Stellenbosch, South Africa’s second oldest town, truly is a destination for all seasons and ages, surrounded by dramatic scenery and bustling with vineyards, rich Cape heritage, art and architecture. One of the world’s leading wine tourism destinations, more than 150 wine farms offer visitors exciting and authentic experiences such as tastings, world class restaurants, family attractions and exciting lifestyle activities. Located only 30 minutes inland from the Cape’s best beaches, a mere 40km from Cape Town International Airport and 50km from Cape Town, Stellenbosch is the perfect hub from where to explore the city, coastal regions and the rest of the Cape Winelands.
Wine Tourism News
Stellenbosch Experience Campaign continues in 2017
The international wine tourism PR campaign is a collaboration of multiple partners including Stellenbosch Wine Routes and Stellenbosch 360. Private partners that are supporting the campaign this year include Oude Werf Hotel, Kleine Zalze, Spier, Delaire Graff Estate, Stellenbosch Vineyards, Avontuur, Delheim, Le Pommier, Jordan, Peter Falke, Adventure Shop, Majeka House, Rozendal, Lanzerac, Van Ryn’s Distillery, JC le Roux, Dirtopia, Devon Valley Hotel, Erinvale Hotel & Spa, Middelvlei, Bites & Sites, Stellenbosch Sure Travel, First car rental.
Food and wine pairing. Image credit Spier
Restaurant & Foodie News
New restaurant in Stellenbosch town: The Fat Butcher
The Fat Butcher is a new kid on Stellenbosch’s highly competitive food block. Situated on the corner of Drostdy and Van Riebeeck Streets, this contemporary steakhouse is surrounded by the town’s oldest buildings and is already a favourite of the area’s “who’s who”. Ideal for the serious meat connoisseur, the menu features a choice between burgers, grills (“allegaartjie” mixed grill, pork ribs, lamb rump & lamb t-bone), steaks (200-300g sirloin, rump, fillet, dry-aged, New York cut, côte du boeuf, t-bone, and three signature steaks) and a few “local flavour” favourites (pork belly, lamb shank, pie of the day, porcini risotto and oxtail). The space in this historical building got a contemporary interior revamp with tasteful leather booths, wooden tables, textured wall paint, black accents and an all-round masculine yet luxurious feel.
New dining experience: The Bus Stop @ Stellenbosch Vineyards
It’s big, it’s bold and it’s yellow! The Bus Stop has arrived at Stellenbosch Vineyards with the promise of serving the best burgers, pizzas and waffles this side of the R44! What’s more, this casual eatery is situated in the centre of the pond on the Welmoed farm, sporting a bright yellow 1980 Bedford bus as the heart of the restaurant. This unique concept gives a twist to the cuisine sensation that is the ‘food truck revolution’, with the bus refurbished into a bar serving and highlighting the innovative Infusions, the farm’s heritage brand Welmoed and the home brand Stellenbosch Vineyards. The menu features craft beer, joined by wood fired pizzas and burgers from the open-air kitchen.
Delheim goes Cape Malay in May: Fire up winter with a hearty, traditional meal at Cape Wineland’s icon estate
Reconnect with the alluring history of the Cape this winter by joining Delheim, the Stellenbosch wine estate, for its special Cape Malay lunches in May. Known for its spice and warmth, the Cape Malay dishes will be the perfect foil for the cold winter days that lie ahead. The exclusive Cape Malay menu will spice things up every Saturday in May – and bookings are now open.
Lanzerac
Accommodation News
Lanzerac Hotel & Spa reopens Spa
As part of a large-scale refurbishment of the grand and historic Lanzerac Wine Estate, the Lanzerac Spa has been completely rebuilt and reimagined to offer a Winelands retreat experience with a distinctly luxurious feel. Nestled against rows of lush vineyards, the new Lanzerac Spa boasts six therapy rooms, four mini manicure and pedicure treatment areas, two relaxation areas, a Rasul chamber complete with sensation showers, an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna and steam rooms, and a mist room to help guests cool down.
Attractions, Activities & Tourism Offerings
New street art exhibition “From here on”
Stellenbosch is buzzing with artistic activity and is fast becoming a leading public art destination boasting a rich, multi-coloured canvas of unique art attractions. Until June 2017, visitors can muse on the outdoor exhibition
Hiervandaan/From here on/Ndisuka which is on display at various strategic positions across town, with include works by some of Southern Africa’s finest artists in their disciplines of choice including Daniel Naudé, Faith XLVII and Imraan Christian, Ledelle Moe, Strijdom van der Merwe , Ruann Coleman, Vulindlela PE Nyoni, Jacques Buys, Alex Hamilton and Masimba Hwati.
Stellenbosch Art. Image courtesy of Stellenbosch 360, by Andrew Brauteseth
#artystellenbosch: Last Thursdays Stellenbosch
To all art lovers, an invitation that cannot be refused: Last Thursday is a free gallery-hopping event which takes place monthly and welcomes tourists and locals alike to take in all the creative craft the town has to offer. Visit local galleries, get a look at what the talented students of the Stellenbosch University Visual Arts Department are producing and have a glass of wine while you’re at it. Expect full access to the many and diverse galleries in and around the historic town centre, as well as restaurants and bars abuzz with jovial company as the town opens up from 5pm till late.
Events & festivals
Various dates between May – November 2017: Mountain bike events, trail run and hike events
Dirtopia, an outdoor, adventure company based at Delvera Farm 10km from Stellenbosch organizes regular mountain bike events, fun trail runs and hike events for active and outdoor lovers. Dirtopia also offers the popular Wine Walk to Warwick as well as Full Moon Hikes where participants experience the splendour of the great outdoors with magnificent views of the Cape Peninsula and even Table Mountain.
Winelands Chocolate Festival – August 2017
The Winelands Chocolate Festival is a major annual Winter Festival with a sensational array of artisanal chocolates, various market stalls for the health conscious as well as decadent treats for those indulging moments. Fine chocolate is becoming as sophisticated as wine, but so many people are conditioned to eating chocolate as a sweet treat, with little chance of noticing its finer points
Jamestown Strawberry Festival – November 2017
The Jamestown Strawberry Festival is one of only two Strawberry Festivals in the world. A family-friendly affair, the event boasts strawberry picking experiences, an exhibition by local artists, a 5km fun run, food and craft stalls, and live entertainment each November.
Stellenbosch Street Soirees – bimonthly starting November 2017
The popular Stellenbosch Street Soirees spill the town’s unique food and wine culture onto its oak-lined
streets, for locals and visitors to sip, savour and share in the vibrant spirit of this ‘forever young’ town. Happening in the town’s bustling Drostdy Street, cars make way for a merry crowd to mingle, indulge in Stellenbosch wines and snack on gourmet bites by famed resident foodies. Live music adds feel-good vibes to this sensory ‘pavement playground’. Each event features a different selection of cellars, eateries and music.