In the latest Summer issue of Stellenbosch Visio, we bring you the freshest news and reviews as the festive season unfolds.
KINO’S WOODCRAFT
Founded by Paul Roos Gymnasium alumni and school friends Nico Hendriksz and Anton Louw, Kino is an award-winning furniture studio known for its refined, contemporary approach to solid-wood design. After studying industrial design in Cape Town, the pair turned their shared passion for craftsmanship into a business that celebrates the beauty of natural materials and precision detailing.
Based in Cape Town, Kino specialises in freestanding, solid-wood furniture pieces that balance function, form and integrity. Every item is designed and produced in-house by a small team of skilled artisans, ensuring exceptional quality and a distinct sense of character in each piece.
From humble beginnings in a woodworking studio to a brand recognised for its timeless design and craftsmanship, Kino continues to embody the spirit of South African creativity – thoughtful, enduring and beautifully made.
BRANDY ROUTE RELAUNCHES
Just in time for summer, the South African Brandy Foundation (SABF) has relaunched the South African Brandy Route, offering a fresh way to explore the country’s oldest spirit. The relaunch highlighted 19 Brandy Homes and a network of Brandy Hubs, featuring upgraded tasting rooms, cellar tours, inventive food pairings and world-class cocktails across the Western Cape.
Visitors enjoyed experiences ranging from the multi-sensory KWV House of Fire to boutique distillery tastings, while urban Brandy Hubs, including Lanzerac and Cape Town’s Cause|Effect, offered curated cocktails and premium pot-still brandies.
Estates such as Boschendal and Tokara paired aged XO brandies with local culinary treats, blending heritage, terroir and innovation in every glass.
The revamped route emphasises South African brandy’s versatility and global quality, creating new opportunities for discovery while celebrating centuries of craftsmanship. According to the SABF, it not only complements existing wine routes, but also invites visitors to savour South Africa’s rich brandy culture.
CANTINA BY CHEFS WAREHOUSE
The Chefs Warehouse team brings fresh energy to Church Street with the newly opened Cantina, a 30-seater tapas eatery inspired by the lively culture of San Sebastián.
Co-owner and chef David Schneider has created a space that feels spontaneous and full of life, where guests sip wine, share plates and soak up the buzz. Expect vibrant interiors by Lawrence Holmes and a menu of paella, seafood and playful Peruvian touches.
A collaboration between Liam Tomlin and Bernard Fontannaz of Le Grand Domaine, Cantina blends global flair with local pride. Wines from Argentina and Switzerland share the spotlight with Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon, recently named Best Cabernet Sauvignon in the World. Cantina is where the world meets Stellenbosch.
ROSE’D AT LA MOTTE
This summer, La Motte Ateljee welcomes guests with Rose’d, a spectacular art exhibition inspired by the beauty of the rose. Running until 22 February 2026, the show features works by acclaimed artist Heike Teschner Jeske whose immersive, larger-than-life rose installation transforms walls and ceilings, inviting visitors to experience the flower’s grandeur and delicacy up close.
The exhibition also includes monoprints, charcoal drawings, watercolours and ceramic sculptures, alongside selected works from an Open Call exploring the theme ‘Flourish’. A selection of pieces is available for purchase, and floral-inspired workshops will be run alongside the exhibition, creating an interactive experience for visitors.
Rose’d extends across La Motte estate, with subtle rose touches in the Tasting Room, bakery, brasserie and farm shop, offering guests a fully immersive seasonal celebration. Entry to the exhibition is free.
THE STORY OF SOUTH AFRICAN SAUVIGNON BLANC
For the first time, South Africa’s most celebrated white wine cultivar has its story told in one comprehensive publication. The Story of South African Sauvignon Blanc, launched at CapeWine in Cape Town, traces the varietal’s journey from its 19th-century origins at Groot Constantia to its global reputation today.
The 284-page book highlights the people, places and pioneering spirit behind its success, profiling 60 producers and industry leaders including Danie de Wet, Niel Ellis, Charles Hopkins, Barto Eksteen and Thys Louw.
A standout feature is South Africa’s first Sauvignon Blanc aroma wheel, created by Stellenbosch University’s South African Grape and Wine Research Institute (SAGWRI) and Sauvignon Blanc SA. Produced by award-winning Tip Africa Publishing, (publishers of Stellenbosch Visio) the book celebrates the cultivar’s diversity and legacy – and cements its place as a proud ambassador for South African wine.
CELEBRATE SUMMER AT THE CAPE GRACE
With the launch of the new summer menu at Heirloom restaurant, the Cape Grace continues its tribute to the best of South African heritage. Executive chef Wesli Jacobs has drawn inspiration from the diverse culinary backgrounds of his team, incorporating flavours such as mango achar, biltong dust and Kalahari truffle in his dishes. “We want to tell the heritage story in as creative a way as possible,” he says. Think “pap en vleis that has gone to private school”, as Wesli puts it.
The sashimi with avocado emulsion, grapefruit and candied chilli is a prime example of Heirloom’s focus on quality local ingredients. The just-caught linefish comes from Abalobi, the initiative that connects chefs with small-scale fishers, so every fish is traceable. The menu champions South African cuisine in an authentic and unfussy way that is sure to appeal to locals and tourists alike.
Make time for celebratory drinks in The Library, which now serves esteemed Champagnes and South African MCC by the glass – just in time for the festive season.
TOKARA RARE PLANT FAIR
This past November, Tokara Wine Estate welcomed the public to its annual Rare Plant Fair, an initiative by owners GT and Anne-Marie Ferreira that combines community and creativity. Since 2018, proceeds from the event have supported the Camphill Farm Community in Hermanus, providing adults who have intellectual disabilities with opportunities to live and work with dignity.
Visitors were able to explore Tokara’s renowned gardens, browse rare and specialist plant stalls and enjoy the contemplative Moss Garden installation by botanical artist Gert van Tonder. Camphill residents hosted interactive workshops, sharing skills and selling home-grown teas, spices and produce, with all proceeds going to the community.
Beyond Tokara’s botanical beauty, the event highlighted the estate’s ongoing commitment to giving back by nurturing both people and place through a shared love of nature.
TERRA
Nearly two years after the celebrated opening of Mertia in Stellenbosch, Marais Kirsten-Uys and chef Matt van den Berg have unveiled their latest venture, Terra.
Inspired by nature and the elements, Terra reimagines casual dining with an all-day menu that moves seamlessly from breakfast to dinner, seven days a week.
Located in Dorp Street, this new, earthy eatery offers a warm refuge for salt-of-the earth locals and visitors alike. While Matt guides the overall culinary vision as executive chef, the kitchen is led by the experienced Jarryd Morris. Together, these two chefs ensure a fresh, grounded dining experience in the heart of Stellenbosch.
BERTUS BASSON’S TOEVLUG
A new culinary chapter unfolds at Annandale Wines with the opening of Toevlug, the latest venture from acclaimed chef Bertus Basson, led by celebrated chef Drikus Brink. Toevlug celebrates simple, produce-driven South African cooking that honours flavour, seasonality and a sense of place.
Set on one of Stellenbosch’s most historic wine farms, Toevlug is envisaged as a warm, family- friendly sanctuary, a space where guests can slow down, savour good food and enjoy the farm’s natural beauty. The name, meaning ‘sanctuary’, reflects the team’s vision to create a space that feels both nurturing and grounded.
CHEF TEMPELHOFF OPENS ARUM AT BOSCHENDAL
Boschendal Estate has welcomed Arum, a fire-focused, produce-led restaurant from the acclaimed Fyn Group, led by chef-founder Peter Tempelhoff, culinary director Ashley Moss and sommelier Jennifer Hugé. Named after the native arum lily, the restaurant celebrates the farm’s heritage and abundant produce, bringing a farm-to-fire approach to an historic wine estate.
Located in the Werf building, the original cellar of Boschendal’s 1812 manor house, Arum showcases locally sourced ingredients and more than 40 varieties of vegetables, herbs, roots, fruits, and proteins cultivated on the estate. Flame techniques, from subtle grills to smoke and char, highlight the unique flavours of the produce, while a new contemporary bar offers farm-inspired cocktails crafted with house-made tinctures and essences.
The opening marks a bold evolution for Boschendal, which has hosted dining in the Werf since 1977. According to the estate’s CEO Amy Kropman, the restaurant combines Boschendal’s culinary heritage with a fresh, world-class perspective, creating a dining destination that honours the land, its history and its bounty.
TASTE STELLENBOSCH
This past September, Stellenbosch once again proved why it is South Africa’s food and wine capital. Taste Stellenbosch, a month-long celebration of the town’s culinary excellence, brought together more than 30 restaurants offering seasonal menus, chef’s tables and spring-inspired specials that reflected the region’s deep connection to place, people and produce.
Supported by Capitec, the campaign showcased the breadth of Stellenbosch’s dining scene, from local gems like Spek & Bone and De Warenmarkt to acclaimed names such as Dusk, Jardine Restaurant and Klein Joostenberg Bistro. Each venue presented its own creative take on flavour, heritage and hospitality.
According to Visit Stellenbosch CEO Annemarie Linderberg, the initiative captured the town’s blend of heritage, innovation and community.
Taste Stellenbosch offered visitors a taste of why this region continues to reign supreme. Daniel Kriel, the chairman of Taste Stellenbosch, believes the town has earned its stripes as the perfect destination for both casual foodies and serious gastronomes.
INVESTEC CAPE TOWN ART FAIR 2026: LISTEN
The Investec Cape Town Art Fair (ICTAF) returns from 20 to 22 February 2026 at the CTICC, with the theme ‘Listen’. Now in its 13th edition, the fair invites artists, galleries, collectors and visitors to engage in a deeper, reflective dialogue with contemporary art, exploring the power of attention, silence and responsiveness in a fast-moving world.
Highlights include curated sections by international art leaders: Dr Mariella Franzoni (Tomorrows/Today), Céline Seror (Solo), Tandazani Dhlakama (Generations) and Beata America (Cabinet), alongside the fair’s Main, Lookout, Editions, Connect, and the expand- ed Capsule retail section. A new performance project will also debut, reinforcing the fair’s multidisciplinary approach.
ICTAF is a pivotal platform that connects the African art market with global collectors and institutions. Visitors can expect an immersive experience, discovering contemporary works from established and emerging artists around the world.
MANTUA: SILK AS CEREMONIAL RESTORATION
Blending wellness philosophy with textile artistry, Mantua redefines luxury silkwear as an expression of mindful living.
Founded in Stellenbosch by Juandi Andrag after her own journey with autoimmune challenges, the brand is built on the healing and sensory benefits of silk, a natural fibre known for its hypoallergenic, temperature-regulating and skin-soothing properties.
Each Mantua piece, from hand-painted scarves to flowing kaftans, is conceived as a form of ‘ritual wear’: garments that invite calm, connection and restoration. Patterns are first rendered in watercolour before being translated onto premium mulberry silk and natural fabric blends, reflecting the brand’s commitment to South African craftsmanship and design excellence.
More than fashion, Mantua offers a philosophy of intention and self-care. With its growing collection of silkwear and soon-to-launch bespoke sleepwear line, the brand continues to champion wellness through artistry – transforming everyday rituals into moments of quiet luxury.
FIRST SINDISO KHUMALO STORE
Celebrated designer and Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVMH) Prize finalist Sindiso Khumalo opened her first flagship store in Cape Town’s vibrant Longkloof Precinct, marking 10 years of her eponymous brand. The space showcases Khumalo’s hand- illustrated prints, silhouette designs and slow, intentional approach to textile design, bringing her internationally recognised work back to where it all began.
The store reflects the brand’s philosophy of being both personal and purposeful, with colours, textures and layouts that tell the story of African design and textile innovation.
GRAFF’S ENDLESS SUMMER
Graff has unveiled its Endless Summer campaign, a celebration of golden hues, artistry and connection. Shot beneath sunlit skies, it highlights Graff’s latest creations in yellow gold and diamonds, including the new Be Together collection, which symbolises love and unity through two interlocking loops of gold and pavé diamonds.
Reimagined classics such as Tilda’s Bow, Spiral and the Laurence Graff Signature collections take centre stage, showcasing the house’s distinctive balance of movement, energy and sculptural form. Bold yellow diamond masterpieces – long synonymous with Graff’s 65-year legacy – radiate the brilliance of sunlight through exceptional design and craftsmanship.
For more than six decades, Graff has been a leader in high jewellery, renowned for its collection of rare stones and its unwavering commitment to beauty and precision. Endless Summer captures that heritage in a modern, radiant light – a celebration of elegance that endures through every season.