If music is the food of life, jazz is definitely the perfect beat to accompany an authentic hearty traditional cheese fondue held in the cosy unique atmosphere of a leading Stellenbosch wine estate.
Delheim Wine Estate, one of the region’s most acclaimed wine farms set on the majestic Simonsberg, will this year again be presenting its series of Jazz and Cheese Fondue events. This popular series have become a highlight on the local wine and music calendars. Hosted in conjunction with the Cape Town Music Academy (CTMA), which selects an eclectic line-up of diverse local jazz talent to accompany the experience of Delheim’s sumptuous cheese fondues, the events are to be held each Sunday lunch from 2 July to 27 August.
According to Nora Thiel, co-owner of Delheim, the Jazz and Fondue events have become an institution at the estate. “The atmosphere created by the stunning jazz talent organised by the CTMA is a perfect complement to the spirited, informal vibe for which the fondue dining experiences are known for,” says Nora. “Back in the 1970s everybody had a fondue-set at home. Since 2010 we have revived the Cheese Fondue to coincide with cold wintery Sundays in the Cape. Coupled with the sultry sounds emanating from leading jazz artists and a fantastic selection of Delheim wines, this has become a popular day out. The fact that the food, wine and music is enjoyed in the ambience of our traditional tasting venue adds to the appeal.”
Luvuyo Kakaza, CTMA projects director and leading South African jazz impresario, says the Delheim Jazz & Fondue events have become a highlight on the local jazz calendar, with the artists looking forward to the Sunday wineland sessions as much as the members of the public attending.
“The Western Cape is one of the world’s great jazz destinations, both in terms of the quality of our artists as well as the vibrancy of the local music community,” he says. “With the Cape winelands being a leading tourist and general recreational destination, it has been great integrating our jazz culture with that of the winelands. These Delheim events reflect the melting pot – fondue and other! – of South African culture in bringing together the culture and tradition of Delheim Estate and the Cape winelands with the spirited diversity of various jazz musicians appearing in the line-ups. And this year we have curated an extensive display of world-class local talent to provide captivating music to enhance the overall experience.”
Jazz and Fondue lineup
The line-up for this year’s Jazz and Fondue sessions at Delheim is as follows:
2 July - Darren English Quartet led by South African award-winning trumpeter Darren English, this band play its own vibrant repertoire.
9 July - Zazi Muftic Quartet features Muftic, a Johannesburg-based musician with roots in Zagreb, Croatia. Her musical upbringing began as a Western classical violin player before becoming an engaging jazz vocalist.
16 July - Muneeb Hermans Quartet Trumpeter Muneeb was born in Cape Town, started his musical journey in the Cape minstrel fraternity and later went off to study Jazz Performance at the University of Cape Town.
23 July - Nick Ford Quartet Nick Ford project is led by the 19-year-old Cape Town electric and double bassist and composer/arranger.
30 July - Kalahari Connection, a jazz and world music outfit comprising vocalist Lungiswa Plaatjies, Lonwabo Mafani (keyboards), Bongani Sotshononda (marimba) and Stephen du Souz.
6 August - Thembelihle Ndunjana Quartet Thembelihle Dunjana is a young pianist from Cape Town born in Gugulethu. She is also an improviser and teacher.
13 August - Chante Phillip is an electric female drummer in the Western Cape who has over the past few years been mentored by legendary drummer Frank Paco. She has shared a stage with various internationally acclaimed musicians and slowing making her name in the Cape Town jazz circuit.
20 August - Lady Felicity and the Trumpets This multi-cultural Afro-soul jazz ensemble is led by vocalist Felicity Ntshangana backed by Dane Paris (drums), Georgia Jones (saxophone) Brathew van Schalkwyk (keyboards) and Chadleigh Gower (bass). This band brings energy and bursting joy through their South African songbook.
27 August - Soisoi Gqeza Quartet Soi soi Gqeza (also known as Sultry Soi Soi) is a Cape Town local who began her singing career as a backing vocalist for artists like Ringo Madlingozi, Brenda Fassie, Lucky Dube and Winston Mankunku Ngozi.
Ticket details
Guests will be welcomed with a hearty glass of gluhwein before enjoying an authentic cheese fondue served with bread and vegetables for dipping, followed by coffee and dessert at a cost of R520 per person. A selection of Delheim wines is available at cellar-door prices, by the bottle of by the glass.
Tickets are available exclusively from Quicket.