News & Reviews

In the latest issue of Stellenbosch Visio, we bring you the freshest news and reviews as the season of renewal unfolds. From blossoming new ventures to inspiring innovations, we’ve got the scoop on the people, places, and products shaping the City of Oaks this spring!

Banhoek Farmstall & Café

The newly opened Banhoek Farmstall & Café, located in the heart of the Banhoek Valley, offers fresh, locally sourced produce at affordable prices. The farmstall, housed in a beautifully renovated building, brings top-quality fruits and vegetables (including avocados) and more from Morgenzon Farm directly to consumers. Visitors can also enjoy delicious coffee and freshly made roosterkoeke, all while taking in the stunning valley views.

With a commitment to supporting local farmers, the majority of products at Banhoek Farmstall are sourced from nearby small-scale, sustainable farms. The farmstall prides itself on its farm-to-table philosophy, offering items like homemade jams and chutneys, and seasonal plums that are available nowhere else in South Africa.

As the only farmstall in the Banhoek Valley, it stands out for its welcoming atmosphere, unbeatable scenery and dedication to quality. Whether you’re stopping by for your weekly groceries or just to enjoy the view with a cup of Sadie Coffee, Banhoek Farmstall offers a truly special experience.

Instagram @banhoekfarmstall

Mila And Von

Newly opened in the historic Oude Bank building in Church Street, Mila and Von is a charming, family-owned restaurant, wine bar and cake shop founded by renowned chef Louise von Waltsleben and her winemaker husband Rudi.

Together, this dynamic duo hopes to share their passion for food, wine and pastries with Stellenbosch locals and visitors. The name Mila and Von stems from Mila Cake Shop, where Louise and Rudi first met and where their love for each other and for fine dining and winemaking was sparked. This connection led to the creation of Mila and Von, with ‘Mila’ honouring Louise’s original cake shop and ‘Von’ representing their wine brand, Von Family Wines.

At Mila and Von, guests can enjoy a culinary experience where every dish, pastry and glass of wine is crafted with care and passion. The warm, inviting atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner, complemented by a glass of wine and a delightful pastry.

Instagram @mila_and_von

Blaauwklippen Celebrates 342 Years

Established in 1682, Blaauwklippen is proud to stand as the oldest wine farm in Stellenbosch and to celebrate almost three‑and-a-half centuries of tradition. For a remarkable 342 years, says a spokesperson, roots have deepened and their legacy has been enriched. So in 2024, we are raising our glasses to Blaauwklippen’s rich heritage!

Instagram @blaauwklippen

Spier’s Tree-Preneurs

As a Spier Growing For Good initiative, Spier Wine Estate’s Tree-preneurs scheme has been transforming lives and landscapes since 2009, empowering communities by teaching them how to grow and care for indigenous plants. Seedlings are exchanged for essentials like food, clothing and educational support, sparking inspiration and providing much-needed resources.

The manager of the project, Lesley Joemat, who has led it since its inception, ensures that it not only promotes environmental awareness, but also creates opportunities for personal and community growth.

The initiative has helped more than 310 participants from 12 communities barter more than a million indigenous trees. Many are planted in under-resourced areas, including schools, NGOs and river rehabilitation projects. Tree-preneur Tannie Katrina Babs Visagie from Heather Park, for example, uses her vouchers to support a food kitchen for orphans. Her contributions, which include more than 9 300 trees, demonstrate the profound impact this initiative is making. For those interested, Spier Wine Farm offers tours of Tree-preneurs, where visitors can witness at first hand how small seedlings grow into a vibrant system that benefits both people and the environment. Instagram @spierwinefarm

Vergenoegd Löw’s Heritage

Immerse yourself in the rich history and timeless traditions of Vergenoegd Löw, one of the oldest working farms in South Africa. Established in 1696, this historic estate has thrived under the ownership of renowned German historian and heritage specialist Prof. Dr Peter Löw since 2015. With a strong focus on sustainability, Vergenoegd Löw blends centuries-old farming methods with innovative eco-friendly practices, making it a top destination for those who appreciate heritage, conservation and luxury experiences. From its regenerative farming practices to its beautifully restored Cape Dutch architecture and expansive indigenous gardens, the estate offers a wealth of activities for visitors to explore. For those interested in delving deeper into the estate’s past, Vergenoegd Löw has recently launched Reds, Racehorses and Runner Ducks, a captivating new book by wine historian Joanne Gibson. This comprehensive volume tells the story of Vergenoegd’s nearly 330-year journey, from its founding by Pieter de Vos to its current standing as a celebrated wine producer and conservation leader. Through fascinating historical insights, such as the farm’s potential role in the creation of Constantia’s famous wines and its integration of Indian Runner ducks in sustainable farming, the book offers readers a unequalled perspective on this iconic farm. Available
through the estate’s online shop, the book is a must-read for history buffs, wine lovers and conservation enthusiasts.

Instagram @vergenoegd_low_wine_estate or shop
at vergenoegd.co.za.

Okapi: Art Of Collaboration

Okapi Africa’s new campaign, The Art of Collaboration, celebrates creativity and diversity by partnering with luxury brands across fashion, art and beauty. The collection features luxurious merino knitwear, intricately beaded evening bags and handcrafted felted handbags, all reflecting the brand’s commitment to cultural heritage and evolving luxury.

Launched in collaboration with artisans from across Africa, the campaign highlights the fusion of craftsmanship, tradition and innovation. CEO Jeanine Benjamin emphasises that this collaboration embodies Okapi Africa’s ethos of blending creativity with craftsmanship, creating luxury pieces of unsurpassed beauty that transcend borders. Unveiled in Marrakech, the campaign showcases the brand’s vision of a modern, global luxury narrative.

Instagram @okapi.africa

Glenelly Estate: My Journey With Wine

This new book tells, in her own words, the remarkable story of May-Éliane de Lencquesaing, a 99-year-old Bordeaux wine-grower who rebuilt the reputation of Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande in Pauillac before embarking on a new wine-making adventure at Glenelly Estate, Stellenbosch, at the age of 78.

Her journey from Bordeaux to the Cape reveals the challenges and joys of crafting great wines, leading to her recognition as an Officer of the Legion of Honour. In her inspiring tale of resilience and passion, May-Éliane shows that a thirst for knowledge knows no age limits.

Instagram @glenelly_estate or shop at glenellyestate.com

Haute Cabrière 30th Vintage

Haute Cabrière’s iconic Chardonnay Pinot Noir celebrates its 30th vintage in 2024, marking a milestone for the first still wine blend of its kind in South Africa. Originally crafted in 1994 by Achim von Arnim, this unique blend combines Chardonnay’s freshness and citrus notes with Pinot Noir’s red-fruited complexity and power. Over the years, the wine has become a favourite at South African tables, thanks to its versatility and ability to pair with a wide variety of dishes.

To commemorate this anniversary, Haute Cabrière has launched the limited-edition Heritage 30 Réserve, an amphora-aged, small-batch blend that highlights the exceptional terroir of Franschhoek. Harvested from old vine vineyards, this exclusive release is available only at the estate for R550 per bottle, making it a true collector’s item.

Instagram @hautecabriere or shop at cabriere.co.za.

Hazendal Festival: Soil Edition

The inaugural Hazendal Festival: Soil Edition brought together a dynamic fusion
of art, science and cultural exploration to highlight the vital role of soil. Curated by
visionary Khanyisile Mbongwa, the festival embraced the Nguni proverb ‘Belele nje,
Abathulunga’ (‘They may be asleep, but they are not quiet’), using soil as a metaphor for memory, grief and hope. Through installations, performances and discussions, attendees engaged with themes of land repair and ecology.

The event featured captivating site-specific commissions from prominent artists like Thania Petersen and Sethembile Msezane, as well as a striking Hazendal MCC label designed by Athi-Patra Ruga. Alongside these, a symposium and live performances, including a fashion show by Twyg and a culinary offering by chefs Vusi Ndlovu and Michelle Theron, made the festival a transformative experience. The Soil Edition offered a meaningful reflection on humanity’s relationship with the earth, inspiring collective hope for a fertile, sustainable future. Instagram @hazendal_estate

Older News & Reviews: Michelin-Star Chef’s New Mill St Bistro

Michelin-star chef Phil Carmichael has opened his debut South African restaurant in the heart of Stellenbosch, blending French technique with incredible South African produce sourced from purveyors who share his philosophy of integrity and his commitment to quality. Located in Stellenbosch’s historic central quarter, Mill St Bistro is where bistro dining, contemporary design and a love for locally and sustainably sourced ingredients meet.

Transitioning from his extensive tenure alongside international icons such as Michel Roux Jnr, Gordon Ramsay and Jason Atherton to kitchens in top South African restaurants and hotels, Phil has now firmly anchored himself in the Cape Winelands. With his new Stellenbosch restaurant, he embraces the essence of South African produce and the intrinsic local ‘feel’ that comes with it, celebrating this heritage in his cooking and business ethos. Phil has collaborated with local independent farmers, producers and fishermen who supply ingredients straight to the Mill St Bistro kitchen. 

Instagram @phil_chef & @millstbistro

Wine Town Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch recently went on full display as it welcomed families and friends to the annual Wine Town Stellenbosch. Here, visitors indulged in an extraordinary walk-around, wine-tasting experience. They sipped, tasted and savoured an impressive array of wines from more than 60 award-winning wine producers of the Stellenbosch Wine Route.

The vibrant festival is not just a celebration of wine, but of culinary excellence as well. Visitors enjoyed a sumptuous feast crafted by chefs Adele Grewar and Bertus Basson, alongside Bertus’s talented team. From an exquisite gourmet harvest table to a selection of tantalising small plates, the culinary feast ended off with a table of irresistible sweet treats.

Whether visitors were wine aficionados or simply out to enjoy a memorable experience, the Wine Town Stellenbosch was once again a captivating event that left everyone inspired and delighted. 

Instagram @stellwineroute

Jonny’s Restaurant

There’s an exciting new restaurant in town, and you’ll find it at 137 Dorp Street. Jonny’s is a Mozambican family restaurant that Melanie Meyers had first opened in Dainfern, Johannesburg, 15 years ago.

In May 2024, Melanie opened another Jonny’s in Stellenbosch alongside her son, Sean. “Sean grew up in the business, working there during holidays and learning the ropes through the years,” says Melanie. “He has always loved the energy of our restaurant and often talked about opening a second one and staying in Stellenbosch after his graduation.” And they knew that finding the perfect location on Sean’s graduation day was a good omen for Jonny’s in Stellenbosch!

Jonny’s serves Mozambican food, but its menu has evolved through the years as customers have requested the inclusion of some ‘not-so-authentic’ dishes. 

Instagram @jonnys_stellies_

Delheim Leads Conservation Efforts

With a dedicated management plan to control invasive alien plants, Delheim Wines
– along with the Delheim Hackers, a group of biodiversity conservation volunteers – has taken a proactive stance on combating the harm that invasive alien species do to the environment, the economy and even to human health.

The soils of Delheim support the endangered Boland Granite Fynbos, along with a further 125 species of indigenous plants and a variety of trees and shrubs, many of which are near-threatened, vulnerable or endangered.

Their ongoing efforts to control invasive alien plants have yielded promising results, including improved soil health and the return of indigenous vegetation, such as a bietou that grows only on the Simonsberg, highlighting the importance of collaborative conservation initiatives. 

Instagram @delheimwines

African Jacquard at Textile Experience

Luxury home textiles brand African Jacquard released its new Kelp Forest Collection at the second annual Textile Experience. The immersive experience features an installation showcasing the African Jacquard team’s latest textile creations.

The Kelp Forest Collection’s fabric is woven with natural fibres, such as cotton and linen, as well as SeaCellTM. Although its roots trace back to ancient textile practices, SeaCellTM is a future fabric, combining cellulose fibres (a structural component of plant cell walls) from beech and eucalyptus trees with organic brown seaweed. The result is a soft, breathable fabric with a smooth finish.

According to Christine Daron, the founder of African Jacquard, the creators of SeaCellTM were inspired by the ocean’s rich palette and played with colour, texture and depth to produce fabrics that are as extraordinary as they are timeless.

African Jacquard’s work has always been driven by the continent’s culture, diversity and sheer authentic nature, says Donna Allin, the company’s managing director. 

Instagram @africanjacquard

Babylonstoren Soetmelksvlei

We recently visited Soetmelksvlei, Babylonstoren’s new interactive farm experience set in the late 19th century. Upon arrival, we were taken back in time to an era before widespread industrialisation, when the world moved at a slower pace and people used their hands to craft everything they needed.

“After years of hard work and preparation, it is wonderful to share all the knowledge we’ve acquired with like-minded people who appreciate handwork and craftsmanship,” says Adele Johnson, head of Soetmelksvlei. Adele and her team love to welcome guests to the farm. Soetmelksvlei is an interactive farmyard set up like a small village in the late 19th century to honour the legacy of craftsmanship. All its components were selected and constructed by Babylonstoren’s team of historians and master builders.

Museologist Elsa Vogts, who oversaw the compilation of this multi-sensory, immersive journey through time, was inspired by the culture of self-reliance in farm life in 1897.

Instagram @babylonstoren

Banhoek Food Club

Banhoek Food Club is a local community committed to evolving the food system by buying directly from local farmers and cooks making food that encourages healthy people, farming methods and communities. When joining the club, you gain access to an online selection of local food products made available for purchase by small, local and climate-responsible farmers and cooks producing real, nutrient-dense food. Sign up at banhoek.foodhub.org.za. 

Instagram @banhoekfoodclub

Oude Leeskamer

Oude Leeskamer at the Jannie Mouton Foundation on the corner of Dorp and Drostdy streets is fast becoming a cultural and arts hub in Stellenbosch. Running its Literary Programme, Délani Spies has the enviable task of organising book launches, writers’ residencies and discussion evenings for lovers of the written word. One such offering is the Skrywersaande, where formidable host Jonathan Amid is in conversation with acclaimed writers. These conversations bring diverse and multilingual writers together, producing accessible, yet stimulating discussions for general readers.

Join an evening of literary exploration and thought-provoking dialogue. Entry is free, but booking is essential. Email Délani at events@oudeleeskamer.org for more information or to reserve your seat. 

Instagram @oude_leeskamer

The Cowshed at Spier

Spier’s new store, The Cowshed, is making its presence felt in the Winelands, selling not just goods, but truly good goods that tell stories of integrity from the heart of local communities and makers.

The Cowshed feels like the intersection between art gallery shop and farm padstal, with a high street curatorial hand weaving it all together. The store is a visual feast and a must-go gifting destination for seekers of authentic South African design, wine, food and craft that carry the legacy of responsible sourcing.

At The Cowshed, quality is more than a standard; it’s a point of principle. All of the goods are made with imagination and attention to detail, using materials that have either been repurposed from waste or handpicked from sources with spotless credentials. 

Instagram @spierwinefarm

UPCYCLE: Transforming Office Waste into Art

UPCYCLE reimagines the future world of work through circular design, which sees local artists transform discarded office furniture into bespoke art pieces. The exhibition is a collaboration between Sanlam, leading global property advisory company JLL and its subsidiary interior design firm Tétris Design and Build – a world-class design, build and furniture business.

Since Covid-19 and the development of new hybrid ways of working, more than a third of all global office desks are empty all week, according to Bloomberg. What’s not spoken about is that each empty office chair ‘costs’ about 72kg CO2 equivalent in carbon to make. Collectively, office furniture has a major environmental impact, accounting for about 30% of all greenhouse gas emissions. And now much of it is sitting in storage or piling up in local landfills, as it often costs more to fix than to replace.

As most of it is made from petroleum-derived synthetic materials, it quickly becomes one of the planet’s greatest polluters. Recognising this, JLL and Tétris collaborated with Sanlam to find creative ways to repurpose their outdated office furniture to be sustainable and future fit.

“This exhibition celebrates the power of design and creativity to help us reimagine possible solutions,” says Sarene Nel, MD of Tétris. “By partnering with leading clients, designers and suppliers, we can make positive change. Our goal is to reduce waste and create efficiencies that work for the environment and the community.”

WTM Responsible Tourism Awards

The winners of the prestigious World Travel Market (WTM) Africa Responsible Tourism Awards were announced at Africa Travel Week 2024 in Cape Town, celebrating businesses and initiatives that are making a positive impact through responsible tourism practices.

“These awards are integral to WTM Africa’s responsible tourism programme, and spotlighting those who have truly made a difference is important for the encouragement of others to do the same,” said Bangu.

The 2024 awards included six categories: Nature Positive; Employing and Upskilling Local Communities; Making Travel Inclusive; Increasing Local Sourcing – Creating Shared Value; Championing Cultural Diversity; and What are you doing about Climate Change? Gold and silver winners were presented with trophies created by Ngwenya Glass. 

Instagram @wtm_africa

De-Age Hydration Mask

Franck Global, a premier skincare brand dedicated to creating innovative, high-quality products that cater to diverse skin needs, is excited to introduce its latest product, the De-Age Hydration Mask. This luxuriously rich and intense treatment mask is meticulously formulated to provide overnight relief for dry, dehydrated skin conditions. This ultra-rich mask is crafted with a superior blend of botanical waxes, lipids and phytochemicals, effectively locking in moisture and providing prolonged hydration for up to 72 hours. It not only improves signs of dermal fatigue, but also leaves the skin smooth, revitalised and visibly hydrated.

Instagram @franckglobal

Nooitgedacht Estate Celebrates 100 Years

Nooitgedacht Estate is celebrating a remarkable milestone: 100 years of rich history and heritage. This iconic estate, known for its stunning Cape Dutch architecture and expansive vineyards, has been a cornerstone of the region’s wine and hospitality industry for a century. As Nooitgedacht Estate marks its centenary, it reflects on a legacy built on passion, tradition and community.

The estate’s commitment to preserving its historical charm while embracing modern innovations has made it a beloved destination for both locals and visitors. Having been crowned a winner in the 2023 Luxury Travel Awards, Nooitgedacht Estate offers an unsurpassed blend of the past and present. This 100-year celebration is not only a tribute to its storied past, but also a promise of continued excellence and growth for the future. Let’s raise a glass to Nooitgedacht’s past, present and future, united by a passion for service excellence and continual hospitality. Cheers to the next hundred years! 

Instagram @nooitgedachtestate

De Boerin Parfum

Introducing a collection of terroir- driven perfumes inspired by Kleinood Farm and made by de Boerin. Kleinood’s de Boerin Parfum is about capturing the sensual experience of walking on Kleinood’s terroir.

What sets the de Boerin perfumes apart is that they have a home. They are all from and about Kleinood Farm. And, in keeping with the Kleinood ethos, these perfumes are all natural and carefully made by hand. Thus, this collection is about celebrating the exceptional terroir of this small and precious land: the seasons, the plants, the sunlight, the water – and the soul of their soil.

The Kleinood terroir, for you to wear and smell, and smell of. 

Instagram @kleinood_farm