STEENBERG PAYS TRIBUTE TO GRAHAM BECK

Legendary South African winemaker and owner of Steenberg Hotel & Vineyards Graham Beck passed away in London on 27 July, at the age of 80. His wife Rhona and his family were at his bedside.

It is with heavy hearts that we at Steenberg bid farewell to this great man, who leaves behind a legacy of excellence within the wine industry. Hailed as a major figure in the South African wine industry, tributes have poured in from all corners of the country, as people from far and wide remember him. Not only was he a visionary wine farm owner, he was also tireless in his efforts to uplift and enrich the lives of the people around him. While he relentlessly pursued quality in all areas, he was a passionate patron of the arts and all his wineries contain bespoke pieces that are thought-provoking conversation pieces.   A man of great compassion and humanity, he will be remembered fondly and sorely missed by all his staff at Steenberg.

WINTER WARMERS AT CATHARINA’S
(Valid until end September)

The chilly days of August make it the perfect time of year to pop in at Catharina’s for a taste of Garth Almazan’s legendary ‘Winter Warmers’. Diners ‘in the know’ eagerly anticipate this annual opportunity to savour value-for-money, fireside fine dining and bookings are best secured well in advance.

With a choice of a 2-course set menu lunch at R135, 3-course lunch at R175, and a 3-course dinner at R195, patrons are spoiled for choice. Starters include deliciously satisfying soups, and main courses such as the popular Pan Fried Chicken Breast with slow-baked Plum Tomato, Wild Mushroom Risotto, sautéed Spinach, Thyme-infused jus and parsley oil, ending on a decadent note with Vanilla Pod and Passion Fruit Cheesecake with almond tuille, raspberry and granadilla coulis. Catharina’s hearty Winter Warmers all include a complimentary glass of Klein Steenberg red or white wine.
 
Bookings are essential: Steenberg Hotel
Tel 021 713-2222
www.steenberghotel.com

'VISUAL FEAST' OF ARTWORKS ON SHOW AT CATHARINA'S

A stunning collection of Cecil Skotnes artworks now adorns the walls of Catharina’s, and we are delighted to offer our guests this delicious taste of ‘soul food’ to accompany their world-class gastronomic experience here. These artworks have been especially selected for Catharina’s by Julia Meintjes, a top fine art curator and consultant specialising in the field of South African art.

The late owner of Steenberg, Graham Beck accrued an art collection that includes works by a group of South African artists who practised during the 1950’s to 1980’s. These artists were particularly interested in developing a visual ‘language’ which would be perceived by viewers as being African, and Cecil Skotnes was a forerunner of this group. Born in East London in 1926, Skotnes overcame his poverty-stricken origins to become one of the country’s great artists of the 20th century. He is heralded not only as one of the main pioneers of modern art in South Africa, but as a quiet anti-apartheid hero who gave fortunate black artists the chance to express themselves and develop their talents, until his sad passing on 4 April 2009 at the age of 82. Other works displayed at Catharina’s are those of artists contemporary with Skotnes who were also concerned with developing an African idiom. Among these are Sydney Kumalo’s Man and bull and Sidney Goldblatt’s oil landscape, while Edoardo Villa’s 1960’s steel sculpture at the entrance to Bistro Sixteen82 at Steenberg Winery indicates this artist’s interest in an African figurative sculpture, one of over 15 Edoardo Villa works found on Steenberg Estate.

Set in the idyllic surroundings of the Steenberg Estate, our 18-hole Peter Matkovich championship Steenberg Golf Course was designed to make full use of natural features and hazards such as the vineyards, pine forest and gentle waterways. Its environmental diversity gives the course its unique character, while its breathtaking location is unsurpassed. The course features four distinct areas; Wetlands, Parklands, The Cape Flats and Fynbos, with four different tees, and can be enjoyed by all, from championship to junior level.

Over the next few months in this newsletter we will take golfers on a journey across our ‘green’, starting at the opening hole at the Steenberg Golf Club and ending off at the 19th hole which boasts one of the best views in the country.

The Opening Hole

Steenberg Golf Academy Package

The Steenberg Golf Academy Package offers avid golfers an excellent value 4-night luxury escape, best enjoyed with a partner. With hours of dedicated golf tuition by Steenberg’s highly qualified and experienced PGA teaching professionals, to help you ‘up’ your game, and the option of a 9 hole playing lesson for more advanced players, this is a golf getaway designed to take your game to the next level.

Included in this package is luxury accommodation for 4 nights, a delicious English Breakfast each morning, a 2 course lunch at Catharina’s each day, and one 3 hour Golf lesson per person, every day for 3 days, with light refreshments included. Add to this complimentary Driving Range balls, and a certificate of completion to take home, and you may just believe you have been transported to golfing heaven. Take time out to explore the surrounding Constantia Valley, and we will provide complimentary transfers to restaurants and shops within a 5km radius.

From R7 220 per person sharing for the 4 night package (valid until 30 September 2010). Thereafter a rate of R9 985 per person sharing, from 1 October to 31 March 2011. (Excluding December 2010 – 5 January 2011)

Note to Golfers: This Golf Academy Package focuses on the full swing and on the short game. We will analyze all aspects of your game and provide the changes needed to take your game to the next level. The Short game includes chipping, pitching, lobbing and sand play.

Bookings at 021 713 2222 or reservations@steenberghotel.com.

WE INTRODUCE KAMIELA ADAMS (FRONT DESK RECEPTIONIST)

Kamiela Adams is the young lady who confidently mans the front desk of the Steenberg Hotel, ensuring that each guest is attended to professionally and with true Cape hospitality. She fulfills the role of Receptionist cum Relief Night Auditor, and is very much a part of the Front Office team. 29 Year old Kamiela joined the Steenberg team as a waitron at Catharina’s in 2005 and has blossomed over the years, becoming one of the Front Office team’s most dependable and capable members, since her appointment here in 2007. Professional and resourceful at all times, she has earned the respect of her colleagues and guests. Many a time it is her presence alone that adds a buoyant spirit to the Front Office team, especially during trying times! A natural ambassador for Steenberg, her service is unquestionable and she is an irreplaceable asset to the Steenberg team.

THE SPA AT STEENBERG: AUGUST SPECIAL

Muscle Warming Steam Hot Stone Back Massage Barbor Facial with complimentary Super Hydrating Mask & Ampoule Treatment (120 mins/R650) August is Women’s Month - presenting a golden opportunity to treat a special woman in your life to some well-deserved pampering and unwinding in a spectacular Spa setting. Our Special Offer for August is tailored-made to make her feel on top of the world. Her journey of indulgence will commence with a 30 minute revitalizing muscle warming Steam treatment to detox and unwind, while relaxing stiff muscles and increasing blood circulation. This is followed by a heavenly Hot Stone Back Massage (30 minutes) designed to melt away any residual tension. Here hot stones are used to warm and relax the tense muscles of the back.   Completing this pampering, relaxing journey is a 60 minute luxurious Barbor Facial, which will refresh and replenish the facial skin. To ensure that inner and outer hydration is restored, this rejuvenating treatment, comprising a deep, cleanse and exfoliation will finish with a super hydrating and specialized Mask with Vitamin Ampoule treatment (valued at R200) – our Women’s Day gift, especially for her.    Booking is essential. Valid for the month of August. Tel 021 713 2222 or email steenberg@ginkgospa.com.

STEENBERG WINE CLUB ON THE CARDS

Steenberg Vineyards will soon launch the Steenberg Wine Club and we look forward to bringing you news of the latest innovations from the Steenberg cellar and beyond. To find out how to join the Wine Club or for further information, please contact nadah@steenbrg.co.za.

STEENBERG LAUNCHES ITS OWN BLOG

Bringing you news from ‘under the stone mountain’ Steenberg Vineyards has started its very own Blog, Totally Stoned, which goes ‘live’ in August 2010. Now you can keep up to date with the latest news and happenings at the Steenberg Winery and at Bistro Sixteen82 in the comfort of your own home, while sipping your first cup of coffee for the day or reading your Sunday newspaper! Visit www.totallystoned.co.za.

STEENBERG LEADS THE WAY WITH ON-SITE WINE RATING

We love to enter into conversation about our wines, and it’s especially rewarding to hear what you, our guests, have to say. We recently installed a touch screen in our tasting room to enable you to rate and review the wines you taste - on the spot. Steenberg is the first winery in South Africa to do so and this has catapulted us into the Top 10 Wine Farm list on the popular ‘Spit or Swallow’ website www.spitorswallow.co.za/site/.

This shows our confidence in the excellent service we provide and the cellar door experience that we offer, and we hope that this will set the trend for other wineries to follow suit!

STEENBERG CELLAR DOOR SPECIAL (August 2010)

Steenberg Nebbiolo 2008 priced at just R128 per bottle. (Usual price: R160)

This medium bodied Nebbiolo has great tannin structure and acidity. It is an excellent food wine and simply delicious with mushroom dishes and with truffles, or truffle oil. It is equally mouth-watering with rich ‘wintry’ dishes such as oxtail.

CATHARINA’S HOSTS TOP WINE AWARD LUNCHEON
(WINE magazine 2010 Global Trader Shiraz Challenge)

The eagerly anticipated awards luncheon for the WINE magazine 2010 Global Trader Shiraz Challenge was held at Catharina’s Restaurant on 15 July.

The event was attended by judges Christian Eedes, James Pietersen and Christine Rudman, as well as the winning winemakers for this year. Joining them were sponsors Global Traders and respected wine journalists Neil Pendock, Graham Howe and Fiona McDonald.

Winemaker Dewaldt Heyns of Saronsberg Private Cellar in Tulbagh saw his Saronsberg Provenance 2007 scoop top honours this year. This superb shiraz which scored 4½ Stars scooped the title from 183 other entrants. The award for the Best Value Shiraz, with a 3 Star rating, went to Obikwa Shiraz 2009, made by Distell winemaker, Michael Bucholz. The Obikwa retails at only R23.95

Delighted Steenberg winemaker JD Pretorius scored a 4 Star rating for his Steenberg Shiraz 2008 - one of only 15 winemakers to achieve this rating.

Celebrating the happy occasion were (left to right) ...

Johan Joubert, Thys Louw, Roelof Hugo		Jonathan Steyn, Rafeek Evans
Mike Bouchard, Cathryn Henderson, Charles Savage and Dewaldt Heyns (winning winemaker)