Stellenbosch unveils a summer of fun: Stay and Play in South Africa’s culinary and wine capital and discover cool eateries, wine safaris and family-friendly adventures over the festive season.
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.”
Browse offers on the Stay and Play website. https://stayandplay.visitstellenbosch.org
To make it easier to plan your ‘Stay and 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.
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 and 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,” concludes 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.”
Culinary journeys for young & 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 that 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 at Spier provide laid-back environments perfect for socialising.
- DeVrije 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 provide 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.
Summer in Stellenbosch won’t be complete without adding a picnic (or three) to your to-do list. Here are some picnic ideas:
- Warwick: Enjoy a picnic on the lawn poofs, in the Forest Courtyard or posh picnic pods (available from 1 November 2024) for an elevated and private picnic.
- Quoin Rock & Cavalli: Offering a gourmet picnic experience for the whole family.
- Vredenheim: Offers a plaaslik picnic in the beautiful gardens.
- Alluvia: Ideal for romantic outings under the trees or by the dam.
- Hartenberg: Mixing up the picnic vibes and serving picnic style platters under the oak trees.
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,” adds Rabe. “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,” says Rabe.
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 their 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.
Family-friendly experiences ensure that 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 and marshmallow braai for a true South African experience.
To get all the tips on the coolest activities, browse offers and listen to the Stellenbosch summer playlist, visit stayandplay.visitstellenbosch.org.
Follow Visit Stellenbosch on Facebook and Instagram for more updates.
ALSO SEE: Cake Canteen has opened its third location at The Woodmill in Stellenbosch
Cake Canteen has opened it’s third location at The Woodmill in Stellenbosch
Feature image: Supplied
