Cape Town is a city synonymous with sophistication, culture and cuisine. Whether you’re venturing out to the rolling estates and verdant farmland of Franschhoek, visiting a new hip hot-spot in town or driving into the nearby Constantia valley, you’ll find more spectacular estates, world-class eateries and award-winning beaches per square kilometre in Cape Town than anywhere else in the country, even some parts of the world. Concentrated pockets of excellence, they’re a hedonist’s and culture lover’s paradise, perfect for exploring – from food and wine, to sport, landscaping and sculpture.
It’s the reason Cape Town finds itself consistently winning prestigious awards … from the World’s Most Beautiful City (Forbes) to the Number One Food City in the World (Condé Nast’s Reader’s Choice Awards) to Top Ten Beaches in the World (National Geographic). Locals and visitors to the Mother City are just spoilt for choice.
So, as we approach the end of summer, make sure to put a pin in these stops on the map for a finale to the summer season full of sensory and visual inspiration.
Sunday brunching à la Clicquot
The Veuve Clicquot Polo Brunch Series | Val de Vie Estate, Paarl
Inspired by the Parisian bistro scene, the Veuve Clicquot Polo Brunch Series epitomises the venerated champagne Maison’s approach to living with joie de vivre, enjoying the present moment and soaking in the sunshine. Taking its cue from Val de Vie’s spectacular setting, the Veuve Clicquot Polo Brunch Series offers champagne fans a chic new epicurean experience, with a Retro Chic theme; drawing on fashion, design and luxury from all decades. Expect chilled Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label, gourmet brunch offerings, upbeat tunes and of course, fast-paced polo – best observed from the viewing terrace. Without doubt the most stylish way to sip away a Sunday under the sun. One to ink into your social calendar for select weekends this March, April and May.
Visit: https://www.valdevie.co.za/veuve-clicquot-polo-series/
Or send an email to [email protected] or call 072 352 8046
Inspired cuisine
beyond | Buitenverwachting, Constantia
A veteran on the food scene in South Africa, and a restaurateur who has garnered a slew of awards over the years, Peter Tempelhoff’s latest dining venture, beyond at Buitenverwachting wine estate is an ode to the region in the most elegant and yet unpretentious fashion. Carefully sourced high-quality ingredients – from local small producers – presented as understated and refined dishes – and a unique wine list are enjoyed looking out over the vineyards from the contemporary dining space. Relaxed weekend dining at its very best. Their Summer SmokeOut – taking place on select Sundays – is already proving so popular they’re having to run a waiting list.
Visit: http://www.buitenverwachting.com/restaurant.html
Views from the sky
Helicopter Charter | NAC Helicopters, V&A Waterfront
Cape Town is probably best known for its picturesque scenery – majestic mountains surrounded by ocean. So for those looking for a weekend postcard from the air, look no further than a helicopter flip. With tours ranging from the Atlantic Seaboard, Robben Island, to Cape Point, a new found appreciation for the Cape comes guaranteed. You’ll take off from the V&A which also means a spot of lunch and shopping is possible post landing.
Visit: https://www.nac.co.za/helicopter-charter-services
Local art
Norval Foundation’s new exhibition by Georgina Gratrix
Immerse yourself in Norval Foundation’s latest exhibition (and the first ever solo by a South African artist): ‘The Reunion: Georgina Gratrix’. Ideal for those who love nothing more than an afternoon (or morning) spent gazing at galleries and strolling through sculpture gardens. The new Norval Foundation Access Memberships offer great value. For R120, ‘Access’ members are entitled to unlimited entries for one year from date of purchase. Perfect for those looking to up their cultural quota.
Visit: The Reunion: Georgina Gratrix
https://www.norvalfoundation.org/
Summer weekends spent in champagne style: Veuve Clicquot’s Polo Brunch Series
We’re always in search of unforgettable weekend destinations to ensure we celebrate Cape Town summer in style. To end this summer season, Veuve Clicquot will be presenting their bright Veuve Clicquot Polo Brunch Series at Val de Vie Estate.
The Veuve Clicquot Polo Brunch Series offers champagne fans a chic new epicurean experience, with a Retro Chic theme; drawing on fashion, design and luxury from all decades, in celebration of a love for retro aesthetics which spark joyous memories and positive emotions. Expect chilled Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label, gourmet brunch offerings, upbeat tunes and of course, fast-paced polo – best observed from the viewing terrace. Without doubt the most stylish way to sip away under the sun in the winelands.
Surrounded by three majestic mountain ranges, Val de Vie Estate falls within the verdant Paarl-Franschhoek Valley, where the natural splendour of the Cape Floral Kingdom forms an idyllic backdrop to one of the most spectacular polo venues in the world. Translated from French, Val de Vie means ‘Valley of Life’ and the location has fast become a sought-after lifestyle destination in the Cape winelands and the ideal place to enjoy relaxed champagne experiences.
With its close proximity to Cape Town international airport and a short drive from global tourist attractions, the estate is also ideally situated for those flying into town and wishing for a weekend filled with Veuve Clicquot joie de vivre.
This summer, on select dates throughout March, April and May, locals and visitors alike are invited to dress in Retro Polo chic to paint their weekend yellow by heading to the winelands to wine, dine and toast to exceptional horsemanship, complete with picture perfect views and of course, Veuve Clicquot champagne. Just make sure to book well in advance as the Veuve Clicquot Polo Brunch Series is likely to sell out quickly.
Veuve Clicquot have created three champagne brunch experiences to choose from:
- So Clicquot! Terrace Brunch
Enjoy a sumptuous sharing platter for 2, as well as a plated dish from the à la carte menu such as gourmet Eggs Benedict or hot smoked salmon bagel, served with a chilled glass of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label. Opt to sit on the terrace (weather dependant) or the ballroom, both overlooking the polo field set against the majestic Paarl-Franschhoek mountains. R495 per person.
- So Clicquot! Free-flowing Terrace Brunch
This brunch offers all the same gourmet delights as the terrace brunch (you’ll enjoy both the sharing platter and a dish from the à la carte menu) – but also includes free-flowing Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label during your brunch experience, served by the glass. R1495 per person.
- If you’re in the mood to extend the champagne festivities, why not book a So Clicquot! Polo Weekend at Val de Vie Estate, including the Sunday night’s stay at the renowned Pearl Valley Hotel by Mantis and a So Clicquot! Free-flowing Terrace Brunch for two, at R4995 per couple. Please just note this does not include flights or transfers.
The Veuve Clicquot Polo Series Invitational event will not be taking place this year, Veuve Clicquot hope to be able to host this prestigious event in 2022. The Veuve Clicquot Polo Brunch Series will provides fans with a perfect, socially distanced Clicquot experience this summer in line with covid regulations.
Brunches are taking place on the following dates, all on a Sunday from 10am – 3pm:
May: 2 & 9
To book your Veuve Clicquot brunch experiences visit https://www.valdevie.co.za/veuve-clicquot-polo-series/
Picture: Supplied