This Friday sees Delvera’s popular Full Moon Hikes return for the season, and some of the SA’s most renowned chefs will be preparing a feast at the Celebrate Life Dinner at Avant Garde Restaurant in support of a great cause, and musos are in for a treat as Watershed plays a special acoustic set on Saturday evening at Hazendal. Wind down your weekend with a relaxed run at Paardevlei on Sunday (and a visit to the Cheetah Sanctuary next door). We bring you the best of what’s happening in the Winelands in our list of things to do this weekend.
FESTIVAL
Franschhoek Uncorked 2019 – 14 to 15 September
Bid farewell to the winter blues and swing into spring by heading off to the Franschhoek Wine Valley over the weekend of 14 and 15 September for this year’s Franschhoek Uncorked Festival. Explore one of South Africa’s finest wine destinations, whilst uncovering a fine selection of wine gems from the Franschhoek Vignerons. Wineries in and around the valley welcome the fresh, new season, using the opportunity to showcase their exciting new vintages and releases, as well as putting on a string of special events for visitors. New release line-ups range from MCC’s, white wines and rosés to red varietals.
OUTDOORS
Falke Full Moon Hike @ Delvera – 13 September 2019
The 15th season of the full moon hikes from Delvera kicks off this Friday and with views of sunsets over Table Mountain and the Winelands, followed by the mystical hue cast by moonlight, it’s easy to see why this hike to the top of Klapmutskop is a popular adventure.
The 9.75km marked circle route through the vineyards starts at Dirtopia Trail Centre located on Delvera Farm near Stellenbosch. It can take up to one and half hours to reach the top so hikers are advised to get there early for the full experience of hiking through the Greater Simonsberg Conservancy and Yellowwood forest. An optional shuttle service is available, which means your hike will start with the single track at the Pepper Tree just below Klapmutskop – this will shorten the route to less than 5km in total. Bookings online at Dirtopia.
MyRun hosts free weekly timed Events, bringing like-minded outdoor and nature enthusiasts together. Look forward to enjoying a peaceful and naturally beautiful spring Sunday morning run along the fringes of the Vlei, shadowed by the 100+ year old heritage buildings that grace the area.
You can also take time to interact with the wildlife at The Cheetah Sanctuary next door, after some morning coffee at Lorenzo Marx.
DINING
Celebrate Life dinner @Avant Garde Restaurant -13 September
A group of our country’s top and award-winning chefs Grégory Czarnecki (Waterkloof Restaurant), Michael Degg (Cavalli), Michelle Theron (Avant Garde at Hazendal), Maritz Jacobs (Longridge Restaurant) and Kyle Burn (Jordan Restaurant), will team up this year to create a superlative dining experience for a limited group of guests.
They donate their time, the ingredients and make their restaurants available in support of Horizon House. With dishes complemented by some of the Stellenbosch district’s best wines, and music by talented local musicians this is a truly memorable experience every year.
Longridge Plant-Based Food and Wine Evening – 14 September 2019
Celebrate spring with a flavourful food exploration at Longridge Wine Estate. With longer and sunnier days, the restaurant will present a celebration of what the new season offers in vegan cuisine. Join Longridge for an evening of fine wine and food, the healthy way. This farm to table inspired event will include 5 courses, with canapés, and wine. Cost is R550 per person.
Theuns Jordaan, one of South African most well known and beloved Afrikaans singer/songwriters will be at Tigers Milk for one special live performance on Saturday night. Grab your friends and family for an intimate evening of delicious food, drinks and dancing to old favourites. To book a table, email stellies@tigersmilk.co.za.
Craig Hinds (vocals, acoustic guitar, piano) and Howie Combrink (drums, vocals, acoustic guitar, ukulele) will be performing hits such as ‘Indigo Girl’, ‘In the Meantime’ and ‘Light of the Moon’, as well as songs from their new hit album, Harbour.