December 3, 2009 – 11:52 am
I have been invited to attend the 2009 Franschhoek Champagne Festival and all I can say is thank goodness.
I believe that this event is the highlight of the festival circuit and it couldn’t have come at a better time. I am so tired of attending inexpensive festivals. Because at these festivals those that could ordinarily […]
By Countess Josephine de Ville
|
Also posted in Accommodation, Boutique Hotels, Franschhoek, Méthode Cap Classique, The Countess, The Last Word
|
Tagged 2009 Franschhoek Champagne Festival, Excellent, Festival Circuit, Franschhoek Cap Classique, Franschhoek Festival, Franschhoek Food, Highlight, Luxury
|
November 22, 2009 – 8:56 pm
I thought that I’d seen it all in France. As a country we’ve been producing spectacular wine for as long as we care to remember. No one does it quite like us. But, that being said, there is something rather special about new age wine producing countries. The wine can, on occasion, be quite drinkable […]
By Countess Josephine de Ville
|
Also posted in Accommodation, Boutique Hotels, The Countess, The Last Word
|
Tagged 2009 Eat Out Awards, Countess Josephine de Ville, Delaire Graff, Dylan Lewis, Franschhoek, Helshoogte Pass, Keith Kirsten, Luxury Franschhoek Boutique Hotel, Staying in Franschhoek, Stellenbosch Restaurant, Stellenbosch Winery, Where to Stay in Franschhoek
|
October 27, 2009 – 2:29 pm
I mentioned in my previous piece - not the one where I cursed the wretched South African croissant, but the one about handcrafted beer - that I don’t drink anything other than the good French stuff. If it doesn’t have the word champagne attached to it it’s not getting past my lips.
I’m not, as I’m […]
By Countess Josephine de Ville
|
Also posted in Accommodation, Activities, Méthode Cap Classique, The Countess
|
Tagged , Champagne, Countess Josephine de Ville, Croissants in Cape Town, Franschhoek Cap Classique, French Champagne, Handcrafted Beer in Cape Town, Less-Cultured, Local Bubbly, Not French Champagne, Perfect, Philanthropic, South African Methode Cap Classique, Sparkling Wine, The Last Word Hotels
|
October 9, 2009 – 8:51 am
I don’t cook. Not at all.
It’s why I live in boutique hotels. Life is simply too short to live without room service.
I am presently looking into expanding my horizons, growing as a person and all that other rubbish. I’ve heard it’s good for you and I’ll try anything once; and considering that I have only […]
September 29, 2009 – 3:45 pm
Next weekend I will be heading out to the Franschhoek Valley for their Franschhoek Uncorked festival.
Normally I don’t do festivals. Too many midgets. Wait, I cannot say that! What is the correct terminology? Little folk, small people? Something along those lines.
This festival promises to be different. Less circus and more wine. That’s my type of […]
By Countess Josephine de Ville
|
Also posted in Festival, Outdoors, The Countess
|
Tagged Boschendal, Celebration, Circus, Countess Josephine de Ville, Dramatic, Franschhoek Uncorked, Haute Cabriere, Little Folk, Midgets, Photograph, Press, Rickety Bridge, Sigh, Small People, The Franschhoek, The Last Word Franschhoek, Wine Tasting by Helicopter
|
Yes, they won the category for South Africa’s Leading Beach Hotel!!
If you missed the previous post about this award and the fact that The Last Word had two nominations this year, with The Constantia being the other contender, the World Travel Awards is the “Oscars” for the Tourism Industry with over 200 nominees in 75 […]
This post has nothing to do with the outdoors BUT everything to do with the fact that the Hidden Gems of The Constantia and The Long Beach have been nominated for the World Travel Awards, in the category Best Leading Boutique Hotel!
Known as the “Travel Industry’s equivalent to the Oscar’s” by the Wall Street Journal, […]
Hidden Gems . . . Mmmmm. There are so many of them if you know where to look. And if I told you about them they wouldn’t be hidden any longer, would they? But there is one that I’m happy and excited to share with you.
I was recently at Umlani Bush Camp in The Timbavati […]
August 22, 2008 – 1:51 pm
I’m supposed to write about high adventure, but this week I’m writing about a wine adventure (please forgive me Lisa). I was recently fortunate enough to visit the wine farm Annandale (just off the R44) with my dear friends Mithila and Jai from India and my son Gabriel. What started out as a stop for […]
The Franschhoek area is renowned for its food, wine and places to stay and this past weekend I got to stay, eat, drink and spoil myself in this hidden gem.
Franschhoek is an absolute haven surrounded by magnificent mountains, whether up on the hillside or in the village, the views are quite majestic across the valley. […]
Candice focuses on travel, surfing, running, dark chocolate and uncovering gems hidden in the Cape outdoors.
Steve Bolnick is recognized as one of southern Africa’s outstanding safari guides. He grew-up with a deep love for the African bush and has spent the past 29 years living and guiding in southern Africa.
Lisa Griggs writes about the hidden vineyards and the undiscovered cultivars in the Western Cape.
Nicky Coenen looks for the secret hideaways and hidden gems in Cape Town and surrounds.
Steve Robertson tracks the off the beaten track action happening around Cape Town.
Fred Roed looks for the undiscovered coffee spots in the Western Cape and rates them.
Peter has worked in the wine and spirits industry for over 40 years and is an appreciator of fine things.