The Cape and the Arts

Even as winter quietly embraces the Cape, our Team SA from Cape Town has explored the Cape Winelands. In this issue, we invite you on a journey through this enchanting region, where art and wine blend harmoniously. Under blue skies, amidst snow-capped peaks and vibrant yellow fields, we discovered wineries known not only for their fine wines but also as stages for local artists. Each sip and every piece of art tells its own story.

Krone: Where Cap Classique Meets Art

Our first stop was Tulbagh, 120 km from Cape Town. At Twee Jonge Gezellen Estate, we visited the Krone Estate. Here, world-class Cap Classique meets stunning artworks. The manicured gardens and white buildings create a peaceful atmosphere, perfectly complemented by the KRONE x WHATIFTHEWORLD Gallery. A place where art and wine awaken all the senses.

Avondale: A Dance of Art and Music

At the Winelands Gallery in Avondale, we discovered a variety of South African artists. The Avondale Tasting Gallery and Faber Restaurant showcase works by Solly Manthata, Harry Erasmus, Gaynor, Junior Fungai, and Nico Le Roux. An exquisite antique piano at the center invited us to a brief musical interlude. Art, music, and wine melted into an unforgettable experience.

Old Nectar Gardens, Stellenbosch

Another highlight was a concert in the Old Nectar Gardens in Jonkershoek Valley, where mezzo-soprano Minette du Toit-Pearce and pianist Pieter Grobler took us emotionally through works by Argento, Dring, and Laitman. The gardens, cultivated over 70 years by Una van der Spuy, boast impressive tree diversity, including coastal redwoods and blood beech. The drive grants views of ornamental ponds, trees, and the sandstone cliffs of the Jonkershoek Mountains.

Spier: Art for All Senses

At Spier, art, good food, and wine are inseparable. The Spier Art Collection features contemporary works that are exchanged annually, providing a platform for many artists. Particularly impressive is the Spier Mosaic Kraal, South Africa's first permanent outdoor exhibition for mosaic art. Interactive sound sculptures by Jenna Burchell complete the experience.

Glen Carlou: A Fusion of Art and Wine

Glen Carlou demonstrates how wine production and visual art merge. The gallery showcases works related to botany, birds, and installations. Its wines, renowned for sustainability, paired with the architecture of the tasting rooms offering panoramic views, create a visit that is an experience for all senses.

Glenelly Wine Estate: A Glass of Its Own

At Glenelly Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, we explored the Glenelly Glass Museum, featuring a collection from the 99-year-old Lady May. Glass objects from around the world captivated us, and the private tour provided fascinating insights into the history and craftsmanship of these items. A must-visit for anyone in Stellenbosch.