French vignerons bank on South Africa

French wine companies are not generally known for a sense of adventure.

A handful have dipped their toes into businesses in the US and Australia, but few have expanded far beyond that.

One exception is AdVini, a listed French company that invested in South Africa 15 years ago and now operates five prominent wine producers in the Stellenbosch region, wine.co.za reports.

Controlled by the Jeanjean family, AdVini’s South African arm contributed 13% to the company’s 2024 turnover.

AdVini's big name labels include Domaine Laroche in Chablis and Maison Champy in Burgundy.   

The company was founded in 1870 and now operates 27 wine properties, estates and winemaking facilities in the French regions of Burgundy, Bordeaux, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Provence, Languedoc and Roussillon as well as the five farms in Stellenbosch.

They are L’Avenir Estate, Le Bonheur Estate, Ken Forrester Vineyards, Stellenbosch Vineyards and Kleine Zalze Wines (top image).

Naretha Ricome, AdVini South Africa vice-president, says plans to expand its South African footprint will continue

“The fact that South Africa is the only wine country in which Advini has invested in land, vineyards and infrastructure outside of France underscores our belief that there is still a lot of untapped potential in the country’s wine industry, both in terms of wine production as well as tourism,” says Ricome.

“We did look at other wine countries, including Chile, but nowhere was more opportunity seen than in South Africa.”

She attributes the success of its Stellenbosch wine farms to the AdVini philosophy of allowing each of its wineries to maintain independence and identity.

Ricome says innovation has a strong role to play in growing the wine category in South Africa.

“The South African market holds vast potential for further innovation - the wine category makes up only seven percent of the total retail alcohol offering," she says

"AdVini is determined to be one of the leaders in growing wine’s share in this space. Innovation in packaging and project, together with other exciting opportunities from the incredible wine country that South Africa is, will ensure the expansion of the AdVini footprint. The past 15 years have been tremendous, but we believe the best is yet to come.” 

Some art with your wine tastings?

The South African wine region of Stellenbosch has become a living canvas as it hosts Southern Africa’s only triennale until April 30.

The Stellenbosch Triennale 2025 is showcasing Ba'zinile - A Rehearsal for Breathing, an artistic journey that weaves through local streets and venues.

This public art exhibition brings together local and international artists whose works invite contemplation about resilience, imagination, and shared humanity.

Visitors can stroll between installations and venues including: 

# From The Vault – Explore curated treasures at the Rupert Museum and Stellenbosch University Museum.
# On the Cusp – Experience contemporary works at Oude Libertas.
# In the Current – Engage with art that speaks to our present moment at Oude Libertas.
# BIOSCOPE Film Festival – Visual storytelling that transcends borders.
# IMIZWA Embodied Interventions – Watch art come alive through performance.
# ABALOZI Sonic Mappings – Experience the intersection of sound and space.

You can also enjoy jazz nights, a harvest festival and choir performances.

Spier Wine Farm, meanwhile, will be transformed into a nocturnal gallery from March 21 to April 21.

Spier Light Art invites guests to wander through 16 illuminated installations that weave art, light and landscape.

This free family event begins at dusk and can be combined with with sunset picnics and bubbles under the stars.

Read more about this illuminating experience

Exploring the Cape winelands in style

Regular readers will know that Gourmet on the Road is a huge fan of the myriad wine tourism offerings in the Western Cape region of South Africa, centred on Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch.

And now there is a new item to add to your "must do "list when visiting: a chauffeured sidecar journey through the winelands.

The Stellenbosch Tourism team reports that Stellenbosch-based Cape Sidecar Tours offers sidecar charters, point-to-point transfers, excursions and tours.

"From breakfast to sunset, it's always a good moment to ride in a vintage-styled sidecar," the operators say. "You decide the route and area you want to explore. Discover tradition, beauty, culture, wine, good food and it's 100% non-stop fun."



Visitors are offered the chance to explore the historic village of Stellenbosch, maybe Franschhoek with its gobsmacking views, or a even a trip around beautiful Cape Town in one of the vintage-style sidecars.

Each bike takes one driver and two passengers.

Guests are provided with a jet helmet and bottled water in summer, and raincoat and blanket in winter.

For details see https://www.capesidecartours.co.za/

Artworks meet wine and food in Stellenbosch

An array of innovative artworks, installations and light shows shine at one of the oldest wine estates in the world.

The fifth Spier Light Art spectacle showcases interactive works of art located around the Stellenbosch estate - which dates back to 1623 - and runs until April 10.

The artworks have been created by talented artists and designers from South Africa and beyond, and feature light, sound and video.

It is  a free event and there will also be food and wine available in a spectacular setting.

All of the artworks are outside and guests can pre-book a sunset picnic here.

The Spier complex - which includes a hotel and Segway tours - is a major tourism in attraction in the Cape winelands. 

The Spier Farm Café is open daily until 9pm, while Vadas Smokehouse & Bakery is open until the same time Wednesday to Saturday and Bubbles & Braai Bar is open daily, also until 9pm.

Stellenbosch: where wine meets art and culture

I am an unashamed fan of the wines and wine tourism offerings in the Western Cape of South Africa.

Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschoek and Robertson all have a swag of great wines to taste, and superb cellar doors with additional experiences including restaurants, art galleries and museums.

In and around the historic university town of Stellenbosch, it is easy to combine tastings with some gallery and museum hopping.

Here are some suggestions - from tranquil gardens to thought-provoking pieces dotted on the historic streets - from the team at Visit Stellenbosch.

Museums

Rupert Museum
The Rupert Museum (top) is home to a superb collection of modern South African art collected from 1940 to early 2000s by the late Dr Anton Rupert and his wife Huberte Rupert. The museum also manages the Rembrandt van Rijn collection of more contemporary South African art and the Huberte Goote collection, featuring modern French tapestries and Italian paintings and sculpture. The MakerStudio and event lawn, active library and vibrant Museum Café are open for all to enjoy. www.rupertmuseum.org

Stellenbosch Museum
The Stellenbosch Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the history and cultural heritage of the region. Offerings include the Village Museum, guests are transported into the past by a walking tour of four restored period homes dating between 1709 and 1850, each with a guide in period costume, and the Toy and Miniature Museum. www.stelmus.co.za

Glenelly Glass Museum
May de Lencquesaing’s spectacular glass collection housed in a winery complex is one of the largest privately-owned collections in the world. The exhibits range from the 1st and 2nd century to modern classics, including pieces by Salvador Dali and Lino Tagliapietra. www.glenellyestate.com/the-glass-museum

Worth a visit

Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden

This garden borders the manicured suburbs of Stellenbosch and a rugged mountain wilderness where leopards still roam. The artist aims to explore the Jungian notion of "the wilderness within". More than 60 sculptures are sited along 4km of pathways. www.dylanlewis.com/garden

Winelands Art: Sips and Sights tour
This tour in and around Stellenbosch promises to explore nature, wine, food, beauty and creativity. It visits wine farms around Stellenbosch, looks at collections in art galleries, museums, sculpture gardens and art studios, with the opportunity to meet some of the artists. Includes lunch, coffee and wine tastings. www.sipsandsights.co.za


Oom Samie se Winkel
Oom Samie Se Winkel (above) is an institution in Stellenbosch and a recommended tourist attraction. Continuing the tradition of the rural trading post, it sells a range of odds & ends, traditional wares and handicrafts and local wines. www.facebook.com/oomsamiesewinkel

Art on wine farms

The Gallery at Cavalli Estate
This gallery aims to encourage local artists through its platforms of a public retail art gallery and public sculpture spaces. Contemporary exhibitions are presented at regular intervals in the m main gallery space on the below ground level. www.cavalliestate.com

The Art and Gardens at Delaire Graff Estate
A spectacular mountain setting features acres of tranquil gardens planted to reflect the changing seasons. Spectacularly in bloom every day of the year, the estate acts as an incredible backdrop for art and sculpture, where Laurence Graff’s personal collection is a curated showcase of some of South Africa’s finest contemporary artists. www.delaire.co.za/estate/the-art-gardens

Marvol Gallery at Hazendal Wine Estate
Cape vineyard meets emerging artists, creative collaborations, and a glimpse into Eastern European culture. Contemporary artworks are alongside the owners’ extensive private collections and sculptures. www.hazendal.co.za

Muratie Wine Estate | MOK Gallery
MOK gallery is an abbreviation for modern kontemporêr, Afrikaans for modern contemporary. Muratie has centuries of well-preserved history and MOK gallery is located in a building that dates back to 1685. www.muratie.co.za/visit/lifestyle/

The perfect time to visit one of the finest wine capitals

Of all the wine capitals across the globe, Stellenbosch in South Africa is one of the most compelling.

South Africa’s second-oldest town is an inspiring wine, food, art and cultural destination.

If you are looking for an excuse to visit, or re-visit, then the dates of August 4-9 are worth noting.

Those are the dates of the annual celebration of the grape called Wine Town Stellenbosch 2022.

Inaugurated last year, Wine Town Stellenbosch features a diverse series of events and experiences intended to offer something for everyone.

These include live music performances, farm walks, meals and tutored tastings.

The format of the festival remains de-centralised with events hosted around town and on wine farms,

Organisations participating this year include the Pinotage and Chenin Blanc Associations, while the popular Stellenbosch Cabernet walk-around tasting at Ernie Els Wines (below) returns.

One of the main attractions of Wine Town Stellenbosch 2022 will be Stellenbosch Wine Festival, a two-day showcase of local wines to be held in the Stellenbosch Town Hal on August 5-6.

Stalls run by the region’s top wineries will offer tastings from 4pm-8pm on the Friday; and 2pm-6pm on the Saturday. Over 200 wines will be represented while food prepared by chef Bertus Basson will be available.

Wineries involved include Spier, Alto, Neethlingshof, Middelvlei, Hidden Valley Wines, Morgenster, Lanzerac, Villiera, Remhoogte, Groenland, Boschkloof, Peter Falke wines, Hartenberg, Cavalli, Kaapzicht and Zevenwacht, as well as new wine route members Weltevreden Estate/Bertha Wines and Compagniesdrift.

Other highlights include a winemaker’s lunch at Bottelary Hills; the Oppieplaas festival at Lanzerac Wine Estate, a Spier wine blending experience and live music at Neethlingshof.

Local restaurants will also be running promotions during the festival. Among them are Clos Malverne, Peter Falke Wines, Middelvlei, Stellenbosch Kitchen, Helena’s Restaurant, Jonkershuis 1817 at Weltevreden Estate and Taphuis at Lanzerac.

For more information on dates, locations and prices visit https://winetown.wineroute.co.za/

Sipping some of the best of South Africa

In my experience, the neighbouring regions of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek in South Africa's Western Cape do wine tourism as well as anywhere on the planet.

Not only are both dramatically beautiful, they produce wines that are delicious and affordable, employ helpful, knowledgeable staff and offer cellar door extras like restaurants, museums and art galleries.

Stellenbosch is South Africa’s second-oldest town and an inspiring wine, food, art and cultural destination.

A 50-kilometre trip from Cape Town, the town is home to Stellenbosch University, one of the cradles of the Afrikaans language, and has a lively vibe.

Star Stellenbosch wineries include Delaire Graff, Kanonkop, Jordan, Kleine Zalzie, Meerlust, Neetlingshof, Rust en Vrede and Thelema.   

On my last trip to South Africa I stayed in the delightful Oude Werf Hotel, right in the centre of town.

The media folk in both Stellenbosch and Franschhoek keep me up to date with what is happening in their neck of the woods and - great news for when we can get back there - wine bars are the new ‘thing’ with plenty having popped up in Stellenbosch.

 Here's just some of the choices in the town itself:

Le Grand Domaine Enoteca is the new home of Le Grand Domaine Wines from the remote Devon Valley and is a combination of a wine emporium, wine bar, wine tasting venue and bistro with seating both indoors and al fresco.

Qbar by Quoin Rock Wine Estate No time to visit the impressive wine farm? QBar offers a taste of the Knorhoek Valley’s in a downtown courtyard setting. 

Stellenbosch Wine Bar is a casual meeting place with a serious wine focus. Think sharing plates and a place where you can meet after work for a drink, a quick business lunch, a pre-dinner drink. 

Beyerskloof Wine Bar brings the wines of legendary winemaker Beyers Truter into the historic heart of Stellenbosch. Experience the Beyerskloof range of wines - including pinotage - before or after a dinner in town or alongside a few snacks.

Simon Wine Bar at De Warenmarkt is a new wine bar with a tapas menu and a cosy fireplace in a heritage building that dates back some 300 years. 

Bartinney Wine & Champange Bar features sustainably produced, small-batch wines with nibbles and shared plates at the bar, or sit outside on the terrace. Cash free.

Brampton Wine Studio is in the heart of Stellenbosch’s village quarter and is an urban winery with  tapas, signature flatbreads and beer on tap. 

Spek en Bone is tucked away at a historic site next to the original Stellenbosch market and features some traditional Afrikaans dishes. Guests can sip under the oldest fruit-producing vine in Stellenbosch and enjoy a tapas menu curated by leading chef Bertus Basson. 

The Wine Glass offers over 130 wines available to taste and enjoy by the glass, by the bottle or in a tasting flight of six. Choose from wines from throughout the region and enjoy local cuisine. 

Not bad for a town of around 75,000 people! Time for a return trip sooner rather than later.

For more info see visitstellenbosch.org