Issue 23
Good morning, Winelands Insiders!
Welcome to the newsletter that knows more about what’s happening than your Whatsapp group chats 👀
This week’s line-up brings all the heart, heat, and Winelands sparkle needed to kick off the new year!
We’re your weekly guide to local events, news and new finds to fill your diary.
Here’s what we’ve got for you this week👇
Things To Do: Events Listings
Local Business & Town News - Some Laborie love
Little Insiders
This Week’s Top Deals
Weather - Sunday is your winner this week!
Mind, Health & Fitness - 5 ways to reset your career In 2026 (without quitting)
A Little Extra Inspo
❤️ A special welcome to all the new joiners! Thanks for being here. More than 1,000 locals are now part of the Winelands Insider community and we’re genuinely flattered.
👉 If you have any local friends who you know will love this, send them to our free signup page to join.
🔥 Here’s to a fresh year, full calendars, and discovering even more local gems together.
Let’s get to it!
Things To Do: Events Listings
🎭 Arts & Culture Events
Paint My Holiday By Marrianna Booyens
📅 4th & 5th Jan. 8:30-11:30am 📍 Muratie Wine Estate
Spend a relaxed summer morning painting en plein air at Muratie Wine Estate. This guided outdoor art session invites you to slow down, connect with nature, & capture the beauty & heritage of Muratie on canvas.
🎟 More info & bookings HERE
Paint My Holiday @ Muratie
Sip & Paint Ateljee Experience
📅 Thurs. 8th Jan. 10-3pm 📍 Ateljee, La Motte Wine Estate, Franschhoek
Unwind, sip & create at this relaxed experience set within La Motte’s beautiful Ateljee. Guided by the ROSÉ’D exhibition theme, guests will paint a still-life inspired by a rose display while enjoying a glass of La Motte Vin de Joie Rosé.
🎟 R600 pp - book HERE
Steve Hofmeyr, Live at Diemersfontein
📅 Sat. 24th Jan. from 5pm 📍 Diemersfontein Wine Estate, Wellington
Experience an unforgettable summer evening with Steve Hofmeyr. This special performance blends powerful new material from his latest album DWAAS with the timeless hits fans have loved for decades.
🎟 R250 pp - book HERE
🏟 Family & Community Events
Droomland Fees
📅 Sat. 31st Jan. 10-7:30pm 📍 Allée Bleue Wine Estate, Franschhoek
Droomland returns to the Cape - bigger, bolder & louder than ever. Set against the mountains of Franschhoek, this one-day music festival brings together some of South Africa’s most iconic live acts (Spoegwolf, Fokofpolisiekar, Droomsindroom, Early B, GString & more) for an unforgettable summer celebration of music, energy & atmosphere.
🎟 Book HERE
Investec SA Open Championships
📅 Thurs. 26th Feb - 1st Mar. 6am-8pm 📍 Stellenbosch Golf Club
World-class golf returns to Stellenbosch! The Investec SA Open Championships returns to the Winelands, bringing international golf stars & electric tournament energy to the Stellenbosch Golf Club - for the first time since 1999.
🎟 More info & tickets HERE
🌱 Health & Wellbeing Events
Sunset To Full Moon Hike
📅 Fri. 2nd Jan. arrive from 5:45pm 📍 Muratie Wine Estate
A magical full-moon hike for those wanting to start the new year under moonlight. Suitable for hikers of all ages and abilities.
🎟 Tickets HERE
🏦 Business Events
doTERRA South Africa Leadership Retreat 2026
📅 Thurs. 5-7th Feb. 9-1pm 📍 Asara Wine Estate & Hotel
A three-day experience designed to inspire, connect, and equip our leaders for lasting success. This retreat brings together purpose-driven leaders from across the region for an unforgettable journey of learning, recognition & renewal.
🎟 From R1699 - more info & tickets HERE
🍽 Foodie Events
Blōs Bakery Cake Masterclass Workshop
📅 Wed. 21st Jan. 9-12pm 📍 Blõs Bakery, Somerset West
Join Blōs Bakery for an intimate, hands-on cake decorating masterclass hosted by Louise & Corlandi. Perfect for beginners & passionate home bakers looking to refine their skills.
🎟 R2750 pp - more info & tickets HERE
Rosé Fridays At Longridge
📅 Every Fri in Jan. 10-7pm 📍 Longridge Wine Estate
Choose your perfect Friday pairing & settle in for an easy-going, refined Winelands experience. Rosé Friday Options (per couple):
• R350 - A bottle of Emily Rosé with a generous meat & cheese platter
• R500 - A bottle of Brut Rosé with a generous meat & cheese platter
☎️ 021 855 2005
Spogwijn Oesfees
📅 Fri. 24th Jan. 6:30pm 📍 The Kraal Restaurant, Joostenberg Wine Estate
An indulgent summer evening celebrating wine, food, music & good company. Join Joostenberg Wine Estate for Spogwijn Oesfees, where generous harvest-inspired dishes are paired with exceptional wines in a relaxed, festive atmosphere.
🎟 R750 pp - book HERE / [email protected]
Spogwijn Oesfees
Sunset Harvest Table with Delheim
📅 Fri. 30th Jan. 6-8pm 📍 Delheim Wines
Pre-drinks at a scenic sunset viewpoint. Wine tasting. Harvest-inspired dinner at the vineyard table. Live music by Kirstin Walters. Front-row sunset views & a truly memorable Winelands evening.
🎟 R950 pp - book HERE
Local Business & Town News
After the recent fire at Laborie Estate, recovery will take time - but the spirit of Laborie remains strong and open.
One of the simplest ways to show support right now is to visit. By spending time on the farm, you’re directly supporting the people who make this special place what it is.
☕ Pop into Suzaan’s Café
🍽 Enjoy a meal at The Stoep Restaurant
🛒 Shop local at the Farm Grocer
🚶♀️ Walk, hike or ride the trails
Every visit, every coffee, and every moment spent there helps the Laborie team as they rebuild and move forward together ❤️
Little Insiders (For The Kids)
🎨 Kids’ Painting at Eve Art Studio - Spice Route
Looking for a creative holiday activity for the kids while you enjoy the Spice Route? Eve Art Studio offers relaxed, guided painting sessions where children can explore their creativity in a fun, hands-on environment.
ℹ️ Wed - Sundays, 10-4pm. (R250 p child p hour) - info HERE
💥 This Week’s Top Deals
🍔 Kids Eat Half Price | Le Pommier Wine Estate
A relaxed early evening special where kids eat for half price when dining with an adult.
Avail. Mon-Thurs. 5-9pm. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Max 2 kids per table. Book HERE
🌤 Weather This Week in the Winelands
☀️ A classic summer week ahead - plenty of sunshine, warm days & mild evenings, with Sunday shaping up to be the hottest day of the week.
Thurs 1 Jan | 30°C / 20°C | 🌤️ Partly cloudy & very warm |
Fri 2 Jan | 29°C / 19°C | ☀️ Sunny & glorious |
Sat 3 Jan | 29°C / 19°C | 🌤️ Mostly sunny with a few clouds |
Sun 4 Jan | 33°C / 19°C | ☀️ Hot with sunshine and some cloud |
Mon 5 Jan | 31°C / 18°C | ☀️ Sunny & warm |
Tue 6 Jan | 30°C / 18°C | 🌤️ Warm, mostly sunny |
Wed 7 Jan | 30°C / 18°C | ☀️ Continued warm & dry conditions |
Mind, Health & Fitness
✍🏽 5 Ways To Reset Your Career In 2026 (without quitting)
Set mini missions: Small challenges (like leading a project or learning a new skill) can reignite motivation.
Track your wins: You’re doing more than you think - write down weekly achievements, big or small.
Pause before you quit: Feeling stuck doesn’t always mean it’s time to leave - reflect on what’s actually not working.
Reconnect with your network: A simple catch-up can spark fresh ideas and new perspective.
Redefine success: Progress isn’t just promotions - balance, confidence & flexibility count too.
Sometimes a reset is all you need to feel excited about work again - no notice period required. You’ve got this! ✨
A Little Extra Inspo
The New Year doesn’t need to start at full speed. This weekend, opt for something easy but elevated - a show-stopping charcuterie graze table. Minimal effort, maximum impact, and ideal for slow afternoons that turn into long summer evenings. A great reminder that the best moments this year may be the simplest 🥂✨
That’s it, you’re now up to date.
Thanks for reading issue 23 ✅
Why do we exist?
We believe that the Winelands needs a no-fuss weekly roundup. A quick, 5-minute read with local events, news, weather, and a dash of inspo. Straight to your inbox and in the palm of your hand.
We hope it becomes your favourite Thursday read :)
❤️ P.S. If you found something useful, please share it with others.
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