Wednesday, March 23, 2011

De Grendel Wines offer Free Wine Tastings and Cellar Tours.

Few places on earth offer such a spectacular outlook. Nestled atop Tygerberg Hill, surveying its surrounds with unparalleled 270 degrees panoramics, De Grendel showcases Table Mountain, the city of Cape Town and the seaboard all in one landscape. Just 20 minutes from the city, this dramatic expanse of land offers perspective and accessibility. De Grendel means “the latch” in Dutch – this farm was historically the gateway on the route to the inland settlements of Durbanville and Stellenbosch which had to be opened to traverse the Tygerberg.

Our distinctive position

Perfectly situated on high, sea-facing slopes, it is the only vineyard in the country that is 350m above sea level and only 7 km from the sea. This elevated position is not only majestic, but also forms an integral part of the micro-climate that shapes our elegant wines. Our vines benefit from the western-facing aspect and the close moderating effects of the ocean – advantages that are the product of the site. In our viticulture and wine-making, our goal is the expression of the character of this distinctive position.

Sensitivity to our environment

Looking after the natural environment, the farm is part of a larger fynbos conservation area, caring for the endemic but highly endangered “renosterveld”. Our social environment is being protected by employer-employee partnerships in winemaking and viticulture. In all we pursue, we aim for excellence, now and in the future.
De Grendel is only twenty minutes from the Waterfront or airport. Leave the N1 at exit 18; continue left down the Plattekloof Road for another 5 km, De Grendel is on the right.

Tasting Hours

Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm;
Saturday 10am – 4pm;
Sunday 10am – 4pm

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Extreme Sports in Cape Town

Live on the other side.....Cape Town can offer a whole lot of wild ventures that will guarantee to take your breath away. Take your pick from Sand Boarding, Abseiling, Bungee-Jumping, Sky Diving, Paragliding and Quad Biking. We have compiled a list of Extreme Sports that you can enjoy in Cape Town.

Paragliding has got to be one of the world's most amazing adventure activities, and where better to experience this incredible pursuit than above the beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton with the city of Cape Town, Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles as a backdrop? Taking off from Lions head is the most accessible flight but there are numerous other options available around the Western Cape of South Africa
Our expert, fully qualified guides will ensure that this breathtaking flight will be carried out in the greatest possible safety so that you can concentrate on taking in the views, as you float effortlessly on the moving air currents.

Click here to make a paragliding enquiry
or call us now on +27 21 422 0388


Sandboarding
When it comes to SandBoarding in Cape Town, Downhill Adventures were the first and we are still the best! We give full instruction, teaching you how to easily master the basics to more advanced sandboarding techniques,and of course, ensuring exciting, fun filled action. Its an exhilirating, easy-to-learn adventure activity and a great introduction to snowboarding and other board sports.
  • Full-Day Sandboarding: R695
  • Half-Day Sandboarding: R550
  • Sandboard & Quad Bike Combo: R1150
  • Sandboard & Skydive Combo: R2395
  • Sandboard & Surf Combo: R950
Make a Sandboarding Enquiry here
or call us now on +27 21 422 0388


Sky Diving


On the way up in the aircraft, the view is breathtaking. To the South, the Mother City lies sandwiched between towering Table Mountain and bustling Table Bay harbour. Further to the south, and to the far side of the mountain, lies False Bay, Hout Bay and the splendour of the South Peninsula as far as Cape Point. To the West, you will spot Robben Island - Cape Town's own Alcatraz - and the Atlantic breaking on the beautiful Cape West Coast, as famous for its icy water temperature as its mouth-watering crayfish. To the North, the Langebaan lagoon , a great kitesurfing and windsurfing venue.


Bookings can be made at: 
http://www.skydivecapetown.za.net/prices.htm

Quad Biking


Kamazoo offers Team Building Activities and Guided Quad Bike Tours.  We operate from two venues; Somerset West, less than ½ an hour from Cape Town and Grabouw about 1 hour from Cape Town.
Quad biking
Our quad bike tours cater for just about anyone from the complete novice to the more experienced rider.
All our tours are lead by experienced guides, ensuring a safe and memorable experience. Our tours are adapted to the rider's skills and cater for just about anyone from the complete novice to more experienced riders.
Training and safety equipment is provided.
This is a fabulous experience for families, friends and colleagues alike. It's trail riding at it's very best!

Kamazoo focuses on the safe and responsible use of quad bikes, while still presenting tours that will get your adrenaline rushing and be an unforgettable experience.

Bookings can be made at:
http://www.quadrides.com/

Shuttle Service to any of these events can be arranged by Citi Shuttles.
Cape Town Shuttles 021 559 5467 / 082 707 1135

Rates and Routes can be viewed at:
www.citishuttles.com





Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Picnic at the Taalmonument with the ESP Band

Sondag-piekniekkonsert met ESP Band by die Taalmonument
 
ESP Band, ʼn sewe-stuk jazz-groep van Stellenbosch tree op Sondag 13 Maart by die Afrikaanse Taalmonument in die Paarl in die laaste Sondag-piekniekkonsert van die seisoen op.
Dié groep het pas hul debuutalbum, “Taxi 1022”, bekendgestel. Hul eg Kaapse klanke en oorspronklike musiek wat ook pop- en fusion jazz-style insluit, het reeds groot aanhang verwerf. Die groep se diverse herkoms sorg vir ʼn unieke klank – een wat jou beslis op jou voete sal kry! 
Die lede is Ramon Alexander (klavier), Heinie Jack (baskitaar), Lou-Ann Stone (saksofoon), Neville Arnolds (tromme), Simangele Mashazi (sangeres), Ricardo de Ruiter (sanger) en Dustin Julius (kitaar).

Die konsert vind van 17:30 tot 19:00 plaas en die hekke open reeds om 15:30. Kaartjies is by die hek beskikbaar en kos R30 vir volwassenes en R10 vir kinders. 
Toegang is gratis vir kinders onder ses jaar. Die konsert vind plaas op die boonste grasperk. Indien die weer sleg is, word die konsert afgestel. 

Besoekers is welkom om hul eie piekniekmandjie saam te bring of om een by Volksmond Koffiewinkel te bestel (tel. 021 863 2800 of volksmond@taalmuseum.co.za).
Die Sondag piekniekkonserte word ter ondersteuning van die opvoedkundige programme van Die Afrikaanse Taalmuseum en –monument aangebied.
Die monument is gedurende die somer daagliks oop tot 20:00. Vir verdere inligting oor geleenthede by die Afrikaanse Taalmuseum en -monument, skakel 021 872 3441 of besoek www.taalmonument.co.za.


Medianavrae kan gerig word aan Amira Clayton/Isabeau Botha by kommunikasie@taalmuseum.co.za  of tel. 021 872 3441 / 076 017 6026.


Sunday picnic concert with ESP Band at the Taalmonument

ESP Band, a seven-piece jazz band from Stellenbosch, will be on stage on Sunday 13 March at Die Afrikaanse Taalmonument in Paarl in the last in a series of Sunday picnic concerts. 

The band recently released their debut album, “Taxi 1022”. Their authentic Cape Town sound and original music that includes pop and fusion jazz-style has brought them a large following. The group members’ diverse origins create a unique sound – guaranteed to get you on your feet! 

The members are Ramon Alexander (piano), Heinie Jack (bass), Lou-Ann Stone (saxophone), Neville Arnolds (drums), Simangele Mashazi (vocals), Ricardo de Ruiter (vocals) and Dustin Julius (guitar).
The concert starts at 17:30 and ends at 19:00. The gates open at 15:30. Tickets are available at the gate and are R30 for adults and R10 for children. Entrance is free for children under six. The concert takes place on the lawn below the Monument. The concert will be cancelled if the weather is bad.

Visitors are welcome to bring their own picnic baskets or they can order a basket from Volksmond Coffee Shop’s picnic menu (tel. 021 863 2800 or volksmond@taalmuseum.co.za).
The Sunday Concert Series is held in support of the educational programmes of Die Afrikaanse Taalmuseum en –monument.
The Monument’s operating hours is extended until 20:00 for the summer season from October to March. For more information about events at the Taalmuseum or Taalmonument, call 021 872 3441 or visit www.taalmonument.co.za.


Media enquiries: Amira Clayton/Isabeau Botha at kommunikasie@taalmuseum.co.za or tel. 021 872 3441 / 076 017 6026. 

Transport and Group Shuttles to ESP Band Picnic can be arranged by Citi Shuttles. Shuttle service to and from Paarl and Cape Town Airport.
021 559 5467
082 707 1135

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Cape Town this Weekend


Sandcastle building in Houtbay

You can Play in the sand with the annual Sandcastle competition in Houtbay. Be an spectator or join the fun! Great prizes to be won! Whether you are 'n professional sand artist, an amateur castle creative or just love the feeling of beach sand between your tows and fingers, this is a day not to be mist!


Cape Town Gay Parade (Click for more info)


Century City Dragon Boat Festival
 
The Cape Town Dragon Boat Festival attracts private and corporate teams of paddlers - both men and women - to battle it out on the water.


Venue - Century City
Date - 4th and 5th of March
Time - 17:00 to 19:00


Old School Party in Melkbos Strand

For your clubbing pleasure, Club Anthems & Classics will be delivered to you from sunset to sunrise by Cape Town’s finest dance jocks on a mind-blowing sound rig, with awesome lighting, an absolutely awesome location - a farm nestled on the boundaries of Melkbos Strand – this 13 hour dance marathon will be a unique and exciting dance experience like no other, and definitely a reminiscent dance experience not to be missed! 

Date: 05 Mar 2011 - 06 Mar 2011
Time: 20:00 - 09:00
Venue: The Green Barn
Location: R27 | Melkbosstrand
Price: R40p/p – R60p/p