Good news for South African wines

South Africa's wine industry has cause to lift a glass or two after the latest overseas sales figures were released in early December.

An industry report compiled by South African Wine Industry Statistics (SAWIS) showed that wine exports had jumped by 16% in the 11 months ending on November 30, with year-end exports predicted to hit 300m litres, a record performance and a far cry from the 20m litres of 15 years ago.

Su Birch, chief executive of Wines of South Africa (WOSA), said the industry was now in a stronger position, thanks to the diversification of its markets.

"Whereas five years ago, 72% of our packaged exports went to just the UK and the Netherlands, the net has widened so that the UK, Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany and the US currently account for 70% of total export volumes," Birch said in an interview with local press on December 12.

The strong growth in exports was especially powered by increased sales to Sweden, where South African wines are second only to Australian products in terms of imports, as well as across Scandinavia, where sales improved by more than 10%.

Even more significant was the 40% growth in the volume of sales to Germany, with South Africa moving into fifth place as a supplier of imported wines to that country.

According to WOSA spokesman André Morgenthal, South Africa's wine industry has also benefited from the long running drought in Australia, which has curbed production over the past few years.

The drop in Australian output has seen locals seize the opportunity to fill the gap, with an estimated 4m litres of South African wines being exported to meet the shortfall, he said.

South Africa has long been a leading producer of wines and currently accounts for around 3.4% of global output, making it the ninth biggest international producer.

With just over 100,000 hectares of land planted for vines, a figure that is increasing as demand is stepping up, South Africa regularly produces more than 700m litres of wine annually, with the 2007 harvest yielding around 736m litres, according to SAWIS.

The coming grape harvest is set to continue the trend, with SAWIS estimating that around 1.3m tonnes of grapes of all varieties will be picked, similar to the figures for the previous season.

South Africa's wine growers take industry standards seriously. In September the department of agriculture's council on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) ruled against an application to sell genetically modified yeast made by a South African-born scientist and his business partners to local wine producers.

The council said allowing the use of genetically modified yeast could pose a threat to South Africa's export trade with Europe, the backbone of the industry. On December 5, Julian Jaftha, the chairman of the council, said the application had been rejected purely on trade grounds, rather than environmental or health concerns. The council made its ruling after intense lobbying from South Africa's leading wine producers, the South African Wine Council and the local non-governmental organisation Biowatch, which campaigns against GMOs.

In another move for the wine industry, Mosibudi Mangena, the minister of science and technology, gave a commitment at the end of October to provide additional funding to boost research so as to help ensure the sector's future.

"The wine industry cannot afford to lag behind in terms of innovation and research," Mangena said in a joint press statement with Kader Asmal, chairperson of the SA Wine Industry Council. "Apart from substantial export earnings of $480m per annum, the wine industry also played an important role in economic growth and rural development in South Africa."

The government's commitment to the wine industry is leading to increased sales at home and abroad. WOSA's Birch has warned that increasing overseas demand for South African wines could lead to a domestic shortage of reds by 2010, the year South Africa will host the football World Cup.

"South Africa is still a very young exporter in global terms and to be unable to meet market demands could make us vulnerable," she said.

While there may be potential shortages in the future, at the moment South Africa's wine industry is giving off a distinctly appealing bouquet. Oxford Business Group

Croydon reaches UK shores

"Cork out of Africa
We Brits love to go native while abroad, particularly if we can retreat back to the comforts of a luxurious home. Croydon Vineyard Estate in Faure, near Cape Town in South Africa, offers buyers the chance to join in the 'stamping the grapes' festival. The estate, run by world-famous vintners Beyers Truter, will consist of 205 plots, and the first five houses are for sale from £113,000 to £135,000.

Each owner gets an equal share in the winery and a free box of wine each month. For the first five years the developer will pay shortfalls on the vineyard, and full ownership of the winery will be handed over to residents."

Beyerskloof wines at discount for Croydon owners

The winery has secured a range of Beyerskloof wines at discounted prices for home owners. Contact the winery to place an order.

Pinotage 2006 R34

A medium to full bodied Pinotage with a deep red colour. A complex Pinotage with plum and purple berry flavours, and a long aftertaste. A wine that can be enjoued now or age in the bottle for 3 – 5 years. In summer to go with seafood or light meat dishes. It also goes well with any red meat, pasta and spicy food.

Rose 2007 R30

A delicate and warm rose, very pale pink with deeper centre, very inviting. On the nose there is an unexpected grapey richness with soft berry perfume and earthiness. Soft entry, light, velvety, dry without acidic bite, sweet berries, rose, tang of spice and just a hint of pleasant bitter (no pinotage candyfloss). Nicely balanced, low-ish alcohol. Mediterranean style rosé. Nice clean finish. A good appetiser.

Charmat Sparkling Rose R45

Charmat Method. Pink, dry, with berry fruitiness. Well balanced.

Cabernet/Merlot 2003 R155, Cabernet / Merlot 2001 R250

John Platter 2008 5 stars *****

Deep dark royal red, a shimmering crimson colour. On the nose a forceful, enchanting perfume of classic French blend and depth, with a touch of oak vanilla. On taste it has a soft, clean, rounded entrance with immediate note of intensity. Deliciously dry with bold, but soft tannins, medium structure, and yet juicy. No upfront fruitiness, rather the invitation and allure of secondary complexity to come. Cassis, savoury bullion, a tang of citrus and tar. Seamless and inviting complexity of harmony between cab & merlot. Intelligent and challenging. All the promise of things to come. Lingering length for minutes afterwards.

Synergy 2005 R60

Dark colour, tones of purple, seems very bright. Bold, fresh, cheerfully fruity nose. Just a dash of wood and ‘wildness'. Juicy and well-balanced and a solid mouthfeel. Cherries, cassis, mocha, and a touch of coconut. New World upfrontness because of berry fruit. This is an unusual wine which modern, fine and seamlessly crafted.

Pinotage Reserve 2006 R90

Rich blood ruby colour, lively and clear. Initially there is a wood spice, clean, fresh pinot fruit: cherry with almond whiff. Warm entry, light wood spice, leading to fresh dark berries, plum. Soft, but sturdy tannins, nice structure and refreshing acid. Balanced and linear, but a slight alcohol finish. No obvious ripe fruitiness, restrained, quite delicate. Again almonds on the finish with a clean and lingering length. Hints of a modern, New world pinot noir.

Winery opening hours during December 2007

The winery will be open from 20 December 2007 - 2 January 2008 between 10am and 2pm except 25, 26 Dec, 1 Jan 2008. If you arrive at the Estate to visit the winery between 27 December 2007 and 31 December 2007, the security gatehouse will contact the Estate Manager and winemaker, Corius Visser so that you can gain access to the building.

If you are planning to visit between Christmas and New Year please try and contact the winery in advance so that they are aware of this. 021 843 3610 info@croydon-estate.co.za

NEWS FLASH John Platter 2008 awards Croydon Four Stars

The John Platter Wine Guide, SA’s leading wine annual since 1980, has announced that Croydon Title Deed 2005 and Covenant 2005 have both been awarded four stars in the upcoming 2008 edition. This categorises the wines as "Excellent". A maximum of five stars is achievable and only 21 wines achieved this distinction, including Beyers Truter's Field Blend 2003.

The Guide, which strives to rate, as far as is practically possible, all of the wines that are available for the duration of the particular edition, locally as well as abroad, tasted and assessed nearly 6 000 individual wines over several months.

Responsible for this mammoth task is an experienced team of tasters, who ranked the wines according to the guide's five-point scale, ranging from 0 stars ('Somewhat less than ordinary') up to 5 stars ('Superlative. A Cape classic').

In the course of this year's evaluations, they identified 88 candidate five-stars across a variety of categories, including reds and whites, dessert wines and port styles. Only finished/bottled wines, available during the currency of the guide, were considered. These candidates were then judged 'blind' by a panel of the guide's tasters.

Andrew McDowall, publisher, extends congratulations to all the five-star winegrowers, and to the makers of the balance of the five-star contenders, whose names will be unveiled with the book launch in November.

The Guide’s Wine of the Year will be announced at the same time, along with the name of the 'Superquaffer' of the Year - the wine judged to be the most drinkable and well-priced of all the entry-level bottlings tasted for the current edition. The book’s first Winery of the Year award will also be made.

Analysing the results, McDowall said: “The best performing category this year was that of Port style wines; we have five five-star wines in this category and Boplaas Family Vineyards receives two of these, for its 2005 Vintage Reserve and NV Cape Tawny.

“The other strong category was that of white blends. Here, four five-star wines were awarded. And chenin blanc, which last year for the first time shone as a variety with three five-stars out of six nominated wines, again achieved a five-star rating.

“Of the red categories, cabernet sauvignon and Cape bordeaux blends did well to achieve two five-stars each. All-in-all, the red categories matched the whites with seven five-stars each.

A selection of the five-star wines will be served at the South African Mega Tasting in London during October.

The 2008 edition will be available from November 2007 from selected book shops and retail outlets, as well as the website, www.platteronline.com. The recommended retail price is R139.95.

Vergenoegd development: how to obtain further information

If you want to obtain more information on the proposed development, you can view if from the link below.

The password and username is WINE.

http://vergenoegd.com/investorhome.php

Your wine allocation: understanding the new rule

At the recent AGM the constitution was changed (Clause 12.2) to deal with the issue of non-collection of wines and also the allocation of wines for owners who have not paid their levies. The clause has had this addition:

“Each Member’s entitlement to the wine as aforesaid is subject to the condition that the Member is not in arrears with levies due to the Association and as such, for every month that the Member is in arrears with his levies, he shall not be entitled to receive wine for that month. Furthermore, wine shall be stored by the Company for a maximum of 3 (Three) months only and accordingly, should a Member fail to collect his wine from the Croydon Winery, alternatively arrange for the delivery thereof and make prepayment of the delivery charges, such Member’s wine shall be forfeited to the Company at no cost.”

Effect: Members who are in arrears with their levies or who do not collect their wine or arrange for same to be collected within a 3 (Three) month period, will not be entitled to the wine.

Reason: The storing, production and bottling of wine is done at a cost and as such, persons who have not paid the levies which are due should not be entitled to such benefits. In addition, the storage facilities at Croydon Winery are at a minimum and therefore it is essential that owners either collect their wine or make pre-payment for such wine to be delivered to an address of their choice.

Minutes from the AGM held on 28 November 2007

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE CROYDON VINEYARD ESTATE HOME OWNERS ASSOCIATION HELD AT CROYDON WINERY ON 28 NOVEMBER 2007

In attendance:

(refer to attendance register held at winery)

Trustees:

M Voortman (in the chair)

C J Fourie

B de Sousa

C Steenkamp

Apologies:

J Bos

J Elan-Puttick

D Erasmus

J Hill

R Lange

L van Niekerk

J van der Horst

By invitation:

C Visser

Secretarial:

W H Lowe

1. Welcome.

The chairman declared at a quorum was present and that the meeting was properly constituted. Mr de Sousa confirmed that meeting was able to consider and pass a special resolution. The chairman noted that the developer was personally present and that no proxies had been received. He noted for the meeting that the AGM was being held later than required due to a proposed change in the financial year end which would be part of the later business of the meeting.

2. Matters arising and approval of minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 22 March 2006.

The chairman reported that the proposed use of treated effluent for irrigation was still a possibility but that it was not being used presently. In reply to a question from Mr Volkel the chairman said that the irrigation water came from the Eerstrerivier.

Mr Bergman proposed the adoption of the minutes and this was seconded by Mr Volkel and the minutes were duly adopted.

3. Chairman’s report for the year ending February 2007.

The chairman reported on the affairs of the Association over the past 20 months and made the following points:

· The accounting firm Enslins Lindemanns had resigned and that the finances and administration was being restructured to occur in-house with a proposed book keeper commencing work in December 2007.

· Building plan approval and housing supervision had been contracted out to Boland Building Control Services. To date 17 house plans had been submitted, 11 had been approved, 3 houses were complete and 8 were under construction.

· The Croydon Wine Company has performed well and supported the cash flow of the association due to outstanding levies, a situation which has been largely rectified. The wine company was recording a small loss for tax avoidance reasons due to the diligent treatment of stock, the result being that the wine company was cash positive. The chairman complimented the wine maker on his astute bottling procedures. The first harvest was soon and it was expected that profitability would improve further as will quality.

· The Association had a gross profit for the period of R 82 512. Cash flow had improved although it was noted that profitability required a levy increase.

· Security was in place and functional and ready to meet the demands of additional residents to the Estate.

· The lifestyle centre was hosting an event every weekend.

· A proposal had been received for the operation of an on site estate sales office and this proposal would be considered by the incoming trustees and normal operations by estate agents that were accredited were continuing. The developer still retained ownership of 17 stands which are not actively being marketed. It was noted that more residents than investors could be expected from the second tier purchasers.

4. Financial matters:

4.1 Presentation and adoption of financial statements FYE February 2007

The representative from the auditing firm tabled the accounts and indicated that there were no qualifications to the accounts. There was a change to Page 7 of the accounts whereby “Current assets” would include a stock item of R 42 040 which would represent inventory. He also mentioned that common property had been transferred to the Association at zero value.

4.2 Levies for 2007/2008

It was proposed that the levies be increased by 9,5% over the previous budget would had been set in 2003-2004 which was an effective 4,7% annual increase. The chairman stated that the budgets reflect a realistic financial scenario and that the trustees were confident that the budgets were satisfactory. The budget was proposed by Mr Bergman and seconded by Mr Steenkamp and duly adopted.

4.3 Auditor’s remuneration for the past financial year

It was noted by the meeting that the remuneration would be R20 000 excl VAT. In reply to a question from Mr Volke it was confirmed that the auditors were changing because they had resigned.

4.4 Appointment of auditors

It was noted by the meeting that the firm Exceed had been appointed as auditors for the next year.

5. Election of trustees other than the developer’s representatives.

The chairman advised that in terms of the constitution, the developer nominees would remain in office save with the retirement of Messrs van Niekerk and Voortman and that they would be replaced by Messrs Ashworth and Bergman. It was further noted that no other nominees had been received for the position of the owner members, and that the existing owner members had agreed to remain as trustees for another year.

The meeting resolved therefore that the trustees for the next year would be: D Ashworth, J Bergman, J Bos, B de Sousa, C Fourie, C Steenkamp and J van der Horst. In reply to a question from the floor it was noted that the chairman is elected from amongst the trustees themselves in a separate meeting.

6. General Resolution No 1

The chairman introduced General Resolution No 1 as follows:

Members are furthermore requested to consider and, if deemed fit, to pass with or without modification, the following resolutions:

GENERAL RESOLUTION NO: 1

RESOLVED THAT:

The members condone that this Annual General Meeting takes place more than 3 (Three) months after the financial year end of the Association, being the end of February 2007.

The resolution was passed unopposed.

SPECIAL RESOLUTION NO: 1

RESOLVED THAT:

The HOA Constitution be amended in accordance with the Summary of Proposed Amendments to the Home Owners’ Association Constitution annexed in the notice of meeting and marked “A” and recorded below.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE CROYDON VINEYARD ESTATE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION CONSTITUTION

1. Clause 6 amendments:

Terms: Deletion of the existing clause and the substitution thereof with the following:

“The Financial Year End of the Association is the end of May of each year, or such other date as the Trustees may decide.”

Effect: This amendment will result in the financial year end for 2007 / 2008 being at the end of February 2008 so as to co-incide with the financial year end of Croydon Winery, and further provision is made that the Trustees can in future decide, if needs be, whether or not to change the financial year end without having to obtain a Special Resolution in this regard.

Reason: So that the financial year end of the HOA runs parallel to the financial year end of Croydon Winery, which in turn corresponds with the financial year end of the wine industry.

2. Clause 12.2 amendments:

Terms: By inserting the following clause at the end of the existing clause:

“Each Member’s entitlement to the wine as aforesaid is subject to the condition that the Member is not in arrears with levies due to the Association and as such, for every month that the Member is in arrears with his levies, he shall not be entitled to receive wine for that month. Furthermore, wine shall be stored by the Company for a maximum of 3 (Three) months only and accordingly, should a Member fail to collect his wine from the Croydon Winery, alternatively arrange for the delivery thereof and make prepayment of the delivery charges, such Member’s wine shall be forfeited to the Company at no cost.”

Effect: Members who are in arrears with their levies or who do not collect their wine or arrange for same to be collected within a 3 (Three) month period, will not be entitled to the wine.

Reason: The storing, production and bottling of wine is done at a cost and as such, persons who have not paid the levies which are due should not be entitled to such benefits. In addition, the storage facilities at Croydon Winery are at a minimum and therefore it is essential that owners either collect their wine or make pre-payment for such wine to be delivered to an address of their choice.

3. Clause 32.1 amendments:

Terms: By the insertion of the words “or by telefax or email”.

Effect: This will allow the Association to now give notice, in addition to notice sent by registered mail or delivered by hand, by way of telefax or email.

Reason: This will make the giving of notice less expensive and more effective.

4. Clause 32.3 amendments:

Terms: By inserting the words “and any notice given by telefax or email shall be deemed to have been received by 16h00 on the first business day following the day of transmission thereof”.

Effect: Is to amplify the provisions of Clause 32.1.

Reason: To amplify the provisions of Clause 32.1.

The special resolution was passed unopposed.

7. General

The chairman introduced the general item and tabled the following:

7.1 An objection to the time of the meeting has been received from Mr J Hill. The chairman explained that the time of 17:00 was not generally felt to be unreasonable and there was no comment from the meeting. The chairman explained that the other issue raised in his letter would be passed to the Croydon Wine Company for attention as it was not related to the business of the meeting.

7.2 The chairman pointed out that there were plans for the development of Vergenoegd and Spier and that owners might want to register as an Interested and Affected Party and receive the opportunity to comment. HE confirmed that the developer and the association would comment on these proposals too. Ms Aldum added that the words WINE could be used on the websites of the Vergenoedg project for access passwords and codes.

7.3 Mr Volkel asked about the development of Kelderhof. It was explained that this township was approved prior to the promulgation of the Land Use Planning Ordinance (LUPO) and that it was sold out.

There being no further business the chairman declared the meeting closed.

Notice to home owners: development of Vergenoegd

Home owners are advised to register as an Interested and Affected Party to this development and to obtain the documents for further information. The developer and the proposed home owners association are representing the interests of the home owners but it is advised that you become familiar with the project personally.

VERGENOEGD ESTATE

Portion 12 of Farm Vergenoegd No. 653, Remainder of Farm Vergenoegd No. 653 and Remainder of Farm Vergenoegd No. 547, Stellenbosch

The historic wine farm Vergenoegd has been a landmark in the Helderberg region since 1696. The farm is located on the eastern boundary of Baden Powell Drive (R310) and straddles the N2 Highway.

Portion 12 of Farm Vergenoegd No. 653, Remainder of Farm Vergenoegd No. 653 and the Remainder of Farm Vergenoegd No. 547, Stellenbosch are zoned as Agriculture Zone I.

The project proposal comprises:

• a residential development consisting of three nodal villages of about 1100 erven
• an industrial park of between 12 ha and 15 ha
• The development of tourism and hospitality facilities within the Homestead precinct including the phase 1 consent application
• agricultural land use and conservation including a new winery.

The proposed Vergenoegd Estate is a core project which will serve as a primary economic driver of the Vergenoegd Sustainable Development Initiative (SDI). The purpose of the SDI is to unlock the potential of the proposed new projects in the Vergenoegd area in order to generate meaningful benefits for both socio-economic development and environmental rehabilitation in partnership with the relevant authorities and other stakeholders. The project should be considered in this context.

The development will require authorization in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2006 promulgated in terms of the National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998 (NEMA), as amended. The site falls outside of the boundaries of the current urban edge demarcation and thus an amendment of the urban edge will be required. A rezoning in terms of the Land Use Planning Ordinance, 15 of 1985 is also required.

DJ Environmental Consultants has been appointed by Vergenoegd Development Initiative (Pty) Ltd & ASISA Agri Tourism (Pty) Ltd. as the independent environmental consultants to undertake the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Process required in terms of the EIA Regulations, 2006.

Dennis Moss Partnership has been appointed to coordinate the project and make the necessary statutory applications in terms of the Land Use Planning Ordinance 15 of 1985.

a) Farmstead Precinct: The main tourism node is proposed to consist of a 80-room boutique hotel, conference and events facility, casual restaurant, wine whisky and brandy bar, and a small specialty retail centre. Use will be made of the existing farm buildings and structures by converting it to accommodate some of the intended uses, while the remaining uses will be developed on a new footprint appropriately located within the agricultural landscape.

a) Tourism-related and residential units: Three nodal villages is proposed which will comprise of approximately 1100 tourism-related and residential units, appropriately situated within suitable locations in the natural and agricultural landscape.

c) Light Industrial Node: It is proposed that this node will be located south of the N2 just above the sewerage works comprising of a number of units available for community initiatives and SMMEs.

d) Agricultural Land use including a new winery. At present the farm is growing vines on about 70 ha of land, a substantial portion of which is uneconomical. Therefore this will be reduced to about 55 ha.

LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK

The most important Acts, Policies and Guidelines relevant to this development are listed below.

ü National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998

ü Land Use Planning Ordinance 15 of 1985

ü The Western Cape Provincial Spatial Development Framework (WCPSDF)

From a planning perspective the following documents need to be examined:

· The Helderberg District Plan

· The Urban Structure plan

· The Urban Edge policy guidelines

· The CBD Biodiversity network

DJEC would value your input in the EIA process. There are a number of ways in which you will be able to participate in, and comment on, the project throughout the process.

At this stage if you or your organisation would like to be involved in the EIA process and receive further information, or know of any individual or organisation who would like to participate in the EIA processes, please submit your contact details for registration on our database, on or by 22 January 2008.

Additionally if you have any preliminary comments or questions regarding the project following the review of this document, please submit your comments, in writing, to Tali Bruk of DJEC (contact details below).

Please note that you must declare any business, financial, personal or other interest in the approval or refusal of the proposal as well as your preferred means of communication.

DJ ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS

Tali Bruk

Postnet Suite 66,

Private Bag X15

Somerset West

7130

Tel: (021) 851 0900,

Fax: (021) 851 0933

Email: tali@djec.co.za

Notice to owners about development of Spier

Owners are advised to familiarise themselves with the development that is planned at Spier wine estate. The developer has registered as an Interested and Affected Party as well as the proposed new home owners association - to represent owners, but owners can register in their individual capacity as well.

NOTIFICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROCESS FOR THE PROPOSED SOUTH BANK DEVELOPMENT, SPIER WINE ESTATE, STELLENBOSCH

Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Reference Number: E12/2/3/2-B4/37-0520/07

Uotice is hereby given of a public participation process in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations contained in section 24(5) of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA).

Spier Holdings (Spier) is proposing the development of a multi-disciplinary African Art Centre on the South Bank of the Spier Estate, as well as an urban residential area with associated social facilities, services and agriculture. It is proposed that the footprint of the infrastructure be strategically sited within an area of just over 100 hectares which would also include open space, functional farmland and nature conservation areas. As long term sustainability and environmental care are at the core of Spier's business ethic, it is further proposed that the South Bank's infrastructure would emphasise the use of local materials, recycled waste and water, use energy from renewable sources, and minimise pollution.

The property in question comprises portion 10 of Farm 502, Farm 1404 and Farm 491/6, Stellenbosch and is situated on the "Greater Spier Wine Estate" in the Stellenbosch Municipal District. It is approximately 100 hectares in size and runs parallel to the Eerste River in the vicinity of Spier. The R310, Lynedoch Road and Annandale Road are In close proximity to the site.

The proposed development requires authorisation from the relevant authority in terms of, section 24 (5) read with section 44 of NEMA. The relevant authority in this case is the provincial Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (D:EA&DP).

The proposed projects triggers the NEMA EIA Regulations, namely listed activity No's 1(a), 1(k), 1(m), 4,15 and 18 as identified in Government Notice No. R386, and listed activity No. 2 of Government Notice No. R387 of 21 April 2006. As such, a Scoping and EIA process will be required. The relevant listed activities are detailed below:

Government Notice R386:

1 (a). The construction of facilities or infrastructure, including associated structures or Infrastructure, for the generation of electricity where the electricity output is more than 10 megawattts but less than 20 megawatts;

1 (k). The construction of facilities or infrastructure, including associated structures or infrastructure for the bulk transportation of sewage and water, including storm water, in pipelines with -(i) an internal diameter of 0,36 meters or more; or (ii) a peak throughput of 120 litres per second or more;

1 (m) Any purpose In the one in ten year flood line of a river or stream, or within 32 meters from the bank of a river or stream where the flood line is unknown, excluding purposes associated with existing residential use, but including canals, channels, bridges, dams and weirs;

4. The dredging, excavation, infilling, removal or moving of soil, sand or rock exceeding 5 cubic meters from a river, tidal lagoon, tidal river, lake, in-stream dam, floodplain or wetland;

15, The construction of a road that is wider than 4 meters or that has a reserve wider than 6 meters, excluding roads that fall within the ambit of another listed activity or which are access roads of less than 30 meters long;

18. The subdivision of portions of land 9 hectares or larger into portions of 5 hectares or less; and

Government Notice 387;

2. Any development activity, including associated structures and infrastructure, where the total area of the developed area is, or is intended to

be, 20 hectares or more.

Spier has appointed Chand Environmental Consultants to undertake the EIA process for this proposed development, the first step of which is the Scoping Study.

Public input is a legislated requirement of the environmental assessment process. To register as an Interested and/or Affected Party and receive further Information in this regard, please ensure to contact us before the 14 December 2007: Melanie van Breda / Kim Blessie

Chand Environmental Consultants

P 0 Box 238 Plumstead 7801

Tel: 021 762 3050 • Fax: 021 762 3240 • E-mail: melanie@chand.co.za / kim@chand.co.za

Croydon at Manuka Tokai Summer Wine Festival 29 November

The suburb of Tokai will be going into the silly Summer Season with a swirl, swallow and smile……Confused? Well don’t be, Manuka Wine Boutique at the Steenberg Shopping Centre in Tokai has rallied almost 30 of their favourite wine estates, South African Breweries and Cobra Beer together to host another much requested Tokai Wine Festival. The festival will take place on Thursday 29^th of November from 5pm to 9pm, and promises to be an experience not to be missed with wines from great estates such as Steenberg, Groot Constantia, High Constantia, Elgin Vintners, Croydon, Meerlust and Ridgeback & more to be tasted. Relax, chat to the wine makers, listen to a live local rock group, snack from the tasty morsels on offer and enjoy yourself.

Most of the shops at the Steenberg Village Lifestyle Centre will be open till late that evening, so why not come do your Summer Wine Cellar Top Up and early Christmas Shopping whilst tasting some of the TOP wines on offer. Entrance is a nominal R30/person which includes a tasting glass to take home. Proceeds from glass sales will be donated to a local charity.

Helderberg Picnic Festival 23-25 November

AGM for home owners 28 November 2007

Owners are advised that the Annual General Meeting of the Croydon Vineyard Estate Home Owners Association will be held on 28 November 2007 at the Croydon Winery at 17:00. Please arrive slightly earlier to register. Drinks and snacks will be served afterwards.

Owners will have been posted detailed notice and the final accounts of the Association for the year ending February 2007. The meeting will conduct some routine business and this is indicated in the mailed documents. If you wanting to be emailed the documents please contact

marketing@jbb.co.za

AGENDA

The agenda for the meeting is as follows:

1. Welcome.

2. Apologies.

3. Approval of Minutes of Annual General Meeting held on the 22 March 2006

4. Matters arising from the Minutes aforesaid.

5. Chairman’s Report.

6. Financial matters:

6.1 Presentation and adoption of financial statements.

6.2 Levies for 2007 / 2008.

6.3 Auditor’s remuneration for the past financial year.

6.4 Appointment of Auditors.

7. The election of Trustees other than the Developer’s representatives.

8. To consider and, if deemed fit, pass with or without modification the proposed General Resolution No. 1 and Special Resolution No. 1.

9. General.

10. Close.

Technorati Profile

Croydon Covenant Magnums from R170 each!

Croydon Winery is offering a special end of year price for the Covenant 2004 Magnum 1litre @ R170 each for a minimum order of five or R192 each to home owners. The prices to the public is R250 each. The magnum will make a great Christmas gift and is perfect for an end of year function.

Croydon Covenant is aged in new French oak for 16 to 18 months. Typical ripe prune flavours with a lingering after taste. To enjoy with red meat, roasted lamb or spicy food. The larger the bottle, the slower the wine ages. A magnum is the perfect size for aging great red wines, as it ages the wine slowly, but not too slowly.

Contact the winery to take advantage of this special offer

info@croydon-estate.co.za

“It is well to remember that there are five reasons for drinking:

the arrival of a friend,

one's present or future thirst,

the excellence of the wine,

or any other reason.”

The spring flowers of Croydon (click on the pics to see a larger version)

Profile on the Cape blend

Cape blend is a South African red wine made of a blend of varieties, one which must be Pinotage.

The Pinotage component should be not less than 30% and not more than 70% according to the Pinotage Association and accepted by Veritas who use the definition in their competition, but it doesn't yet have a legal recognition.

Some producers argue that a smaller proportion of Pinotage makes a better blend, but the Pinotage Association counter that legally any varietally named wine can have up to 25% of another variety included as it is considered insignificant.

Croydon has its heritage from the first wine to use the name Cape Blend on its label was Beyerskloof's Synergy, comprising Merlot 39%, Pinotage 36% and Cabernet Sauvignon 25%.

The Cape Blend concept received a tremendous boost in 2004 when International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) in London awarded its Best Red Wine Trophy to Kaapzicht Estate Steytler Vision 2001, which consists of 40% Pinotage, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot.

The winery open for social activities

The winery is open for fully catered social events, parties conferences and it makes a fine venue for the end of year party. Contact the winery to make a booking and Wanda Gotze is able to provide a range of different catering options. She can be contacted on

wanda@gotze.co.za

Croydon Profile: Charmain Cloete

Meet Charmain Cloete who works at the reception in the winery. Charmain can be contacted for event bookings, assistance in obtaining your wine allocation and for information about the home owners association. Contact her via email on info@croydon-estate.co.za tel 021 843 3610.

Croydon's developer supports Red Cross Children's Hospital Benefit

An exhibition of fine art and beautiful things created by the brave young patients & staff of the

RED CROSS WAR MEMORIAL CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
@ VANILLA CANVAS GALLERY
@ Hanover Road, Diep River
021 712 2843

www.childrenshospitaltrust.org.za

Opens Thursday 27th September 2007 at 6pm, closes 11 October 2007
To be opened by Jennie Morris aka The Giggling Gourmet Work by Andrew Cooper,
Tania Babb and Candice Dawn B will be auctioned at the evening.
Join them for a glass of wine and delicious soup donated by Chez Bean Art Cafe,
Croydon Wine Estate, and Wine of the Month Club.
RSVP Maureen Shields 021 712 2843 to facilitate catering

Aardklop vol skop

http://www.aardklop.co.za

Corius is off to the Aardklop Arts Festival this week, and organisers are expecting 180 000 people to pass through the wine tent alone although hopefully not pass out. Why not try out the Aardklop podcast at this link http://aardklop.podbean.com/

Met die aftel van die dae voordat Aardklop afskop, is daar ’n hele paar vertonings wat blyk baie gewild te wees. Die 1812 en militêre skouspel is ’n eenmalige gebeurtenis wat niemand durf misloop nie. Tsjaikowski se 1812 ouverture word uitgevoer met die afvuur van lewendige kanonne. Die aand tree twee militêre orkeste, naamlik die SA Irish Regimental Association Pipes and Drums en die SANW se Koperblaasorkes albei in volle militêre drag op. Om te hoor hoe Tsjaikowski se triomfantlike ouverture eintlik moet klink, moet jy Donderdagaand 27 September op die Fanie Du Toit Sportterrein wees.

Oppiaarde gaan soos gewoonlik weer in die kraal val van enigeen wat hou van rock en alternatiewe musiek. Van ons land se bekendste groepe soos Springbok Nude Girls, The Parlotones, Ollie, Valiant en die Mystic Boereorkes, fokofpolisiekar, Bed on Bricks en Karen Zoid gaan in aksie wees op Saterdag 29 September op die Fanie du Toit Sportsentrum. Die hekke open om 12 uur en die show sal tot laatnag aanhou.

Iets wat jy ook nie aldag gaan hoor nie, is Nicholis Louw, Emo Adams en Jannie Moolman wat die musiek van Elvis, en sy era sing. In Bra Elvis, wat op Woensdagaand 26 September op die Fanie du Toit Sportterrein aangebied word, gaan die koning van Rock, wat vanjaar 30 jaar gelede dood is, se musiek weer herleef. Lank lewe die koning van Rock ’n Roll, Bra Elvis! Ook met Nokokhanya Dlamini en Shine 4.

Van die drama produksies wat uitgesonder kan word is Die Storm, die Afrikaanse vertaling van Shakespeare se The Tempest. 396 jaar nadat hierdie drama vir die eerste keer opgevoer is, bekoor dit nog steeds gehore oraloor. Tjaart Potgieter het dit in Afrikaanse vertaal en Marthinus Basson behartig die regie. In Die Storm toon Jana Cilliers, as Arial, en Antoinette Kellermann as Prospero hulle vaardighede as bedrewe verhoogaktrises.

Festen, is die verhoogweergawe van die 1995 treffer Deense Dogme-film. Festen, wat “Die Viering” in Afrikaans beteken. Die stuk is as The Celebration op Broadway en West End opgevoer en is ’n opwindende moderne tragedie wat ’n spel is met donker en lig. Heinrich Rosenhofer het tydens die ABSA KKNK vanjaar ’n Kanna-toekenning vir beste regie hiervoor ontvang. Met onder meer Johan van Jaarsveld, Stian Bam, Nina Swart, Neil Sandilands en Pedro Kruger.

New Agreement of Sale document

Owners should note that a NEW specific agreement of sale exists for the sale of properties. Using this document is required as a condition of sale and it is important that owners make sure that this document is used when they sell their properties. The reason for this is that the agreement carries through conditions in title such as membership of the home owners association. Please advise your estate agent of this matter and copies of the document can be obtained from the winery or by emailing marketing@jbb.co.za