Somerset West Offers a Blend of Unique Culture

Somerset West, home to a number of wine estates, is one of the most beautiful and popular areas of the Western Cape. While you are in the area soaking up the natural beauty you will certainly wish to tour at least a few of the wine estates in the local area and taste some of the fine vintages produced here.

Franschhoek is considered to be one of the premier winery regions in the world. The fertile ground in this region was first used by the French to produce wine some 300 years ago. Today, the noble tradition first begun by the Huguenots continues. There are more than twenty wine farms in the region, many of which are considered to be among the most respected in South Africa. You will find everything from excellent whites such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Semillon to rich and vibrant reds like Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Most farms happily welcome visitors to enjoy tastings.

Paarl Vinters is another region which is definitely worth exploring if you are a wine connoisseur. The wines produced in this region are primarily reds and the this area has become known as the Red route. Some of the best red wines in the world are produced here due to the ideal soils, micro-climates and strong red tradition.

While wine certainly does form a strong part of the local region, there are also many other activities and sights to enjoy while in Somerset West. Spend an enjoyable afternoon in Schreuderhuis, a thatched village museum, which represents some of the main stylistic periods spanning the past three centuries. The museum was actually one of the first dozen dwellings to be formed when the pioneer settlement was established. Step back in time to the eve of the French revolution while also admiring neoclassical architecture and even a typical Victorian residence of the late 19th century. A Toy and Miniature Museum is also on site and well worth visiting for both the young as well as the young at heart.

The Botanical gardens are also a must see, located in the oldest university gardens in South Africa. Indigenous and exotic plants are contained inside the museum, ranging from herb and desert plants to orchids and lilies. Many of the plants you will find inside the gardens are quite rare, so this is definitely worth a stop by in Somerset West.

Finally, make sure you drop by the oldest homestead in the Cape, Groot Constantia. The Manor House was originally allocated in 1685 to Governor Simon van der Stel. Today, it portrays everyday life in the 19th century. Collections include Delft ceramics as well as typical Cape furniture from the mid-18th century. Both drinking and storage vessels in a range of materials dating back to 500BC are contained in the Wine Museum. Cellar tours and wine tastings are offered inside the complex while two on-site restaurants offer both Cape Cuisine and Continental Style Cuisine.

From wine tasting to museum explorations, Somerset West has plenty to offer in terms of culture.

About the Author

We are your source for Cape Town Accommodation, Cape Town Hotels, Bed and Breakfast in Cape Town, and more for your next vacation to the Western Cape.

Dutch Roadtrip: Pottery & seas (4/6)

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ANTIQUE Vintage COPPER Brass Tea KETTLE Coffee Pot CERAMIC Delft Handle    US $5.95

DELFT HEINEKEN CERAMIC BEER STEIN BLUE AND WHITE    US $16.00

2 PAIRS DELFT LOT OF CUFFLINKS BLUE WHITE CERAMIC HOLLAND POTTERY SAILBOAT LOT    US $4.73

LOT 2 PAIRS FLORAL WINDMILL DELFT CUFFLINKS BLUE WHITE CERAMIC HOLLAND POTTERY    US $4.73

2 PAIRS DELFT LOT CUFFLINKS BLUE WHITE CERAMIC HOLLAND POTTERY WINDMILL LOT    US $10.37

LOT 2 PAIRS DELFT CUFFLINKS BLUE WHITE CERAMIC HOLLAND POTTERY WINDMILL FLOWER    US $4.73

WESTRAVEN HOLLAND CERAMIC STUDIO ART TILE DELFT    US $9.00

Vintage Ceramic Handpainted BLUE DELFT Salt or Pepper Shaker    US $3.00

Delft Like Ceramic Bunny Rabbit and Frog    US $2.00

Miniature KLM Airlines Delft Blue White Ceramic Houses Lot of Four    US $5.99

CERAMIC CANISTER SET WITH BLUE WHITE DUTCH DELFT FLORAL DESIGN    US $12.99

2 DELFT BLUE Bells Blue White Ceramic    US $5.00

Vintage Ceramic DELFT BLAUW Holland Windmill Floral Blue White Pot Jardiniere 5    US $8.99

Vintage Hand Painted Delfts Blue Holland Ceramic Piggy Bank 3 High EX Cond    US $7.99

Vintage Delft Blue White Ceramic Oil Lantern Oil Lamp    US $14.73

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE lot of 4 Blue delft Ceramic Tiles SS VEENDAM IRotterdam    US $9.99

3 Small Delft Blue Wall Hanging Tiles Tile Windmill Dutch Portrait Boat Ceramic    US $8.00

HOLLAND Delft VASE Handpainted WINDMILL Ceramic    US $9.00

HAND PAINTED TILE DELFT BLUE ROYAL MOSA HOLLAND 6x6 WINDMILL CERAMIC 2 of 6    US $.99

DELFT BLUE CERAMIC EGG DISH AND COASTER VINTAGE    US $9.99

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Hoppesteyn Delft charger

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HUGE VINTAGE BOCH BELGIUM DELFT WALL CHARGER PLAQUE    US $147.96

HUGE VINTAGE BOCH DELFTS WALL CHARGER PLAQUE BLUE DELFT    US $147.96

Magnificent 18th C Delft Charger C Koppens De Metaale Pot 1724 1757 plate    US $695.00

ENGLISH DELFT CHARGER BASIN LONDON 1720 MAIOLICA    US $355.66

Large 15 Delft Charger with Fisherman    US $99.99

Large 15 Delft Charger with Old Woman    US $99.99

17 Vintage Antique Delft Blue Porcelain Charger by Velsen Rubens Plate Plaque    US $495.00

Magnificent 12 inch 18th C Delft Charger C Koppens Metaale Pot 1724 1757    US $695.00

DELFT Antique Frans Hals Jester Wall Charger Blue White DE PORCELEYNE FLES 16    US $375.00

1911S BLUE WHITE DUTCH ROYAL DELFT HOLLAND PORCELEYNE FLES CHARGER AFTER A MAUVE    US $799.00

RARE ENGLISH DELFT CHARGER 1750 MAIOLICA TINGLAZED    US $553.25

Delft Royal Sphinx Maastricht Flow Blue HET BRUIDSPAAR Wedding Couple CHARGER    US $195.00

BOCH ROYAL SPHINX HOLLAND DELFT PORCELAIN CHARGER BELGIUM 155    US $34.99

LARGE 19th cent DELFT PORCELEYNE FLES WALL PLAQUE PLATE CHARGER 2    US $450.00

LARGE 19th cent DELFT PORCELEYNE FLES WALL PLAQUE PLATE CHARGER 1    US $450.00

DELFT ANTIQUE CAVALIER WALL CHARGER PLATE 1889 BLUE WHITE DE PORCELEYNE FLES    US $595.00

DELFT ANTIQUE REMBRANDT WALL CHARGER PLATE 1890 BLUE WHITE DE PORCELEYNE FLES    US $595.00

14 Vintage Antique Porceleyne Fles Delft Blue Charger Plate Royal Delft    US $225.00

Pair of Vintage Delft Blue Porcelain Chargers Plates by OUD Antique Plaque    US $95.00

BELGIUM DELFT POTTERY BLUE TRANSFERWARE CHARGER PLATE PLAQUE PORTRAIT OLD WOMAN    US $129.95

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Flight 505 - Play with Fire - Delft 08022008

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TWO Vtg Delfts Handwerk Egg Cups 28 Old Kitchen Accessories Blue Windmill Art    US $14.99

Vintage Delft Boy Cute    US $2.99

ANTIQUE Vintage COPPER Brass Tea KETTLE Coffee Pot CERAMIC Delft Handle    US $5.95

VINTAGE DELFT BLUE TINY SHOE ASHTRAY ADORABLE    US $12.99

Vintage copper teapot with cobalt blue delft handle    US $18.99

Vintage NEW Silver Tone Ornate Frame Delft Windmill Brooch    US $3.50

A Vintage Handpainted DELFTS clog Table Lighter A Baby Pocket Lighter    US $7.11

VINTAGE MARKED HANDPAINTED HOLLAND DELFT HIGH GLAZED PORCELAIN CHRISTMAS BALL    US $9.99

VINTAGE BLUE WHITE DELFT ASHTRAY DUTCH HOLLAND SHOE    US $8.00

VINTAGE UNMARKED MINI DELFT DISH w MAGNET    US $9.99

Vintage Delft Blauw Blue Elesva Crescent Shaped Dishes From Mother to Daughter 4    US $20.50

Vintage NEW Silver Tone Delft Floral Brooch by Hoffman    US $3.50

Vintage New Delft Holland Blue White Brooch 1 3 4    US $3.50

Vintage NEW Silver Tone Delft Sailing Ship Brooch Made in Holland    US $3.50

DELFTS Plate by Boch vintage    US $29.99

VINTAGE HOLLAND BRASS SMALL PLANTER WITH DELFT BLUE HANDLES 5 1 2 W X 4 1 2 H    US $5.99

VINTAGE ST MAARTEN SOUVENIR HANDPAINTED GLAZED DELFT BLUE BOY GIRL FIGURINE 60s    US $9.99

VINTAGE HOLLAND DELFT BLUE WHITE WINDMILL CORN DROST CUP BOWL VASE    US $12.99

Vintage lot of 2 Delft Blue Oringinal pieces signed must Lk VERY RARE    US $9.99

VINTAGE DELFT BLUE CAT ON HER PILLOW SALT AND PEPPER SHAKERS VERY PRETTY    US $5.50

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Pieter de Hooch - Dutch Interior Painter

De Hooch was born in Rotterdam. His father was a bricklayer and his mother was a midwife. He had five brothers and sisters. Not much is known about his early life and large parts of his career are unrecorded.

It is not known how, or why De Hooch decided to study painting but in the late 1640s he studied art in Haarlem under a local master and was influenced by the genre painters who frequented Frans Hals.

Around 1650 De Hooch went to work for Justus de la Grange, a wealthy Rotterdam cloth merchant who was also an art collector. He was recorded as being a painter and servant in the merchant’s household, but it is believed that this meant he was given room and board in return for his paintings. An inventory of de la Grange’s collection showed that he owned eleven paintings by De Hooch. De la Grange had homes and business dealings in The Hague, Leiden and Delft, and De Hooch accompanied him on his travels.

In Delft, De Hooch came into contact with painters of the Delft School and by 1654 he settled down there. This was his most creative period; he began painting quiet interiors and idyllic depictions of interior domestic life. He was a master of perspective and the portrayal of natural light illuminating interior rooms and courtyards. As was the custom at the time, his paintings sometimes bore hidden messages, readily understood by his contemporaries.

In May 1654 he married Jannetge van der Burch. The couple had seven children. A year later, in 1655, De Hooch joined the painters Guild. He did not have enough money to pay the twelve guilder membership fee and was able to pay only three guilders.

After that, there are no records of De Hooch’s life or career until 1661, when he moved to Amsterdam, where he remained for the rest of his life. It is thought he moved there in order to find wealthy patrons. Indeed, his paintings from that period are portrayals of upper class ladies and gentlemen in their palaces and villas. These paintings are considered to be less successful than his early works. Gone were the charming, delicate interiors of the Delft years. The technique is not as delicate and the color palette is dark and unrefined.

But although he portrayed the wealthy classes, De Hooch lived in one of the poorest neighborhoods of Amsterdam. It is believed that the deterioration in his painting was due to ill health, although little is known about his life at this time.

Eventually De Hooch’s health worsened until he died in an Amsterdam asylum for the insane in 1684. He was fifty five years old. It is not known why he was interned there. After his death, his paintings were overshadowed by Vermeer, who is considered to be a greater master of the interiors genre.

You can find a wide collection of Pieter de Hooch paint by number patterns at the Segmation web site. These patterns may be viewed, painted, and printed using SegPlay™PC a fun, computerized paint-by-numbers program for Windows 2000, XP, and Vista.

About the Author

Mark Feldman is President of
SegTech, a company devoted to a wonderful Image Segmentation technology called Segmation.

Segmation - The Art of Pieceful Imaging

Segmation - The Art of Pieceful Imaging

MAC TUTORIAL FINISHED LOOK OF GREEN & PURPLE DELFT & EARTHLY RICHES

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Miniature Hand Painted Delft Blue Plate From Holland Picture of a Windmill    US $6.00

Miniature Delft Stein with Hand Painted Windmill Toothick Holder    US $9.95

Delft Blauw Holland Hand Painted Floral SHOE Wall Pockt    US $14.99

Vintage Delft Holland Hand Painted Candle Holder Sconce    US $14.99

BLUE DELFT HAND PAINTED SPOON REST    US $10.00

Vintage Brooch Hand Painted Flowers Delfts Holland Floral Nature White Porcelain    US $12.99

Hand Painted Porcelain Delft Cat Statue Figurine From Holland 85tall signed    US $32.99

Delft Holland Hand Painted Shoe Bank    US $6.99

Beautiful Holland Hand Painted Windmill Delft 4    US $7.99

Gorgeous Delft Holland Koninklijk Hand Painted Flowers Ashtray    US $11.00

VINTAGE CERAMIC TILE 6 X 6 HAND PAINTED DELFT SCENIC TRADITIONAL BLUE WHITE    US $12.00

Vintage Delft Blue Hand Painted Beer Mug Holand    US $19.99

Delft pottery hand painted cylindrical vase    US $9.47

Delft Blauw Hand Painted Flower Vase Made In Holland    US $19.99

Old Hand Painted Delft Tile on Wood Wall Hanging Display    US $17.50

Delft Blue Ring Heart Shaped Trinket Box Windmill Pattern Hand painted    US $9.95

DELFT Dutch Art Pottery Orchid FlowerPot Hand Painted HOLLAND WindMill    US $15.29

PAIR OF DELFT BLUE HAND PAINTED MINIATURE SHOES SHOE PORCELAIN WINDMILL DESIGN    US $16.95

Delfts Holland Hand Painted Boy Girl Figurines 7    US $12.99

Lot 2 DELFTS BLUE Hand Painted CANDLESTICK WINDMILL    US $14.95

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Hello Sun, I'm Dutch so its a bit easier to search ) Ifound THE e-book on http://hobby-hoek.nl/delftsblauw/englisch/Salesletterdelftsblauw.htm notice it only opens once

Good Luck

dutch google words

merktekens delfts blauw or merktekens delfts blauw

Blow Away Vase

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Bavaria porcelain vase Delft    US $6.32

Delft vase with matching tiles    US $20.00

Delft Hand Painted Blue and White Bud Vase from Holland    US $10.00

Late 18thc Delft Vase and cover Cover A F    US $100.39

Cobalt blue delft Japanese Chinese ginger jar urn floral vase with lid    US $29.00

Antique Delft Tile Flowers Vase Repaired    US $20.00

Antique Porcelain China polychrome delft noble blue ginger urn temple jar vase    US $29.00

VINTAGE HOLLAND DELFT BLUE WHITE WINDMILL CORN DROST CUP BOWL VASE    US $12.99

A PAIR OF ANTIQUE DUTCH DELFT VASESJOHANN HARLESS LATE 18th CENTURY    US $47.41

OLD 18thC DUTCH EUROPEAN DELFT POLYCHROME VASE c1760 80 FAIENCE MAIOLICA VGC    US $137.66

DELFT Vase Holland Dated 1987 Hand Painted Lovely 8 1 8 Tall    US $20.00

ANTIQUE HAND PAINTED POLYCHROME DELFT VASE c 19 century    US $99.00

VINTAGE HOLLAND DELFT BLUE WHITE WINDMILL CLOG SHOE FIGURINE VASE    US $7.99

VINTAGE HOLLAND DELFT BLUE SMALL FLOWER PLANTER VASE    US $12.99

Delft Blue Estee Lauder Porcelain Vase    US $9.95

Vintage Made In Holland DP Delft Delftse Pauw Small PitcherVaseGood Condition    US $9.81

Beautiful Petite Dutch Delft Vase    US $30.00

ANTIQUE 1920 ROYAL BONN CHINA 5 DELFT BLUE CHINZ VASE    US $85.00

ANTIQUE 1920 ROYAL BONN CHINA 12 DELFT BLUE CHINZ VASE    US $125.00

Vintage Delft Tall Vase with Lid Windmill Scene NR    US $79.99

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italian ceramics the good selection

Majolica - also spelled Maiolica - is the beautiful ware prepared by tin-glazing earthenware and firing it a second time.After the first firing, the bisque is dipped into a bath of fast drying liquid glaze. When dry, the glazed piece is ready to be hand painted. A final firing at 1690° Fahrenheit will make the glaze interact with the metal oxides used by the painter to create the deep and brilliant translucent colors specific to majolica. This technique originates in the Middle East in the 9th century. By the 13th century majolica ware was imported into Italy through the Isle of Majorca, headquarter of the trade between Spain and Italy. The Italians called it Maiolica, erroneously thinking it was made in Majorca. They were fascinated by this new way of making ceramics and soon started to copy the process, adapting it by their own creativity and traditions.

The rise of Italian majolica in Europe was fast and reached its peak of artistic quality throughout central Italy during the Renaissance - late15th and early 16th centuries. Majolica or Italian Maiolica designates tin glazed pottery dating from the Renaissance often associated with certain regions of Italy like Deruta, Gubbio, Gualdo Tadino and Orvieto. The name majolica was derived from Majorca, the port from which majolica originally was traded. Italian majolica and Italian Ceramics are world renowned because of their master craftsmanship and durability. Some of the famous names in this art are: Franco Mari, Eugenio Ricciarelli and Mastro Giorgio Gubbio who is known as the creator of some of the finest Deruta Maiolica over the history. The Italian way of life is all about the simple pleasures... family, good food, friends, community. We are committed to offer the same to our clients through our ceramic art. You can visit our page, see us in villaggio ceramics.com.

Villaggio ceramics is a proud importer of Italian hand painted decorative ceramics. Our goal is to maintain a clientele with taste and a fond appreciation for Italian Majolica (also known as Maiolica); Italian Mosaics; Italian dinnerware handsomely hand painted; unique decorative accessories, Italian gifts and much more.

If you want to decorate your home with good ceramics, or maybe use them, too. Here you will find good options about imported Italian ceramics, best quality, good design and durability. We will attend you how you are in family, like Italian families. We hope for you. Bye bye

About the Author

Villaggio ceramics is a proud importer of Italian hand painted decorative ceramics. Our goal is to maintain a clientele with taste and a fond appreciation for Italian Majolica (also known as Maiolica); Italian Mosaics; Italian dinnerware handsomely hand painted; unique decorative accessories, Italian gifts and much more.

Higgins & Seiter Majolica Bunny Plates China

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Italy Art Pottery Majolica Embossed Fruit Painted Peach Plate Charger Platter    US $9.99

Vtg Italy Art Pottery Majolica Embossed Fruit Painted Pear Plate Charger Platter    US $9.99

RARE ANTIQUE CZECH MAJOLICA OYSTER PLATE CREAMY IRONSTONE COLOR CORAL DESIGN    US $59.50

TALAVERA Mexico Stunning Majolica Embossed 10 Display Plate FREE SHIPPING    US $27.99

Victorian Majolica ASPARAGUS deep dish 95 Plate w SHELL well FRANCE c1880    US $99.00

Pair Majolica Blue White Gold Gondolier Venice Italy Plates    US $19.99

Fitz Floyd Classics Handcrafted China Majolica Plate    US $15.00

vintage Blue decorated MADE SPAIN HAND painted plate art MAJOLICA style plate    US $19.99

Wedgwood Cauliflower Majolica 9 Plate Excellent condition    US $45.00

MACKENZIE CHILDS MAJOLICA ART POTTERY CHELSEA LUSTRE TRAY PLATTER PLATE    US $149.99

RARE 1863 FRENCH OYSTER PLATE MAJOLICA CHOISY LE ROI    US $90.00

French Majolica Basket Weave Oyster Plate St Clement 1930    US $180.00

Bohemian Majolica Oyster Plate Fish 1935 Art Deco    US $180.00

French Majolica Oyster Plate Marthe Tolosane 1960    US $170.00

Rare Individual Oyster Plate Majolica Wasmuel 1890    US $170.00

Green Majolica Leaf plate Approx 22cm with mixed leaf and cucumber pattern    US $7.89

Beautiful Antique 11 G S ZELL Baden German Majolica Water Lily Plate c1907 1928    US $38.00

COLORFUL ANTIQUE FRENCH MAJOLICA ASPARAGUS PLATE ONNAING 1880    US $99.00

Set of 8 Vintage WEDGWOOD Majolica Green Glaze Cabbage Leaf Dessert PLATES    US $226.83

Antique Majolica Plate German Karl Schaaff Pottery of Zell c1900    US $31.60

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