The University of Pretoria Mammal Research Whale Unit hosted a Wine and Whales Charity Dinner at Creation Wines in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley on 15 March to raise funds for a much-needed research drone, which will allow the Unit to collect crucial data on our majestic whales.

The evening featured a gourmet two-course dinner, guest speakers, and an exclusive auction showcasing a range of collectable wines.

Dr Els Vermeulen, manager of the MRI Whale Unit, spoke briefly, welcoming attendees and giving them an insight into the world of whales and the amount of work and research that they do at the Unit. She also explained the crucial role that drones play in their research, allowing them to have eyes in the sky while still being hands-on in the boat.  

After Els was finished, special guest speaker Natalie Cohen spoke about her experience rowing from California to Australia (8 000 miles) over nine months with three other women. The crew rowed two at a time – two hours on, two hours off. Natalie spoke about the extreme mental and physical challenges they faced, and some of the memories they made on their trip. It was made into a documentary in 2017 called Losing Sight of the Shore.

Once the main course was completed and the speakers had all addressed the attendees, Niels Verburg of Luddite Wines began the auction. The fundraising goal for the evening was set at R200 000 and some amazing lots, including rare wines and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, were up for auction. 

By the end of the evening, the total raised was just over R322 000. “I am so thrilled and humbled by all the support we received!” says Els, who (alongside her team) are looking forward to the work they can do with their new drone.

Els would like to thank their sponsors and special individuals for making the evening a success:  Creation Wines, Bouchard Finlayson, Silvercross Helicopters, Whale Coast Hotel, Zandam Cheese, Southern Right Charters, Dyer Island Conservation Trust, Marine Dynamics, Grootbos, Remhoogte, Gabriëlskloof, Raka Wines, The Guardian Hermanus, The Marine Hotel,  Restless River, Crystallum Wines, Romney Park, Anysbos, Luddite Wines, Peter Finlayson, Paul Croft, Grahame Lindop, Niels Verburg, Les Aupiais, Liza Botha, Natalie Cohen, and all those who donated during the auction.

For more information on the MRI Whale Unit, follow them on Facebook or visit their website here.

Immerse yourself in creativity 

The Hermanus First Fridays Artwalk is an experience not to be missed. Every first Friday of the month, participating galleries remain open until 8pm providing visitors with the opportunity to take a leisurely stroll through the galleries and view the array of artworks on display.

This anticipated monthly event allows people from all walks of life to socialise, and to meet the artists and gallerists in the Hermanus CBD.

Hermanus based South African artist Terry Kobus of Originals Gallery is renowned for his exquisite Nguni Cattle paintings. His recent works include indigenous trees and birds on upcycled antique maps and documents; and the scenic beauty of the Western Cape has also offered inspiration, which is evident in Terry's paintings of Walker Bay and the Overberg.

Coral Spencer is a talented seascape and portraiture artist, painting underwater views as well as coastal views and waves. Many of her portraits are of families enjoying themselves at the seaside. Steve Jones, an international wildlife artist, has recently joined her gallery as a partner. You will find their stunning pieces at the Spencer Contemporary Art Gallery.

Just across from the Spencer Contemporary Art Gallery is Rossouw Modern. Jozua Rossouw began trading in the art world in 1991, selling his own work at local South African markets. He opened the Fisherman’s Gallery in 1995, which eventually became the Rossouw Modern. Jozua’s passion for modern art is evident in the collection of gifted South African artists he discovers, develops, and proudly represents. Jozua went on to open the SPACE Modern located at the end of Art Alley.

Professional artist Charmaine De Jongh Gelderblom was born in Rustenburg but moved to Hermanus in 2010. She is well known for her colourful floral paintings, fishing boats, seascapes, still lifes, and figures. She paints in oils, liberally, spontaneously and boldly – an extension of her personality. You will find her gallery in the Art Alley.

Across from Charmaine, Lembu Gallery is home to resident artist Ed Bredenkamp. Over time he has developed a following for his dramatic ‘Red Elephants’. Most recently Ed has been painting realistic watercolours of birds which are available as prints. The gallery also features a wide range of South African Fine Art and Crafts with a special focus on artists from the Hermanus area.

SPACE Curated in Warrington Place is the third of Jozua Rossouw’s galleries in Hermanus. The gallery is dedicated to thought-provoking curated exhibitions throughout the year. With invited artists complimenting the current Rossouw Modern stable, the exhibitions feature emerging and established artists from Southern Africa and the rest of the world.

New to the Hermanus art scene is Louisa Kruger, who opened her gallery in The Courtyard last year. Louisa is self-taught, paints freely and is bold in her use of colours and textures. She stumbled into the liberating world of art when she took up a pencil in 2019 during a challenging time. Her first objects were mainly animals and portraiture, but her work now include abstracts, florals, and landscapes.

Jeweller Geta Finlayson's workshop in The Courtyard is within a stone's throw from the cliffs in the seaside village of Hermanus. It is this link with the ocean which inspires Geta’s gorgeous pieces, which incorporate precious stones and pearls between gold and silver creations.

Pure South in Hermanus Main Road features the art, ceramics, and fine arts of enormously talented artists from around the country. The artworks on display are often bright, bold or quirky, covering a range of tastes for all art lovers.

A few doors down from Pure South lies Walker Bay Modern Art which is home to a thoughtfully curated selection from South African artists, new and established. The gallery was established in 2015 and has dealt with only works of great significance in terms of execution, condition, aesthetics, and value, appealing to collectors worldwide.

You can learn more about the other artwalk galleries by following them on Facebook – Gallop Hill Gallery Hermanus, Yulya Art, Marion's Gallery, Nic van Rensburg Artist Gallery, FynArts Gallery, Art Thirst Gallery, Hermanus Photographic Society, and Hermanus Art Circle. You will also find Hermanus First Fridays Artwalk on Facebook.

An afternoon of art and wine 

The Paint ‘n Sip, hosted by artist Tertius van Dyk, has proved popular with locals and visitors alike. The class is suitable for beginners as Tertius guides guests through the steps to create an impressive artwork. This hands-on approach makes for a supportive setting for first-time artists and a glass of wine helps to ease any nerves. The classes also cater for those more experienced and themes have included Picasso, picturesque landscapes, and flowers. 

Tertius was born in Caledon and has had a lifelong love for art. He is well-known as a surrealist painter, working mostly in acrylic. Tertius is also active in community projects in Hermanus which have included the prior restoration of the whale that stands outside the Old Harbour Museum, and murals at Rossi's Italian Restaurant in High Street, and at the Windsor Hotel. The murals are part of the recently launched Village Amble Hermanus where walkers are given a map of the town showing the locations of all the murals painted by various artists.

Tertius says that he really enjoys hosting the social Paint ‘n Sip as it provides him with a welcome distraction. Held at Riposo Italian Eatery in Onrus, guests are welcomed with a glass of wine before taking their place at the tables. A reference picture of the day’s artwork is placed on an easel and Tertius begins the class by explaining the first step in creating the artwork. 

He also shares tips and tricks and interacts one-on-one with guests who may have questions or need some extra guidance. In between this he passes guests the brushes, paints and materials needed for each of the steps, so that they are able to fully relax and enjoy the class with their glass of wine. There is a break approximately one hour into the class during which time guests are welcome to support the hosting restaurant by ordering something to eat – Tertius is a big fan of Riposo’s pizza!

Expanding on the popularity of the Paint ‘n Sip, Tertius also offers classes for private functions such as team building and birthdays, and has even hosted an art class for a bachelorette party. The Paint ‘n Sip is R380 per person and includes all materials and two glasses of wine, either red or white. Most recently Tertius has been invited to be part of the FynArts Festival and will be hosting a Paint ‘n Sip at the Hermanus Golf Club on 15 June at 15:00. Tickets can be booked on Webtickets. 

For more information contact Tertius on 076 934 5484. You can also find him on Facebook.

Slow living, fine wines, and exquisite meals   

Located on the Swartrivier Road in Bot River, Gabriëlskloof Wine Estate offers exquisite views of rolling mountains and seemingly endless farmlands. 

While some farms are currently brown in colour from recent harvests and the summer heat, walking into the courtyard at Gabriëlskloof is like walking into an oasis, where everything is green and flourishing. There one can enjoy a wine tasting or visit the restaurant, Farro, which is owned by Alex and Eloise Windebank.

The wine farm is the realisation of a dream for South African Bernhard Heyns, who searched for several years to find the unique piece of land that would “root him to the spot”. In 2001 he found what was then a canola farm named ‘Avontuur’ and the penny dropped. It was quickly obvious that the site had the potential to make high-quality wines with a distinctive character. 

Gabriëlskloof has been owned and run by the Heyns family ever since with their cellar master and Bernhard’s son-in-law, Peter-Allan Finlayson, joining them in 2014. The family has grown to include members of the local community, several of whom have risen through the ranks to senior positions at the farm. Gabriëlskloof welcomed their new viticulturist, Dean Leppan, at the end of 2023, and have appointed Anmar Sprong as their new winemaker.

Gabriëlskloof released two new vintages in January, namely the Amphora Sauvignon Blanc 2023 and the Magdalena 2023. The Amphora is made by fermenting whole bunches in clay amphorae, aged for seven months, and given a tiny touch of sulphur dioxide just before bottling. The end result is an edgy, far from typical Sauvignon Blanc. 

The Magdalena is a Semillon blend sourced from old vines in Swartland, Franschhoek, and Gabriëlskloof’s Semillion planted in 2006. The wine was crafted by whole bunch pressing and then fermenting in French barrels. After spending ten months on its lees, the wine was blended and bottled. Its nose boasts rich aromas of bruised apples, thatch, and chamomile, accented by hints of ginger and Thai basil. 

Farro, the restaurant situated on Gabriëlskloof Wine estate, has unveiled its latest menu shortly after the release of the two vintages. It is one which sees Chef Alex begin to bridge the gap between seasons with an offering of warm, deeply flavourful and comforting dishes. 

“We’re concentrating on some slightly deeper flavours, those more associated with autumn, and which are in many ways more comforting flavours. It’s a little bit more of a hug, if you will, than the lighter Summery menu, with a bit more depth and earthier flavours suited to the impending change of season,” explains the chef. 

Stepping away from summer into autumn, the chef (who is celebrated for his pared back approach to modern European cooking) has created the menu with a sense of nostalgia. Alex has revisited old recipes and memories, recreated childhood dishes and worked with familiar flavours, all the while staying true to his seasonal, sustainable ethos, and his proudly unfashionable embrace of butter, cream, and wine.

The ever-busy wine farm has also just opened an accommodation establishment on the property called the Gabriëlskloof Farmhouse, which offers a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation in the countryside. The Farmhouse is perfect for a romantic retreat or a family getaway for up to 6 people. 

For more information on the wine, food, and accommodation, click here 

Twelve years ago, Nowan Cornelius (15), a Stanford resident, attended a rugby practice at Hermanus High School (HHS). Despite being relatively new at the school, he was already part of the U16A team, playing as a flyhalf. Tragically, during the practice, Nowan collided with a teammate's knee, suffering a major blow to the head. 

On the bus drive back to Stanford after the practice, Nowan's cousin noticed that his behaviour was unusual. He phoned their grandfather who collected them from the bus stop and took Nowan to the doctor. Just over 24 hours later, young Nowan passed away. 

At his family home in Stanford, Nowan’s number 10 rugby jersey takes pride of place, hanging in a glass display cabinet along with his rugby shorts – signed by all of his teammates.

From a young age Nowan had been actively involved in sports and had big plans for a career in rugby. He attended Emil Weder High School in Genadendal but decided that the best pathway to achieving his dreams would be through HHS. He hoped to play for the Springboks one day, and also wanted to study to become a doctor. 

In early 2012, Nowan asked his mother Natasha if he could transfer to HHS. She was reluctant as she had already paid the fees at Emil Weder upfront for the year, but Nowan was determined and knew that his grandfather, Peter, would find a way. Nowan and Peter had shared a special bond since the time that Nowan was born which continued to strengthen with their mutual passion for sport and rugby in particular, with Peter having played for the Universals Rugby Club in Stanford.

Peter didn't hesitate and immediately went to register Nowan at HHS, and Nowan transferred to the school in the middle of the first term, a mere few months before the tragedy. 

The Cornelius family describe Nowan as a deeply caring boy with a profound sense of responsibility. He was a happy child with a real love for life and was also very spiritual.

Nowan had a natural talent for music and played the marimbas and keyboard, and apart from rugby, he also played cricket. He would often play sports with younger children in the neighbourhood and this kindness and helpfulness endeared Nowan to the whole community. 

"Hy het baie liefde te gee", says Natasha. 

In 2010, Nowan almost lost his leg after an injury he sustained in a motorbike accident became infected. He spent four weeks recovering in hospital but this did little to deter him from getting back on a motorbike, or from getting back to playing rugby as quickly as he could. His sense of adventure and determination were just too great.

Nowan's family also hint at a certain amount of good-natured mischievousness and say that Nowan could be a bit of a prankster. They smile broadly as they recount stories about neighbours and snakes, and Nowan's love for peanut butter and jam sandwiches. 

One year after his passing, HHS started its annual 'Nowan Cornelius Sports Festival' in honour of Nowan, and to raise funds for regular renovation of the school's essential medical services. Any remaining funds are used to financially support sports learners. This year it was held from 20 – 23 March and featured a netball clinic and rugby games with 12 schools attending. 

The sports festival has been held annually for 11 years with the exception of 2018 (owing to the unrest in Hermanus), and 2020 (owing to Covid), and a moment of silence is held at 11am to remember Nowan.

Nowan's grandfather has been in attendance at the festival, watching the rugby, every year. 

Visit Hermanus High School's Facebook page to see the results of the tournament. Visit our Facebook page to see photos of the 2024 sports festival.

Book your FynArts tickets now!  

Ticket sales are now open for the 12th Hermanus FynArts Festival from 7 – 17 June. The programme booklet is available from various outlets in Hermanus, including all the art galleries, Hermanus Library, the tourism office, FynArts Gallery, and selected outlets further afield.

As has come to be expected from this unique fusion of an arts festival and winter school, festival goers can again look forward to a stimulating and entertaining arts and culture programme that encompasses a range of visual arts exhibitions, a series of talks and presentations on arts-related and actuality topics as well as book discussions, a variety of workshops, food and wine events, and a culinary series which includes both chef’s demonstrations and culinary workshops.

This year’s festival was officially launched with the much-anticipated FynArts Sunset Concert on 16 March. This popular event featuring the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO), which celebrates the launch of the FynArts programme booklet and the opening of ticket sales, has been hosted at the Old Harbour for the past two years. The strong wind blowing from an easterly direction on the day, however, necessitated a last-minute change and the organisers were very grateful to Curro Hermanus for making their school hall available.  

Even though the weather did not play its part this year, the evening was, by all accounts, a great success. With just under 800 people packed into the Curro Hall, the CPO under the baton of Chad Hendricks performed an inspiring programme to loud applause, and standing ovations for the two soloists, Lukhanyo Moyake (tenor) and Siphamandla Moyake (soprano). Music lovers will be pleased to know that Siphamandla will be returning to Hermanus for the festival to perform alongside three other soloists in An Evening of Opera on Friday 14 June.

The full festival programme is available on our FynArts page and bookings can be made on our website or online at Webtickets. Tickets are also available from Hermanus Tourism and the FynArts Gallery. Book now to get your tickets at Early Bird prices until 1 April. 

For more information, contact FynArts manager Chantel Louskitt on 060 957 5371 or admin@hermanusfynarts.co.za.

Autumn welcomes back the well-attended Baardskeerdersbos Art Route (BAR) from 20 to 21 April (10:00 – 17:00), with fine artists and wineries providing solo exhibitions and wine-tastings at artists' homes and studios in the quirky village of Baardskeerdersbos, twenty minutes from Gansbaai.

Regulars will be familiar with this fixture on the regional art calendar, which has been welcoming art lovers since 2008 to view new works of art that range from sculptures and paintings, to encaustic and taxidermy. 

Six resident and 13 guest artists will be participating in this year’s Baardskeerdersbos Art Route, which has now been expanded to include wine tasting at every venue in partnership with the Agulhas Wine Triangle and the Baardskeerdersbos Drankwinkel.

The resident artists will be exhibiting from their homes and studios with one or several of the guest artists, which include Adèle Fouché (Hermanus), Fouché Hough (Pearly Beach), Tracy Algar (Stanford), and Janet Ranson (Wolvengat) from the Overstrand.

Meet the resident artists

After working as a book illustrator for many years, Nikki Miles found her niche in the props department working as a props scenic and fabricator in the film industry. Nikki also pursues her own creative endeavours using a variety of media, materials, and subject matter. 

Sculptor Niel Jonker creates his pieces out of bronze and other materials, and enjoys painting landscapes, outdoor, in oil. This year he will be focusing on sculpture at the Art Route. As a pioneering artisan breadmaker, Niel also hosts a monthly workshop in Baardskeerdersbos.  

ReDeux (Jan Vingerhoets) creates elegant functional art out of consumer-discarded materials to create a second (and sometimes third) life as a sum of disparate parts. Jan's art is a “rebellion against the uber-consumerist culture, as well as a celebration of the beauty inherent in life-scarred so-called waste”. 

Pamela Sullivan currently works in oils having graduated from a career in ceramics that was focused primarily on decorative functional ware, and included running projects that encompassed both ceramics and fabrics. She relishes a simpler pace of life and seeing the beauty in the everyday commonplace, and this is reflected in her work.

Inspired by topics such as astronomy, evolutionary astrology, quantum physics, shamanic knowledge, and the quest for the ultimate purpose of her human existence, Lalainya Carpenter uses gouache and various elements to evoke an imaginary, energetic representation of the natural world around her. 

Eva Gilliam is a videographer and photographer who has been working throughout Africa for news broadcasters, NGOs, and United Nations agencies for over two decades. She began working with encaustic painting four years ago under the tutelage of her step-mother, American artist Leslie Van Stavern Millar II. Eva will be exhibiting her photos and encaustics, sometimes integrating the two.

Self-named after the Indian goddess of creation and destruction, Kali van der Merwe is an artist who has lived a solitary life outside of the village of Baardskeerdersbos for the past 13 years. Creative curiosity, spanning 40 years, has led Kali into a diverse terrain including ceramic sculpture, installation and performance, documentary filmmaking, and creative macro photography and taxidermy.

For more information on this year's guest artists click here. You can also follow them on Instagram – @baardskeerdersbosartroute. Maps will be available at the Old Post Office in Kerk Street, Baardskeerdersbos. Don't miss this art collector's secret!

The annual Lighthouse 2 Lighthouse Ladies (L2L) Walk took place from 14 to 17 March.

Approximately 100 ladies walked 100km over four days to raise funds for their main beneficiary for 2024, Overstrand Hospice, and their two secondary beneficiaries, Huis Lettie Theron and Kleinmond Animal Welfare Society.

On the final day of the walk, the ladies made their way to Danger Point Lighthouse in Gansbaai before being bussed to Grotto Beach in Hermanus where family, friends, and supporters of L2L were waiting to welcome them back. 

The total funds raised will be announced at an awards evening later this year. 

On Saturday 16 March, learners from Curro Hermanus took part in the Overberg Schools Chess closed tournament at Swartberg Secondary School in Caledon. 

Twenty-six of their learners received their Overberg Chess colours and will be taking part in the Western Cape Schools Chess Tournament in Langebaan on 4 and 5 May. 

Curro Hermanus would like to wish the learners all the best and congratulate them on their outstanding results!