A Three-Star Triumph

Leading the charge for Stellenbosch was Dusk, earning a coveted three-star rating! Renowned for its boundary-pushing flavours, immersive dining experience, and theatrical flair, Dusk continues to redefine fine dining in South Africa. If you haven’t had the chance to indulge in their culinary artistry yet — this is your sign!

Two-Star Excellence 

A round of applause for Clara’s Barn, MERTIA, Rust en Vrede, and The Jordan Restaurant with Marthinus Ferreira, all of whom secured two stars! From innovative farm-to-table cuisine to world-class wine pairings, these restaurants embody Stellenbosch’s commitment to gastronomic excellence.

One-Star Standouts

Earning one star each, Eike, Hōseki, Post & Pepper, Rykaart’s at Longridge Wine Estate, Spek & Bone, The Table at De Meye, and Vuur Goose Island have cemented their place among the country’s top dining destinations. Whether it’s modern interpretations of South African flavours, intimate vineyard settings, or wood-fired magic, these restaurants offer unforgettable culinary journeys.

Special Awards

A special congrats to Bertus Basson, the visionary behind Eike, Spek & Bone, CHORUS, and Clara’s Barn, who won this year’s Trailblazer Award! And hats off to MERTIA, the well-deserved winner of the Service Excellence Award — no surprise there!

A Toast to Stellenbosch

The Cape Winelands’ dining scene is thriving, and these awards reaffirm Stellenbosch’s status as a must-visit hub for food lovers. Huge congratulations to all the winners — your passion, creativity, and dedication continue to elevate South African cuisine to new heights!

The post Stellenbosch Shines at the 2025 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards appeared first on Stellenbosch Visio.

Join us as we toast to World Whiskey Day with a special treat for our readers! Enter the giveaway via our Instagram page here, and stand a chance to win a bottle of Peaky Blinder Irish Whiskey alongside a copy of our Autumn issue. Winner announced Saturday, 18 May. Let the celebration begin!

More about Sadler’s Peaky Blinder Irish Whiskey

Sadler’s Peaky Blinder Irish Whiskey is a bold, but exceptionally smooth, tripe distilled blended Irish whiskey made from an exceptional blend of grain and single malt Irish whiskey aged in bourbon casks.

According to Jazz Adams, the Western Cape Sales Manager for Peaky Blinder Irish Whiskey at Halewood South Africa, Irish whiskey is typically made from three primary ingredients: malted and unmalted barley, water, and yeast. The use of both malted and unmalted barley contributes to the distinctive smoothness and complexity of Irish whiskey.

A hallmark of many Irish whiskeys is triple distillation, says Jazz. Unlike some Scotch whiskies that undergo only two rounds of distillation, the triple distillation process in Ireland is believed to create a smoother, lighter spirit. This meticulous approach reflects the dedication to producing a refined and approachable whiskey.

Irish whiskey is often aged in a variety of casks, including ex-bourbon, sherry, and wine casks. The maturation process takes place in the cool, damp cellars of Irish distilleries, allowing the whiskey to absorb the unique characteristics of the wood and develop a nuanced flavour profile.

How to Drink

Pour your whiskey gently. A standard pour is about 30-60ml, but you can adjust it according to your preference. Hold the glass at the base to avoid warming the whiskey with your hands.

Swirl the whiskey gently in your glass and bring it up to your nose. Inhale the aromas, taking note of the various scents. Peaky Blinder Irish Whiskey offers delightful notes of honey, malt, and subtle fruit, making it a perfect summer sipper.

Take small sips and let the whiskey rest on your palate for a moment before swallowing. This allows the flavours to unfold. Notice the balance of sweetness, spice, and fruitiness that Peaky Blinder Irish Whiskey offers. As the whiskey warms in your mouth, you’ll experience its complexity.

The post Win with World Whiskey Day appeared first on Stellenbosch Visio.

Subscribe to Stellenbosch Visio and you could win a stay for two people sharing a luxury double room with a sea view at The Marine valued at R22 000 PLUS look out for this special offer when booking at this iconic hotel.

Part of The Liz McGrath Collection, The Marine, like its sister hotels, The Plettenberg and The Cellars-Hohenort and Spa, is a proud member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. The hotel has an inherent culture of impeccable hospitality and has been beautifully renovated to offer modern facilities without losing its old-world charm.

The unique location of The Marine, within walking distance of many of the attractions of Hermanus, including pristine beaches, the tidal pool, restaurants and art galleries, is one of its greatest assets.

The surrounding Overberg region provides a range of activities for seekers of adventure sports, including hiking, mountain biking and marine sports, as well as easy access to the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley wine estates, which produce some of the best wines in South Africa.

Back at the hotel, guests may relax at the sparkling swimming pool, enjoy a spa treatment or indulge in delicious culinary delights in The Pavilion restaurant or high tea and sundowners served in the Sun Lounge and Bar.

WIN!
Subscribe or renew your subsription to Stellenbosch Visio before 31 July and you could win a two‐night stay for two people sharing a luxury double room with a sea view at The Marine in Hermanus, including breakfast, valued at R22 000.

SPECIAL OFFER
Stellenbosch Visio readers qualify for a 10% discount when making a new booking. The offer is valid for stays up to 15 December 2024. Quote: Stellenbosch Visio. Ts&Cs apply. Reservations: 021 794 5535 or reservations@collectionmcgrath.com.

The post Subscribe and Win a Stay at The Magical Marine appeared first on Stellenbosch Visio.

With it being over 200 days since their last defeat, the SFC has secured their spot in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals for the fourth consecutive time, where they will play against Mamelodi Sundowns. As their last defeat over six months ago occurred against Mamelodi Sundowns, it’s bound to be a match for the ages! 

Under the guidance of experienced coach Steve Barker, a culture of excellence ingrained within the team, and the support from their local fanbase, SFC’s trajectory suggests a promising future filled with continued success and growth.

“We all know how football can bring people together. The entire town now has one team that they can support and be a part of,” Steve told Stellenbosch Visio in an article last year.

More on Stellenbosch FC

Read more about Stellenbosch Football Club’s journey here.

Further fixture and ticket information for the encounter between Stellenbosch and Sundowns will be communicated in due course. Stay tuned to the club’s official social media pages and website for updates.

The post Stellenbosch Football Club Advances to Nedbank Cup Semi-finals appeared first on Stellenbosch Visio.

This World Wildlife Day, celebrated annually on 3 March, going on a safari and connecting with nature can be a life-changing experience, especially at a destination where exhilarating game-viewing meets the many joys of luxurious pampering. The five-star Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa, a mere two hours and 45 minutes’ drive from Johannesburg, lies within Welgevonden Game Reserve, a rich and diverse landscape stretching across 35 000 hectares. Mhondoro is also home to the Big Five and is protected within the malaria-free reserve. Guided walks are popular with guests, as is sitting in an underground hide (connected to the main lodge via a tunnel) and watching the resident herd of elephants that regularly visits the lodge’s waterhole. The wildlife experience is complemented by Mhondoro’s luxurious accommodation, indulgent spa treatments, fine cuisine and passionate service.

Dutch-owned, Mhondoro is a gourmet’s delight and a fusion of African chic and edgy European influences. The exclusive lodge sleeps only 24 guests and is operated off the grid. Accommodation includes child-friendly family suites, a romantic honeymoon suite and a two-bedroom executive suite. Guest suites are spacious, with outdoor showers and private decks, and most boast private plunge pools. Mhondoro Villa is the ultimate in luxury and privacy for families or friends travelling together. It features a master suite and two additional bedrooms, plus a private gym, yoga or massage room, heated swimming pool, game-viewing safari vehicle with personal guide, and the services of a chef, butler and housekeeping staff. For reservations, call 087 150 2314, email res@mhondoro.com or visit www.mhondoro.com. Instagram @mhondorosafarilodgeandvilla

Win a two-night stay

One lucky Stellenbosch Visio reader stands a chance to win a two-night stay for two guests sharing a luxury pool suite at Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa, valued at R32 000.

The prize includes accommodation with all meals, soft drinks and house wines; twice daily safari activities (game drives or guided walks); and return scheduled transfers from Welgevonden Game Reserve’s main gate to Mhondoro Safari Lodge. Terms and conditions apply, visit stellenboschvisio.co.za for details. Closing date: 30 April 2023.

To enter send an email to digital@stellenboschvisio.co.za and include “MHONDORO” in the subject line. Please remember to include your name and contact number so we can get hold of you.

The post Create a lasting impression appeared first on Stellenbosch Visio.