Escape (noun): 1. an act of breaking free from confinement or control; 2. a form of temporary distraction from reality or routine; 3. something that helps you to forget about your usual life or problems. 4. a key on a computer keyboard which interrupts the current operation. Abbreviation: esc.

Hidden away just 15 km from Hermanus and a mere 2.4 km up the Karwyderskraal Road lies Esc Wines, a small vineyard and protea farm with stunning views of the Bot River Lagoon. 

Originally used for growing land oats and wheat, the farm was bought in 2017 by Pretorianers Tian Claassens and CJ Venter, who were looking for their “second career”. 

The notion to start their own vineyard came from a comment made by Tian: “We buy so much wine, we might as well grow our own!” And here they are about six years later with four wines in the Esc range and plans to develop more. 

In 2018, friend and fellow wine lover Dawid Upton joined the ranks as shareholder, and was followed a year later by Corné Richards. After lots of hard work to get the farm ready for planting, they planted their first few hectares of vineyards in 2018 followed by another planting in 2019 with the guidance of consultant viticulturist Johan Viljoen. In 2019, they planted the first of 7 hectares of proteas with help from FynBloem which exports mainly to the UK, where there is a high demand for fynbos. 

When Level 5 lockdown was announced during the pandemic in 2020, Tian and his wife Susan packed up and headed to the Karoo, deciding to stay there for the three weeks of hard lockdown. There they were able to enjoy fresh air without masks, as well as their daily glass of Sauvignon Blanc.

Unfortunately, hard lockdown was extended and with wine running out, they made their way to their holiday house in Hermanus. By the time Level 5 was lifted, Tian and Susan had decided to make Hermanus their home.

In 2021, the group of four shareholders began looking for buyers for their grapes, not wanting to make their own wine, but still wanting to get a few bottles back for their own enjoyment. 

Their viticulturist Johan suggested they speak to David Nieuwoudt of Cederberg Wines – an award-winning winemaker known as an innovator in the industry. David agreed to buy the grapes but suggested that they consider making their own wine to help cover the cost of running the farm, as selling just the grapes would not be sustainable. 

Tian, CJ, Corné and Dawid agreed, and David became the fifth shareholder of Esc, making the vineyard’s wines at his cellar in the Cederberg.

In December 2022, Esc Wines released their first two vintages: a Sauvignon Blanc named SAV, and a Grenache Rosé named RZE. Their Shiraz (RAZ) and a Sauvignon Blanc Reserve were released in 2023, and at the end of the year they opened a tasting room where people could taste and buy Esc wines while enjoying a braaibroodjie and wors. “Esc Wines is not fancy or pretentious. We wanted to create a space where people could just relax and be free to be,” says Tian. 

The vineyard’s wines have gone on to do extremely well, with both Sauvignon Blancs achieving gold, and the Shiraz a double gold, in the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge – an international wine competition. 

Esc Wines will be releasing their first MCC, a Rosé MCCcalled FZZ, in March this year.  

They offer wine tasting from Wednesday to Saturday 10:00 – 16:00 on their farm on the Karwyderskraal Road. On most weekends braaibroodjies and wors are also available for sale. For more information follow them on Facebook and Instagram or email info@escwines.com.

Growing greener  

Across the rest of the world, hydroponics is a growing method which is quickly gaining popularity. This type of growing could potentially be the agriculture of the future, allowing us to feed an increasing population despite climate, water, and soil concerns. 

Hydroponics is a method of growing crops without the use of soil. Instead of pulling nutrients from the ground, plant roots get them from water. Growers add a nutrient solution to water and apply it to the roots directly. 

A subset of hydroponics is aeroponics, where plants are grown with their roots dangling in the air. Below the roots are small emitters that mist the roots regularly, providing them with water and nutrients. This way of growing uses 90% less water than conventional soil gardens, has a 30% faster growth rate, and allows plants to reach their full potential.

Husband-and-wife team William Neff and Stephanie Maas, the co-founders of PlanetPartners, recently made the move to Hermanus, and have brought with them a wealth of knowledge on this method of growing.

While living in Singapore in 2017, Stephanie convinced William to attend a hydroponic workshop hosted by Thorben and Nadine Linneberg from Aerospring Hydroponics. 

Thorben and Nadine created Aerospring after attempting to grow their own tomatoes in their apartment in Singapore in 2015, which turned out to be no easy task. The climate and land scarcity in the country make growing food a challenge and fresh produce has to be imported at high prices. Apart from the price, the couple had concerns about pesticides and where their produce was coming from. This, mixed with a natural interest in problem-solving, inspired them to grow their own food at home. Thorben and Nadine developed a compact vertical hydroponic system which would grow efficiently in small spaces and would automatically water and fertilise plants.

For Stephanie, it was impossible to leave the Aerospring workshop without getting involved. They purchased one of the systems and began growing their own food at home in Singapore, educating their children on the growing processes of different plants. 

When they decided to leave Singapore, Stephanie and William approached Thorben and Nadine about expanding Aerospring Hydroponics to South Africa, where their systems were not yet available.

They agreed and under their brand PlanetPartners, Stephanie and William have been selling the Aerospring systems in South Africa since 2023, spreading awareness about greener growing and the benefits of hydroponics.

"We are of the same view as Thorben and Nadine regarding the challenges of food safety, security, and sustainability and that there is an increasing need to grow our food closer to home. We all need to start thinking about where our food comes from," says Stephanie.

"Our very young children have learnt from an early age about various foods and understand that food is not simply something that comes wrapped in plastic from a shop but that it initially needs to be grown and taken care of by someone. They are connected to their food, get excited when that first strawberry starts to present itself, and have learnt to wait while it grows before picking it and enjoying the fresh safe harvest right in our own home."

Stephanie and William say that another aspect of Aerospring that they have enjoyed since becoming owners of the systems is the community that has come with it. “Aerospring provides us with a lot of support, and there is a very big Facebook page for Aerospring growers with people from across the world. People can post there for advice and show what they have grown,” says Stephanie, “It is very rewarding to grow your own food and it is very good to have in old age homes and schools – plants make you happy and it can be used as an education tool. The systems are easy to clean, and plants are easy to grow. Plus, you have a high yield in a small space.”

PlanetPartners currently offer three Aerospring systems: indoor, outdoor, and a grower’s edition.

All three systems have a WiFi timer which automates and schedules irrigation settings to your preference (the indoor system also has timers for its grow lights, which eliminates the need for sunshine) and can grow up to 27 plants at the same time. The hexagon shape allows for maximum light/sun exposure for a greater yield, and the grower’s system is ideal for those wanting to grow larger plants.

PlanetPartners is also always ready to assist people with their Aerospring systems: “We want people to get the most out of their purchase,” says William, “Which is why we want to help you make sure that it is set up and being used correctly. We are happy to answer any queries, including questions about growing, and will provide support where we can.”

Visit www.planetpartners.co.za for more information on Aerospring systems. 

The systems are available to purchase on Takealot and on the PlanetPartners website. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram (@PlanetPartners_Aerospring SA) for more information and photos. For any queries email info@planetpartners.co.za.

Local athletic club going strong 

After various attempts by local residents to get a running club going, a club was started on 23 September 1996 by founding member Valerie van Deventer. The first time trial was held in January 2001 at the Hermanus Cricket Club with five members attending.

In the early 2000s, a number of the club’s members were doing Masters Track and Field and so the club evolved to become Whalers Athletic Club (WAC).

Within the group are members of varying fitness levels who get together to train for marathons, keep fit, and enjoy their passion for running. WAC has both amateurs and seasoned running veterans, and the club provides a supportive environment where everyone is welcomed and encouraged.

Today the club is mainly focused on road and trail running and is still going strong after 27 years with current membership at about 110 members, from Juniors (aged 16 to 19) to Seniors (aged 20 and up). It is also affiliated with the Whale Coast Half Marathon which will take place on 23 March. The half marathon will start in Stanford and end at Grotto Beach in Hermanus, and the 5 km and 10 km runs will start and end at Grotto Beach.

Members meet three times per week – Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Tuesday’s run is a distance of 10 km and usually makes its way through Vermont and Onrus. Thursdays are for time trials and start at the Hermanus Sports Club. The distances for the time trials are 3, 5 and 8 km. An early start on Saturday allows for the club’s long runs which range between 15 and 31 km depending on the route. Snacks and drinks are sponsored by Coca-Cola.

63 members of WAC are currently training for the Two Oceans Marathon which will take place on 13 and 14 April. 

The benefit of belonging to an athletics club is the inclusion of the Athletics South Africa (ASA) license which is required for athletes, from recreational to professional, who want to participate in officially sanctioned athletics events in South Africa. 

WAC’s membership fee is R400 per year which includes the ASA license, or R250 per year for social members (excludes the ASA license).

For more information please contact Tamaryn at whalersac01@gmail.com or visit www.whalersac.co.za. You can also find them on Facebook.

'Me time' in Kleinmond  

The Health and Beauty Clinic (HBC) in Kleinmond offers a welcome and rejuvenating respite from the stressors of daily life. The calming atmosphere of the salon, and the warm and friendly staff, make HBC a natural option for some self-care. Owner Janine Coetzee is proud to say that it is the oldest salon in Kleinmond, first opening its doors in 1997.

Janine's journey into health and beauty was fuelled by her passion for the industry and her desire to interact with people. Originally working in the administration and finance sector, she soon realised that her outgoing personality was better suited to a more social career. Janine opted to study to become a nail technician and completed her studies through Bio Sculpture. 

She opened her nail salon and started working with the owner of HBC at the time, running her nail salon from the same premises. 

When the opportunity arose to buy HBC, Janine secured a therapist and bought the business. She then set about obtaining qualifications for all aspects of beauty treatments and completed numerous courses through Dermatech, and became a fully trained therapist. 

Janine's originally focused on micro needling but soon expanded into laser. Two years ago she was introduced to jet plasma and was so impressed with the results that she invested in a jet plasma device. 

Jet plasma has been praised for its ability to penetrate the skin's subcutaneous layer, stimulating high levels of collagen production. Its uses include tightening the skin, diminishing wrinkles, diminishing hyperpigmentation, and treating acne, scarring and stretch marks. 

"It gives facelift results without any downtime", says Janine, and recommends cycles of three treatments, each a week apart, with a total of nine treatments. Janine says that clients still see results up to 12 months later. 

For those interested in more traditional health and beauty treatments, HBC offers treatments from "top to bottom", and the staff of five - two nail technicians and three therapists - ensure that all your needs are met. All staff are fully qualified. 

Beauty and health treatments include massages, facials, manicures and pedicures, tinting, waxing and make up. Specialised treatments on offer include electrolysis, e-light (for pigmentation, acne and wrinkles), laser hair removal, microneedling and jet plasma.

Janine has also developed a signature massage with the assistance of a physiotherapist. Called the Rehab Massage, it combines traditional massage with physiotherapy and is ideal for sports people, or those struggling with back problems and muscle spasms. It is also effective for those with Parkinson’s disease as it helps to keep the muscles active.

HBC also caters for men and pedicures are a popular choice. Janine says that some men can feel a little uncomfortable when visiting a salon for the first time and suggests that partners join them for their initial treatment. 

HBC has a loyal customer base and even do home visits from time to time when the need arises. This is often for their older clients or for those who are unable to go into the salon. "They are family", says Janine warmly. 

Please inquire about any other treatments that are not on their menu. Pensioners can enjoy a 15% discount on Tuesdays. For more information phone 028 271 4499 or visit www.healthandbeautyclinic.co.za.

Grip Gymnastics (GG) was established by ex-gymnast Isabelle Carr in 2018 as an extra-mural activity at Generation Schools Hermanus. Isabelle started gymnastics at the age of four and quickly moved from preschool to competitive gymnastics, representing South Africa at four World Age Group Games and various other international competitions.

At 18 years old, she left gymnastics to study for a BSc Marine Biology, later completing her Honours, as well as a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (a professional teaching qualification aimed at graduates interested in teaching as a career). She moved to New Zealand where she began coaching gymnastics, and then moved back to Hermanus where she taught at Generation Schools, coaching gymnastics to a small group of four in the afternoons for fun. 

Later that year, Isabelle decided to leave Generation Schools and open a proper gymnastics club in Voëlklip where her class increased to 75 children and GG was properly established. 

Now six years later, with the help of her mom, GG is a place where children feel loved and supported by a family of friends and coaches. The club consists of a competitive coach (Isabelle), two full-time recreational coaches, two assistant coaches (who are gymnasts too), and about 220 gymnasts at a new and even better venue in the Mimosa Centre in Hermanus Industrial. Her classes cater to children of all skill levels aged 3 years and older, and the only requirement is the desire to learn acrobatic gymnastics. 

Acrobatic gymnastics is one of seven disciplines in gymnastics and is associated with the International Gymnastics Federation/Federation Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) and the South African Gymnastics Federation. 

Gymnasts compete in groups of two, three, or four, and perform routines that incorporate partner and individual skills. To reach a high-level, gymnasts must train hard for many hours, and develop perseverance which is guaranteed to assist them as they get older. Gymnastics also helps younger children to gain confidence in their physical abilities and teaches them to work well in a team. They work closely together, and often form bonds and friendships which can last a lifetime. 

Over the last few years, GG has achieved not only great results locally, but also at the South African Championship which takes place annually. In 2023, GG returned with 48 gold medals, 9 silver, 6 bronze, 1 fourth place and 2 fifth places. 

They also took a team of 11 gymnasts to their first international competition in Italy in June last year, and returned with a gold and a bronze medal. “We were surprised and proud to know that our gymnasts are on par with the international clubs,” says Isabelle.

Choosing competitive teams is a very long and important process. Each year, GG’s gymnasts are assessed on their skill level and placed into a team. Within the different levels, they then have to place partners together, looking at their age, height, skill level, and commitment level to make matches which will work the best. High-level groups are formed with a three-or four-year plan to attend international competitions and hopefully to achieve the required level to trial for the World Age Group Games. 

GG’s competitive teams are currently preparing for the season ahead, which runs from May to September. They will be competing in the Overberg District Trials to qualify to compete at the Western Cape Championships in July. Should they achieve the qualifying scores, they will go on to represent the Western Cape at the South African Gym Games in Cape Town in September. This year, they have 36 Level Four and up routines which will be competing at the competitions. 

Apart from the local competitions, they are also planning an international trip for this year – this will be to the World Age Group Games in Portugal in September where three of GG’s gymnasts (Ilé Viljoen, Maya Tager and Summer Thwaits) will represent South Africa. These gymnasts attended the national trials with a specified difficulty and achieved the required scores to be selected. They are the first team from GG to represent South Africa at this prestigious event.

Grip Gymnastics is continuously striving to improve their space with state-of-the-art equipment at the Mimosa Centre to develop the gymnasts’ skills in order to reach these incredible competitions. Unfortunately, these trips and plans for the club are all self-funded and GG has to rely heavily on fundraising and sponsorships to make these dreams a reality. 

The GG Fundraising Committee are currently raising funds towards a new spring floor. The cost of this floor is R415 000 and through great fundraising attempts they have managed to raise over R100 000. Once they receive this floor, they will be able to host competitions and other events to help them generate funds which they aim to use to increase their development gymnasts (any child who has a passion for gymnastics but does not have the financial means to pursue the sport) and assist them in reaching their dreams where they otherwise would not have had the opportunity. Keep an eye out on their Facebook page for their exciting fundraisers during the year.

For more information contact Isabelle on 082 747 2224 or at gripgymnastic@icloud.com 

Orchids of the Overberg 

By Jenny Parsons

The Kogelberg Biosphere and surrounding Overberg is a biodiversity hotspot, with most of the natural vegetation made up of fynbos. It is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom which is recognised as one of the most special places for plants in the world in terms of diversity, density, and number of endemic species (about 9000). 

Fynbos can be roughly divided into four plant groups or growth forms: proteoids (tall shrubs with broad leaves), ericoids (smaller, heath-like shrubs, often with slender leaves), restioids (reed-like plants), and geophytes (bulbous, soft-stemmed plants). 

I have seen some wonderful wild orchids on my walks and botanical outings in the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, Fernkloof Nature Reserve (including the cliff path), and the Napier Conservancy. The orchids seen are all terrestrial orchids and are endemic to South Africa with some only flowering after fire. They are known for their vibrant colours and unique shapes, adding to the beauty and diversity of the fynbos ecosystem. 

It is an absolute privilege to discover the beauty of the fynbos, and nature’s palette is both exquisite and beautiful. Finding wild orchids with friends is always a treat – memories that I will treasure forever. 

Bartholina is a genus with two species better known as Spider Orchids. Seeing these delicate orchids was a highlight of a very special botanical year. They are described as small tuberous perennials with hairy stems, with a leaf which is also hairy, rounded, and pressed against the ground.

Bartholina burmanniana is a 230mm tall terrestrial, and the inflorescence is single flowered. The sepals are green and the petals and lip are pale mauve. This plant is endemic and found in restioid-dominated vegetation. We spotted it on a Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers (CREW) outing in September 2019. It is small, whispery, and oh so delicate!  

Bartholina etheliae is considered near-threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red Data List. It is delicate and often found in dry fynbos hidden under bushes. The flower sepals are green, and the petals a pale purple blue with terminal white knobs. They reach a height of no more than 280mm. I was privileged to see this rare and exquisite spider orchid in November along the cliff path in Hermanus.

Bonatea is a genus of 20 species of which 10 species are found in South Africa and two are found in the fynbos. Considered robust and terrestrial, the inflorescence is terminal and unbranched. Bonatea speciosa has many flowers, which are resupinate and green and white in colour. Commonly known as the Green Wood Orchid, it was seen amongst the coastal scrub lining the road verges of our little village, Pringle Bay. Hidden and beautiful, I just love the dense flowers which have a strong perfume at night to attract hawk moths as pollinators.

Disa is a genus of 183 species with 143 species endemic to South Africa (most are found in the Cape Floral Kingdom) and are found in a variety of colours. The characteristics of this genus are tuberous perennials, with leaves along the stem or at the base. The flower inflorescence is simple: sometimes a singular or composite spike, and the flowers are resupinate, hooded, and spurred. 

Disa uniflora is possibly the most iconic of all the fynbos wild orchids. It is found in streams and seeps on the Cape mountains and especially in Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens in Betty’s Bay and Vogelgat Nature Reserve. This famous and much-loved orchid of the Western Cape is commonly referred to as the ‘Pride of Table Mountain’.

Disa bivalvata is found in perennial seeps or on moist sandstone slopes. A stunningly intricate disa which is pollinated by spider-hunting wasps. Spotted along the sandy flats next to the Palmiet River in the Kogelberg and Napier Nature Reserves, it is described as “bearing bicoloured flowers in a flat-topped cluster, with white sepals and an obsolete spur. The petals and lip are maroon”.

Disa venusta is considered Vulnerable due to habitat loss and lack of fire stimulus. It has been seen on Hangklip sandstone after the area was burnt in 2019 – we only found a population of three plants. It is a slender reed-like terrestrial that has radial leaves, inflorescence lax with 2 to 12 flowers which are blue to purple with the lip paler or white. The median sepal is hooded, and the lip bearded. It is a beautiful rare little orchid that was a treat to find. 

Holothrix genus is known as Thread Orchids which are small, tuberous perennials mostly with hairy stems. Two leaves form a basal pair against the ground. The flowers are small, dense, and usually form in a one-sided spike. Of the 55 odd species, 13 occur in the fynbos. I found a small population of the slender, dainty, and hairy Holothrix cernua in the burnt sandy flats in September 2019. The flowers are yellow to cream, and the height of this tiny plant is 240mm.

Finally, Satyrium is a genus of 91 species of which 88 occur in Africa (41 occur in South Africa) and 3 in Asia. They are tuberous perennials with leaves scattered along the stem, sheathing it. Flowers are in a dense, sometimes head-like raceme. 

Satyrium hallackii subsp. Hallackii is rare and found in isolated populations in moist sandy areas of Pringle and Betty’s Bay. It is considered endangered and under threat from habitat loss and alien vegetation. The plant is pollinated by sunbirds. In the same location, the orange coloured Satyrium coriifolium, which is also stimulated by fire, was seen.

Marina’s Dance Education Centre celebrated its dancers’ excellent results achieved at the International Dance Exams on Friday 8 March at their AGM and Awards Ceremony. 

The results took almost four months to be announced and all the dancers, who waited patiently to see if their hard work paid off, received medals and certificates for their Merit, High Merit, and Distinction achievements. 

The centre, owned by Marina Rautenbach, teaches several different dance styles including ballet, hip hop, modern, tap, jazz and contemporary. She also offers adult ballet, ballroom and Latin dancing on Mondays from 17:00 – 20:00. For more information contact Marina on 083 721 6994.

The Absolute Pets team at Whale Coast Mall hosted a successful adoption day with Hermanus Animal Welfare Society (HAWS) last weekend. The aim was to educate the surrounding communities on the adoption process of animals in rescue organisations, and to also get our furry friends into loving homes.

Absolute Pets pledged to double-up on the food donations made by their customers on the day and managed to raise a record-breaking total of 612 kilograms. Executive Mayor of the Overstrand Dr Annelie Rabie also showed her tremendous support towards HAWS, donating 50 kilograms to the initiative. These donations will be of great assistance with the winter period ahead.

A big thank you to the Absolute Pets team who joined us for the morning, and to Rinaldi Meyer (General Manager at Hermanus Animal Welfare), Dr Annelie Rabie, every volunteer from the HAWS family, and each member of the public who donated so generously to this cause. It is heartwarming to see communities rally to support our animals, which really deserve the best care that we can provide.

For more information on adoptions at HAWS, please contact them on 028 312 1281 or adoptions@hermanusanimalwelfare.co.za. 

New parkrun for the Overstrand

The popular running organisation, parkrun, turns 20 this year with people across the globe walking, jogging, and running 5 km routes every Saturday morning. The first event took place on 2 October 2004 in Teddington in the UK, with 13 adventurous parkrunners, and nearly two years later, parkrun spread to a second venue in Wimbledon. 

As the number of venues increased, the registration and barcode result system was born, allowing hundreds of thousands of parkrunners to be processed each week. The parkrun community continues to grow but is still based on the simple principles formed by the founders from the start: weekly, free, for everyone, forever.

On 16 March, a new parkrun will be starting in the Overstrand at the beautiful Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate on the R43 just outside Hermanus. The run starts at 8am, and apart from parkrunners, spectators are welcome to attend and enjoy themselves amidst breathtaking vineyards and views over the Bot River Lagoon. There are also parkruns in Caledon, Betty’s Bay, Gansbaai and Hermanus.

These weekly parkruns are community driven, run by volunteers, and have huge benefits for participants: running and walking are both great for mental health (especially in nature), strengthen bones and muscles, reduce the risk for obesity, boost heart and lung health, and more.

Parkrun is free to join but it is important to register prior to attending. Click here for more information.