Visit Stellenbosch continues to prioritise initiatives that strengthen the local tourism economy with its newly signed Joint Marketing Agreement with Cape Town Tourism. Announced during Tourism Month, the partnership is designed to draw more overnight visitors, increase length of stay and channel greater economic benefit to Stellenbosch businesses and communities through a connected Cape journey.

The collaboration brings together two complementary destinations that sit naturally within the same itinerary. Cape Town offers coastline, city energy and cultural attractions, while Stellenbosch contributes wine, food, heritage, art, nature, shopping and distinctive local experiences. Together they create a richer regional offering that rewards an extra night or two.

Under the agreement the organisations will develop joint itineraries, share content and run collaborative campaigns across their digital channels. These efforts will be supported by joint media and trade activities. Particular attention will be given to domestic travellers during school holidays, long weekends and the festive season, while also creating year-round reasons to visit and helping to address seasonality.

The aim is straightforward: visitors who plan a trip to one destination will be encouraged to add the other, extending their stay and exploring more of the region. Joint content will highlight the range of experiences available across both places, with campaigns, competitions and giveaways opening opportunities for tourism businesses on both sides to take part in shared storytelling. Where relevant, international media and trade engagement will present Cape Town and Stellenbosch as complementary stops within a longer South African itinerary.

Enver Duminy, CEO of Cape Town Tourism, notes that Cape Town can easily fill a holiday yet also serves as a gateway to the wider Cape. “Stellenbosch adds another dimension to the Cape Town experience, and vice versa,” he says. “There is a real opportunity to encourage visitors to stay longer, explore more and experience the diversity of our region. This partnership gives us a platform to make that connection more visible, particularly during key travel periods and throughout the year.”

Alderman James Vos, the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, points to strong recent performance figures: 1.44 million international overnight visitors and 1.42 million domestic overnight trips in 2025. The next step, he argues, is converting that demand into longer stays and greater economic benefit. “Visitors don’t experience destinations by municipal boundaries, and neither should our tourism thinking,” he says. “By connecting Cape Town and Stellenbosch more deliberately, we can encourage visitors to stay another night, explore more and spend more. Every additional night creates opportunities across the tourism value chain.”

Annemie Liebenberg, CEO of Visit Stellenbosch, emphasises the practical value for the local tourism economy. Longer stays translate into more visitor spend, more nights in accommodation and broader benefits for businesses. She also highlights the partnership’s role in tackling seasonality: “When we work together to grow the overall tourism pie, there is greater opportunity for both destinations and for the businesses and communities that depend on tourism.”

Stellenbosch itself recorded more than 1.35 million overnight visitors in 2025, contributing an estimated R13 billion in total economic impact. The new collaboration builds on the established strengths of both destinations while creating fresh opportunities to distribute demand, increase length of stay and widen participation in the visitor economy.

For travellers the invitation is simple: Cape Town and Stellenbosch. One more night. So much more to experience.

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“Gun jou die tyd om nuwe herinneringe saam met vriende, familie en selfs vreemdelinge te maak in ’n wêreld wat kultuur en samehorigheid kweek,” sê Saartjie Botha, direkteur van die Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees.

LEEFSTYL

Vir die leesvrate wat ook lekkerbekke is, is daar vanjaar 13 demonstrasies uit blinknuwe kookboeke, met jou gunsteling-TV-kosmense, sosialemediasterre en kosskrywers wat ’n storm loskook in die Hofmeyrsaal se demo-kombuis.

Reinée Terreblanche-Brand van Tamatie-straat kom deel resepte uit haar jongste boek, Tussen-in-between, waarin sy die storie van Tamatiestraat deel, maar ook meer vertel oor hul persoonlike reis. Andriette Georgiou, stigter van die koekiemaatskappy Mondvol, bied twee heerlike bakervarings vol koekies, stories, proeë en geheime bakwenke aan.

Gesondheidsafrigters deel die voordele van gefermenteerde kos in die boekgesprek “Fire for Life: Gut Health”, waar jy ook van dié happies kan proe.

Sluit aan by Kenneth Tebogo Middleton vir ’n demonstrasie uit Paradise, ’n kookboek vir diegene wat nie net eet om te leef nie, maar ook leef om te eet.

Kos kraai ook koning op die skone KleinBlouKlip-plaas en -venue.

Die Kokkedoor-wenners Hanna en Dirk van der Westhuizen vier die bekendstelling van hul nuwe resepteboek, Knuppeldik aan Kinkelkos, met ’n vyfgangfeesmaal geïnspireer deur die Karoo, familieherinneringe en kreatiewe kinkelkos.

Louis Jansen van Vuuren kom spesiaal van die Franse platteland af om te gesels oor Biltong en Dior, sy kostelike vertellings oor die vreugdes en uitdagings van die lewe in Frankryk. Jak de Priester gaan sorg vir die vermaak, en gaste kan aan geurige baguettes smul.

Armand en Sean Aucamp-van Noordwyk leer gaste om pasta te maak (en poësie te waardeer) in “Pasta, poësie en die platteland”.

Stellenbosch se ster-sjef Bertus Basson bied sy immergewilde Speelkamersessies by Eike Restaurant aan. Geniet ’n heerlike feestafel ná ’n verbeeldingryke kookdemonstrasie van eg Suid-Afrikaanse geregte.

SAAM (AAN TAFEL)

Soos gewoonlik word die Langtafel onder die eike van Ryneveldstraat gedek met feestelike kos, musiek en samesyn.

Vanjaar is die spyskaart van sjef Mynhardt Joubert geïnspireer deur die feestema. “Dis hoog tyd” dat ons saam om die tafel sit, mekaar in die oë kyk en ons glase – gevul met die beste Stellenbosch-wyne – hoog lig op hierdie mooi lewe. Bespreek vroegtydig.

IN DIE OOG, IN DIE HART

Vanjaar se visuele kunsaanbod is uit die boonste rakke: uitstallings, ervarings, lesings, werkswinkels, staptogte en selfs vroegoggend koffie-raves.

FEESKUNSTENAAR

Die plaaslike fotograaf Daniel Naudé is die feeskunstenaar, en by sy solo-tentoonstelling Still Life in die US Museum kry feesgangers die geleentheid om sy monumentale nuwe reeks foto’s van insekte te sien.

Die kroonjuweel van vanjaar se uitstallings is die kontemporêre kunswerke wat in die stadsaal ten toon gestel word as deel van die Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees en Strauss & Co se vyfde kunsveiling en -uitstalling.

Die veiling plaas artistieke uitnemendheid op die voorgrond en beklemtoon die sigbaarheid en erkenning van kontemporêre kunspraktyke.

Strauss & Co se uitstalling Anything but Static in die Oude Leeskamer, is ’n keur van moderne en kontemporêre stillewes wat ondersoek hoe identiteit, kultuur, mitologie en oortuigings vasgevang word en kommentaar lewer deur die gebruik van ikonografie, simbole en objekte. Die uitstalling is ’n voorskou van werke wat later deur Strauss & Co opgeveil word.

Verder kan feesgangers weer besoek aflê by 20 plaaslike kunstenaars se werksruimtes, te danke aan die Ateljeebesoeke-inisiatief.

Woordfees-atelier is ’n verteenwoordigende uitstalling van hierdie deelnemende kunstenaars se werk en is by Die Stal te sien, byeengebring deur Ilse Schermers van IS Art.

SPIER TONEEL

Groot produksies open by die Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees, en die afwagting om hulle op die planke te sien, is tasbaar. Stukke soos die komiese My kind druip (met Shimmy Isaacs), Skanse (met Dawid Minnaar), Vlindervry (met Cindy Swanepoel), ’n Middel (met Tinarie van Wyk Loots), Grootmeisie (met Daneel van der Walt), wat die 2026 Reinet Nagtegaal-teksprys gewen het, Krapp se laaste band (met Carel Nel), I Lord Hamlet (met Carlo Daniels), Elke briljante ding (met Albert Pretorius) en Wie call die shots? (uit die pen van Miché van Wyk) bring ons topteatermakers op die verhoog byeen.

Ander trekpleisters sluit in Atropa onder die regie van Marthinus Basson, Die ander dogter met Sandra Prinsloo, en die verwerking van Kirby van der Merwe se roman Eugene.

EasyEquities SKRYWERSFEES

Die woord sit nie verniet heel voor in die Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees se naam nie: Boeke en skrywers bly die hartklop van die fees. Daar is meer as 50 aanbiedings op die EasyEquities Skrywersfees, wat deur die digter Bibi Slippers saamgestel is.

Lesers, denkers en boekmense kan uitsien na boeke oor alles van rugby tot resensies, geld en geskiedenis, huwelike, honde, en hoe om ’n bestaan te maak op ’n leë stuk grond in die Karoo.

Vanjaar word daar vyf boekklubs aangebied. Heindrich Wyngaard gaan met Dennis Cruywagen gesels oor Dennis se biografie van Allan Boesak, Dominique Botha is in gesprek met Danie Marais oor haar roerende outobiografiese fiksie in Die huilende bruid & ander versinsels, en die TV-joernalis Lourensa Eckard voer ’n onderhoud met James-Brent Styan na aanleiding van sy boek oor Markus Jooste.

Die legendariese Tobie Cronjé gesels met die skrywer Chris Vorster oor die biografie Tobie, en die impakspeler Steven Kitshoff bespreek die rugbymemoir wat hy saam met Michael Vlismas geskryf het.

FEESDIGTER

Vanjaar se feesdigter is Tom Dreyer, wat onlangs met die Hertzogprys bekroon is vir sy debuutbundel, Nou in infrarooi. “Dis egter sy nuwe bundel, Brief op veertigduisend voet, waarvan die titel so mooi met ons feestema oorvleuel, wat hom die ooglopende keuse gemaak het,” sê Bibi. Hy is daagliks betrokke by boekpraatjies, filosofiese gesprekke en verskeie voorlesings wat digkuns toeganklik wil maak vir alle feesgangers.

DEUR DIE EEUE: KLASSIEKE MUSIEK

Met die gewilde Klavier-extravaganza III kry gehore die geleentheid om te beleef hoe tot twintig pianiste op tien vleuelklaviere tegelykertyd so hittete die kluts kwytraak in die Standard Bank Endler-saal.

Die goue era van Italiaanse sang het drie eeue geduur, en ’n konsert wat die meeste van hierdie tydperk dek, An Italian Songbook, gaan haal dit by Antonio Vivaldi in die 17de eeu en neem dit tot by Ruggero Leoncavallo.

Die basbariton met die fluweelstem, die Koreaan EuiHyun Park, word op die klavier begelei deur Pieter Grobler en bygestaan deur die strykers van ’n groep jong Stellenbossers met Suzanne Martens as dirigent. Dit is ’n verrykende program, vol elegansie en hartstog. Waar orkestrasie en verwerking nodig was, het Willem Vogel die pen opgetel.

’n Hoogtepunt op die laaste aand van die fees is die wêreldpremière van Suid-Afrika se grootste lewende komponis, Hendrik Hofmeyr, se eerste klavierkwartet. Dit is in opdrag van die tjellis in die Gioioso-klavierkwartet, die befaamde Peter Martens, gekomponeer. V

MEER INLIGTING

Dié is maar ’n klein proesel van die volledige program wat in beide Afrikaans en Engels by woordfees.co.za beskikbaar is.

Die Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees vind van 3 tot 11 Oktober in die Eikestad plaas.

Kaartjies is by quicket.co.za te koop.

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ELIZABETH GALLOWAY LAUNCHES CREATIVE SATURDAYS

Elizabeth Galloway Academy of Fashion Design has launched its new Creative Saturdays series with Knitwear Remix: Waste to Wear, a relaxed, hands-on workshop where participants transform discarded knitwear and textile offcuts into wearable pieces unlike anything else.

Inspired by the idea of creating something with ‘heart and soul’, attendees are invited to experiment with texture, colour and form, whether crafting something cosy and draped or refined and elegant. Originally introduced at the Stellenbosch Craft Fair in August, the workshop welcomes anyone, regardless of sewing or fashion experience.

Led by Elizabeth Galloway Academy’s Inez Shaw, the initiative combines creativity, fashion education and design principles, with participants leaving at the end of the session with a one-of-a-kind scarf, wrap, snood, jersey or blanket of their own creation. 

Instagram @egfashiondesign

AMONG THE TREES AT LA MOTTE

La Motte Wine Estate invites visitors to slow down and reconnect with nature by viewing Among the Trees, a new exhibition at the La Motte Ateljee that runs until the end of October 2026.

Inspired by the quiet transformation from winter to spring, the exhibition brings together South African artists working across painting, ceramics, sculpture, textiles, installation and sound. Rather than depicting nature as scenery, the works encourage visitors to experience the landscape through multiple senses.

Featured artists include Adéle Sherlock, Barbara Wildenboer, Chloë Wallace, Jan Ernst and JM Otto. Among the Trees extends beyond the gallery walls with workshops and interdisciplinary experiences that explore landscape through sound, taste and material. The exhibition is a thoughtful celebration of the rhythms of nature, inviting visitors to pause, observe and engage more deeply with the natural world.

Instagram @lamottewine

SMEUL BRINGS FIRE-LED FINE DINING TO PAARL

Chef Kevin Grobler has returned to the Boland with the opening of Smeul, a new restaurant housed in the restored Zomerlust Boutique Hotel in Paarl.

The 1792 heritage property on Paarl’s Main Road has undergone an extensive restoration, featuring interiors by Misi Overturf. Each of the 15 rooms is individually curated, with original architectural elements meticulously revived and returned to prominence under the guidance of owners and business partners Wikus Lategan and Wayne Williams.

The restaurant marks the latest chapter in Kevin Grobler’s acclaimed career, following his time as head chef at Michelin-starred restaurant Jan in Nice, executive chef at Delaire Graff Estate and, most recently, executive chef at Scape.

Set within the heritage property’s original cellar, Smeul honours open-flame cooking, with wood-fired Dover stoves and a menu that blends bold flavours with refined technique.

The concise à la carte menu showcases flame-grilled dishes, seasonal ingredients and house-made fermentations, with highlights including linefish, beef and char siu pork belly.

Located in one of Paarl’s oldest buildings, Smeul adds a new destination to the Boland’s evolving culinary landscape with an intimate dining experience rooted in fire, flavour and history. 

Instagram @smeulrestaurant & @zomerlustboutiquehotel

GOLDEN HOUR DINING AT UVA MIRA

Uva Mira Mountain Vineyards invites guests to linger a little longer with its Golden Hour Dining Experience, set against views of the Helderberg, False Bay and Table Mountain.

Running twice a month through spring and summer, the intimate evening pairs a seasonal four-course, share-style menu by renowned chef Drikus Brink with a selection of Uva Mira wines. Each course is made to complement the estate’s cool-climate wines, creating a dining experience of both flavour and place.

The Golden Hour Dining Experience, hosted in Uva Mira’s newly refreshed tasting room, is a memorable way to enjoy the estate after hours, as the sun sets over the vineyards. With limited seating available for each event, advance booking is essential.

For more information or to book: info@uvamira.co.za | Instagram @uvamiravineyard

The post Spring 2026 News & Reviews: Part 1 appeared first on Stellenbosch Visio.

Decameron

Since opening its doors in 1987, Decameron has become a beloved Stellenbosch institution, known for its authentic Italian cooking and distinctly homely atmosphere. Named after Giovanni Boccaccio’s famous collection of stories, the restaurant’s walls are filled with Renaissance-inspired art and decades of memories, while its outdoor beer garden has become something of an institution in its own right.

Decameron’s menu has remained remarkably true to its roots, with freshly prepared pasta, wood-fired pizzas and classic Italian dishes sitting alongside favourites such as mushrooms al forno, sirloin tagliata and carpaccio. More than three decades on, Decameron remains the kind of place where regulars return for the dishes they have loved for years.

De Volkskombuis

One of Stellenbosch’s oldest dining spaces, De Volkskombuis captures the warmth and nostalgia of traditional Cape cuisine in a historic setting. With its classic interior of wooden features, fireplaces and fynbos art, De Volkskombuis is a place of classic character and a menu rooted in familiar South African flavours, with Maraai se Hoender Pie and Boland Bobotie among the highlights.

Whether visiting for a quick lunch or an unhurried dinner, dining at De Volkskombuis feels distinctly Stellenbosch. Unfussy and steeped in tradition.

Wijnhuis

Right in the heart of Stellenbosch’s dining scene, Wijnhuis combines its historic setting with Italian flair to create the atmosphere of a classic wine-and-dine destination.

Whether dining in their open-air courtyard or their art-filled indoor setting, Wijnhuis creates an inviting atmosphere for a menu that celebrates Italian cuisine. Think beef carpaccio with Parmesan and rocket, ravioli with beef ragù, veal piccata limone, springbok loin with mushrooms and blueberry, and a selection of steaks served with classic sauces – naturally paired with a bottle from the restaurant’s extensive wine offering. Wijnhuis is the kind of place made for lingering.

Oude Werf

Housed in South Africa’s oldest running hotel and known for its heritage hospitality, Oude Werf offers a taste of Stellenbosch’s past alongside a contemporary dining experience.

With a vine-covered courtyard and a welcoming dining room featuring an indoor Swamp Cypress tree, Oude Werf creates an elegant setting for a menu of familiar, seasonal dishes. For something a little more indulgent, Wednesday Curry Nights bring a midweek taste of comfort, with a choice of three weekly curries served with rice, roti, sambals, a complimentary dessert and a glass of Neethlingshof Gewürztraminer. At Oude Werf, the appeal lies as much in the atmosphere and sense of history as it does in the dishes.

Helena’s

Inside the historic Coopmanhuijs Boutique Hotel & Spa on Church Street, Helena’s Restaurant offers a dining experience steeped in heritage. Built in 1713, the beautifully restored building boasts a dining room, a glass-roofed conservatoire and an al fresco front porch overlooking Church Street.

Helena’s menu features dishes such as springbok carpaccio, Cape Malay bobotie, wild mushroom risotto and slow-cooked Swartland lamb. It’s a fitting expression of Helena’s philosophy: familiar, honest food, served in a setting where Stellenbosch’s history is never far away.

Lanzerac

Few places capture the romance of the Stellenbosch Winelands quite like Lanzerac. Surrounded by vineyards and Jonkershoek Valley’s mountain scenery, the historic estate provides a spectacular setting for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Lanzerac offers various dining spaces that each capture a different side of the estate. At the Manor Kitchen, classic dishes are reimagined with contemporary influences and seasonal local ingredients, while the Taphuis, with its original bar, roaring fireplace and shaded terrace, offers relaxed pub-style fare and sharing plates. The Tasting Room & Deli is a more casual stop for homemade breads, pastries, gourmet sandwiches and local cheese and charcuterie, while the Craven Lounge offers an extensive selection of spirits in a cosy setting.

Together, these spaces make Lanzerac a destination for everything from a leisurely Winelands lunch to an evening of drinks and small plates.

De Vleispaleis

Situated on Dorp Street, De Vleispaleis is a celebration of the South African braai, where flame-cooking and quality meat takes centre stage. The warm space sets the scene for a menu built around premium AAA-grade steaks, from fillet and sirloin to bone-in cuts, alongside lamb chops, ribs and fresh seafood.

For those wanting to start with something smaller, the menu also features an extensive selection of tapas and sharing plates, including beef biltong, skaapstertjies, Basque octopus salad and grilled Spanish chorizo. With its generous portions and classic grillroom details, De Vleispaleis is a natural addition to any list of Stellenbosch’s dining favourites.

De Warenmarkt

Housed in a cherished 18th-century building on the corner of Plein and Ryneveld Street, De Warenmarkt draws inspiration from the town’s long history as a place of trade and gathering.

Today, diners can browse a selection of speciality meats, freshly baked goods, local cheeses and preserves, oysters, craft beer and Stellenbosch wines, alongside a menu celebrating classic South African flavours. With its rustic atmosphere and communal spirit, De Warenmarkt offers a contemporary take on the traditional market experience.

The post Stellenbosch Restaurant Classics appeared first on Stellenbosch Visio.

Recognised as one of South Africa’s leading food and wine destinations, Stellenbosch is home to an extraordinary collection of award-winning restaurants, wine estates and chefs. Taste Stellenbosch celebrates this culinary community through a programme designed to showcase the culinary creativity and generosity that define the region. 

This year’s line-up features everything from intimate chef collaborations and vineyard feasts to long-table lunches, wine pairings and specially curated seasonal menus. Highlights include experiences at De Warenmarkt, Muratie Farm Kitchen, HŌSEKI at Delaire Graff Estate, Lanzerac, Warwick Wine Estate, Klein Joostenberg Bistro and many more, each offering visitors a unique way to discover Stellenbosch through food and wine. 

Taste Stellenbosch extends beyond the table. A selection of exclusive accommodation offers at boutique guesthouses, vineyard retreats and luxury hotels encourages visitors to slow down, stay a little longer and enjoy everything the destination has to offer. 

“Taste Stellenbosch is more than a celebration of exceptional food and wine. It is a celebration of the people, passion and craftsmanship that have shaped Stellenbosch into South Africa’s leading food and wine destination,” says Annemie Liebenberg, CEO of Visit Stellenbosch. “Every chef, winemaker, farmer, artisan producer and host contributes to a culinary story that is uniquely Stellenbosch.”

Whether you’re planning a leisurely weekend in the Winelands or simply looking for your next memorable meal, Taste Stellenbosch offers the perfect excuse to gather around the table and experience the flavours, people and places that make Stellenbosch one of the country’s most celebrated culinary destinations.

Discover the full programme and plan your visit here.

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Season 2 opens on Friday 24 July at 19:00 with Journey of the Soul, an Endler Prestige Concert featuring Féroll-Jon Davids on clarinet, Rosamund Roth on cello and Nina Schumann on piano. Centred on musical storytelling and the mystical elements of fantasy, the programme invites audiences into a sound world of imagination, colour and emotion, with works by Schumann, Muczynski and Brahms. From dreamy introspection and melancholic lyricism to rhythmic vitality, dramatic contrasts and lush harmonies, the recital offers a soulful journey through music’s power to reflect shared human experience.

On Friday 31 July, the Stellenbosch University Chamber Choir presents Voices Without Borders, a gala concert conducted by Lunathi Ncamani and Martin Berger. The programme celebrates the power of choral music to connect cultures, languages and generations, moving from the rich colours of South African choral music to inspiring works from the international repertoire.

August brings further highlights, including Piano², the annual SU / UCT Piano Exchange, on Wednesday 12 August at 19:00 in the Fismer Hall. Following more than two decades of collaboration between the Stellenbosch University Piano Division and the University of Cape Town’s South African College of Music, this year’s programme celebrates duets and two-piano works.

On Friday 14 August, the Stellenbosch University Choir, conducted by André van der Merwe, returns to the Endler stage with a programme of exceptional choral artistry. Audiences can look forward to works including “Sicut Anima Mea, Laat die Wind my Neem, Ndikuthandile and Oxamu”, showcasing the choir’s remarkable versatility, technical brilliance and expressive depth.

The Endler Prestige Series continues on Friday 21 August with The Chopin Project II: Complete Chamber Music, pianist José Dias’ exploration of the works of Frédéric Chopin. Joined by Suzanne Martens on violin and Peter Martens on cello, Dias turns the spotlight on Chopin’s complete chamber music output, from early virtuoso works to the masterful “Cello Sonata”, Chopin’s final published composition.

September offers a dynamic mix of orchestral performance, chamber music, competitions and national platforms for young musicians. Highlights include the Stellenbosch University Symphony Orchestra (USSO) on Friday 4 September, conducted by Rik Ghesquière with soloists Luc Ponet and Mario Nell on organ; the Endler Prestige concert To Moer and Gone: Tales from Here, There and Everywhere on Friday 18 September, featuring the NorthSouth Duo with Josie McClure on saxophone and Kaat Vanhaverbeke on accordion; the SU National Ensemble Competition (SUNEC) and Stellenbosch Youth Orchestra Gala Concert on Saturday 19 September; and the Hubert van der Spuy National Music Competition, which takes place from Tuesday 22 to Saturday 26 September, concluding with the Gala Concert and Final on Saturday 26 September at 15:00.

Click here for more information on the upcoming Endler Concert Series Season 2 performances.

The post Endler Concert Series Season 2 appeared first on Stellenbosch Visio.

Lavender Picking at Canettevallei 

In winter, flower picking in a blooming field isn’t the first activity that comes to mind when considering an itinerary. However, tucked away in Stellenboschkloof Valley, Canettevallei Lavender & Wine Farm is home to three hectares of organically grown lavender blooming in the colder season. 

Upon arrival, expect a warm welcome from Ingrid de Waal, who owns the farm with her husband Daniël. After their travels to Provence in France, Ingrid came up with the idea of planting lavender in front of their house on Canettevallei. Today, visitors are invited to stroll the fields of fragrant plants and pick their own lavender. 

After just under an hour of admiring the mountain views, listening to the buzz of bees and enjoying the company of Dippy, the farm Jack Russell, we’d snipped and gathered our very own bouquet of fresh lavender. A morning well spent, grounded in nature and refreshed in purple.

Blaauwklippen Winter Soup & Wine Pairing 

Blaauwklippen is known for its lush lawns, historic architecture and award-winning wines, making the estate a local favourite for wine tastings on the stoep and under the oak trees. In winter, Blaauwklippen’s wine tastings are elevated by pairing wine with specially crafted soups. 

The curated, seasonal offering features three premium Blaauwklippen wines, each paired with a soup to complement the wine’s character and flavour profile. The estate Chardonnay is served alongside a fragrant Thai butternut soup, the rich Cabernet Sauvignon is paired with roasted tomato soup, and their iconic De Blaauwe Klip – bearing the estate’s original name – is complemented by a rich oxtail and pea soup (our personal favourite).

Take a sip of wine, dip the freshly baked ciabatta in the complementing soup, and experience what winter tastes like at Blaauwklippen.

Check in at Southern Sun de Wagen

Located next to Volkskombuis, the oldest restaurant in Stellenbosch, Southern Sun de Wagen is an elegant boutique hotel that forms part of a collection of historic farmstead buildings dating back to the early 1900s. These buildings have been carefully restored to create a charming retreat that honours the area’s rich heritage. 

With just 22 individually appointed rooms, Southern Sun de Wagen offers a boutique experience. Here, historic character meets contemporary comfort – from exposed wooden beams, window shutters and fireplaces to marble bathrooms, a courtyard pool and close access to central town.

Dinner at Le Grand Domaine Cantina by Chefs Warehouse 

We ended our day with dinner at the recently opened Cantina in Church Street – a flavourful experience that left us full, speechless and wanting to come back while we were seated at the table.

A partnership between wine estate Le Grand Domaine and the celebrated Liam Tomlin’s Chefs Warehouse brand, Cantina brings a Spanish-inspired menu and curated wine list to Stellenbosch. Here, in the intimate dining space and seated at a window table overlooking Church Street’s passersby, we experienced joy in every bite.

With the team at Cantina having curated a set menu for us, we eagerly anticipated which dishes would be served next – and we weren’t disappointed. For appetisers, we started with the classic Basque bite of anchovies, olives and pickled Guindilla peppers – the iconic pintxo from San Sebastián. Next, fresh oysters served on a bed of beef tartare and soffrito. To end the appetisers, a flavourful bite of pork croquettes made us all the more excited for the rest of the menu.

From Cantina’s small plates menu, we enjoyed the braised beef cheek, served alongside a freshly baked baguette topped with cauliflower purée. Spooned onto crispy bread, the rich beef cheek glistening under the warm lights was a standout bite of the evening. Next, we enjoyed charred chicken thighs with red pepper and almond – Spain on a plate. All of our small plates were complemented with their iconic side dishes of heirloom tomato salad, dressed with olive oil and sea salt, and crispy potatoes with smoky tomato purée, Smoked Stanford Catalan, and pickled jalapeños.

For dessert, we shared the burnt Basque-style cheesecake. With orange zest as its secret ingredient, the dish was the perfect citrussy end to a delicious, savoury experience.

After such an exceptional evening of flavour and storytelling, we left feeling satisfied and excited for our next visit.

Bites and Sites Food Tour 

If passion was a person, it would be Simone Jacobs, owner of Bites and Sites. Established in 2010, Bites and Sites presents guided food tours in Stellenbosch, connecting visitors to the very best of Stellenbosch food, art and culture. We had the honour of doing the Foodies on Foot tour with Simone and she shared some of the town’s history and her favourite dining spots (and secrets) with us. 

The Foodies on Foot tour led us through all the main streets in the centre of Stellenbosch, including Dorp Street, Drostdy Street, Church Street, and Plein Street. Although they all share similarities in their oak-lined character and historic buildings, they differ in their food offerings and atmosphere. 

As we strolled, Simone highlighted the importance of celebrating local food producers by listening to their stories and honouring their craft. This is done by tasting, savouring, and returning. 

Our first food stop was at Helena’s Restaurant at Coopmanhuijs Boutique Hotel and Spa. Here, we were spoiled with a generous platter of locally sourced bites – from fried eggplant and vegetable spring rolls to fire-charred ciabatta and salmon pâté. A delicious hint of what awaits on Helena’s main menu.

Next, we stopped at Wijnhuis – a firm favourite. While we’ll usually go for their award-winning wine menu and soulful ravioli, Simone offered something different. Here, we enjoyed a plate of fresh beef carpaccio served with parmesan, rocket and roast tomato, alongside a Cape Saint Blaize gin tasting. Fulsome and aromatic, the gin is distilled with fresh coastal botanicals and poured into handmade ceramic bottles. A dining experience that left us feeling surprised and refreshed.

For our last savoury stop, we visited De Warenmarkt. Known for its delicious tapas menu and rustic ambience, De Warenmarkt is one of those restaurants where you know you’ll dine well. Here, we indulged in traditional South African tapas of biltong cheese bites and Cape Malay lamb samoosa, often paired with craft beers and the finest wines from the region.

We ended the tour on the sweetest note (literally and figuratively) at Republique Café. Quickly becoming the coffee stop of choice, Republique’s space invites you to linger longer. Here, we sipped their mocha mystique (only available on a Bites and Sites Tour), paired with a decadent chocolate brownie. Bites and Sites is so much more than just ‘bites and sites’. Their team is passionate about celebrating the handiwork of equally passionate food artisans, by sharing their stories and crafts with locals and tourists alike.

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Veld at Spier Wine Farm brings the farm’s regenerative philosophy to the table, preserving heritage while embracing a more sustainable way of eating in an intimate space. Yet although intimate dining often suggests closely set tables and an enclosed setting, Veld reimagines the idea entirely.

The restaurant opens out into an airy room layered with natural textures – rattan chairs, wooden tables and handcrafted baskets – softened by deep orange and fresh green banquettes. Together, these elements create a space that echoes the restaurant’s name and concept: an indoor veld during the warmth of sunset.

Before arriving at the restaurant, guests may have walked through Spier’s food garden, crossed the bridge to the Wilds, explored the regenerative farm or spent an afternoon in the spa. At Veld, all of these spaces connect on a plate, says Annebelle Schreuders, the managing director of Spier Wine Farm Hospitality.

“Veld’s menu reads like a love letter to South African terroir, generous and full of integrity, with a depth of flavour that comes from seasonal goodness, deftly cooked,” says Annebelle. “It is also the natural home for our time-crafted wines. Dining at Veld is always connected to the ritual of a well-chosen glass, and there is no better place on the farm to experience what our winemakers have built over decades.”

Using the seasons as a guide to tell a story of heritage and flavour through each dish, an evening at Veld is characterised by the restaurant’s caring and unrushed rhythm. It invites you to slow down, to taste properly and to sit a little longer than you intended. In winter, seasonality naturally brings a sense of comfort to the menu.

“As chefs, our role is to enhance what nature provides. Respect and appreciation for the ingredient should always lead us when conceptualising a dish,” says Veld’s chef Craig Paterson. “We do not want to overcomplicate or transform an ingredient into something unrecognisable. That is where both simplicity and refinement come from.”

Spier’s regenerative farming philosophy inspires Veld’s rooted approach to creating dishes from ingredients grown in the estate’s gardens, raised on its pastures and sourced from local farmers with a mutual love for nutrient-rich produce. Every element on every dish brings guests closer to the farm.

Spier’s food garden was started by the farm’s resident agro-ecologist in a repurposed horse paddock. Everything produced by farmer Angus McIntosh – who started farming at Spier in 2008 using biodynamic farming principles – is free of antibiotics, hormones and pesticides.

“What I have learnt from regenerative farming at Spier is the importance of caring for the soil and our surroundings, not just taking from the land but giving back to it. The ingredients we grow carry that care with them,” says Craig. “On the plate, that translates into a lighter touch. We do not overwork the food; we honour it.”

No matter their order, guests don’t have to wonder what is on their plate. Each dish is real food made from real ingredients, and it’s not trying to be something it is not – this is farm-to-table dining. Perfectly cooked and thickly sliced, Veld’s recommended springbok loin is beautifully charred to contrast with the vibrant bed of carrot purée. Alongside orange hues of rainbow carrots and citrus jus, the dish is presented as sunset on a plate. To elevate it even further, Veld’s triple-cooked hand-cut chips with parmesan and truffle oil are the perfect in-between, salty bite.

For those who prefer a meal from the garden, Veld offers a Kashmiri masala cauliflower steak. The charred vegetable is celebrated in its whole form on top of a generous bed of hummus. Decorated with toasted almonds, curry leaves and coriander yoghurt, the dish is Veld’s reminder that comfort can be found in simplicity.

At Veld, guests are brought closer to the farmers, the chefs, the winemakers and the land that produced what is on their plate, says Annebelle. This defines luxury at Spier – heart, soul and a genuine connection to place.

“Luxury at Spier feels like a well-loved home. In winter, Veld distils that beautifully,” says Annebelle. “The kitchen cooks what the farm and its trusted producers offer at that moment. And the wines tell their own story. For us, that is the truest form of luxury: a meal and a wine, connected to this farm, these people, in this season,” she says.

Each dish comes with a recommendation of a thoughtfully chosen wine. Pairing Spier Creative Block 5 with grilled Karoo lamb cutlets, or Spier Seaward Chardonnay with roasted squash arancini, enhances the taste and experience, drawing out nuances in both the dish and the glass.

“Our cellar master, Johan Jordaan, recently took top honours again as Chenin Blanc Master Winemaker at the prestigious Master Winemaker 100 awards in Paris for Spier’s 21 Gables Chenin Blanc 2023, and there is no better place to raise a glass to that than at Veld, on the farm where that wine was made,” says Annebelle.

For Craig, a meal at Veld becomes more than just nourishment. It’s about connection, sharing and restoring both body and spirit. If winter at Veld had to be experienced in one dish, it would be something soulful, honest, uncomplicated and comforting, he says. “When guests join us at Spier and at Veld, there is a sense of calm, of coming home. That is exactly what we aim to reflect in the food.”

As the restaurant evolves, Veld will continue to follow the farm. And as Spier’s regenerative practices deepen, the farming expands and the land continues to recover and diversify, the kitchen will have a broader palette of ingredients and inspiration to draw from.

“Veld’s style is simple and generous,” says Annebelle. “Its ambition is not to become something grander, but to become more full of what it already is: a restaurant that is, in every sense, of this place.” 

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Gear Up

Fan favourites Sealand Outdoor Apparel offers easy solutions modern explorers with a range of premium jackets, rugged shirts, versatile pants, and technical fleece are built to withstand the elements while delivering unmatched comfort and style.

A Brandy Experience

An experience often means more than a physical gift. Introduce Dad to the world of South African brandy with a specialised tasting experience.

The Winelands is home to some of the country’s most celebrated brandy destinations. Visit the historic cellars of KWV in Paarl, discover the local brandies of Van Ryn’s, enjoy a tasting alongside the estate’s wines at Blaauwklippen, or settle into the elegant surroundings of Lanzerac for a premium brandy and cigar experience.

For the dad who takes his braai seriously, build him a flavour-packed selection. Think smoky rubs, artisan spice blends, marinades, chutneys and locally made sauces that instantly elevate any fire-cooked feast.

A perfect place to put this together is the much-loved Oom Samie se Winkel, where shelves are packed with traditional favourites, proudly South African condiments and nostalgic pantry staples. It’s practical, flavourful and guaranteed to be used long after Father’s Day is over.

A well-chosen book is one of the most personal gifts you can give, something that reflects his interests or simply offers a quiet escape from everyday life.

A perfect place to find something special is Stellenbosch Books, a beloved independent bookstore with a thoughtfully curated selection that makes browsing feel like part of the gift itself. Personal and considered, a book is a gift that gives him permission to slow down, switch off and get lost in a good story.

The Winelands is home to a number of exceptional roasteries producing small-batch blends that rival some of the world’s finest coffees. Whether he prefers a bold espresso, a smooth flat white or a leisurely plunger coffee on a Sunday morning, a bag of freshly roasted beans is a simple luxury he’ll enjoy day after day. 

Located in Andringa Street, Republique Coffee is a specialty coffee shop offering high‑quality coffee beans and brewing favourites. Next door, visit Fidders and pair it with a handcrafted mug or a stylish coffee plunger for an extra-special touch.

There’s something timeless about quality leather craftsmanship. From wallets and belts to travel bags and laptop sleeves, a well-made leather accessory is a gift that combines style and practicality.

Based and founded in Stellenbosch, Freedom of Movement, Burgundy Collective and Karoo Classics offer various leather accessories that are made with quality and character in mind. 

For the dad who can’t sit still, consider gifting an outdoor experience that gets the adrenaline flowing. Think mountain biking through vineyard trails, fly-fishing, a golf experience, or even a guided hike.

Experiential gifts create memories that last and often provide the perfect excuse to spend quality time together. 

While finding the perfect gift is always rewarding, Father’s Day is ultimately about celebrating the men who have guided and inspired us. Whether your gift is grand or simple, the thought behind it is what counts.

This year, skip the predictable and choose something local, meaningful and memorable!

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It might be the meal that shifts how you think about food. Or a quiet trail where the world seems to fall silent. It could be a conversation with a stranger that stays with you long after you’ve left. Or the simple feeling of arriving as a visitor and somehow leaving with a sense of belonging.

This is what we mean by “Unexpected Firsts”. It’s not about following a checklist. It’s about showing up with curiosity and allowing Stellenbosch to reveal itself in its own time.

Here are a few of the experiences that make every visit feel fresh.

Food & Wine Experiences: First Taste

There’s the first time you sit down to a meal cooked over an open fire under the stars. The first descent into a cool, heritage cellar where the air feels different and time slows down. The first conversation with the person who actually made the wine in your glass.

In Stellenbosch, food and wine aren’t just consumed – they’re encountered. Unhurried, personal and always memorable. See some wine and dine spots here.

Outdoor Adventure & Active Lifestyle: First Light

There’s the first morning you notice how still the valley can be. The first walk through vineyards as golden light spills across the mountains. The first trail that makes you forget your phone exists.

The landscape here has a way of quietly recalibrating you. Perspective tends to arrive when you least expect it. See some outdoor adventures in Stellenbosch here.

Wellness, Nature & Slow Living: First Stillness

Some mornings you wake up with no real agenda. You take a gentle walk through a working landscape where the rhythm of the land sets the pace. For the first time in a while, your thoughts slow down and you’re simply able to be.

Wellness in Stellenbosch doesn’t always need a programme or a treatment. Sometimes it’s just part of the place – woven into the days without effort. See some wellness trends here.

Social, Family & Community: First Connection

Then there’s the first time you sit down at a table with people you don’t know and leave as friends. The unplanned street gathering you wander into. The shared meal that gently turns into a shared evening.

Stellenbosch has a particular warmth. It’s the kind of place that pulls up an extra chair, fills your glass, and makes you feel like you’ve always belonged here. See some street wine bars here.

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