Stay and Play this winter thanks to a host of hot new restaurants, wine and accommodation, plus the highly anticipated Wine Town Stellenbosch.
Stellenbosch is turning up the heat with an exciting lineup of new restaurants, tasting rooms, outdoor adventures, Travelstart travel packages and luxury accommodations this winter. The Stay and Play Winter campaign returns this year to invite you to explore the region’s hospitality and wine culture, with special offers to stay longer and experience more.
Plus, you could save when you book your Stellenbosch package getaway with Travelstart.
“From incredible new restaurants to exclusive winemakers dinners and tasting pairings, stunning new villa accommodation and the return of Wine Town Stellenbosch, there’s more reason than ever to linger longer in our warmhearted town,” says Jeanneret Momberg, CEO of Visit Stellenbosch. “Our Stay and Play Winter offers showcase this exciting line-up, making it the perfect season to discover the magic of winter in Stellenbosch. Our partnership with Travelstart gives you even more reason to book and save.”
Book & save with Travelstart:
Get up to R1,000 off when booking a package deal that includes flights to Cape Town and a minimum two-night stay in Stellenbosch at selected properties. Travel before 15 September 2024. Terms and conditions apply. Book here.
What’s new in Stellenbosch:
Hot wining and dining
Stellenbosch’s culinary scene is buzzing with new dining options, offering an array of flavours and atmospheres to suit every palate. Among the newest additions are De Vier, Hoseki at Delaire Graff Estate, Rykaarts at Longridge Wine Estate, VUUR Restaurant (trendy fire cooking), Wijnhuis Restaurant, Lievland Café, and the latest addition to the culinary scene – Melfort at Annandale Wine Estate.
“Another exciting initiative is Onderstok, a group of elite Stellenbosch chefs working together to sharpen their competitive edge and to lift the creative energy of Stellenbosch’s food offering, making Stellenbosch the true heartland of gastronomy,” adds Momberg.
Exclusive winemakers dinners
The wine and culinary capital of South Africa offers exclusive winter winemakers dinners (and a few lunches) hosted by Stellenbosch’s top winemakers at renowned local restaurants.
“These intimate events offer a unique opportunity to savour expertly paired dishes with exceptional wines, providing a truly special culinary experience,” says Momberg.
Winemakers dinners will be hosted at:
- 18 July: Waterford Estate with Shiraz, Fire and Smoke
- 25 July and 29 August: Erinvale Hotel is hosting multiple winemaker evenings in the Magnolia Social Lounge
- 26 July: Cavalli hosts husband and wife winemaker team, Rianie and Louis Strydom
- 30 & 31 July: Weltevreden Estate is hosting a Bertha’s Wine Dinner with chef Cornelle Minnie on 31 July and a Winemaker’s Dinner at Bertha’s Wine Bar on 30 July
- 1 August: Blaauwklippen is hosting a 5-course lunch and wine pairing with winemaker Narina Cloete
- 16 August: Dusk is hosting Aslina Wines
- 25 August & 29 September: Spier will host a Shiraz Exploration Dinner (25 August) and Legacy By Vintage event (29 September)
New Villa Accommodation
For winter getaways with family or friends, such as an indulgent girls’ weekend away or multigenerational family trips, Stellenbosch’s latest villa accommodations ensure there is enough room for everyone.
New villa accommodation options include:
- Hazendal Estate Manor House
- Petites Boules Manor – offers 3 rooms
- Bonne Esperance Villa – offers 3 rooms
- Middedorp Villa (with additional apartments)
- Jordan Estate’s The Villa
New wine tasting rooms & pairings
Wine enthusiasts will be delighted by the new wine tasting rooms that have opened across Stellenbosch. Notable new spots include Stellenbosch Reserve, Winshaw Vineyards, Grangehurst, Deux Frere, Lievland Vineyards, Kaapzicht and Joubert Family Wines.
Creative new pairings include Alto’s Wine & Winter Canapes, Ernie Els Wines’ wine and canape tastings, Blaauwklippen’s wine and honey gummies, Warwick’s Lakrids and wine pairing and Spier’s Sip & Soup. Van Ryn’s Brandy Distillery is another hot stop for brandy and chocolate pairing tastings.
Warm up in the outdoors
The Blaauwklippen Wine Trail offers an 8.5km trek through picturesque vineyards, including tastings at Dornier and Stellenzicht. For a unique water experience, visitors can try trendy eFoiling at Devonbosch Dam.
Live music and entertainment
Stellenbosch’s vibrant music scene continues to thrive with live performances and special events. Enjoy First Friday at Cavalli featuring a set menu and live music or unwind with Sunday evening sessions at Petites Bulles and Delheim’s Cheese Fondue Sundays with live music.
Wine Town Stellenbosch
The much-anticipated Wine Town Stellenbosch, a 7-day wine-themed celebration returns from 29 July to 4 August 2024. This event offers a week-long celebration of wine, food and family-friendly entertainment, making it a highlight of the winter season in the Winelands. Be sure to book accommodation early.
“Our exclusive Stay and Play winter deals on accommodation and experiences make it easier than ever to enjoy all that Stellenbosch has to offer without breaking the bank,” says Momberg.
Plan your itinerary today at www.stayandplay.visitstellenbosch.org. and follow Visit Stellenbosch on Facebook and Instagram.
