Morning Winelands Insiders 😄
The Easter build-up is in full swing and whether you’re after something social, slow, or a little bit special, the best options are here and the choice is yours! From The Bubbly Festival weekend to First Thursdays in Stellenbosch, live sets at Daisy Jones and some seriously good foodie events dotted throughout.
A few showers to start, but don’t stress… the sunshine’s back next week, just in time to make the most of it all!
Quick reminder: Last week’s newsletter had some very good Easter plans in it - worth a scroll back before you miss out 👀
Here’s this week’s lineup👇
Things To Do & Events
Community Highlights
Little Insiders: Open Air Cinema
Eye Catching Deal: Sofia Pizza
Weather
Mind, Health & Fitness: 1000km+ of Trails
A Little Extra Inspo
👉 Community: The Winelands Insider is read more than 5,000 times a month by people from Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek and Somerset West, and we’re genuinely flattered.
👀 Want to see if your company is a good fit? Join our Partner Waitlist here.
👉 Loved today’s read? Spread this email + follow @winelandsinsider so you’re always in the know.
LOCAL EVENTS
⭐ EDITOR’S PICKS
The Bubbly Festival 2026
📅 Sat. 25 - Sun. 26 Apr | 12:00-17:00 📍 Anura Wine Estate
A vibrant weekend of Cap Classique, live music and social Winelands energy - always a sell-out.
🎟 From R350 - Details here
Stark x Bellevue - Immersive Dining Experience
📅 Sat. 25 Apr | 18:00 📍 Bellevue Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
An intimate, multi-course dining experience inside a working wine cellar - limited to just 24 guests.
🎟 From R3000 - Info here
🎭 ARTS + CULTURE
First Thursdays Stellenbosch
📅 Thu. 2 Apr | 17:00-20:00 📍 Stellenbosch CBD
Stellenbosch comes alive after hours with art, wine, music and buzzing street energy - one of the best nights to explore town before the Easter weekend.
🎟 Free entry (some experiences ticketed) - More info here
Spoegwolf Live at Daisy Jones
📅 Sat. 18 Apr | 19:00 📍 Daisy Jones, Stellenbosch
High-energy, loud singalongs and one of the best live venues - this is not just a show, it’s an experience.
🎟 From R300 - Book here

Seth Tabatznik Album Launch Experience
📅 Sun. 19 Apr | 11:30-15:30 📍 The BE Hive, Boschendal
A soulful afternoon of live music, storytelling and a forest-to-fork lunch in a beautiful setting.
🎟 Info here
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons - Lourensford
📅 Sun. 19 Apr | 18:00 📍 Lourensford Wine Estate
A creative journey through music, poetry and emotion - a fresh take on a timeless classic.
🎟 R300 pp - Details
Roan Ash Live at Daisy Jones
📅 Fri. 24 Apr | 17:00 (doors) | 20:30 show 📍 Daisy Jones, Stellenbosch
An intimate live performance filled with storytelling, acoustic moments and powerful vocals.
🎟 From R250 - Book here
Candlelight Concerts in Paarl
📅 Sat. 25 Apr | From 18:00 📍 Cathedral Cellar, Paarl
A breathtaking candlelit concert experience featuring iconic music in an intimate setting - magical from start to finish.
🎟 From R600 - Details here
Mel Botes - Poets, Wine & Song
📅 Sat. 25 Apr | 18:30 📍 Lourensford Wine Estate
A beautiful evening of poetry and music, paired with great wine and a relaxed Winelands atmosphere.
🎟 R280 pp - Info here
🏟 FAMILY + COMMUNITY
ARC Easter Smash - Family Fun Weekend
📅 Fri. 3 - Sat. 4 Apr | From 08:00 📍 Anura Racquet Club, Stellenbosch
Padel, kids’ Easter activities and relaxed Winelands vibes - an easy, fun weekend for the whole family.
🎟 Book here
Easter Weekend at Vrymansfontein
📅 Fri. 3 Apr | 12:00–19:00 📍 Vrymansfontein, Paarl
A lively Easter celebration on one of the Winelands’ most beautiful farms - packed with family fun, food and festive surprises.
🎟 Info here
🌱 HEALTH + WELLBEING
Mostertsdrift Marathon
📅 Sun. 19 Apr | 11:30–17:30 📍 Stellenbosch
A high-energy community run with multiple distances, live music and a great cause behind it.
🎟 From R150 - Info here
Life As We Have It - Women & Mama Wellness Event
📅 Sat. 18 Apr | 09:30–12:00 📍 Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch
A soul-filling morning of connection, conversation and calm - with kids entertained while moms unwind.
🎟 From R150 - Book here
Wine Walk @ Muratie
📅 Sat. 18 Apr | 09:00–12:00 📍 Muratie Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
A relaxed vineyard walk with wine tastings, incredible views and a social, easy-going atmosphere.
🎟 From R245 - Details here
Muddy Princess Stellenbosch
📅 Sat. 18 Apr | From 07:00 📍 Uitspan Farm, Klapmuts
A fun, muddy 5km obstacle course for women - expect laughs, teamwork and a proper feel-good day out.
🎟 Ticket prices vary - Here
🍽 FOODIE EVENTS
Flagstone Food & Wine Pop-Up
📅 Fri. 10 - Sat. 11 Apr | From 12:00 📍 Flagstone Wines, Somerset West
Chef-driven dishes paired with bold wines in a relaxed tasting room setting - perfect for a slow lunch.
🎟 From R90 - Book here
Winemakers Dinner at Eike
📅 Fri. 10 Apr | 18:30 📍 Eike, Stellenbosch
A refined 6-course dinner paired with rare Alheit wines - an exclusive, one-night-only experience.
🎟 R2,750 pp - Mail to book
Jazz Under the Stars - Harvest Celebration
📅 Fri. 10 Apr | Evening 📍 Vergenoegd Löw, Somerset West
Live jazz, candlelight dining and exceptional food under the stars - a true Winelands evening.
🎟 R1200 pp - Info here
Sundown Sounds at Lourensford
📅 Sun. 12 Apr | 17:00 📍 Lourensford Wine Estate
A laid-back picnic-style concert with wine, food vendors and sunset views - the perfect Sunday plan.
🎟 R200 (Kids u10 free) - Details here
Albert Frost & Gerald Clark - Lourensford
📅 Sun. 12 Apr | 18:00 📍 Lourensford Wine Estate
Two standout South African musicians come together for an unforgettable evening in the gardens.
🎟 R200 pp - Book here
Oes-Af Sokkie Jol
📅 Fri. 17 Apr | 18:00 📍 Blaauwklippen Wine Estate
A lively harvest celebration with music, dancing and wine - expect a proper Stellenbosch jol.
🎟 R200 - Info
Blessing of the Crush 2026
📅 Sat. 18 Apr | 12:00-15:00 📍 Flagstone, Somerset West
Celebrate harvest season with tank tastings, live music and great food in a relaxed setting.
🎟 R285 pp - Book here
An Evening with the Stars at Brookdale
📅 Sat. 18 Apr | 18:00 📍 Brookdale Estate, Paarl
Meet the winemakers while tasting award-winning wines paired with curated small plates.
🎟 R900 pp - Details
Chardonnay Winemaker’s Dinner at Jordan
📅 Fri. 24 Apr | 18:30 📍 Jordan Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
An elegant evening celebrating Chardonnay with expert pairings and a beautifully curated menu.
🎟 R1050 pp - Mail to book
Vermentino Day at Ayama
📅 Sat. 25 Apr | 10:00-16:00 📍 Ayama Wine Farm, Paarl
A relaxed, Italian-style wine festival with food, music and Vermentino tastings on the lawns.
🎟 R250 - Book here
COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS
Restaurant Week South Africa (XXL Edition)
📅 27 Mar - 3 May | Various times 📍 Various Winelands restaurants
Access to some of SA’s best restaurants with curated set menus at exceptional value - this is when you book that spot.
🎟 Book here
LITTLE INSIDERS (FOR THE KIDS)
Movie Night Under the Stars: Shrek
📅 Sat. 11 Apr | 17:00 (doors) | 19:30 movie 📍 Nederburg Wine Farm, Paarl
A nostalgic, feel-good evening under the stars - picnic blankets, golden hour and a classic everyone loves.
🎟 Info here
EYE CATCHING DEALS
Sofia First Thursdays
📅 Every First Thursday | 12:00-21:00 📍 Sofia Pizza & Pasta, Stellenbosch
Gallery hop… then pizza stop 🍕 Selected pizzas for just R100 - the perfect First Thursdays pairing.
🎟 Selected pizzas R100 - Bookings advised
🌤 WEATHER THIS WEEK
A bit of a mixed bag to start - expect scattered morning and afternoon showers through the weekend, but nothing that should completely ruin plans. From Monday, things turn 👌 with clear skies and a proper return to sunshine.
Best days: Tuesday & Wednesday - warm, sunny and perfect for getting out into the Winelands ☀️

MIND, HEALTH + FITNESS
⛰ 1,000km+ of Trails in Stellenbosch
With over 1,000km of trails winding through vineyards, forests and mountains - this is your sign to explore beyond the wine.
Whether you’re up for a slow scenic walk, a proper hike or a bike ride with a coffee stop built in, the Winelands has you covered:
🌿 Muratie - Simonsberg trails + a must-do viewpoint hike
🍷 Waterford - Guided wine walk + tasting experience
🌄 Mooiplaas - 5.6km hike with panoramic views
🍇 Blaauwklippen - 8km wine trail + tastings + tractor ride
🚴 Knorhoek - Trails for hiking, running & cycling
🌿 Boschendal - All-level trails + sunrise hikes
🚴♂️ Ernie Els x Alto - 8km MTB trail with climbs + descents, incl. the Chilli Shed (the coffee stop you’ll want to plan your route around)
Fresh air, great views and a little movement - easily one of the best ways to spend a Winelands morning.
A LITTLE EXTRA INSPO
Here’s a quick (but still comforting) spin on lasagne 👉🏼 Gnocchi Chicken Lasagne
That’s it, you’re brilliantly up to date.
Thanks for reading, we really appreciate it.
❤️ If you found something useful, please share it with others
👉🏼 Got a story or feedback to share? Email Us
👀 Want to see if your company is a good fit? Join our Partner Waitlist here.
NOTE: If anything is inaccurate, please contact us and we will rectify. Never want to hear from us again? Break our hearts and unsubscribe.

