South African winery plays host to a Hollywood legend
Beau Bridges, whose illustrious career in the film industry has spanned several decades, first dropped in to the specialist wine estate, Alluvia, near Stellenbosch in South Africa looking for accommodation in February 2009, during filming for Free Willy South Africa, the latest movie in the Free Willy series.
Now after a return visit to Alluvia with his family he has agreed to become the global ambassador of their children’s charity ‘Give Me A Chance Children’s Foundation’.
The Foundation was established by Alluvia Specialist Winery owners, Delarey and Sandie Brugman in 2004. It supports young learners in local farming communities by providing funding for school fees, uniforms, sports gear, equipment, and books. The program also provides students with additional support through mentorship programs for career guidance and personal development.
In a statement, the veteran award-winning Hollywood actor, said: "I was immensely impressed by the Give Me a Chance Children's Foundation and their initiatives. I would like to help them in their quest to reach out with their efforts to the U.S”
According to foundation director Katherine Berchulski: "Mr. Bridges has agreed to promote Give Me A Chance initiatives abroad and to assist in building our international support network. He has also offered to assist in linking us to potential funding sponsors and his personal website will carry a cross-link to the foundation's site. Obviously, we are delighted and indeed honoured by his involvement as it will allow us to persist in our effort to provide promising youngsters from South Africa the chance to reach their full potential."
Alluvia Specialist Winery, which is tucked away high in the mountains of the Banhoek Valley between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, offers 5 star winelands accommodation which consists of five individually appointed suites and two self catering apartments, each providing a private location with commanding views of the valley and the breathtaking Simonsberg Mountain range.
Leisure facilities include wine tasting and appreciation of their distinguished specialist wines, exclusive use of a PGA golf green, swimming pool, fly fishing in the estate’s dam, mountain biking, hiking trails, and Spa.
Alluvia develop and market their own range of ultra premium quality wines under the ‘ilka’ brand (named after the Brugman’s twin daughters Ilse and Karla) as well as “lisa” Cabernet Franc (the latest little princess edition). They are meticulously working towards sharing their unique terrior by the creation of an internationally significant Cabernet Sauvignon and have created the ‘Give Me A Chance’ label, a low cost but high quality wine, with sales proceeds going to the charity organization to help drive its initiatives.
Wines are available from The Wine Specialist thewinespecialist.co.za and high quality restaurants, some of which are Michelin rated.
Newly introduced at Alluvia is a Private Residence Club which offers vacation ownership at Alluvia over a period of 12 years. Vacation weeks can be exchanged with other properties in the PRC collection of properties, each offering an alternative special vacation experience.
They include Dinkweng Safari Camp and Ka’Ingo Private Reserve & Spa in the Limpopo district for game viewing and participation in conservation programmes, The King George Hotel in George for golf and garden route sightseeing, and Riviera on Vaal Hotel & Country Club near Johannesburg for spa, golf and river boat excursions. There is also the opportunity to exchange vacation weeks through the international exchange company Interval International, at 2000 other resort destinations around the world. Prices start from as little as £6500 for 12 years membership.
Prices for accommodation on a daily basis start from £174 per suite per night.
For more information and reservations, visit alluvia.co.za.
For more information regarding the Give Me a Chance Foundation see givemeachance.co.za.
