Stellenbosch and surrounds is truly a year-round destination. In fact, winter may just be one of the most beautiful times of year to visit. Crisp autumn leaves cover the historic oak-lined streets, cosy fireplaces crackle in the restaurants and hotels and the crisp, cool weather is perfect for outdoor adventures galore.
Get reacquainted with Mother Nature as you cosy up next to the fireplace, hop aboard an e-bike and buzz around a peaceful wine farm, or walk the streets soaking up the astounding beauty of the mountains and charming town.
Wonderful winter activities to enjoy in the Winelands
Hop aboard an e-bike at the Adventure Shop
Of all the outdoor adventures in Stellenbosch, a half-day e-bike tour from Stellenbosch to Boschendal Wine Estate is at the very top of the list. Why? It’s family-friendly (provided the kids are over 140cm tall), it promises breath-taking views of the most scenic valley in the Winelands, and it provides you with the chance to spot plenty of wildlife up close, including Eland and Blue Wildebeest. The e-bike tour costs just R650 per person, which includes access to a tour guide, an e-bike, and transport back to Stellenbosch in the early afternoon.
Visit www.adventureshop.co.za. Or contact +27 21 882 8112 or info@adventureshop.co.za
Did you know that there is a massive, ever-growing cycling community in this special town? It’s true! After your exhilarating outdoor adventure has come to an end, simply follow the other cyclists and they will lead you to one of the best post-cycle coffee spots in the area.
Cycle to the wine farms with Vinebikes
Or how about a spot of cycling and wine farm visits in one?
After departing from the Lanzerac E-Bike Trail Centre, you can follow a Vinebikes guide along the Eerste River and past just some of the town’s historic buildings. The tour will take you into Stellenbosch town and all the way to Rustenberg Wines at the foot of the Simonsberg. From Rustenberg, cycle to Stark Conde in the Jonkershoek Valley surrounded by nothing but mountains and nature.
Cycling on the e-bikes enables you to soak up so much more than you would ever do in a car but you also have the advantage of cycling further and with less effort than a normal bicycle.
Visit www.vinebikes.co.za. Or contact +27 82 776 0557 or bookings@vinebikes.co.za
Tee off at Hazendal Golf
Tee up at Hazendal’s world-class 18-hole Par-3 course for the ultimate golfing experience. The course has been masterfully designed, with large undulating bent grass greens, beautifully and strategically placed bunkers and rough most golfers would like to avoid, setting you up for a great short game challenge, especially when the South Easter rears her head!
Hazendal took particular care when creating the course to be as environmentally friendly and responsible as possible. While playing, you will not only be able to enjoy the challenge the course presents but also the amazing scenery of the Stellenbosch surroundings.
Visit www.hazendal.co.za. Or contact +27 21 206 8537 or golf@hazendal.co.za
Township and Village Kayamandi walking tours
A Kayamandi on Foot walking experience is not a stock standard tour! Each tour is centred around the personality, connections, and interests of the local guide. They each have their personal stories and favourite spots that they will share with you as you visit 15 key sites in the community.
After having clocked up your steps, you’ll sit back and relax over a traditional meal. Pull up a chair at Amazink, South Africa’s first township theatre restaurant. The restaurant sits in the iKhaya Trust Centre; a fire-damaged beer hall turned award-winning, architect-designed community centre. Feast on a buffet of a traditional South African 7 Colours meal as you practise your rhythm in a drumming session (be warned: it’s trickier than it looks!) and soak up the storytelling, singing, and poetry.
Visit www.stellenboschtownshipandvillage.co.za. Or contact +27 82 856 8789 or reservations@townshipandvillage.co.za
Where to grab a cuppa and a hearty brekkie
Bootlegger
Situated in Ryneveld Street, Bootlegger is the place to go for those in search of a pick-me-up. The buzzy atmosphere is contagious, and the coffee shop is always full of enthusiastic cyclists swapping stories while enjoying the many mouth-watering brews and meals on the menu. While you can’t go wrong regardless of what you order, the killer Cortado is an absolute must-try. Pair it with a generous slice of soft, spongey banana bread for a match made in heaven!
Visit www.bootlegger.co.za. Or contact +27 21 433 2599 or info@bootlegger.co.za
Boschendal Deli
Visit The Deli at Boschendal for a hearty winter farm meal, whether you opt for the all-day Farmer’s Breakfast or the popular wood-fired pizzas for dinner. Aside from the well-known favourites on the menu, the selection also features the best of what the seasons have to offer on the farm.
Whether you choose to be seated outside amidst the hustle and bustle of our Werf area or get cosy inside near the wood-burning fire, The Deli is the perfect spot for casual dining with family and friends.
Visit www.boschendal.com. Or contact +27 21 870 4274 or reservations@boschendal.co.za
Lanzerac Deli
Famed for its frothy cappuccinos and all-day farm-to-table breakfasts, the Lanzerac Deli is another coffee hotspot to consider. If you are setting off on your e-bike exploits from the Lanzerac E-Bike Trail Centre, you could pop in for a cuppa beforehand or venture back this way following your cycle. Top up that tummy with a diverse selection of homemade breads, pastries, gourmet sandwiches, cheese and charcuterie platters, omelettes, and more.
Visit www.lanzerac.co.za. Or contact +27 21 887 1132 or restaurants@lanzerac.co.za
The Farmers Pantry
Set in the heart of Stellenbosch’s Devon Valley, the Farmers Pantry offers a glimpse into life on the farm.
This day time eatery offers an array of high-quality items made from only the best locally sourced, seasonal produce. Take a stroll through the plum orchards, sip on a glass of wine, or simply sit back and enjoy a meal with family and friends.
Visit www.thefarmerspantry.co.za. Or contact +27 60 303 9764 or pantry@thefarmerscollection.co.za
Feel like bringing your own bikes and exploring the Bottelary Mountain Bike trails? A day permit and access point to the Bottelary trails are available at The Farmers Pantry on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Where to dine in winter in Stellenbosch
De Vleispaleis
Proudly located in Dorp Street in the very heart of Stellenbosch’s most vibrant restaurant, café and bar precinct, De Vleispaleis is a complete celebration of South Africa’s most favourite ‘sport’ – grilling over flames and charcoal.
Collectively, the owners have about 40 years experience of owning and managing some of the most legendary and successful grillrooms and steakhouses in South Africa.
Visit www.devleispaleis.co.za. Or contact +27 21 879 2356 or info@devleispaleis.co.za
Backs Restaurant and Deli
This bistro style cuisine is generous, comfort food influenced by French, Mediterranean and local flavours. The Locavore concept translates into fresh, farm to fork dishes served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Ingredients are sourced from sister company, the Fairview farm, or other local suppliers, such as the hydroponic lettuce and leaves sourced from a community farm in Klapmuts.
Visit www.backs.co.za. Or contact +27 21 879 3180
De Volkskombuis
Expect classic South African dining with a modern twist in an elegant and recently renovated De Volkskombuis restaurant, dating back to the early 1970s. The menu features some of the signature old traditional favourites such as Meraai se Hoender Pie and Boland Bobotie with an impressive wine selection carefully put together to showcase all the terroirs within the Winelands. Enjoy the rustic and contemporary design and ambiance for a great winter dining experience.
Visit www.devolkskombuis.co.za. Or contact +27 21 741 0980
Where to stay in winter in Stellenbosch
Muratie Wine Farm – GP Canitz Guest Cottage
Oozing rustic charm, the GP Canitz Guest Cottage can be found on a historic farm that was originally the art studio of renowned painter, and previous owner, George Paul Canitz. Sit outside on the airy patio and observe the expansive beauty of the Simonsberg mountain range or hike or bike through the estate’s many winding trails. The Cottage is also home to the charming Farm Kitchen that serves up breakfast and lunch out on the terrace or inside the old cellar. Be sure to explore the MOK art gallery or wander over to the paddock to visit the friendly alpacas and donkeys during your stay.
Visit www.muratie.co.za/visit/accommodation/. Or contact +27 21 865 2330 or info@muratie.co.za
L’Avenir Country Lodge
The Simonsberg Mountains tower over the lovely 4-star L’Avenir Country Lodge, which is just a few minutes away from central Stellenbosch. Here, you will find impeccable hospitality, a rim-flow pool overlooking the dam, and plenty of birdlife. Guests can take advantage of flavourful home-cooked breakfasts on the deck out in the winter sunshine, a complimentary wine tasting, and a stroll through the many onsite hiking trails or the pristine vineyard showcase garden.
Visit www.lavenirestate.co.za/experience/# Or contact +27 21 889 5001 or info@lavenir.co.za
