Summer is here, and Stellenbosch is ready to stay and play! From November 2024 to March 2025, this picturesque town in the heart of the Cape Winelands offers an exciting blend of summer experiences for families, foodies, wine enthusiasts and culture vultures.
“We’re inviting everyone to discover the magic, freedom and ‘coolness’ of a Stellenbosch summer,” says Elmarie Rabe, marketing manager of Visit Stellenbosch. “Think blue skies, vibey cafés, endless vineyard-scapes and plenty of fresh-air fun for adventurers and explorers of all ages.”
Discounted offers this December
“From 13 to 27 December 2024, experience the charm of South Africa’s food and wine capital with exclusive offers designed to make your stay unforgettable,” says Rabe. “Enjoy discounted stays, from boutique hotels in the historic town centre to serene retreats on wine farms, paired with festive dining at our top restaurants and sipping your way through the finest vineyards – this is our special gift to you!”
To make it easier to plan your Stay & Play Summer, the Visit Stellenbosch team is highlighting a selection of new and classic experiences: some are fresh and exciting, while others are ‘oldies but goodies’ that deserve to be rediscovered.
What’s cool in Stellenbosch this summer:
Outdoor fun for the family
Stellenbosch is the place to be for families.
For a touch of whimsy and a whole lot of cool, Hazendal’s Wonderdal Edutainment Centre will enchant kids aged 5 to 10, blending fun and learning in the most delightful way.
The putt-putt course at Kanu adds a fun twist, promising laughter and friendly competition for everyone.
Children of all ages will love the thrill of the Blaauwklippen bike park and pump track.
Or find your best-day-ever adventure on an exhilarating Scootours monster mountain scooter zooming downhill along scenic trails.
Meanwhile, Spier Wine Farm’s wide-open spaces and Elemental Play Garden provide the perfect setting for picnics and playful pursuits where kids can burn off tons of energy.
“And let’s not forget the teenagers – the ultimate adventure critics,” says Rabe. “They can expand their horizons with activities like quad biking adventures, Segway tours or even horse riding through Stellenbosch’s beautiful landscapes. For those seeking an extra adrenaline rush, an electrifying e-bike ride from Stellenbosch to Boschendal is perfect, navigating farm tracks and heart-pounding ups and downs. These experiences will ensure the family getaway earns their coveted stamp of approval!”
It’s the perfect way to create lasting memories as families bond and discover the beauty and adventure Stellenbosch has to offer together.
The coolest wine adventures
This summer, Stellenbosch is set to captivate visitors with an array of cool wine experiences. Adventure seekers can enjoy wine safaris, tractor rides and cycling tours, all offering a unique perspective on the Cape’s wine country. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, long afternoons spent savouring chilled white wines with friends provide the perfect respite from the summer heat.
Stellenbosch’s wineries continue to push the boundaries of traditional tastings with creative wine pairings:
- Vergenoegd Löw presents an indigenous pairing featuring local delicacies like bokkom, mebos and spekboom in a playful way.
- Middelvlei offers a South African twist with its wine and braaibroodjie pairing.
- Lanzerac revives nostalgia with expertly crafted wine and chocolate combinations.
- Alto captivates with its elegant wine and cheese pairing, along with other exceptional experiences. (Take note: Alto will be relocating its brand home to Bontehoek at the end of January 2025.)
- Cavalli elevates the experience with a luxurious wine and oyster pairing.
- L’Avenir offers a delicate wine and carpaccio offering.
For those with a sweet tooth, Eikendal, Delheim and Stellenrust offer unique wine and dessert pairings featuring cheesecake, fynbos cupcakes, and an assortment of regional and seasonal cakes, respectively.
Family-friendly experiences ensure younger visitors can join in the fun, too:
- Eikendal‘s kiddie milk and cookie pairing lets children decorate and pair cookies with flavoured milks.
- Koelenhof’s KOEL Kids Grape Juice Tasting combines juice, a bunch of treats and a themed activity sheet.
- Middelvlei hosts a kiddies juice tasting (pictured) and marshmallow braai for a true South African experience.
Culinary journeys for young and old
Stellenbosch – the food capital of South Africa – continues to innovate and lead the way in gastronomic adventures, offering visitors fresh flavours with each season.
As the dining preferences of younger generations shift, Stellenbosch’s chefs and restaurants are rising to the challenge, offering creative and diverse menus that cater to evolving tastes. This new wave of culinary experiences ensures there’s something for everyone, from adventurous foodies to casual family diners.
For teens and family outings, consider the below restaurants:
- De Vier restaurant offers a trendy atmosphere with its fusion cuisine.
- Mill Street Bistro serves up contemporary but refined dishes in a relaxed setting.
- For those seeking a more casual vibe, Kantien and Vadas Smokehouse at Spier provide laid-back environments perfect for socialising.
- De Vrije Burger is a must-visit for gourmet burger enthusiasts.
- The brand-new eatery at Stellenbosch Reserve serves up cool Mediterranean cuisine and views for days.
- Not to be missed is the innovative cuisine of Eric Bulpin, the new(ish) executive chef at Ernie Els Wines.
For families and younger generations passionate about responsible dining, Stellenbosch’s trendy farm-to-table and family-style dining options are particularly appealing. Make a note:
- Winshaw Vineyards offers an authentic farm-to-fork experience.
- Rykaarts at Longridge Wine Estate provides a perfect blend of stunning views and locally sourced cuisine.
- Sunday lunches at the Kleine Zalze Restaurant are a delightful family affair.
- The Werf Restaurant at Boschendal presents contemporary soil-to-fork cuisine focusing on seasonal flavours, and also offers a great Sunday Sharing Lunch.
Summer in Stellenbosch won’t be complete without adding a picnic (or three) to your to-do list. Here are some ideas:
- At Warwick, enjoy a picnic on the lawn pouffes, in the Forest Courtyard or posh picnic pods for an elevated and private picnic.
- Quoin Rock and Cavalli are offering gourmet picnic experiences for the whole family.
- Vredenheim is offering a Plaaslik Picnic in the beautiful gardens.
- Alluvia is ideal for romantic outings under the trees or by the dam.
- Hartenberg mixes up the vibes and serves picnic-style platters under oak trees.
New art and culture
The Art Mile, which debuted in October 2024, has transformed Stellenbosch’s already charming surrounds into an even more interesting open-air gallery. This innovative project weaves together culture, art and the great outdoors, offering visitors a multi-sensory experience of the town’s rich heritage and creativity. The Art Mile is a family-friendly activity with numerous interactive art pieces that children will enjoy.
A summer of festivities
Stellenbosch’s popular Street Soirees make their return this summer, turning the town’s quaint thoroughfares into bustling hubs of activity. These events offer the perfect blend of wine tasting, local cuisine and live music, capturing the essence of South African hospitality.
Throughout summer, a series of special hosting events and pop-up experiences will ensure there’s always something new to discover.
“Stay & Play Summer is a reminder to rediscover all the cool experiences and hidden gems that make Stellenbosch so special. It’s an invitation to become part of Stellenbosch’s unfolding story,” says Rabe. “We’re offering more than just a summer escape; we’re providing an opportunity to create lasting memories in one of South Africa’s most beloved destinations.”
Image credit: Middelvlei Estate