school – a transition that proved both daunting and pivotal. English was foreign to her, and for the first three months, she barely spoke a word, too afraid of what classmates might say. Boarding school life meant going home only every eight weeks, a steep growing curve, but also
A Warm Thank You to Everyone Who Made Our Event a Success We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who helped make the Franschhoek Meets Luncheon held on 22 November 2025, such a wonderful and successful occasion. Our thanks begin with Myles Jenkins of La Roche Estate, who so generously opened his doors to us. We are equally grateful to our hardworking committee members — Margot, Marelize, Alisha, Graeme, Reuben, and Colleen — whose dedication and careful planning ensured that everything came together beautifully. A very special ‘thank you’ goes to the talented chefs in the kitchen — Margot, Charlton, Kyle, Matthew, Miquel, Neil J, Neil P, Nicolene, Niel v Z, Peter, Reuben, Ryan, Terence, Jody — and all their
the foundation of her resilience. After school, she studied BA Communication in Durban, but the world of work called her sooner than expected, leading her to Johannesburg, and to Frank, who would later become her husband. They met through family, clicked instantly, and began a life shaped by adventure. Frank, driven by his passion for wildlife, had settled in Zimbabwe years before. Ruth joined him on their farm near the Gonarezhou Game Reserve, where they spent two decades building a life deeply rooted in community, conservation, and the African bushveld. Their work was demanding, yet rewarding. Frank managed professional hunting expeditions while Ruth handled bookings, logistics, and catering across multiple camps. The nearest town was 180km away, quite a contrast to Franschhoek’s boutique stores and cafés. She laughs as she recalls once sending a driver on a 360km round trip for sugar after unexpectedly running out: “Probably the most expensive sugar I’ve ever bought,” she says. Together they rehabilitated the land, installed a 30km water pipeline and slowly watched wildlife return. Their years in Zimbabwe were rich and fulfilling, until the political landscape changed. Like many others, they lost their farm during assistants, who created delicious dishes and kept spirits high throughout the day. We also want to express our sincere appreciation to all our generous donors — Banhoek Chilli Oil Company, Blake’s Fine Foods, Checkers Franschhoek, Chefs Assoc. Western Cape, CSPSA, Fairview, Hartman Butchery, Isabelo, Feeding Hungry Minds, Jewells, La Cotte, La Vie de Luc, Le Lude, Leeu Collection, Lotus Biscoff, Malan’s Dairy, MotherDough, Pick ‘n Pay Family Store, Quality Food Basket, Strawberry King, The Imibala Trust, The Mad Hatters, Three Streams Smokehouse, Two in a Bush, Urban Foods, ZA Foods, Holden Manz, Mont Rochelle, Wildeberg, Wilderer, Great Wines, Bacco, Stony Brook, Graham Beck, L’Ormarins, Black Elephant, Brookdales, Chantal Lascaris, Franschhoek Hair Beauty, Hair Beauty Bar, Hotel and Café du Vin, Masquerade, Reg Lascaris, Sotheby’s International Realty Franschhoek, Tallulah, Yuliya and Denis Gaiduk, Lady Elaine Grade, Graeme Oliver, Margot Janse, John Matham, Marble Restaurant, Darryl Eales, Timothy Coleridge Boles, Huguenot Fine Chocolates, Boekenhoutskloof, Terrarium Restaurant, Kerrin and Andrew Gregory, Louis
the Fast Track Land Reform Programme. After 33 years there for Frank, and 20 for Ruth, they, with their only son Michael, had no choice but to rebuild their lives from scratch. They were not city people, but their love for Africa, family in the Cape, and the promise of the opening of Bridge House for their son, Michael, led them south. Franschhoek welcomed them warmly. Friends helped with furniture while they waited weeks for theirs to arrive, and slowly, they began again. They bought Rusthof Country Guest House, “by the skin of our teeth,” Ruth says – and poured themselves into the business. A turning point that blended their hospitality background with a fresh opportunity. Ruth soon became involved in local tourism, serving on the Franschhoek Tourism board for four years. After the passing of CEO Jenny Prinsloo and later another leadership transition, Ruth stepped into the role of Marketing Manager and then CEO in 2021, where she continues to play a vital role in shaping the valley’s tourism landscape. Her work carries a lot of pressure, she admits, and it is impossible to please everyone. But Ruth believes in making decisions collaboratively, always with the community in mind. “Tourism drives 90% of Franschhoek’s economy,” she explains. “If we care about this valley, we must
The auctioneer and the CEO Matthee, Smitten Restaurant, Colleen Douglas, Paarl Golf Club, Glenwood, La Bri, G n M Transport — for contributing wines, food, and a remarkable array of auction and raffle items. Your generosity played a key role in raising valuable funds. Our immense appreciation goes to the staff of Franschhoek Hospice — Marelize, Pearl, Cornelia, Evelyn, Lebo, Mari — and to our volunteers — Emma, Yasmin, Tiana, Unati — who devoted
Rotary News
Chanè Scheepers From a Small Classroom to a Lasting Legacy On the morning of 22 March 2022, a modest classroom quietly became the starting point of something remarkable. Twenty aspiring Early Childhood Development (ECD) teachers took their seats, united by a shared desire to give young children a better start in life. What they could not have known was that this day would mark the beginning of a journey that would change their own lives and the futures of their communities. This journey was made possible through a Rotary Global Grant, driven by the Rotary Club of Franschhoek and Drakenstein Valley in partnership with Boland College and the Biosphere Reserve. By June 2022, ten more teachers joined the programme, committed to learning, perseverance and leadership. Investing Where It Matters Most Rotary recognised that the first 1,000 days of a child’s life are critical, laying the foundations for emotional security, curiosity and lifelong learning. By investing in ECD teachers, Rotary invested directly in community wellbeing.
FHK Interest Group BARRY PHILLIPS
Skytram – a Statement by the FIG The notice in the November Tatler headed “Understanding the Basic Assessment Process for the Proposed Franschhoek Cableway” contains a materially incorrect statement. It says that when the next draft Basic Assessment Report is sent to registered Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs)
Rotary members and the newly-qualified ECD teachers Participants completed NQF Level 4 and later Level 5 Certificates in Early Childhood Development Practice through Boland College. Many balanced full-time work, family responsibilities and financial pressure, yet remained committed, driven by the belief that their efforts truly mattered. Learning Beyond the Textbook The programme extended far beyond lectures and assessments. Educational outings, facilitated by the Biosphere Reserve, introduced teachers to museums, galleries and natural spaces many had never explored, despite living nearby. Along the Berg River, teachers engaged with nature through sound, touch and observation, discovering how outdoor experiences can become powerful teaching tools. At the Iziko
South African Museum, they were reminded of the value of curiosity and discovery, while learning new ways to explain complex ideas in childfriendly language. A visit to the South African National Gallery encouraged teachers to see art through texture, colour and emotion rather than simple labels — an experience many found personally transformative. Participants also received business training to help them run ECD centres sustainably, along with computer tablets loaded with educational apps to support classroom activities. These experiences fostered confidence, creativity and professional pride. Stories of Resilience Each certificate earned represents a story
in the Statutory Phase, “The comment period, in accordance with statutory timeframes, will be limited to 30 days. No extensions will be granted”, That statement is incorrect. In terms of Regulation 3(8) of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014, “Any public participation process must be conducted for a period of at least 30 days.” It is the prescribed minimum comment period. The “competent authority” (i.e. the DFFE) can extend this where “exceptional circumstances” exist (reg 3(7)). The draft BAR and supporting specialist studies published in February 2024 in the Pre-Application
Phase exceeded 1,000 pages. It may be anticipated that in the Statutory Phase, the revised draft BAR and its supporting specialist reports, studies and assessments will be of comparable or greater length. This will far exceed the volume typical of a Basic Assessment process. There will, therefore, “exceptional circumstances”. In a Skytram presentation by Justin Truter to the FHRPA Ratepayers Committee in October 2025, he stated that the revised draft BAR would be published in February 2026. However, this was unclear from the reply from Doug Jeffrey, the consultants managing the process, to FIG’s request
work together.” She dreams of expanding the hospitality academy, which currently receives over 200 applications but can only accept 30. She is also passionate about finding solutions for affordable housing for teachers, chefs, and essential workers who struggle to live in the town they serve. Ruth remains deeply motivated by her love for this valley and the privilege of having a voice within it. “We must learn from the past,” she says. “We must preserve what makes this place special and be grateful every day to live here.” Thank you, Ruth, and the Franschhoek Tourism team, for your dedication, vision, and love for this beautiful valley we call home. countless hours before and during the event. Your commitment, enthusiasm, and teamwork made all the difference. Our musicians — Marimba Band Uncorked Academy, Liam, and Stuart — brought life and energy to the day, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Our MC, Pete Goffe-Wood, ensured that everything flowed seamlessly, and our auctioneer, Doug Gurr, brought wonderful spirit and skill to the fundraising efforts. We also thank Trish (photography), Janine (brochure/menu), Jeanne (flowers), Steven and Philemon (security), Trevor and Knowledge Transport (transport) for their invaluable contributions. To all our guests who attended — thank you for showing up with such warmth, enthusiasm, and generosity. Your presence not only enriched the atmosphere but also strengthened the sense of community. Without you, the day would not have been the success it was. To every person who played a part — whether big or small — please know that your involvement truly mattered. We are deeply grateful. Thank you for helping make this event one to remember. of perseverance. Some teachers navigated pregnancy, family demands and long working hours, yet returned time and again to complete their studies. Their resilience reflects both personal determination and the realities of the communities they serve. A Ripple Effect Through the Community The programme’s impact extends far beyond the 30 teachers who qualified. Each returns to their ECD centre with improved skills, renewed confidence and valuable resources — positively influencing hundreds of children during their most formative years. A Moment to Celebrate The journey culminated at Backsberg Franschhoek, where Rotary Franschhoek hosted a year-end function and certificate ceremony. In a room filled with pride and gratitude, certificates were awarded as symbols of courage, commitment and growth — a moment that embodied Rotary’s ethos of service above self. Looking Forward From an initial class of 20 teachers to a growing group of qualified ECD practitioners, this project stands as a powerful example of what Rotary can achieve through education, partnership and belief in people. Its legacy will be felt for years to come — in classrooms filled with curiosity, children better prepared for life, and communities strengthened by those who serve their youngest members.
for a 60-day comment period when the next draft of the BAR is published, Doug Jeffrey said he would respond “in due course” but has not yet done so. It was also stated in the Skytram notice in the November Tatler that. “When the statutory PPP [Public Participation Process] commences, all registered I&APs and authorities will be notified in advance.” As it is now unclear when this is likely to be, FIG has asked Doug Jeffrey for an undertaking that all I&APs will be given not less than 30 days prior notice of commencement of the PPP and the length of the comment period so they may then apply to the DFFE for an extension if it is less than 60 days.
January 2026 |
Editor’s Letter
Siegfried Schäfer
Dear Readers, Libraries are one of my happy places, which explains why mine keeps growing! That clever Roman Cicero, at least in my view, was on to something when he famously said: “If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.” According to the Guinness Book of World Records, “The oldest known library was assembled by Ashurbanipal, King of the Assyrians, between 668 and 631 BCE. It was located in his royal palace in Nineveh (present-day northern Iraq, near Mosul) and included some 30,000 clay tablets, inscribed with cuneiform writing. While earlier royal archives have been discovered (notably at Ebla in present-day Syria) the Library of Ashurbanipal is the first to represent a concerted effort to collect and organize literary texts that have no practical purpose to the running of a centralized state.” South Africa’s oldest public library is the
National Library of South Africa in Cape Town. It was proclaimed on 20 March 1818 by Lord Charles Somerset and was paid for by a wine tax! I wonder how many locals know that Franschhoek has had a public library since 1892? It was housed, along with the school, in the former chapel of the Dutch Reformed Church. When the new school buildings in Akademie Street were completed at the beginning of the twentieth century, the old chapel became the village’s first fully fledged library. At the time, the library contained 1010 books and had 25 registered members. It was open for an hour, 2 days a week. The chapel was eventually demolished to make way for the current church hall. Around the same time, 1962, the municipality built a new library next to the town hall. Today it houses a variety of municipal offices, but its origin as a library is still clear from the open book depicted on its gable. With the digital and AI revolutions dramatically reshaping our societies, libraries are shifting from being mere repositories to becoming dynamic community anchors. In several US cities, libraries are being re-imagined as civic hubs— invigorating neighborhoods and bringing fresh energy to urban areas post-pandemic. A study published by the Urban Libraries Council
concludes, “Central libraries are ... better seen as anchor tenants for downtowns, supporting adjacent businesses and reinforcing the library as an attraction unto itself, a destination rather than a pass-through.” So what kind of services are these civic hubs/ libraries offering? The Donelson branch of the Metro Nashville Public Library System offers repair services, a tool library, flexible work/event spaces and yoga classes. The design goal for the Cedar Park Library in Texas “centered on creating a ‘porch’ for the community, to entice people to stay, socialize and contribute to the growth of a downtown for this booming suburban city.” The library has become a destination “for families, individuals, retired people to go and mix and mingle and feel like a part of the community.” Besides the expected resources, the library also offers event rooms, a makerspace, collaboration areas and a large kids and family zone with interactive indoor-outdoor play. Half a million people visited the library in the
9
first nine months after its opening! A new library in Omaha, Nebraska, includes a podcast studio. In Winter Garden, Florida, near Disney’s Magic Kingdom, a $27.3 million project includes a library building and a 110-acre campus beside a park, which is undergoing phased redevelopment. “On the grounds, patrons will enjoy naturefocused elements like a teaching garden, native plantings, a story walk, an outdoor musical garden and a performance space; inside, there’s a children’s area themed around Florida’s rare blue calamintha bee, a media lab, STEM classrooms, study rooms and flexible meeting spaces.” If there is a predominant theme in the (re-) development of libraries, it seems to be a move away from being book repositories to becoming neighbourhood knowledge, community and even economic hubs. I wonder when I’ll be able to book a meeting room or borrow a spirit level at our local library? Until next month!
DEADLINES - February 2026 Issue
Bookings - 15 January 2026 | Editorial - 15 January 2026 | Artwork - 16 January 2026
Honouring Achim Von Arnim 1945 - 2025 It is with great sadness we share that Achim von Arnim, founder and guiding spirit of Haute Cabrière, passed away peacefully on 8 December, surrounded by his beloved family. As we reflect on his life, we celebrate the extraordinary legacy he leaves behind a legacy built from soil, sweat, creativity, and above all, love for wine, art, family and life. There are some lives that don’t simply unfold – they sweep you along, capturing your imagination and attention, like a bottle opened with a flourish on a golden afternoon. The life of Achim von Arnim was one of these rare stories. A life lived with large imagination, mischief, intuition, and the deep knowing of how to not only see, but share the beauty in the world. Wine, he often said, is memory. Achim’s story began long before Haute Cabrière was a twinkle in his eye. As a young cellar master, his time at Boschendal laid the foundation for a bold career. There, he produced one of South Africa’s earliest traditional method sparkling wines - the second Cap Classique in the country and the first Chardonnay Pinot Noir Cap Classique blend for South Africa. From the very beginning of his career, he already understood something most never grasp: that wine could be an art form, and that the land itself held stories waiting to be revealed. He carried this search for beauty everywhere - whether he was pruning vines, writing poetry, practising karate, painting bold strokes of colour, or lovingly restoring one of his beloved Citroëns. But his life’s great love story began when he found a section of Franschhoek soil that whispered to him of France - of slopes and clay and the old world traditions that shaped the wines he admired most. He recognised it instantly, like a reunion with something he had not yet known but had always felt. That moment seeded Haute Cabrière, and from it, a dream would became reality with the loving support of his rock, Achim’s wife Hildegard von Arnim. Married for more than 56 years, Achim and Hildegard built a future and a family together in Franschhoek. “The story of Achim and Haute Cabrière is not just about wine and its sparkle. It is about people. It is about risk and reward, about family, about love, and the pursuit of something greater than oneself,” reflects Hildegard. Here, beneath the Middagkrans mountain, Achim breathed life into his first range of wines produced at Haute Cabrière - Pierre Jourdan. His Cap Classiques paid homage to the valley’s original 17thcentury Huguenot owner and echoed the spirit of French Champagnes. With his characteristic flair half-scientist, half-magician - he imagined a future where South African bubbles could stand proudly beside the finest in the world. Yet one of his most iconic creations was born not from ideal conditions, but from chaos as only Achim could do. One difficult harvest, when the grapes ripened too quickly for Cap Classique, Achim saw an opportunity to create. Rooted in his belief that great wines are grown, he took what nature had produced and crafted something entirely new. The Haute Cabrière Chardonnay Pinot Noir was a first for South Africa. A pioneering blend of elegance and amazing food-pairing possibility, that would become a South African icon and a signature of the estate.
Die Franschhoek Leeskring het nege boeke bespreek in 2025, met 5 besoekende skrywers wat hul eie boeke bespreek het. Ons moes ‘n lid aan die dood afstaan; geliefde tannie Elsa Malherbe. Ons het ‘n werskwinkel met woorde aangepak in November, met ongelooflike resultate. Ons leeskalender vir 2026 is opwindend, met verskeie besoekende sprekers. Ons skop 15 Januarie 2026 af met ‘n prettige werskwinkel. Besoekers welkom, om 2.30 nm, NGK-saal. Ons het verskeie lede vereer op 4 Desember en Kathy Slazus is aangewys as die lid van die jaar . Vir navrae oor lidmaatskap of besoeke, kontak asb 084 900 9060.
Our Annual Dinner Paying Tribute to Local Community Organizations
From challenge, he made beauty - perhaps the most perfect metaphor for his life. For Achim was not only a talented cellar master. He was a storyteller. A philosopher. An artist. A collector of people and moments. He believed in long lunches that spilled into late afternoons, in conversations that circled the table like old friends, in the shimmering ritual of sabrage as if to say: life is meant to be celebrated boldly. Visitors remember the twinkle in his eye, the generosity of his laugh, the way he made you feel as though the story he was telling existed only for you. Many remember him best through a shared bottle, a shared moment, a shared sense of wonder. His creativity lived everywhere - in the vineyards, in his cellar innovations, in his poems, in his art, and in the way he and Hildegard raised their four children; Takuan, Zoë, Tanja, and Tamo. Since their retirement, the estate rests proudly in his children’s hands: Tanja von Arnim, now CEO, and Takuan von Arnim as Wine Director. Zoë von Arnim continues the family legacy in Belgium importing Haute Cabrière wines to Achim’s beloved Europe. Together, his family and team carry forward his vision, his values, his reverence for land and craft, and his unshakeable belief that wine and beauty can bring people together for moments of joy. And so, we honour a man who lived as he created - passionately, playfully, fearlessly. A man who taught us that beauty lies in simplicity, and that joy multiplies when shared. And in his honour, we remember that: Wine is not made - it is lived. And what a life Achim lived. His legacy will be carried forward, lovingly, by all of us at Haute Cabrière, a testament to his ingenuity and love of life. The Von Arnim Family
FRANCO arranged its fourth annual dinner at the Dutch Reformed Church hall on 27 November, bringing together a wide range of community organizations with which we cooperate in delivering financial and material assistance to those in need. This is exemplified in our name: Franschhoek Resource and Network Coordinating Organization. Seventy people attended to make this a convivial event, at which we showed our gratitude to those who selflessly and tirelessly serve our community. They represented many diverse entities, including: Franschhoek SAPS, security services, NGOs [non-government organisations], first responders, education, nursing, feeding schemes, caregivers, animal protection organizations, child protection organizations, sports organizers, youth centres, the municipality, martial arts instructors, Cape Biosphere, Kusasa, Ratepayers association, Hospitality academy. All the NGOs received a certificate of recognition for the valuable work that had been done during the year.
Leeskring pryswenners: VLNR staande: Kathy Slazus, Riëtte Badenhorst, Hester Strumpfer. Sittende: Elkarien Fourie en Marita Malherbe Our valued sponsors, PicknPay, Woolworths, Mont Rochelle, Triple One Printers [Ceres] and private donors contributed to meeting a part of the event’s expenses and also provided prizes for lucky ticket holders. We thank the Dutch Reformed Church for continuing to make their venue available. Unforgettable entertainment was provided by local artists in Franschhoek, namely: Ten Triple One, Graigan Mentoor, and Okumiyo Skolweni. *** A reminder that our 2026 20th anniversary gala fundraiser will be at Mon Amour [in the centre of town] on 5 February from 17h30. The ticket price is R1 000 per person for dinner and musical entertainment plus a charity auction. *** FRANCO was started by Ron Whytock, a retired airline pilot, to address the needs of our community and we are proud to continue his initiative in cooperation with the many organizations in our valley with similar objectives. At FRANCO, we value all contributions, be they regular or irregular amounts, time given to assist in our various activities, or donations in kind such as clothing or electrical appliances. For those wishing to have further information about us, please consult our website: www.francosa.co.za or contact our manager, Tzilka Watson, on 060 374 0353 or email at francofranschhoek@gmail.com
Guests at the Annual Community Organisations Tribute Dinner
10 | January 2026
A few years ago, the writer David Gorin published a fascinating article in the Financial Mail on ‘The New Wave’ in poetry. In researching it he approached me for comment. Here is part of my response to his query, which I hope you will find interesting: DG: Broadly, is it true that poetry has become more popular in the last, say, 5-10 years? If so, can you attribute this to any particular societal trends? HO: The late English poet Adrian Mitchell once famously asserted that “most people ignore most poetry because most poetry ignores most people”. Without wishing (or, in all likelihood, being able) to analyse the truth or otherwise of this pithy saying, I do suspect that Mitchell may have had a point. A lot of the ‘traditional’ poetry that many young people grew up with, at least in the UK where I went to school, has perhaps seemed like the literary equivalent of Brussels sprouts – nutritious, no doubt, and good for you, but pretty flavourless and unappealing. Give us chocolate cake or ice cream instead. Country churchyards? Grecian urns? Ancient mariners? At best, these will have been (slowly) acquired tastes, and in many cases may have put people off poetry for life because they imagined that poetry only exists in some rarefied 19th century world, expressed vaguely in an elite language of thees, thous, ofts and o’ers, never in their own idiom. But attitudes are changing, have changed. When I was appointed Poet Laureate for Cheshire (UK) in 2003, I made a point of trying to “bring poetry out of the closet” in that county, giving people permission to write in their own way, about their own feelings, with their own words. I had the sense that there was a kind of persistent embarrassment, even of vague shame, in admitting that one loved poetry, and especially in confessing to having written some. The change I see today is certainly not down to me, but it is one I am happy about. Since the advent of the internet, of course, language has broken boundaries everywhere, and it is possible
David Gorin to find readers/listeners (fans?) readily via social media, YouTube and the like. Young poets such as Rupi Kaur, Shane Koyczan and others have developed huge followings, as in South Africa have Koleka Putuma, Genna Gardini and others. In fact, South Africa has been an eye-opener for me. I arrived in January 2008 knowing little of the history of poetry here. But I learned very quickly. Poetry is alive and well in South Africa, where it was one of the primary voices of political protest during the dark days of apartheid. It is respected and revered to an extent that I never encountered in the UK – and this is expanding and growing with enormous vigour as people recognise that poetry is far more than political protest: it is the voice of what each of us can be as human beings. We have always had plenty to say, but perhaps now – through books, magazines, performances, open mic events, and especially social media – we have also found a means to say it and be heard. DG: In terms of poetry forms and themes, are there any that you believe are stand-out, novel or unique, to the current generation of poets (global relevance)? HO: I could go on for a long time here, but I won’t. There are two (overlapping) styles that have, to my admitted amazement, gripped me: hiphop and rap. Their rhythmic, repetitious, heavily rhymed, musical insistence is something that, done well (and it often is!), can be both mesmeric and deeply thought provoking. The danger is that a powerful and charismatic performance can sometimes mask a shallowness of content – but the best can leave me weak with admiration. [PS: I would love to hear how you feel about these questions: heo@hotmail.co.uk]
Seascraper by Benjamin Wood Publ. Penguin\Viking 163 pages This short novel by Benjamin Wood was longlisted for the Booker Prize. The author was unknown to me and subsequent research led me to his previous four novels that have all won prestigious international prizes and garnered praise from big-hitters like Hilary Mantell and Benjamin Myers. So it was with some interest (and awe) that I started reading and found myself mesmerized. The story revolves around a low tide, a high tide and another low tide. The setting is somewhere along the coast of North West England. The environment is seemingly untouched by history. Modern amenities are scarce, electricity is a rare commodity, and vehicles are seldom seen. The appearance of a splendid Humber limousine has the status of a space craft. The time is the recent past, although you will be forgiven if you believe it is in pre-industrial times. The main character in the story is a twentyish young man called Thomas Flett, and we experience the world though his eyes, and voice. He tells us that he is a “shanker”, which means that he makes a living, or rather ekes out a living, dragging a net across the wide tidal beaches at low tide, to catch shrimps. He uses his faithful old horse, for which he has a deeply felt affection, to pull the heavy nets across the treacherous sands, relying on the animal’s instinct to steer clear of the sinkholes. (He muses that with a lorry he could gather many more shrimps, but it’s an impossible dream – due as much to lack of money as failure of ambition.) So, if he is lucky he can manage to fill two whiskets (wicker baskets) during his daily three sweeps. The author’s use of similar local words and expressions contributes to the authenticity of the narrator’s voice. It is a tedious occupation, but through the eyes and voice of Thomas, there is a certain dour logic in doing the only job you know without question or complaint. His own physical presence, down to
his sodden jersey, and thick woollen socks tangled in his ingrown toenails, is palpable. Even more palpable is the physical environment and we begin to understand the nuances in the grey palette of sky, cloud, water and waves. But, even in the grimmest of days Thomas finds some sort of meaning and solace in this connection with the fundamentals of nature, even while realising how little control and choice he has been afforded in his life so far. The only glimmer of a dream he has involves the prospect of writing a song and playing it on his cheap guitar in the local pub. And if he then would manage to impress Wendy, the girl he shyly worships, so much the better. An escape from this uneventful life becomes a possibility when Edgar, an enigmatic American film director arrives, bringing with him a touch of Hollywood. He is looking for a suitable location (grim, grey, menacing) to cut into his latest film. It is significant that he does not want to capture the life of the village – he only wants to use its atmosphere to create the authenticity the is looking for. He pays Thomas to take him to the sea-line. In his interactions with Edgar, Thomas grapples with the push and pull of family duty, work, upbringing and the possibility of an entirely different life. We can’t help rooting for him, while completely empathising with his limitations. Things go wrong when Thomas loses his bearings. Dense fog closes in, quicksand gurgles, a torch goes out, darkness falls. A sinkhole threatens to suck him in. This near-death experience sets the scene for multiple plot twists that are both inventive and credible. Thomas is prompted to write a song, in which he changes the dire job of being a “shanker” to being a “seascraper”, a much more fulfilling and poetic vocation. A new life beckons with a new human relationship, and a future in which he finds a way of transforming the sea into song. This is a redemptive and upbeat ending to a story that at times is painfully realistic.
January 2026 | 11
Was Darwin Right? Exploring His Ideas with Modern Science
Guitar Maestro Returns
UK-based guitar maestro, Dr Mark Jennings, returns for another performance at the Franschhoek Theatre on 18 January 2026. Mark performed to rave reviews at the theatre in January 2025.
Talk by Prof. George Branch & Margo Branch Wednesday 28 January 2026, Franschhoek Theatre Few scientific publications have been as controversial as Darwin’s ‘Origin of the Species’. In this talk, the elegance, simplicity and profundity of Darwin’s ideas, including natural and sexual selection, will be explained. George and Margo Branch will explore how modern discoveries have revolutionised thinking about evolution. Five major advances mark this ‘new thinking’: endosymbiosis, virolution, master
genes, epigenetics and hybridisation. Fear not: all of these can be explained quite simply, and each one electrifies our thinking about how evolution operates. Secure your spot at this event for R250, inclusive of a glass of wine, snacks, and a Q&A with the speaker. Booking is essential, as seats are limited! Bookings can be made via the Franschhoek Theatre website at www.franschhoektheatre.com. For any queries, email smalltalx.info@gmail.com or WhatsApp 0734218879
Mark has won the hearts and minds of audiences across the UK and overseas for many years. Known for his brilliant technique, stunning sounds and musicality, he promises to transport the audience to serene and beautifully exotic musical landscapes, treating them to a selection of the masterpieces by composers Rodrigo, Albeniz, J. S. Bach, Tarrega and others. Mark promises an enthralling evening of virtuoso guitar classics, and with reviews like these he’s guaranteed to deliver! “A maestro of the guitar, a real treat to hear and appreciated by all.” (The Herald, SA) “Lovely sound and such a natural sense of musicality…” (Craig Ogden - Royal Northern College of Music) “Exquisite - bravo.” (Colin Cooper - Guitar Magazine) Tickets are R225 per person (including a welcome drink) and are available online at www. franschhoektheatre.com. www.markjenningsmusic.com www.franschhoektheatre.com
Images: Wikipedia
Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Supplied
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FRANSCHHOEK Home Management Services
Have your Franschhoek property managed by an experienced team.
Frank McCourt +27 83 390 2892 frankmccourt@mweb.co.za
12 | January 2026
JOIN US FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE EVENING! After a five-year hiatus, one of South Africa’s most loved bands, Freshlyground, is back together and heading to Franschhoek on Friday, 6 February – all in support of The Kusasa Project. Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, dance and community with a purpose
FRESHLYGROUND 6 FEBRUARY 2026
TIME: 18:00 - 18:30 VENUE: BRIDGE HOUSE THEATRE, FRANSCHHOEK PRICE: R400 p/p TICKETS: qkt.io/kusasa PICNIC STYLE EVENT- BRING YOUR OWN Tables of 8, 10, and 14 or individual terrace seating.
FURTHER INFO: Info@thekusasaproject.org
IN SUPPORT OF
January 2026 | 13
The Great Demand for Conor Mccreedy’s Wildlife Masterpieces The mystery of the colour blue has always been a powerful force in storytelling. It has been used to convey a wide range of emotions, from sadness and despair to joy and hope. In the narrative “Alter Ego Wildlife” directed by the artist Conor Mccreedy, the colour blue serves as a powerful tool to explore the complex relationship between one self and a wild animal. “Love is no more of a thing than the whisper of the wind through golden grass Or the way that the light falls, dappled through a leafy canopy on the sand of a riverbed It can sometimes be felt in the gentleness of the rising light of dawn Or in the warmth of the morning sun on your face as you move in meditation over this landscape Love is untouchable, just as the horizon that swells out - vast - in front of you Or the iridescence of the feathers of the sunbird as it feeds on the sweetness of life It lives in the rich, reflective texture of a leopard’s coat And in the folds and fissures of the bark of an ancient Leadwood tree Love is suspended in the sharp inhalation when the beauty of wilderness takes your breath away Or in the weightlessness of a Bateleur eagle riding the thermals in the sky Every so often, it can be witnessed in the quiet, elated celebration of shared experience And in the moments of connection that transcend man and beast It lives in the stories of the forest and in the song of the trees Who hold both life’s experience of long ago and the promise of the future It is in the heaviness of purple clouds before a summer downpour And in the lightness of song and exhalation as this landscape receives rain Love is tucked into a look as you catch each other’s eye while the fire dances – free and unburdened – between you When all is said and done, perhaps love can only be heard in the deep, guttural call of a leopard walking through the night Or in the timbre of a beautiful voice as it serenades you, twisted together with the strum of a guitar in firelight softly into the night under the expansive and all consuming African sky”
~ Conor Mccreedy These wildlife paintings remind people of special moments in their lives by capturing the beauty and majesty of the natural world. They evoke memories of past adventures and personal moments spent in nature. The vibrant colours and intricate details of the animals bring to life the beauty of the wild, reminding us of the allure and serenity that can be found in nature. These paintings can also bring back fond memories of times spent with family and friends, reminding us of the importance of cherishing and protecting our natural world. The narrative follows the journey of the artist and his love for conservation, wildlife and especially wild cats. A young man, Mccreedy embarks on a journey to reconnect with his inner self. Along the way, he meets these wild animals, in the wild of course and without interaction as wild animals need to be left in their natural habitat. Mccreedy’s fascination for the leopard in particular is a deep passionate love story. The two form an unlikely bond, filled with enchantment. The colour blue is used to visually represent this relationship, as well as the mystery and complexity of the human experience. The paintings are truly unique and unlike any other, capturing the beauty and wildness of the creatures. They are vivid and alive with Mccreedy’s blue colour, texture, and emotion. The artist has an uncanny ability to capture the spirit of the animal, creating a mesmerizing and captivating work of art. Every painting is a unique representation of the animal and no two are ever the same. Throughout the narrative of this body of work the blue colour palette is used to convey a sense of desire and awe. The cats are often seen in the artist’s vision, which gives it an otherworldly quality. The colour also serves to emphasize the contrast between the human world and the wild animal’s world. The signature Mccreedy palette helps to create a dream-like atmosphere as if the two worlds are connected in some way. His colour is also used to convey the emotions of the characters. When Mccreedy is feeling sad or lost, and in contrast, when he is feeling hopeful and determined, the blue palette helps to emphasize these emotions. His use of his blue in the “Wildlife Collection” is a powerful tool to explore the complex relationship between one self and a wild animal, the patterns in blue help to emphasise the mystery and complexity of the human experience, as well as the contrast between the human world and the wild animal’s world. Mccreedy is able to effectively tell a story about the power of connection and the beauty of the natural world. Text: Diana Segantini and Conor Mccreedy | Images: Art Basel and Mccreedy Studio
14 | January 2026
Community Events Useful Numbers
Library
SPORT
ACCOUNTANTS
FRANSCHHOEK TENNIS CLUB: Social tennis is played at the club on Fridays, Sunda, and Public Holidays from 08h30. For more information contact Nicky. 082 455 6411
Tax Shop
021 876 2676
ATTORNEYS Susan Charlesworth
021 876 2592/072 402 9469
AUDIOLOGISTS Heidi Allan
021 876 4622
BURGLAR ALARMS
CHURCH SERVICES
Pepler Alarms
021 876 3308
CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS
METHODIST CHURCH: Sunday service 10h00. Rev Russell Norman. 021 872 3580 or 082 662 4509. NG KERK Sondagdienste 09h30. Geen aanddiens. Dr. Ryno Els 083 610 1641. Besoekers welkom.New Apostolic Church: Le Roux Street, Groendal. Sunda, 09h00, Wednesdays 19h30. Rector: Charles Leibrandt. ST GEORGE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: Groot Drakenstein. Sunday Services: Holy Communion @ 10H00. Our Church is also a wedding venue. Contact Parish Warden Florence Phillips on 081 428 7064 or secretaryatstgeorge@gmail.com. SHOFAR CHRISTIAN CHURCH: Services - 09h00 & 18h00 English services at 7 Lambrechts Street. Pastor Richard Wade. 083 225 8529. All welcome! UNITING REFORMED CHURCH: Sunday service 09h30. Dr Shaun Burrow. 021 876 2632. Visitors welcome.
Boland Bridge Club
021 876 3031
Franschhoek Tennis Club
078 278 4843
FHK Heritage & Ratepayers Ass.
083 441 8280
Groot Drakenstein Games Club
021 874 1906
- Craig Mc Naught: Captain
080 845 1014
- Lejean Pieterse, Hiring
082 490 0405
Lions
021 876 3775
Stb Masonic Lodge (Chris)
072 211 9991
Franschhoek Rotary Club
082 891 4613
Franschhoek Probus Club
021 876 3179
Wemmershoek Community
074 367 6469
ELECTRICAL Franschhoek Electric
074 313 7829/021 876 3640
Rensburg Electrical
021 876 2120/083 309 2923
HEALTH & BEAUTY Franschhoek Pharmacy
021 876 2261
Franschhoek Health Club
021 876 3310
Karen Protheroe (Dietician)
082 925 0931
HOUSE & GARDEN
GENERAL Alcoholics Anonymous: WED evenings 19:00, Groendal Community Centre, Contact David +27 83 305 5159
Clock Repairs
028 840 1716
Lighting & Accessories
021 876 3640
Ria Pools (Franschhoek)
021 876 2612/072 347 5355
Sue’s Gardens
083 321 3442
Valley Garden Service
071 591 0342
OPTOMETRIST Marelise Bester
021 872 3530
PHYSIOTHERAPY Fhk Physiotherapy Associates
B O L A N D AP P L I A NCE
Jan (OWNER)
Repairs & Sales Fridges
067 979 8339
Freezers
066 267 0442
fixit930@gmail.com
Dishwashers Washing Machines Stoves & so much more...
021 876 4234 (office) 074 325 5555 (Bronwen)
& REFRIGERATION
076 842 6052 (Maans) PLUMBERS Franschhoek Plumbing
021 876 3759
PSYCHOLOGIST Danielle Smith
www.bolandappliances.co.za
PUBLIC SERVICES
82 Van Riebeeck Road Paarl
Hospice
082 812 1476 021 876 3085
‘Discover the story of South Africa’s French Huguenots in the context of the global refugee phenomenon. Explore how issues of power, religion, freedom and legend-making contributed to shaping the story of South Africa.’
The Huguenot Memorial Museum Lambrechts Street, Franschhoek | www.museum.co.za OPENING HOURS: Daily: 09h00 – 17h00 | Closed: Sundays & Mondays (October - April)
021 808 8406
Post Office
021 876 2342
Welfare (ACVV)
021 876 2670
SPCA
083 745 5344
SHARF
076 327 4939
SCHOOLS Bridge House School
021 874 8100
Franschhoek High School
021 876 2079
Groendal Primary School
021 876 2448
Groendal Secondary School
021 876 2211
Wes-Eind Primary School
021 876 2360
Dalubuhle Primary School
021 876 3957
STORAGE Franschhoek Storage
021 876 2174
TOURIST INFORMATION & SERVICES Info Office
066 224 6360 / 073 688 9894
Huguenot Memorial Museum
021 876 2532
VETERINARY Fhk Animal Clinic (plus surgery) Emergencies / Weekends
021 876 2504
021 863 3187 / 082 8089 100
EMERGENCY NUMBERS Stb Fire Dept. (Buildings)
021 808 8888
District Municipality(Bush & veld)
021 887 4446 021 886 9244
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2026 1 January New Year’s Day 21 March Human Rights Day 3 April Good Friday 6 April Family Day 27 April Freedom Day 1 May Workers’ Day
Police
10111/021 876 8061
Eskom
086 003 7566
16 June Youth Day
Omnipage Farm Watch
021 852 3318
9 August National Women’s Day
Plaaswag
021 876 2346
N1. N2 & R300 Emergency number:
021 946 1646
10 August National Women’s Day observed
DENTISTS Dr Schalk du Plessis
021 876 3070
DOCTORS Dr Karin Eksteen
021 876 4622
Dr Alexander Heywood
021 876 2474
Dr Hannes Van der Merwe
066 100 6429
Dr Nicolas Els
021 876 2561
Dr Bernard Fisher
021 876 4622
AUDIOLOGIST Audiologist Tracy-Ann Morris
084 264 0000
EMERCENCY MEDICAL RESPONSE Medicare EMR
074 363 7744/021 876 4316
MUNICIPALITY (Ward 1) Clr Pfeiffer (DA)
079 597 2765
(Ward 2) Clr Petersen (DA)
082 404 5055
(Ward 3) Clr Manuel (DA)
074 686 2364
(Ward 4) Clr Adams (DA)
073 446 5411
Municipality (Office Hours)
021 808 8700
Municipality (After Hours)
021 808 8890
Municipality 24hr Service
021 808 8700
EMAIL US AT info@franschhoektatler.co.za for more information
24 September Heritage Day 16 December Day of Reconciliation 25 December Christmas Day 26 December Day of Goodwill
PUBLIC SCHOOL TERMS 2026 Term 1 January 14 – March 27 Term 2 April 8 – June 26 Term 3 July 21 – September 23 Term 4 October 6 – December 11
January 2026 | 15
WE HANDLE ALL YOUR PROPERTY RELATED REQUIREMENTS WITHIN FRANSCHHOEK AND THE WINELANDS
01
MAINTENANCE Property upkeep, maintenance oversight, and project management.
03
02
WEEKLY CHECKS Weekly security checks conducted and available upon request.
04
CLEANING
PAYMENTS
Professional interior and exterior cleaning services available before and after visits.
Recovery of utility charges and payment handling upon request.
*Our services include, but are not limited to, those we have stated, and we are happy to accommodate additional requests based on your needs.
+27 79 068 21 30
kate@silverliningpm.co.za
16 | January 2026
Summer Sleep Comfort with Granny Goose Warm weather rest is a bed that feels cool, light, and endlessly inviting. SUMMER SLEEP UPGRADES FOR THE GUEST ROOM OR ENSUITE. Pure Cotton Percale Linen: Crisp and cool against the skin, the secret to that just-laundered feeling, night after night.
Limited time offer 20% off all Goose Down duvets
Lightweight Down Duvet: Plush yet airy, designed by nature to keep you perfectly comfortable in any climate.
Ts&Cs apply.
Featherbed Mattress Topper: A soft, cloudlike layer that turns every bed into five-star luxury. Find these and more sleep sanctuary essentials at the Granny Goose Sleeplab in Franschhoek Visit us for expert advice and experience our products first-hand. Shop 1, 22 Huguenot St, Franschhoek, 7690 Hours: Mon-Friday 9am – 6pm Weekends 9am – 5pm Phone: 021 863 5505 Granny Goose is available in Granny Goose stores, @home stores and online
www.athome.co.za/brand/granny-goose
January 2026 | 17
Celebrate
CLASSICAL AND SPANISH GUITAR Mark Jennings
The 20th Anniversary of
FRANCO
At Our Fund Raising Dinner Party A Magical Fusion of Middle Eastern & Indian Delights, Cocktails, 3 Course Dinner & Live Music Thursday 5 February 2026 17:30 Dress : Glamorous Tickets: R1000 per person Venue : Mon Amour The Yard 38 Huguenot Street Franschhoek, 7690 RSVP : Tzilka 060 374 0353 By No Later Than 23 January 2026
R225 pp (including welcome drink) 18 JANUARY 2026, 18H30 Book online: www.franschhoektheatre.com 15 Akademie St, Franschhoek, 7690
MARKJENNINGSMUSIC.COM
18 | January 2026
Introducing La Luc
Franschhoek's Premier Retirement Estate Nestled in the heart of the Franschhoek Valley, La Luc Retirement Estate is an exclusive new
development offering a rare opportunity to secure your home off-plan in one of South
Africa's most coveted locations. Designed for those who value beauty, comfort, and peace of mind, La Luc blends magnificent mountain
views with luxurious, contemporary finishes.
Thoughtfully planned and elegantly appointed, the estate offers a selection of 2- and 3-bedroom
full-title homes, each crafted with premium
materials, generous natural light, and modern, energy-efficient design. With construction already underway, early purchasers can enjoy the benefit of prime positioning and customisation options. At La Luc, lifestyle and wellbeing come first. Residents will enjoy access to a beautifully designed clubhouse, social lounges, and shared landscaped spaces that foster community and
On show daily.
connection. A dedicated frail-care facility
provides reassurance for the future, ensuring seamless support within the comfort of the estate. Set behind state-of-the-art security, La Luc
offers complete tranquillity and lock-up-and-go c o n v e n i e n c e — a l l j u s t m o m e n t s f ro m Franschhoek's celebrated restaurants, vineyards, and village charm. La Luc — where refined living, security, and breathtaking surroundings come together in perfect harmony.
Contact – Nelis Bezuidenhout 082 455 9766 – On site Sales Agent.
January 2026 | 19
Dulux Colour Forecast 2026 – a Rhythm of Blues
TO LET IN FRANSCHHOEK
Calming, fluid and creative, blue feels the perfect antidote to today’s frenetic world. Dulux has chosen a collection of soulful indigo blues as their colour family for 2026. Vibrant Free Groove™, light blue Mellow Flow™ and dark blue Slow Swing™, give you the scope to change the rhythm of your home in countless ways. It’s all about creating a space that flows at your pace… Whether meditative, uplifting or airy, blue is a calming and cooling colour – just what we need in our homes at a time when life can feel chaotic, demanding and overheated. This was the sentiment that came out of Dulux’s annual trend forecast when international design experts shared their thoughts on where the world is heading and what we’ll need in our homes in the next few years. “With everything that’s happening in the world, we see that people are reacting in various ways,” explains Heleen van Gent, Creative Director of AkzoNobel’s Global Aesthetic Centre. “They’re either slowing down and recharging their batteries, wanting to feel in tune with others, and celebrate kinship. Or they’re choosing to be bold, have fun, and feel carefree.” She adds that the three colour palettes will help create living environments that fit everyone’s individual decorative needs. “To reflect these various moods – and because we understand that colour is emotion and therefore personal – we’ve chosen a family of colours for 2026. They’re centred around three different rhythms that offer endless scope for changing the pace of your space.” Slow Colour Story A wholesome, human space that feels restorative. Somewhere we can reflect, refocus, and recharge our batteries. Simple and peaceful, it’s where we can find ourselves and get ready to face the world. Flow Colour Story A friendly and connected space that feels in tune with the world. Somewhere, we can come together and bond with the natural networks of life: our families, our communities, and the earth around us.
REF# FWL1718356
Generous Furnished Family Home | R120 000 per month 4 BEDROOMS | 3.5 BATHROOMS | 2 GARAGES Feel Free Colour Story A boundary-breaking space that feels upbeat and carefree. Somewhere, we can think outside the box, embrace our inner child, and find the freedom and energy to play, experiment, and dream. The colours, textures, and special effects that take centre stage in the Rhythm of Blues collection have been designed to resonate with a wide range of markets. Along with decorative paints, inspirational palettes have also been created for the aerospace, automotive, consumer electronics, metal furniture, lighting, cabinetry, flooring, building products and architecture markets. With these indigo tones and complementary colours, everybody can match the pace of each room of their home so it perfectly matches their mood.
Perched on a sprawling secure country estate, this elegant double-storey family home captures the charm of Franschhoek living, with sweeping mountain views and tranquil green surroundings.
Let us help you f ind your perfect property — contact us today for all your real estate needs.
Shannon Medici Registered with the PPRA - Candidate FFC
+27 82 507 9788
shannon.medici@pamgolding.co.za THE PAM GOLDING WAY Pam Golding Properties (Pty) Ltd - Franschhoek Winelands Rental. Registered with the PPRA. Holder of a Business Property Practitioner FFC. Operating a Trust Account. W: +27 21 876 2306 | E: franschhoekrentals@pamgolding.co.za
Text: Editorial Desk | Images: Dulux Tatler Advert_Small_136mmx196_14NOV_2025_FA.indd 1
Franschhoek’s Specialist Paint Shop We stock a full range of Midas, environmentally friendly paints (water and oil based) and Earthcote specialised, textured trowel-on and brushon products for wall and floor surfaces (300 colours to choose from) and a full range of Paint Brushes, Rollers and Accessories. We also stock waterproofing products, Weatherprufe, Elastocryl and Weatherklad, Rolls of torch-on (3mm & 4mm) and various sizes of waterproofing membrane. Plascon water and oil-based paints. We also stock a full range of Woodoc ‘food for wood’ in various colours and a full range of Duram products, including Duram Roof paints in various colours and Duram Showfloor Polyurethane floor paint, also in assorted colours. We can also supply twin pack epoxy paints for specialised applications. All textures and colours are on show in our showroom. Pop in and have a coffee with us, whilst leisurely selecting your paints and colours. For FREE technical advice, paint specifications and quotations contact Paul 082 567 6162
11/14/2025 3:12:51 PM
20 | January 2026
January 2026 | 21
EXCLUSIVE MANDATES in Franschhoek
FOR SALE
R26.5 MILLION EXCL. VAT Prime Small Holding VACANT LAND A rare opportunity on the R45 entering Franschhoek Valley. Approximately ±2.78 hectares of agricultural land planted to Pinotage vines, enjoying some of the most spectacular views in the valley towards Simonsberg and Hutchinson’s Peak towering in the distance. With its prime visibility and position, this property is ideal for those looking to extend their current agricultural or lifestyle activities in a highly sought-after location.
REF# FWI1719847
FOR SALE
R9.995 MILLION Dual-Living Home with Sweeping Views 6 BEDROOMS | 5 BATHROOMS | 2 GARAGES Set within a secure estate, this versatile home offers the perfect blend of space, comfort and dual-living potential. Positioned on a gentle slope, it captures magnificent north-facing mountain views from the elevated main level.
REF# FWI1720600
FOR SALE
R8.95 MILLION Immaculate home in La Petite Provence 3 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 2 GARAGES Fall in love with this impeccably maintained 3-bedroom home, perfectly nestled in the heart of La Petite Provence, Franschhoek. Wake up to breathtaking views of rolling vineyards and majestic mountains — all yours to savour from the expansive private patio, landscaped garden, and sparkling north-facing pool terrace.
REF# FWI1723667
FOR SALE
R8.5 MILLION Charming home in La Petite Provence 3 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 2 GARAGES Seldom do properties become available in this well-established and secure estate. La Petite Provence is renowned for its beautifully maintained communal gardens and vineyards, excellent security with no short-term rentals allowed, ensuring a calm and settled environment for residents. The estate also offers wonderful shared amenities, including a communal swimming pool and tennis court, adding to its appeal.
REF# FWI1718198
Let us help you f ind your perfect property — contact us today for all your real estate needs.
Jeanine Allen Registered with the PPRA - Full Status FFC
GoldClub 10 Year Elite | Emerald Circle 2025 Agent
+27 (0)82 410 6837 jeanine.allen@pamgolding.co.za
Pam Golding Properties (Pty) Ltd - Franschhoek Winelands. Registered with the PPRA. Holder of a Business Property Practitioner FFC. Operating a Trust Account. W: +27 21 876 2100 | E: winelandsint@pamgolding.co.za
THE PAM GOLDING WAY
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22 | January 2026
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