Newsletter: October 2008     
Latitude–Ventures is a tour company that helps you enjoy the most of your Southern African travels. Whatever you choose, – luxury rail, tours, history, food, safaris, golfing, or just luxuriating amidst the exotic cultures – we will tailor–make your holiday, golfing experience or conference to include all tours, transfers, restaurants, hotels and activities.

3 Facts about the Winelands

  1. Paarl, meaning ‘Pearl’, is South Africa´s third oldest town and is named after the huge granite, pearl–like outcrops that are easily spotted on the Paarl Mountains.


  2. Franschhoek, ‘French Corner’, was originally known as Olifant´s Hoek (‘Elephant´s Corner’) after the many wild elephants that would pass through the valley on their annual migratory journeys. It was renamed French Corner in the 17th–Century, after many French family escaped persecution in France and came to South Africa to being a new, free life.


  3. Stellenbosch is named after the highly influential Dutch governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel. It is the second oldest town in South Africa and was, in fact, founded by van der Stel. Stellenbosch is also the second oldest established wine regions in South Africa (the first being Constantia). is named after the highly influential Dutch governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel. It is the second oldest town in South Africa and was, in fact, founded by van der Stel. Stellenbosch is also the second oldest established wine regions in South Africa (the first being Constantia).
  
   
    Grande Roche, Paarl

Situated within the Drakenstein (Dragon Mountain) Valley and at the heart of the Cape´s winelands, Grande Roche dates back to 1717. The manor has seen many generations of land–owners, but today it is a successful and world–renowned hotel and in 1993, it was declared a National Monument.

A Health Centre has been added to ensure that you can relax and de–stress with gym, massage, sauna and steam–room facilities.

Grande Roche, Paarl: www.granderoche.co.za


    Monte Rochelle, Franchhoek

“Mont Rochelle Hotel invites you to relax in one of the luxurious bedrooms and suites, most of which offer spectacular views across the valleys and vines of Franschhoek.”

The Hotel spans over three wings, giving you the privacy you would expect from a Boutique Hotel. Guests arrive in the Garden Wing of the Hotel which houses the Reception, Colonial Cigar Bar, eight Luxury Bedrooms, one Junior Suite and Business Centre.

Monte Rochelle, Franchhoek: www.montrochelle.co.za

    Lanzerac, Stellenbosh

Situated within the Jonkershoek Valley, right by the second oldest town in South Africa – Stellenbosch – and surrounded by the Heldeberg Mountain Range, Lanzerac offers a five–star and historic centre for business and leisure.

In 1692, the Dutch East India Company governor, Simon van der Stel, granted this land to a man called Sergeant Isaac Schryver and called it Schoongezicht. Over the Years the Farm was renamed, Lanzerac and is now owned by Nicky and Steve Fitzgereld and it has prospered ever since.

Lanzerac, Stellenbosh: www.lanzerac.co.za

Suggested Golf Courses:

   Stellenbosch Golf Course    Pearl Valley Golf Course

   De Zalze, Stellenbosch    Boschenmeer, Paarl

Suggested Wine Farms:

   Fairview & Anura, Paarl – Specialists in Cheese and Wine

   Haute Cabrière and Boekenhoutskloof, Franschhoek

   Waterford and Vergelegen, Stellenbosch

Winelands Restaurants:

    Le Quartier Francais, Franschhoek

Delightful countryside fine dining in a garden room with big window views, cottagey furniture and washed pastel colours, the restaurant reflects the French charm of the Auberge Quartier Francais, with a South African twist. Locals and vistors alike flock to the award winning, modern menu from Margot Janse that features colourful, bold flavours with French and Asian influences, with her famous signature dishes such as:

  • Double baked beetroot and rocket soufflé with apple and hazelnut
  • Fried gorgonzola dumplings with grilled asparagus and truffle vinaigrette
  • Olive oil poached salmon trout with smoked salmon fritter, cucumber and seaweed
  • Grilled Springbok loin in balsamic broth with curried gnocchi, roast onions and mushrooms

    Tokara, Stellenbosch

Tokara is famous for their olives, wines and restaurant. Situated on the Helshoogte Pass between Franschhoek and Stellenbosch – the heart of the Cape Winelands – you dine on a wooded deck while enjoying the awesome views of Table Bay, Table Mountain and Simonsberg Mountain Ranges.

One of the most interesting aspects of Tokara is the glass wall that separates the lobby from the kitchen. Here, you personally witness how the ultra–modern kitchen operates before being escorted to your seats and indulge in the culinary excellence of the chef, Etienne Bonthuys. The ambiance is relaxed, the views breath–taking and the architecture avant–garde.

    Bosmans at Grande Roche, Paarl

The recently renovated manor house at Grande Roche is the heart of the hotel and home to the award–winning Bosman´s Restaurant. A fusion of imaginative and innovative epicurean delights will tantalize the most discerning of palates in Africa´s first and only Relais Gourmand restaurant.

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info@latitude–ventures.com

www.latitude–ventures.com


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