Franschhoek Jazz Up Sundays at Allee Bleue

 

"Music should be your escape" - so said Missy Elliot and there is nothing truer in the Cape Town music scene, which has, over the decades, been a route for musicians to change their world. And what a legacy they have left in Cape Town with their varied mix of global influences!

Everywhere you look - on the sidewalks, in the bars and clubs, you will feel the influences of their history, their struggles and their joy. Jazz is particularly important to the Cape Town music scene, blending American Ragtime, East Africa and of course the subtle Malay influences of Java. Like a great combination of coffee bean, the infusion combines to bring the best out of the separate elements. And the sound is magnificent!

For something... well, a little different from the frenetic heat and beat of the city... you must make time to visit Allee Bleue Jazzed Up Sundays. All musical tastes are catered for with a choice as diverse as jazz and big band swing.

The menu for the Jazzed Up Sunday’s includes:

Pork neck, Beef Roast and shoulder of lamb served with a variety of sauces.

Fresh Chef's choice vegetables

Variety of salads

SA Cheeseboard and biscuits

Choc mousse, cherry jubilee, Malva pudding and Brandy pudding

R145.00 per person (R85.00 for children under 10 years)

In the picturesque valley of Franschhoek, tucked between gigantic Drakenstein mountains, you will find Allée Bleue Wine Estate. Here you will discover a unique place that’s not only one of the oldest vineyards in the Cape, it offers visitors an exciting combination of new and old, tradition and innovation, and history and modernity. If you haven’t been here yet, here’s 10 reasons why you should go:

1. The Artwork of Emil Sogor

Think untouchable grand nature combined with local heritage and the rebirth into the 20th century – a total exploration of the senses! Here you will discover real state-of-the art luxury with contemporary art surrounded by the breathtaking African nature.

2. The Bistro at Allée Bleue

You can indulge in the scrumptious food at Bistro Allée Bleue 7 days a week (in season) from 8am to 5pm. Here you can enjoy typical South African delicacies in a stylish atmosphere paired with top-class Allée Bleue wines. Most of the ingredients reflected in the menu are sourced directly from the farm. They offer candlelight dinners (only R380.00 per couple) every last Friday of the month.

3.  Country side picnics

Shaded by an historic oak tree, tables clothed in starched white drapery, freshly made picnic baskets are served to you from the picnic gazebo and an ice bucket ensures your Allée Bleue wine is always chilled. Menus are priced at R145.00 per person and R80 per child.

4. The Manor House

The Manor House has a series of elegant dining and meeting rooms. Upstairs, in what was originally a storage barn, there is luxurious accommodation in two spacious and private suites. Outdoors, there’s a terrace and walled garden with lawns edged in iceberg roses and lavender, and beyond a citrus orchard and herb garden.

5. Olives and Olive Oil

Premium olives and olive oil are obtained from the fruits of the Allée Bleue Olive trees and are available for purchase at the deli. You will also find a 1000 year old olive tree on the estate.

6. The Kendel Cottage

Make a weekend of it and stay over at the luxurious Kendel Cottage, a stylish residence in the kendel  middle of the estate. The cottage consist out of two en-suite bedrooms, a stylish lounge area and a veranda overlooking the vineyards. At R900 per night including breakfast, you will definitely feel like royalty.

7. Wine Tasting Courtyard and Cellar tour

Sit back and relax in the magical courtyard while you enjoy the wide range of wines on tasting. You can also pre-book a cellar tour and discover the magical world of winemaking. Pre-booked cellar tours are conducted on a daily basis.


8. The Scenery

Avenue of trees, meandering rivers and breathtaking views. The snow-white, thatched buildings surrounded by lavender bushes creates a picture-perfect setting and all you want to do is sit back, relax and take in the beautiful scenery.

9. Spot a Bride

All white and bright and such a sight! Be sure to spot a bride when you visit the estate. Allée Bleue boasts a choice of elegant reception venues, which are sure to meet any bride’s requests and desires.

10. The MCC

The Méthose Cape Classique Brut Rosé 2010 is something truly amazing and seeing that quantities are very limited, best you get your hands on some.  This proudly South African MCC consist out of Chenin Blanc and Pinotage. It’s beautiful salmon colour and pop-corny nose is something to die for and at only R124 it’s a real bargain!