Dear Stellenbosch Friend
Spring is around the corner but we are still enjoying the last of our not-so-wintery-winter (affectionately known as our ‘Secret Season). Now’s a great time to get out and about, enjoying the beauty of the changing seasons, in support of our local businesses, people and communities. Plus, it’s Women’s Month.
Since our country moved back down to level 3, it opened up a world of new opportunities to savour the best of what the Bosch has to offer – all while staying safe and diligent, of course. You can’t go wrong with a day spent enjoying the great outdoors, so plan an exhilarating Stellenbosch mountain hike or join us on one of our all-new Stellenbosch Wine or Journey of Hope and Healing Walks for fresh air, a good dose of exercise, and breath-taking views beyond compare.
What kind of ‘Boscher are you?
Are you feeling a little overwhelmed by the scope of activities and adventures on offer in Stellenbosch? Where on earth do you even begin? Simply stop for a moment and take our quiz to discover what kind of ‘Boscher you are and how best to make the most of your getaway out in the Stellenbosch Winelands.
Are you a Wine‘boscher? Culture‘boscher? Outdoorsy‘boscher? Arty’boscher? or Foodie’boscher? Answer our fun quiz and we’ll provide you with a perfect-for-you itinerary – don’t forget to challenge your friends and family to do the same and use #ImABoscher.
Exploring Stellenbosch on foot
There are few better ways to get acquainted with Stellenbosch’s famed natural beauty than by heading out on a hike. Whether you’re a total beginner or a well-versed outdoorsman (or woman), rest assured that there are an abundance of trail options to choose from suited to a variety of different levels of fitness.
Not sure where to go or what to bring? Take a look at what some of our avid local adventurers had to say about their personal hiking experiences.
If a leisurely walk paired with a few wine tasting stops is more up your alley, you’ll love our all-new guided Stellenbosch Wine Walk, kicking off in September (August is unfortunately already booked out!). Each walk covers about 12 kilometres with a few gourmet surprises and local wine thrown in to make the day interesting.
Join us every Saturday morning (September 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th) from 8:30am when we depart from the entrance to the Ida’s Valley Nature Reserve on the Rustenberg Road. We’ll then take a laid-back stroll through the Ida’s Valley Nature Reserve to the top of the Helshoogte pass, from there head to Thelema for a breather and a hard-earned wine tasting stop. Next, we’ll explore the winding back-roads to conclude the walk at Le Pommier for yet another wine tasting and an indulgent lunch. You might also be joined by a local wine personality to add some flavour to the pitstop in Helshoogte! Click here to find out more.
Tickets are R500 per person. Groups are limited, so book now via email: info@visitstellenbosch.org. See you on the trails.
Youth Day ‘Social Justice Walk’ a great success
The Social Justice Walk, hosted by Visit Stellenbosch and Dwarsrivier Tourism on 16 June, a first of its kind, was a roaring success with our guests. The goal was to bring the many diverse communities in the greater Stellenbosch area together to acknowledge past injustices, ignite hope and healing, and to unlock tourism potential.
A number of dignitaries and Stellenbosch stakeholders joined us to walk the 16-kilometre route from the heart of Stellenbosch all the way to Pniël, a former freed slave settlement situated in the stunning Dwarsrivier Valley. Click here to see what the day entailed.
The Social Justice Walk forms one of the early legs of the 500-kilometre Pilgrimage of Hope route, one of our collaborative partners for this initiative.
The experience was so inspirational and popular that we are making it available as a permanent tourism offering and you can now book your groups for a Journey of Hope and Healing.
Click here for more information and to make a booking inquiry.
Introducing the exciting new festival of gardens
Can you believe we’re just over two months away from October! Yes, Spring is around the corner, as is Garden Week Stellenbosch.
Garden Day will be celebrated on Sunday 17 October 2021, and our weeklong event will be a chance to showcase the beauty and diversity of Stellenbosch’s outdoor offerings, flora, and fauna to our visitors. Click here to read the press release.
Bookings will open soon and you will be notified via email as soon as ticket sales are live. Click here to see what we have in store!
What’s happening in Stellenbosch?
Great food, wine, music, and nature – as always, there’s plenty on the go in Stellenbosch this August. Here are just a few note-worthy events to add to your diary.
Lanzerac Live Winter Sessions
Visit Lanzerac Hotel & Spa to savour the talents of some of Cape Town’s best-loved musos, paired with mouth-watering local cuisine as the cherry on top of an unforgettable experience. For the duration of winter, Lanzerac welcomes two incredible bands to perform each week, delighting you with their charm and talent, all while tucking into a delicious three-course feast.
Where: Manor Kitchen
When: 19 and 26 August at 19h00
Cost: R500 per person (Includes three-course set menu)
Book: +27 (0) 21 8871132 or events@lanzerac.co.za
Masterclass on SALT
It’s one of the most important seasonings and it’s more diverse than you think! Stop by Waterford Wine Estate for a masterclass on SALT, presented by Germain Lehodey and Craig Cormack. Here, you’ll learn about and sample eight different varieties from different countries around the globe, followed by a tasty three-course meal perfectly paired with three velvety Waterford wines.
Where: Waterford Wine Estate
When: 20 August at 18h30
Cost: R750 per person
Book: +27 (0) 21 880 5300 or info@waterfordestate.co.za
Muratie Sunset Hikes
Fresh air, beautiful scenery, and a honeyed sunset, the Muratie Sunset Hikes are sure to be a hit with the whole family. Note that with limited numbers allowed on after-hour permits, booking online is essential as government regulations will be followed for COVID-19.
Where: Muratie Wine Estate
When: 21 August at 17h00
Cost: R100 per adult, R50 per child
Book: https://www.dirtpass.co.za/product/tickets
5 Course Food & Wine Pairing with Live Music @ Louisvale Wines
This is one for the Wine and Foodie ‘boschers out there! Sit down to a decadent 5-course food and wine pairing presented by the Louisvale Winemakers, with music by tenor, Chris Coetzer to top it all off.
Where: Louisvale Wines
When: 25 August at 17h30
Cost: R460 per person
Book: +27 (0) 21 865 2422 or winery@louisvale.com
Professional makeup tutorial @ Jordan Wine Estate
Spruce up your makeup techniques with guidance from the best in the business. Come armed with your own war paint and allow Nicole Goosen from Oulik Vroulik and Anuschka Strydom to show you how to use it to accentuate your best features. You’ll have your makeup brush in one hand and a full glass of red or white in the other at all times!
Where: Jordan Wine Estate
When: 27 August at 13h00
Cost: R770 per person, including snacks and wine tasting
Book: +27 (0) 21 881 3441 or events@jordanwines.com
Celebrating Woman’s Month
Don’t let Women’s Month pass you by without treating yourself at least once! Luckily, Stellenbosch is swarming with unmissable specials. These are a few of our favourites:
- Buy one Spier signature wine tasting for R50 (up to six Spier Signature Wines of your choice) and your partner will join in for FREE.
- Spoil yourself with your favourite wine and a perfect, feel-good shade of red lipstick at the Wine & Lipstick Workshop by Delheim and Lipped coming up on the 21st and the 27th of August for just R520 per person.
- Let your stress and frustration melt away at Coopmanhuijs Boutique Hotel & Spa. Pay just R875 per person and enjoy a full breakfast, a 30-minute back, neck, and shoulder massage, a 10% discount voucher for Helena’s Restaurant, a welcome glass of sparkling wine, and a special room drop on arrival. Direct bookings only and valid until 31 August 2021.
Stellenbosch Staaltjies
Introducing our newest Stellenbosch Staaltjies storyteller – the OG tour guide of Stellenbosch herself, Ms. Siertske van Wyk. She has spent her retirement years sharing her love, stories, and secrets about Stellenbosch with its many visitors. Still today, Siertske will share stories about our beloved town that few know about. Meet and get to know Siertske in Chapter 4 – 7 on the Stellenbosch TV YouTube channel here.
Make the most of the last of the cool season with a spring in your step. Enjoy the multitude of outdoor activities and events offered in the Bosch – you won’t be disappointed!
See you soon.
The Visit Stellenbosch Team
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