Music and Wine Evening at The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel

World-famous classic guitarist James Grace and chef Ryan Josten conjure up an evening of Spanish song and fine dining

For an evening filled with the finer things in life - hypnotic music, dream-inducing food and a warm, beautiful setting - head to The Conservatory at The Cellars-Hohenort hotel on Wednesday, 15 August 2012.

One in a series of themed hedonistic nights hosted by the five-star Constantia accomodation and Fine Music Radio, guests can look forward to a performance by James Grace, one of South Africa’s leading concert artists, and a three-course gourmet menu - paired with wine. This evening’s theme centres on Spain, and thus James Grace will provide Spanish-style, musical entertainment and the culinary offering will aslo follow suit.

The evening is held in The Conservatory, which is situated near the historic Cellars-Hohenort cellar, and offers diners the opportunity to indulge in the midst of unparalleled garden scenery. Carefully constructed around a giant 300-year-old oak tree, The Conservatory is one of Constantia's finest dinner venues.

About James Grace

It was at the Royal College of Music in London that James Grace studied as a Foundation Scholar with Carlos Bonell. He received the Tagore Gold Medal (an annual award presented to the most outstanding student) upon graduating, making him the first guitarist in the history of the college to receive such acclaim.

He spent two years in Doha, Qatar, where he taught guitar at an international music centre before returning to South Africa, where he was appointed Head of Classical Guitar Studies at UCT. He has released five albums including ‘Sevilla-Music of Spain II’ and ‘Cafe Latino’ ; each topped the Classic FM Top 20 South African Charts. He has recently released his fifth album, entitled ‘World Café’, under his own record label, Stringwise.

Achievements, Awards and Nominations

• Earned a SAMA nomination for Best Popular Classical Album and Best Instrumental Album respectively
• Has appeared with the Cape Philharmonic, the Kwa-Zulu Natal Philharmonic, the Johannesburg Festival, the Johannesburg Philharmonic and the Free State Symphony in concerti by Rodrigo, Villa – Lobos, Giuliani and Vivaldi.
• Has won a KANNA Award for Best Male Artist at the 2012 KKNK

James Grace is currently in the final stages of setting up bursaries to offer young artists from across the country the opportunity for overseas study, and he’s also in the process of assisting young artists in producing their own albums. He calls this venture the Stringwise Young Artist’s Trust.

About the Cellars-Hohenort

As part of a group of three Relais and Chateaux hotels (Established in France more than 50 years ago, Relais & Châteaux has become a renowned reference of excellence in the hotel and restaurant world) owned by Liz McGrath and known simply as “The Collection”, the Cellars-Hohenort boasts a five star rating and an equally esteemed reputation. The elegant accommodation is located in the Constantia Valley on the slopes of the magnificent Table Mountain, and thus provides breathtaking, panoramic garden and mountain views. Not to mention, apart from the opulent rooms and stunning scenery, the hotel claims a range of award-winning culinary offerings thanks to Group Executive Chef Peter Tempelhoff and Head Chef of The Conservatory, Ryan Josten. This ‘country escape in the city’ has been described as the setting for a fairytale world, and is ideal for those who seek sanctuary in peace and tranquillity.

Tickets for the Music and Wine Evening at the Cellars-Hohenort Hotel

The cost of the evening is R495p/p, and this price includes a glass of bubby on arrival, an amuse bouche followed by a full three-course meal paired with wine; desert is served with a sherry. Any drinks over and above are at the patrons discretion and gratuity is not included.

Booking is essential, and can be done by phoning The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel directly; whereupon, the hotel can take your credit card details to reserve your table. Please note there is also a 48-hour cancellation fee applicable for those who fail to cancel within 2 days of the scheduled evening.

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By Aisling Holmes