December is a time for relaxing and unwinding after a stressful year – and what better way to do just that than by reclining on a lush green lawn, savouring the summer sunshine with a glass of fine wine in hand, and bopping along to some incredible live music courtesy of talented local artists? Great news … there’s plenty of live music sessions to look forward to in Stellenbosch this festive season.
Here’s the lowdown so you can plan your month’s entertainment.
Sunset Sessions: Live Music Fridays on the Werf
Settle down on the velvety grass of Spier wine estate while François Haasbroek serenades you with his guitar and some acoustic rock and folk favourites. Take the experience to the next level with a lovingly prepared picnic, comprising delicious eats like a Vadas baguette, hummus, charcuterie, and a selection of cheeses with lavash crackers. Alternatively, order a crisp-base pizza to go from Vadas Smokehouse & Bakery or create your own al fresco feast with goodies from the Farm Café.
Where: Spier Wine Farm
When: Every Friday for the duration of the festive season and beyond, starting on 26 November from 17h00 – 19h30.
Cost: Admission is free but be sure to book your spot in advance via Dineplan. It’s also possible to book a mini picnic for two for R185 or a special Spier Summer picnic for two for R590.
Special notes: The sessions will not be taking place on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve, or in the event of rain.
Sunset Rouge Evenings
Sunsets, wine, food, and an unbeatable ambiance – that’s what Alto Wine Estate’s Sunset Rouge Evenings are best known for! Wines are for sale by the glass or bottle and can be accompanied by a delicious cheese and charcuterie platter. Look forward to music from local talents including Ethan Florus and Timothy de Monk throughout the festive season.
Where: Alto Wine Estate
When: Every Friday from 26 November (17h30 – 20h00) until the end of December.
Cost: Entrance is free. Reserve your table via info@altowines.co.za.
Live music at Bellevue
It’s a fantastic venue with a relaxing vibe for putting your feet up and indulging all the senses. Sip on a glass of red, tuck into a tender steak, and revel in the tunes from an impressive line-up of local bands and artists.
Where: Bellevue Estate
When: Every Saturday until 22 January from 19h00 – 22h00.
Cost: Entrance is free but please book your spot to avoid disappointment: restaurant@bellevue.co.za or phone 021 865 2055.
Pivnushka Summer DJ Series
Spend your lazy Sunday summer afternoons grooving to the beats of Cape Town’s most prestigious local DJs at Hazendal Wine Estate, taking in the warm sunshine and the fresh Winelands air. Could it get any better? Well, yes … because you can enjoy all of this with a Roku Japanese Gin or Jim Beam cocktail in hand!
Where: Hazendal Wine Estate
When: Every Sunday until 9 January from 12h00 – 16h00.
Cost: Free.
Jazz & Classical Encounters 2021 Vol 3
A much-anticipated one-day festival at the Spier Wine Farm Amphitheatre brings music fans live performances from a soulful mix of jazz and classical icons. The event pays tribute to the late and great soprano, Mam Sibongile Khumalo and renowned Cape Town pianist, Andre Petersen through live music from the Bokani Dyer Trio, Zandile Mzazi, Kathleen Tagg, and more. Refreshment breaks are included to allow visitors to explore and make the most of what’s on offer at the estate.
Where: Spier Wine Farm
When: 4 December from 11h30 – 21h00.
Cost: Tickets cost R565 per person via Quicket.
The Stander Gang live
The beats don’t get better than those made by The Stander Gang: Rick Stander, Simon Orange, Schalk Joubert, Simon van der Linden, and Vernon Swart. Lie back on the lush lawns as you listen and unwind. Thee’s plenty of pizza, kiddies’ delights, beer, and wine to look forward to, too!
Where: Yonder Hill Wines
When: 4 December from 14h00 – 17h00.
Cost: R150 per adult. Children under 12 get in free. Please book via the Yonder Hill website.
Middelvlei Sunset Carols
The Middelvlei Sunset Carols event is a family-friendly celebration sure to impress both young and old. The kids can get to know the farm animals, meet Santa, run around on the sprawling lawn, or take part in some fun traditional games, while the adults can sit back and relax while sipping on a glass of Middelvlei wine and singing along to Christmas carols. The ticket price includes a Boerebraai-inspired tapas platter. Kids receive a yummy snack box and a gift from Father Christmas himself.
Where: Middelvlei Wine Estate
When: 12 December from 17h00 – 21h00.
Cost: R400 per couple and R90 per child. Book via info@middelvlei.co.za.
Be sure to make the most of this special time in Stellenbosch when the sun sets a little later, the vineyards are beautiful, vibrant green, and the evenings are simply dreamlike. The unforgettable music only adds to the magic of it all – enjoy!
