Hazendal Wine Estate Celebrates A Night of Wonders
This was revealed at A Night of Wonders, a Benefit Gala Dinner Show and Auction on 8 November 2019. Having recently undergone extensive renovations, the reinvented and reimagined Hazendal is a Stellenbosch Winelands destination with a unique blend of culinary, cultural and outdoor experiences for the whole family.
Education and community outreach have always been close to Hazendal’s heart, which was, in part, the motivation behind the development of Wonderdal, one of the new gems at Hazendal. Wonderdal is an Edutainment Centre for Children aged 5 to 13, the first of its kind in Africa. Gala attendees were able to experience the wonder of Wonderdal for themselves as they were treated to a tour where guests could experience the wonders of Wonderdal. The Wonderdal experience was followed by delectable canapés at the Pavilion Lawn while sipping on the Hazendal Scarlet Sails MCC 2015 and Christoffel Hazenwinkel Wine Range. The exclusive and unique Marvol Gallery was open to guests throughout the evening. South African and Russian artists, showcased a glimpse into the Russian art, culture and history. The art collection, which includes Dr Voloshin’s own extensive private collections, offered the guests a platform with which to view the old and new artistic trends between South Africa and Russia, as well as to highlight the similarities between South African and Russian art.
Hazendal Executive Director, Simone Voloshin introduced and revealed the WonderBox. In her address she explained, “Inspired by Wonderdal, Hazendal has developed an educational program which serves as an important vehicle to enable children and teachers from disadvantaged communities to experience the concept of learning through play. To achieve this, Hazendal has joined forces with the Anna Foundation, founded by Anna Brom. Hazendal’s goal is to make some of the wonders of Wonderdal accessible to children, by capturing the Wonders of Wonderdal in the innovative WonderBox, which consists of portable science kits, plant growing kits and book libraries, as well as other educational games. The program will also involve training educators on how best to use the WonderBox to create an enriching, stimulating and inspiring learning experience for children and teachers alike.”
Gala attendees indulged in a three-course culinary feast which included Karoo lamb and a Russian inspired dessert installation, prepared by Executive Chef Michélle Theron and complemented by Hazendal’s premium, award-winning wines. Guests were entertained with the incredibly talented children from the South African Circus Art Academy, Tshwane Cultural Group and the College of Magic. The guest MC Marcel Oudejans, facilitated an auction of extraordinary experiences and live music entertainment rounded off the evening.
All the proceeds from the Gala will be used to provide as many WonderBoxes as possible to children in need, spreading the wonder of the Wonderdal to many, as well as giving them the opportunity to experience Wonderdal firsthand. The funds will also be utilized to provide much-needed equipment for the South African Circus Art Academy and the Tshwane Cultural Group.