BOSCHENDAL RENAISSANCE

Boschendal has aligned itself with big names in the wine and restaurant trade to achieve new levels of excellence in its respective businesses. During September Boschendal Winery and Taphuis were sold to DGB while Boschendal Restaurant, Le Café and Le Pique Nique were outsourced to the Kristensen Group. With expertise of this calibre, Boschendal Estate is sure to realise its full potential as a world-class destination.

The different components will continue to work closely together to promote Boschendal's name and for this purpose a Boschendal Brand Co-ordinator has been appointed. In this new position, Monica Kruger heads up the Marketing Department with Kathy van Niekerk as Events Co-ordinator. Together they're conjuring up all sorts of exciting activities to breathe new life into the Boschendal complex!

To celebrate Boschendal's rebirth we recommend Boschendal's classic blend, Grand Vin Blanc, which has just won a gold medal at the 2005 Veritas Awards! In this wine Sauvignon Blanc (92%) is enhanced by a touch of Chardonnay (8%) to make it rounded, rich and complex. The grapes are grown in vineyards at 150-400m above sea level and careful pruning provides canopy shade as the grapes ripen in the heat of summer. This allows for aeration and flavour retention in the berries. All grapes are hand-picked in the cool early morning.

In the cellar a reductive method, whereby air is excluded from the wine-making process, is used to protect the delicate flavours of Sauvignon Blanc grapes. The wine is fermented at 16° C and a little Chardonnay, matured in oak, is added for texture. Thereafter 5% of the wine is matured in oak.

The result is a straw-coloured wine with an aroma of herbs, tropical fruit and a hint of citrus. These flavours carry through to a creamy harmonious palate and lingering finish. Ready to drink, Grand Vin Blanc is ideal for smoked fish, seafood and creamy poultry or veal dishes.

Wine and food

Boschendal's renowned Le Pique Nique reopens on 5 October 2005 for the summer season. Visitors can enjoy the alfresco meal in a spectacular setting for R95 per person. The picnic basket includes roulades, pâtés, cold meats, salads, cheese, biscuits and dessert. Add a bottle of Grand Vin Blanc: it will suit the snoek pâté and Coronation Chicken in particular.

Grand Vin Blanc is a good choice for Boschendal Restaurant's menu for the Huguenot Festival 14-17 October. Chilled avocado soup is followed by terrine of duck with pistachios, roast beef, glazed duck and various fish dishes... as one picks one's way through a six course meal. For the Rose Day menu there will be chilled lemon and almond soup, asparagus with balsamic butter and roast duck with honey, lavender and rose petals - and the grilled fish with shrimp sauce should be a winner with Grand Vin Blanc!

Boschendal Restaurants
Email: reservations@boschendal.com
Tel: 27 + (0)21- 870 4272/3/4/5
Fax: 27 + (0)21- 874 2137

Upcoming Events

On Rose Day, Tuesday 1st November Boschendal holds its annual sale of old roses in aid of the READ Foundation. The plant sale will take place this year in front of the Manor House and alongside the rose garden which should then be in full bloom. A traditional high tea starts at 10am at Le Café where scrumptious cakes, scones, sandwiches and biscuits as well as tea and coffee will be served.

This is not all... a flower demonstration will be given at Boschendal Manor House by Alison Prest, former floral designer for the Mount Nelson Hotel. Alison, who studied floristry at the Regent Academy of Fine Art in London, will be doing eight arrangements which reflect "Design through Time". The demonstration takes place between 11.30 and 12.30 and numbers are limited - to avoid disappointment book now!

We're planning a programme of cultural activities next year to include concerts, demonstrations and talks on flowers, historic gardens, architecture, furniture etc. Do let us know where your interests lie so that we can develop the programme accordingly.

Marketing & Events at Boschendal
Emails: krugerm@boschendal.com, kvniekerk@boschendal.com
Tel: 27 + (0) 21 - 870 4238
Fax: 27 + (0) 21 - 874 1853

Reservations:

Email: reservations@boschendal.com
Tel: +27 (0) 21 870 4272/3/4/5
Fax: +27 (0) 21 874 2137