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.

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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.

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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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Something comforting

There’s something universally comforting about a beautiful throw or blanket, especially as the seasons shift. At Babylonstoren, you’ll find timeless textiles that feel both luxurious and lived-in. Think natural textures, earthy tones and pieces that turn any couch or reading nook into a quiet sanctuary. A gift that says: “Rest, you deserve it.”

Something sparkling

Jewellery is never just jewellery; it’s memory, meaning and a daily reminder of appreciation. At Van Deijl Jewellers, explore a thoughtfully curated collection of timeless diamond classics and exclusive gemstone creations. With each piece chosen to reflect refined elegance and individuality, you can find something that captures her essence. Because she is truly one of a kind.

Something fresh

Fresh flowers never fail, but pairing them with a thoughtful gift makes them feel even more special. Milieu creates floral arrangements and gift pairings that feel considered rather than conventional. It’s the kind of gift that transforms a Sunday morning into something memorable.

Something creative

Sometimes the best gift isn’t an object, but an experience. Rita Trafford offers woven art workshops that invite creativity, slowness and connection. A beautiful way to gift your mom time and something she’s made with her own hands. Learning to weave with Rita is an opportunity to create pieces of wearable art while entering a meditative state of mind in the tranquil surroundings of De Trafford Wines.

Something decorative

For the mom who is always rearranging, styling and making a house feel like home, Fidders offers decor pieces that are full of personality. Think statement objects and charming details that instantly refresh a room.

Something quiet

For the quiet moments, the coffee breaks and the early mornings, Stellenbosch Books is a treasure trove of stories waiting to be discovered. Whether she loves fiction, memoirs or something inspiring, a carefully chosen book is a gift that lingers long after Mother’s Day. 

Something stylish

For the mom whose style feels effortless but intentional, Lara Louise Designs brings together clothing and bags that are practical, beautiful and easy to love. Pieces that move between everyday life and special occasions without trying too hard.

To Dine For

Oude Werf in the historic heart of town offers a special menu this Sunday. Celebrate Mother’s Day with a relaxed afternoon of plated starters, buffet mains, something sweet and live music by Kruger & Tutu. Read more

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Tucked along the coastline of Keurboomstrand, BLOU is an intimate collection of eight self-catering cottages and a considered extension of the Babylonstoren and The Newt philosophy. Here, a beautiful stay is shaped by simplicity and an effortless connection to nature.

From the moment you step inside, there’s an immediate sense of calm. Much like Babylonstoren farm, the warmth of the welcoming staff sets the tone, making settling in feel natural.

The cottages are elegantly understated yet luxurious, with whitewashed walls, natural textures and blue interiors inviting the outside in. Whether facing the ocean or set around a sheltered courtyard, each space is designed with intention and in relation to the coastal setting. 

Keurboomstrand’s stretch of coastline is among the most beautiful in South Africa, rugged and refreshingly untouched. On a sun-soaked day, go for a morning swim in the sea and linger on the sand. Later, enjoy a drink on the cottage’s stoep, take another dip in the pool and get ready for dinner next door at Ristorante Enrico, a local favourite known for its relaxed atmosphere and generous Italian fare.

At BLOU, there’s no formal restaurant, and that’s part of the charm. Days unfold at your own pace, whether cooking in your cottage, exploring the surrounding nature reserves or venturing into Plettenberg Bay for its vibrant food scene. The Welcome House team is on hand to curate anything from restaurant bookings to outdoor adventures. However, doing very little here feels entirely sufficient.

Due to its limited availability, BLOU is only accessible to guests who have previously stayed at Babylonstoren or The Newt. Through this, BLOU remains intentionally under the radar, a secluded retreat for those seeking both rest and reconnection.

For anyone familiar with the Babylonstoren world, this coastal stay offers something beautifully complementary: a place to exhale and reset in blue. Sea, sky and everything in between.

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The restaurant is a collaboration between The Living Journey Collection and acclaimed local chef Callan Austin, who is co-owner and executive chef of the critically acclaimed fine-dining restaurant Dusk. Callan steps into the role of culinary specialist at Plenitude and will work alongside long-time colleague chef Orlando Reid, who will lead day-to-day operations.

Designed as a locals-first dining destination, Plenitude aims to restore Majeka House’s legacy as a much-loved meeting place, offering generous, seasonal dishes in a contemporary and welcoming setting. The restaurant space has been thoughtfully refreshed, while the hotel’s revived kitchen garden will once again supply fresh herbs and produce to the kitchen.

Open 12pm–4pm. Bookings can be made via Dineplan.

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