The winners of the 2019 Tollman Bouchard Finlayson Art Award have been announced as a highlight of the annual Hermanus FynArts Festival. The Tollman family, owners of Bouchard Finlayson, has long been great supporters of the arts in South Africa and sponsored this national competition for the sixth consecutive year, with a first prize of R20 000, second prize of R10 000, and 2 merit prizes of R5 000 each.

Neeske Alexander walked away with the 1^st prize, followed by Karen Grove in 2^nd place and Natasha Brown and Terrence Howahowa each receiving a Merit prize.

The theme this year was ‘Harmony’ and artists were invited to submit their work in a tondo (round) format with a maximum 60cms diameter to be displayed on a wine barrel head. A total of 53 works by 46 artists were selected as finalists from 227 works submitted by 179 artists.

An exciting variety of media was entered this year, including the winner’s watercolour and Karen Grove’s two works of reverse acrylic on perspex. The two Merit winners respectively entered a work of oil on glass, and the other, a tapestry and weaving piece. Terrence Howahowa, along with three other finalists, are residents of Zwelihle township in Hermanus where they form part of the Living Tapestry Project.

The winning works, as well as those by the finalists are for sale and currently on display in the Bouchard Finlayson wine cellar as the ‘Tollman Bouchard Finlayson Barrel Head Exhibition’.

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve has introduced a Family Getaway Experience at Gondwana Family Lodge which is available during the upcoming school holidays and throughout the rest of the year (valid until 20 December 2019). Sanbona is situated close to Montagu in the heart of the Little Karoo, a three-hour scenic drive from Cape Town along Route 62 and offers an authentic safari experience for the whole family in a malaria-free area.

The Family Getaway Experience provides the perfect opportunity to disconnect from a busy city lifestyle and enjoy quality time together. It is open to families with children of all ages and includes the Sanbona Kids on Safari programme, with exciting activities such as an evening scorpion hunt and storytelling inspired by African folk tales around the fire with a marshmallow braai. A family picnic is included in addition to twice daily game drives, and for children under four years who may not be accommodated on the game drives, complimentary child minding is offered in the kiddies play area during game drive hours, allowing parents with young children some quality time together. Guided wilderness walks are also on offer for adults and children older than 16 years to explore some of the vast reserve, which is home to the Big 5.

Gondwana Family Lodge recently had a total face lift to the 12 suites, as well as the main lodge dining and lounge areas. Offering a family-safari in style, each suite comes with a comfortable sleeper couch to accommodate one child, whilst inter-leading rooms are available for larger families. There is a kids’ TV lounge, as well as safe indoor and outdoor play areas with a child-friendly swimming pool.  Delicious, wholesome farm-style cuisine is offered, including child-friendly options.

The Sanbona Kids on Safari programme has been designed to stimulate and inspire the eco warriors of the future. Families are invited to enjoy the wonder that nature has to offer with exciting educational and recreational wildlife experiences to guarantee an unforgettable safari experience, even for the little ones. Welcome Packs include the Sanbona Activity Book filled with interactive activities to teach children in a fun way about the wildlife at Sanbona.  The skull garden and interpretive trail take children of all ages through the gardens to learn about important plants and animals on the reserve. Other activities include arts and crafts, puzzles, board games, educational children’s books, documentary DVD’s on various conservation topics and animals, as well as entertaining animation movies.

The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and its associated terroir has consistently proven itself as one of the Cape’s most treasured Chardonnay locations. It is therefore fitting that Bouchard Finlayson takes the lead in showcasing it’s delicious vintages as part of International Chardonnay Day on 23 May 2019.

The Chardonnay grape variety originated in Burgundy (France), but today is grown in most wine regions throughout the world. Chardonnay first became popular in the 1980’s and is now seeing a resurgence in the international consumer market where the new world Chardonnays are generally known for their buttery oak flavours.

In the words of Bouchard Finlayson founder, Peter Finlayson, Chardonnay is ‘the most malleable of all white grapes; it is the easiest to be good at but the most difficult of wines to make really great.’ Celebrated on the world stage year on year, the range of Chardonnays produced by Bouchard Finlayson has raked in a bouquet of awards presented to its three labels that include flagship Missionvale; popular Crocodile’s Lair/Kaaimansgat; and the unique, unwooded San Barrique Chardonnay.

Regarded as one of the finest Chardonnays, Bouchard Finlayson’s Missionvale Chardonnay is produced from grapes harvested exclusively from the Estate. The name Missionvale stems from the mission hospital established on the domain property in the early 19^th century. The 2016 vintage has been lauded globally, bringing home a Gold Medal in the Decanter World Wine Awards in 2018, and scoring 92 points from James Suckling and 93 points from Tim Atkin MW in his South Africa Special Report 2018. With eleven months in the best French oak barrels, this is a ‘commanding wine with solid backbone and a lengthy, lingering palate.’ Flavours of pear and melon enhanced by peachy taste sips offer a lively and long-lasting mouth feel. Best wood maturation has complimented to offer complexity and structure, which will grow and embolden this wine over the next five years. Expect nutty flavoured integration as the aging process evolves. Soft cheese, fish pâté, Bouillabaisse or fish all work splendidly with this vintage, as well as chicken or sushi dishes.  (Bouchard Finlayson 2016 Missionvale Chardonnay R276 per bottle from the Estate)

Bouchard Finlayson’s Crocodile’s Lair/Kaaimansgat Chardonnay is crafted from grapes grown in the Elandskloof Valley behind Villiersdorp, 80km from Hermanus. Bouchard Finlayson has been linked directly to this vineyard for close to 26 years, which at 700m above sea level, benefits from cool autumn temperatures. The essence of capturing complexity drives the flavour profile of the 2017 vintage. Structured with many layered flavour components arising from combinations of the best French Oak, yeast, lees contact and finest fruit, which all reward the palate with a kaleidoscope of tastes. This pleasing palate adventure offers hints of litchi, white peach, kiwi fruit, strawberry smoothie and golden tangerine combining to generate a memorable taste experience. Aging potential is excellent. Winemaker Chris Albrecht quips: ‘Treat seriously and sip slowly, this is not just another glass of wine!’ The 2017 vintage scored 93 points in Tim Atkin MW‘s 2018 South Africa Special Report. A great companion to white meat and rich seafood such as lobster bisque. Other perfect pairing suggestions include soft cheese and mushroom risotto.  (Bouchard Finlayson Crocodile’s Lair/Kaaimansgat Chardonnay R174 per bottle from the Estate)

Achieving the character associated with the best Chardonnay wines, usually happens through maturing in French Oak barrels. Without employing any magic recipe, the Sans Barrique lives up to its name (unwooded) in arriving through well monitored basic wine making. A pure expression from two locations – the Bouchard Finlayson Estate and the exceptional Elandskloof vineyards, grapes are fermented in stainless steel tank under ideal temperature control that has led to the arrival of a well-structured, crisp, white Chardonnay, after three weeks from harvest.  A host of perfumed reminders relating to apple, gooseberry, guava and sweet melon tease the taste senses while the organic compliment of lees tones adds complexity and assists with aging potential. This is a shell fish delight which is happily enjoyed with sushi, summer salads and all fruits of the sea.  (Bouchard Finlayson Sans Barrique Unwooded Chardonnay R162 per bottle from the Estate)

Jock Safari Lodge in the Kruger National Park has introduced a new Winter Wellness package, which includes a complimentary African scalp massage treatment, as well as a relaxing Pilgrims Dream Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage (per adult). The package is designed to provide guests with an unforgettable sensory experience in the bush, using Africa’s earthly oils which are encapsulated in soothing Healing Earth spa products.

Jock Safari Lodge was revamped recently to retain the timeless style and elegance of a classic safari lodge. Paying homage to its rich history and heritage, the lodge boasts the addition of modern comforts and conveniences expected by today’s discerning traveller. At the main lodge, twelve secluded thatched suites offer privacy and uninterrupted views of the riverbed. Each suite boats an extensive private deck, an outdoor Victorian bath and shower, as well as a plunge pool and an enclosed sala (day bed) for daydreaming and sleep-outs. Within the same concession, the private camp, Fitzpatrick’s at Jock caters for families and children, as well as small groups of up to six guests travelling together.

The Winter Wellness package also includes two daily game drives, wilderness walks, all meals, a selection of house beverages, as well as a high tea at R8 064 per person sharing per night including a 10% Long Stay discount. Valid for direct bookings only and a minimum stay of 3 nights are required: Tel +27 (0) 13 010 0019 or reservations@jocksafarilodge.com. T&C’s apply.

In the hidden Hemel-en-Aarde Valley at the Southern tip of Africa lies Bouchard Finlayson, a winery that combines the best of the old ways and classic French winemaking techniques, with the creativity and innovation of the new world. A family-owned boutique vineyard where Heaven meets Earth, inspired by genuine passion and shaped by a global family. Nurtured by a dedicated team who handcrafts wines to perfection, constantly in pursuit of excellence, Bouchard Finlayson is an estate synonymous with world-class premium international wines.

Bouchard Finlayson has released the latest vintages of three of its most popular white wines.

Showstopper Bouchard Finlayson Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2017 has its origins in numerous vineyard parcels, picked at various stages of ripening, to contribute to a sleek and complex wine that is destined to become a collector’s vintage. An undercurrent of spice and flint notes add complexity to the fruit bowl of flavours, including fig, lemon zest and passion fruit, all integrating on a long finish to pair beautifully with fish dishes, crustaceans, sushi, vegetarian cuisine and cheese. (R174 per bottle)

The unique Bouchard Finlayson Blanc de Mer 2018 is widely celebrated as a wine for all seasons. Bouchard Finlayson founder and creator of the Blanc de Mer label, Peter Finlayson is quoted as saying: ‘Standing at the front of the winery one enjoys a classic view of the southern oceans, prompting the title ‘White of the Sea’ (Blanc de Mer). The palate is perfect and positively gregarious! A genuine people pleaser totally at home amongst relaxed company’. At 65% of the content in the 2018 vintage, the Riesling grape offers a solid frame to this unique white blend. This noble white wine variety is an unusual contribution to a Cape white blend, to establish a singular personality to the wine. A 16% Viognier and 18% Chardonnay component further enhances its exclusivity profile, resulting in a fountain of flowery aromas with a taste characterised by hints of quince, apricots and almonds – fresh and vibrant with a convincing strength and quality finish. (R110 per bottle)

Lauded year on year as part of its stellar range of Chardonnays, Bouchard Finlayson’s Crocodiles Lair/Kaaimansgat 2017 is a wine to be treated seriously and sipped slowly. The 2018 vintage is a great companion to white meat and rich seafood such as lobster bisque, as well as soft cheese and mushroom risotto. Structured with many layered flavour components arising from combinations of best French Oak, yeast, lees contact and finest fruit, it rewards the palate with a kaleidoscope of tastes. Hints of litchi, white peach, kiwi fruit, strawberry smoothie and golden tangerine combine to generate a memorable taste experience. (R174 per bottle)

The new releases are now available for sale at the cellar door and leading wine merchants.

Tintswalo Lapalala in the Waterberg has joined forces with the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) in a conservation project to monitor and protect the last free-roaming pack of African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) in South Africa.

Groups of four guests have the unique opportunity to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime experience to join rangers on a conservation journey to track and collar wild dog during a 3-night stay at the newly launched family lodge. The cost of R99 500 for four people covers the costs of the veterinarian and the rangers and includes the sponsorship of the monitoring collar, as well as luxury accommodation and full board for four people for three nights.

Wild dog is South Africa’s most efficient predators, but also its most endangered large carnivore. It is estimated that there are only between 3000 and 5000 individuals left in sub-Saharan Africa. This large pack of about 19 wild dogs, which has been recorded moving through farms, towns and various reserves as far north as Botswana, usually spend most of their time outside of protected areas which makes them susceptible to human conflict.

In support of the Endangered Wildlife Trust Waterberg Wild Dogs Conservation Project, Tintswalo Lapalala has sponsored a GPS satellite collar to the value of R30 000 that enables researchers to monitor the movement of the pack and to keep them safe. Valuable data is being collected and scientists are able to pass information onto farmers to protect livestock that may be vulnerable to wild dog hunts, simultaneously protecting and ensuring the sustainability of this free-range pack of ‘painted wolves’.

Says Alistair Leuner, Tintswalo Regional Manager Safari Product: ‘Nature conservation and sustainability are major pillars of the Tintswalo product. We invite our guests to join our efforts to help ensure the freedom and sustainability of the Waterberg dogs as a free-roaming pack. Our regular safari guests may be lucky to spot the wild dogs during game drives within the 44 500 hectare reserve, but this project extends to a whole different level of personal involvement as a unique and enriching experience. We are thrilled to provide a select few guests with the opportunity to make their mark and contribute in such a meaningful way to the conservation of the wild dog species.’

Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa has appointed Eric and Caroline Murahwa as Deputy GM couple.

The Murahwas are International Hotel School graduates who bring with them extensive hospitality and managerial experience, gained at various 5-star luxury properties. These include premier Kwa-Zulu Natal hotels Karkloof Safari Spa, Hotel Izulu and Leading Hotels of the World properties The Oyster Box Hotel and Thanda Safari Private Game Reserve, as well as DeHoek Country Hotel in the Magaliesburg.

Caroline Murahwa (29) was born in Zimbabwe and trained at the International Hotel School Durban. She started her career at Karkloof Safari Spa where she worked as a Reservationist and Reception Supervisor. Her career then took her to The Oyster Box Hotel where she was employed in the Guest Liaison department. She then accepted the position as Executive Assistant to the CEO and Marketing Assistant at a financial services company, before returning to the hospitality industry at Thanda Private Game Reserve where she first worked as Front Office Manager, and then taking up the joint position of Assistant Lodge Manager.

Zimbabwean born Eric Murahwa (34) graduated in Hospitality Management from the International Hotel School Durban, before starting his career as Trainee Food & Beverage Manager at the Ilala Lodge Hotel in Victoria Falls. He relocated to South Africa and started his career at Hotel Izulu as a Receptionist, before he was promoted to Duty Manager. To gain further experience he then took up a position at The Oyster Box Hotel, first as Front Office Shift Leader and Front Office Supervisor. This was followed by a stint as Customer Relations Manager and Operations Manager at a sports gear company. Returning to his passion for the luxury travel industry he was appointed by Thanda Safari Private Game Reserve as Relief Lodge Manager and Rooms Division Manager, before he was employed as Hotel Operations Manager and Assistant GM at DeHoek Country Hotel.             

Tintswalo Atlantic will re-open for business no later than 1 October 2019, following the devastating fire of 5 February 2019, which destroyed half of the luxury resort on Chapman’s Peak in Cape Town. The owner and Tintswalo Lodges CEO Lisa Goosen says that the site clearing has started, and construction is expected to commence in March.

Caused by kitchen equipment failure, the fire wiped out the main lodge bar, kitchen, dining room and lounge areas, as well as one of the 11 guest suites. All guests and staff were safely evacuated after the early-alert fire system was activated and staff on duty fought the fire in the early hours of the morning while the emergency services were called in. The fire department arrived shortly after and with the help of a firefighting helicopter, managed to contain the fire within a few hours.

Four years ago (March 2015) the entire lodge burned to the ground when a runaway veld fire destroyed huge swathes of natural vegetation, homes, and businesses all over the Cape Peninsula. Through sheer determination and with the help and support from staff, neighbours and local businesses, the lodge was rebuilt in eight months, to re-open in October 2015.

Goosen says: ‘Like the fynbos plant, the fire lily (Cyrtanthus ventricosus) which flowers miraculously within days after a veld fire, the Tintswalo team is resilient. This second fire was a huge set-back, but we have once again dusted ourselves off and are focusing on the rebuild and rebirth of Tintswalo Atlantic, and look forward to welcoming guests back by October (2019).’

Located in the Hemel-en-Aarde valley outside Hermanus, Bouchard Finlayson is known not only for its award-winning wines, but also for its focus on conservation and sustainability as a WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) Conservation Champion.

In the interest of biodiversity, the boutique winery has only 25 hectares planted with vineyard, while 100 hectares remain as natural, protected fynbos that includes more than 330 plant species. Guests may book Guided Nature Walks to experience the natural beauty of the estate and to learn more about the rich Cape Floral Kingdom. The Guided Walking Trails are available throughout the year but are most popular during the Spring months when the wild flowers are in bloom after the winter rains. Expertly guided by Frank Woodvine, Bouchard Finlayson’s resident amateur botanist, a choice of three different Walking Trails are offered, ranging from 45 minutes to two and a half hours. Guided walks are subject to availability and require booking at least seven days in advance. The nature trails are also available to hikers to use (free of charge), after they have collected maps and signed indemnity forms at the cellar door.

Back at the cellar door current vintages are available for tasting, while Peter Finlayson’s ‘Peter’s Picks’ of older vintages are on display and available for sale in the Collectors’ Corner. Delicious Deli Platters can be pre-ordered to be enjoyed on the terrace overlooking the vineyards, or in the cellar next to a crackling fire in winter. Snack boxes are available for children, with colouring-in pages and wax crayons to keep them occupied. There are rolling lawns to run around and kick a ball, while the fountain in the courtyard with koi carp fish is guaranteed to entertain the little ones for hours on end.

Visitors to the estate qualify for a complimentary wine tasting of three wines when using the new WWF Champion Wine Farm Guide App that features Bouchard Finlayson alongside other environmental leaders in the wine industry. The App is aimed at wine lovers, locals and tourists who are encouraged to use the guide that recognises wineries for their commitment to conservation, responsible production practices, integrated environmental management systems, and spearheading innovations in water, energy efficiency and climate adaptation.