Make your weekend unforgettable with our curated three-day calendar: enjoy a forest picnic at Vergelegen Wine Estate, cook alongside executive chef Stephen Fraser for Lanzerac’s Summer Masterclass, dust of those running shoes and take part in the STF Bartinney2Bartinney Trail Run, see one of South Africa’s foremost organ improvisers Zorada Temmingh live in concert, and sit down for heavenly culinary delights at the recently re-opened Gåte at Quoin Rock.
Picnics in the forest
This summer, Vergelegen Wine Estate’s mystic Camphor Forest will play host to enchanting White Tablecloth Picnics. The tranquil forest setting offers guests the opportunity for both intimate affairs or more spirited gatherings for family and friends. Now, can you think of a more perfect milieu to pep up your plate than under the beautiful trees surrounded by the remnants of Van Der Stel’s Camphor Forest?
When: Daily (November-April) from 12:15-13:30 for collection of picnic baskets. Closes at 16:30.
Bookings: Download the picnic menu and wine list, call +27 (0)21 847 2131 for more information or send an email to info@vergelegen.co.za. Take note that reservations are essential and should be made at least 24 hours in advance.
Cook like a pro
Want to get your hands dirty? Why not join in for Lanzerac’s Summer Masterclass with executive chef Stephen Fraser? Stephen, who heads up the iconic Lanzerac kitchen, will be hosting the next hands-on cooking Summer Masterclass when guests will be shown how to prepare the perfect holiday feast the Lanzerac way. The main focus? To show attendees simple tricks to elevate their home dinner parties over the festive season: from delicious canapés on arrival to decadent desserts that will leave your friends and family in awe.
When: 20 November 2020
Bookings: R795 per person – includes a tasting experience and a two-course lunch paired with wine. Send an email to events@lanzerac.co.za to reserve your spot or call +27 (0)21 887 1132. Limited space is available.
Run for a good cause
The STF Bartinney2Bartinney Trail Run kicks off in Stellies this weekend from the town’s iconic Church Street and finishes at the beautiful Bartinney Wine Estate. Take note that this bucket list event is limited to 500 runners. Good to know: There will also be a shuttle service (included in your entry fee) from the finish area back to Bartinney Wine & Champagne Bar. The service will leave Bartinney every 30/45 minutes as from 09:45 – last bus at 14:00. The shuttle service between spectator parking and finish area starts at 08:00 with the last bus at 14:00. Part of the proceeds will go to Stellenbosch Trail Fund and Banhoek Conservancy.
When: 22 November 2020 from 07:00-14:00
Registration: Check in at Bartinney Wine & Champagne Bar on 20 November 2020 from 17:30 until 20:00. Second registration will take place on the morning of the event at Bartinney Wine & Champagne Bar from 06:00.
Bookings: R225-R325 per person. Call +27 (0)21 885 1013 or send an email to info@bartinney.co.za for more information.
Also on the cards…
• TrailFun Simonsig: Choose between 5km, 10km or 20km and enjoy a run through Simonsig Wine Estate’s vineyards. Challenging, longer routes are also available. When: 21 September 2020. Time: 07:00. Rate: R120-R150.
• FALKE Blooming Trail Run presented by Sportmans Warehouse is taking place this Sunday, 22 November 2020, at L’Avenir Wine Estate situated on the R44. After months of lockdown stress, get blooming as you frolic in the fresh outdoors. Registration from 06:30 at L’Avenir Wine Estate.
All about the organ
Experience the sheer brilliance of Zorada Temmingh, one of South Africa’s foremost organ improvisers, this Sunday at the Stellenbosch Moederkerk. Lovers of the organ can expect some of Zorada’s own improvisations of loved Christmas carols, as well as a partita on “God is Liefde” (“God is Love”) and “The Hunchback Suite” which contains the main themes from her soundtrack improvisation for the silent movie “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”. This live event can be viewed in-person at the venue or online from the comfort of your home.
When: 22 November 2020 at 15:00
Tickets: In-person live performance (R150 adults, R120 pensioners), or online livestream performance (R100 per device) by selecting the appropriate ticket category. Take note that the livestream will be available for 72 hours from the start of the concert. Send an email to Brent Reynolds at brent@brconcerts.com or call +27 (0)82 415 0228.
Culinary heaven reopens
After much anticipation, Gåte at Quoin Rock has finally reopened to delight guests with treats for the taste buds. According to the restaurant’s new head chef, Jack Coetzee, the “micro terroir cuisine” celebrates a more local approach. Patience might be a virtue, but the early bird definitely catches the worm. Don’t delay and book now for an extraordinary dining experience which is certain to capture your imagination and engage your senses.
When: Daytime (Wed-Sun, 12:00-15:00), evening (Thu-Sat, 18:00-20:30)
Book online where you will also be able to download the menu. Call +27 (0)21 888 4750 or send and email to gate@quoinrock.co.za for more information.
In the mood for cycling
• De Hoop Vlei MTB Experience: A two-day guided all-round MTB experience for the whole family in and around De Hoop Nature Reserve, one of South Africa’s sought-after World Heritage Sites. Small groups of 10 cyclists will depart every 15 minutes – faster riders earlier and slower riders later. Names of all participants will be added to starting lists at De Hoop Collection’s reception when you book in for the weekend. The De Hoop Collection offers amazing food, luxury accommodation and close wildlife encounters. When: 20-22 November 2020.
• Ride The Cape is an all-inclusive luxury riding and culinary experience through the beautiful Elgin Valley. The event is limited to 60 riders ensuring exclusivity. Participants will ride through the area’s well-known apple and pear orchards and experience Elgin’s high-quality, cool climate wines. Participants will explore three days of scenic riding through fynbos, indigenous forests and vineyards. When: 20-22 November 2020.