This multifaceted bilateral agreement was concluded last year between the heads of state of these two countries, and will commence this winter as the first French Season in South Africa kicks off. The French Season in South Africa will commence formally in July and continue into November. This initiative reinforces the strong, deep bonds that unite the two countries in the fields of arts and culture, gastronomy, and sport amongst others. It aims to discover new facets of this relationship, while forging long term ties. Laurent Clavel, French Commissioner-General for the Seasons believes that this initiative will offer South Africans a glimpse into the cultural scene in a modern day France, which is contemporary and dynamic, and embraces the diversity of their society. With the Franschhoek Bastille Festival taking place over the weekend of 13, 14 and 15 July this initiative allows the event organisers the perfect opportunity to take this social calendar highlight to a new level. Visitors to the festival will have the chance to meet ten winemakers from the Rhône-Alpes Region in France, who will be showcasing some of their finest wines. These French wines will be available for tasting at two wine tastings organized specifically for members of the public, as well as in a specially demarcated VIP marquee, adjacent to the main marquee during the festival. The French winemakers attending the Bastille Festival include: • Gilles Barge, Domaine Barge (Cote Rotie, Condrieu) • Jean Luc Monteillet, Domaine De Montine (Grignan Les Adhemar, Cotes Du Rhone, Vinsobres) • Gilles Verzier, Vignobles Verzier, Chanteperdrix (Cote Rotie, Condrieu, Saint Joseph) • Nadia Fayolle, Domaine Des Martinelles (Crozes Hermitage, Hermitage) • Yves Cuilleron, Cave Cuilleron (Cote Rotie, Condrieu) • André Mercier, Vignerons Ardechois (Vins D Ardeche, Cotes Du Rhone, Cotes Du Vivarais) • Dominique Courbis, (St Joseph, Cornas) • Yann Chave, Domaine Yann Chave (Crozes Hermitage, Hermitage) • Pierre Mollier, Mas De Bagnols (Ardeche, Cotes Du Vivarais) • Laurent Vial, Domaine Du Colombier (Crozes Hermitage, Hermitage) For more information visit www.franschhoekbastille.co.za. Visitors to the picturesque valley can also look forward to other exciting French inspired events planned around the Franschhoek Bastille Festival by visiting www.franschhoek.org.za for more details. “We’re thrilled to be officially accredited as part of the SA-French Seasons 2012-13, as not only do South Africa and France have much to offer and share from a cultural perspective, but both are recognised as leaders in the wine and food industries, New World and Old World respectively. This initiative will allow us the opportunity to show visitors why Franschhoek is South Africa’s leading wine and food destination”, says Franschhoek Wine Valley CEO Jenny Prinsloo. French and French inspired events have been organised for the French Season throughout the country enabling South Africans to experience French exhibitions and performances that might never have made their way to South Africa otherwise.