Coming for the trail run, staying to slow down, stay longer, and make every moment count.
If you’re heading to Stellenbosch for one of our iconic winter trail running events, why not stretch your visit into a rejuvenating multi-day getaway? This season, we invite you to turn your finish line into the starting point of a deeper experience — where the pace slows down and the pleasures linger a little longer.
From post-run wine tastings by the fire to soulful Sunday lunches and vineyard-stay specials, Stellenbosch is your perfect winter base for slow travel. We’ve designed the ultimate itinerary around two upcoming events to help you immerse yourself in the best of Stellenbosch — before and after your run.
Mid-Year Trail Run at Muratie Wine Estate
Date: Sunday, 29 June 2025
Kick off the second half of 2025 with a trail run that blends history, nature, and pure winelands charm. The Mid-Year Trail Run at Muratie leads you along the beloved Dirtopia trail system — weaving through vineyards, forest paths, and the foot of Simonsberg. Afterward, toast your effort with a glass of Muratie’s legendary port or rich red wine under the trees.
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Where to Stay: Wine Farm Bliss Near Muratie
Rouana Guest Farm
Stay 3, Pay 2 + Wine & Cheese Welcome
Escape to the peaceful surroundings of Rouana Guest Farm and enjoy farm-style luxury in the heart of the winelands. Their elegantly appointed Deluxe Rooms come with all the modern comforts, yet maintain a rustic charm that’s perfect for winter. Enjoy sunrise views over the vineyards, curl up with a book by the fire, and sip on a complimentary bottle of local red, paired with a small cheese platter — included in your stay. It’s the kind of place where you instantly switch off.
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Knorhoek Wine Farm
20% Off All Rooms this Winter
Just around the corner from Muratie, Knorhoek Wine Farm blends old-world charm with modern farm hospitality. The estate’s historic manor house and surrounding cottages are ideal for couples, families or groups seeking a nature-filled escape. With winter discounts and access to hiking and biking trails, it’s an easy decision to extend your trail run trip into a full winelands weekend.
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L’Avenir Wine Estate
Up to 40% Off Midweek & Weekend Winter Escapes
Tucked away between rolling vineyards and serene dams, L’Avenir Country Lodge offers the kind of tranquil escape trail runners dream of after a big event. The estate’s midweek and weekend discounts make it easy to stay longer and unwind in comfort. Enjoy premium hospitality, scenic strolls, and wine tastings just steps from your room. With views for days and luxury touches throughout, L’Avenir is a dreamy base for exploring the northern wine route.
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Where to Eat: Fireplaces, Fondue & Flavourful Feasts
Delheim Live Music & Fondue Sundays
Settle in for a soul-warming Sunday at Delheim. Each week, from 6 July to 31 August, features live music performances paired with a decadent three-course fondue lunch. Think cheese fondue made with Kleinrivier’s best, glühwein on arrival, and a dessert worth running for. Add mountain views and award-winning wines, and you’ve got the ultimate winter tradition.
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Le Pommier Wine Estate
Enjoy a comforting two-and-a-half-course fireside lunch with generous portions, seasonal flavours, and a glass of Le Pommier’s finest wine. This special menu includes options like their famous Soup of the Day, slow-cooked mains, and something sweet to end on a high note. A local favourite for good reason — this is country cooking at its cosiest.
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Lievland Café
Celebrate local, seasonal ingredients with their signature winter venison specials. Each dish is thoughtfully paired with Lievland’s award-winning red wines, from Springbok terrine to red wine-braised shanks. Enjoy your meal in the estate’s contemporary café, where big glass windows look out over the vines and hills beyond.
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Winter Trail Run at Knorhoek Wine Estate
Date: Sunday, 27 July 2025
Lace up for one of Stellenbosch’s most scenic winter runs. The Winter Trail Run at Knorhoek takes you through the lush Knorhoek Valley, offering misty forest trails, vineyard switchbacks, and breathtaking singletrack. The post-run vibe? All about cosy recovery and rewarding indulgence.
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Where to Stay: Right in the Heart of Stellenbosch
De Hoek Manor
Elegant Stay from R2,600 incl. Breakfast
Live like a local — right on the edge of Dorp Street. De Hoek Manor is a beautifully restored guesthouse that puts you in the centre of the action, but with the calm of a luxury retreat. Spacious rooms, warm interiors, and a delicious breakfast to kickstart your mornings — all a few minutes’ walk from the best shops, wine bars and eateries in town.
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Eendracht Hotel & Apartments
Up to 25% Off with “DirectG”
This boutique hotel offers timeless comfort, exceptional service, and a prime location along one of Stellenbosch’s most historic streets. Whether you opt for a cosy hotel room or a fully serviced apartment, you’ll find Eendracht a restful and refined base. Use the special code for your winter discount and start planning that slow travel escape.
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Southern Sun de Wagen
All-Inclusive Winter Warmer Package
This isn’t just a stay — it’s a curated Stellenbosch experience. From romantic turndowns and complimentary wine to tastings at three top estates and breakfast each morning, Southern Sun de Wagen wraps you in winelands charm. Add an optional dinner at Volkskombuis, and you’ll have the full fireside experience.
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Where to Eat: Dine Around Town, One Cosy Special at a Time
Le Grand Domaine Enoteca
Treat yourself to their Café de Paris beef fillet, perfectly grilled and served with truffle & parmesan fries. For R299, this winter special includes a glass of their premium Cape or Great Five wines. Enoteca is all about luxury, ambience, and indulgent pairings – a must for a celebratory post-run dinner.
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Curry Nights at Oude Werf
A midweek Stellenbosch tradition! Every Wednesday, Oude Werf serves up a rich, fragrant curry paired with a surprise dessert in their historic restaurant. Cosy, comforting, and utterly delicious — it’s the warm winter hug you didn’t know you needed.
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The Wine Glass – Plat du Jour
This stylish spot offers a new reason to visit daily, thanks to their rotating winter menu special. From short rib ragu to hake & chips with Cap Classique, each dish includes a soup starter, main, and wine pairing — thoughtfully crafted and generously portioned.
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Why Just Run When You Can Stay & Play?
Trail runs bring you here. Stellenbosch’s magic makes you stay.
Winter in the winelands is something truly special. Mornings start with mountain air and trail shoes; afternoons are for wine tasting, naps, and gallery browsing. Evenings wind down with fireside dinners and clinking glasses.
So don’t rush home. Slow down, stay longer, and rediscover the beauty of doing less but experiencing more.
Explore more Stay & Play listings and plan your perfect winter escape.
