🍜 Winter just got good. Here's your week.

GM, Winelands! ☕️

Two public celebrations land within days of each other next week - Youth Day on Tuesday (16th) and Father's Day on Sunday (21st) - and as always, I've done the scrolling, so you don't have to.

This issue is a big one. There's a brand-new fire-driven restaurant in Paarl that's already getting people talking, a truffle dinner in Franschhoek that might be the most indulgent evening of the season, Jak de Priester taking over Bloemhof, a book launch at Jannie se Leeskamer, cheese fondue at Delheim for less than a round of coffees, and more Father's Day lunch options than any dad has the appetite to choose between (in the best way).

For the dads - I've curated the best tables in the Winelands to celebrate. For the trailrunners, walkers and young professionals - Youth Day has plenty going on. And for everyone quietly holding out for a good winter deal - this might be your best issue yet. There are more specials in here than I have fingers to count them on.

Here’s what I’ve got for you today 👇

TOGETHER WITH DE VIER

You already know De Vier for intimate evenings on Mark Street. But here's something worth knowing for the colder months: Lunch at De Vier is quietly one of the best-value midday stops in Stellenbosch right now.

The same elegant room. The same warm hospitality. A menu that genuinely earns its price tag - and a lunch special that makes it very easy to say yes to a proper sit-down meal in the middle of the week.

👉 Whether you're treating a client, catching up with a friend or simply refusing to eat at your desk on a Friday, this is the kind of lunch that justifies taking the full hour (or more :)).

Four options. All of them good. None of them overpriced for what you're getting - especially inside a space that feels this considered.

📍 19 Mark Street, Stellenbosch
🕐 Mon - Sat | 11:00 - 21:30
📞 021 891 0145
🔗 Bookings not essential, but Dineplan takes care of it if you like a table confirmed
🌐 devier.co.za

Fliekniek: Where the Crawdads Sing
📅 Thu. 11 & Fri. 12 June | 18:00 📍 Jannie se Leeskamer, Stellenbosch
Settle in for a cosy winter movie night with a screening of the atmospheric mystery-drama based on Delia Owens' bestselling novel. Your ticket includes popcorn and a drink - the perfect escape from the cold.
🎟 R80 pp - Info here

Boekbekendstelling: Seuns Weet deur Frederick Botha
📅 Sat. 13 June | 10:30 📍 Jannie se Leeskamer, Die Ou Leeskamer, Stellenbosch
Frederick Botha's debut short story collection explores identity, faith, family and friendship. He'll be joined in conversation by publisher and poet Fourie Botha.
🎟 More Details here

Art of Origin Stellenbosch - Winner Announcement Evening
📅 Thu. 18 June | 18:00 📍 PJ Olivier Art Centre, Stellenbosch
Join Visit Stellenbosch and the Art Association of Stellenbosch for the inaugural winner announcement evening. View the exhibition, meet participating artists and celebrate local creative talent.
🎟 Info here

Bloemhof Saamkuier met Jak de Priester & Band
📅 Fri. 19 June | 18:30 - 23:00 📍 Bloemhof Girls' High School Hall, Stellenbosch
An evening of live music, traditional kerrie-en-rys and great company as Jak de Priester brings his signature warmth and energy to Bloemhof's beloved Saamkuier Series.
🎟 R350 pp - Book here | 🔞 No under 18s

Clare Menck Life Drawing Workshop
📅 Sat. 20 June | 10:00 - 18:00 📍 Relevant Art Gallery, Paarl
Spend a full day life drawing with acclaimed artist Clare Menck, featuring live models, expert guidance and all materials included. Live saxophone by Rae adds to the creative atmosphere.
🎟 Enquire here

Rugby Saturdays at Laborie
📅 From Sat. 20 June | Bar opens 12:30 📍 Laborie Heritage Wine Estate, Paarl
Watch the rugby live on big screens with full sound, great wine and a lively atmosphere at The Audrium. Seating is limited to 60 guests.
🎟 Reserve your spot

Bounce-a-thon at Laborie Wine Estate
📅 Sat. 20 June | Session 1: 08:00 | Session 2: 10:00 📍 Laborie Wine Estate, Paarl
Purpose Fitness and Jumpstart Paarl team up for a high-energy rebounding workout experience featuring DJ Wico, vibrant lights, giveaways and goodie bags. Limited to just 40 spots per class.
🎟 From R350 pp - Book here | 🔞 No under 16s

Bake Your Own: Make Butter & Buttermilk Scones at Babylonstoren
📅 Fri. 12 June | 08:30 - 11:30 📍 Soetmelksvlei, Babylonstoren
Learn to make butter from scratch before master baker Martjie Malan shows you how to turn fresh buttermilk into light, fluffy scones. The morning ends with lunch at the Old Stables Restaurant. Limited to 12 guests.
🎟 R1,600 pp - Info here

Lebanese Cooking Class at Lourensford
📅 Sat. 13th & 27th June | From 08:45 📍 Lourensford Estate, Somerset West
Hosted by Ghenwa's Culinary Club, this hands-on class covers authentic Lebanese cooking techniques, live demonstrations and a five-course feast of the dishes you create, paired with a glass of wine.
🎟 R800 pp - Book here

Ten Tastes of Idiom - 10th Anniversary Weekend
📅 Fri. 13 - Mon. 16 June | Daily 11:00 - 18:00 📍 Idiom Wines, Somerset West
Idiom celebrates a decade with a themed masterclass, a special "10 Tastes of Idiom" degustation menu and a vinoteque vertical tasting.
🎟 R1,350 pp excl. beverages - Detail here

Fire & Wine Evenings at The Bistro at Brookdale Estate
📅 Thursdays in June | From 18:00 📍 The Bistro at Brookdale Estate, Klein Drakenstein
Cosy up fireside with themed dining evenings throughout June, including Prawn Night (11 June), Curry Night (18 June) and Burger Night (25 June).
🎟 More here

Truffle Dining Experience at Reuben's Restaurant
📅 Fri. 19 June | Evening 📍 Reuben's Restaurant, Franschhoek
Chef Reuben Riffel presents an exclusive truffle-inspired multi-course dinner with curated wine pairings and live music throughout the evening.
🎟 R1,750 pp - Info here

Delheim Dollar Weeks - Cheese Fondue at the Dollar Rate
📅 From Thu. 19 June | Monday - Friday 📍 Delheim Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
One of the Winelands' most-loved winter traditions returns. Groups of four share a classic cheese fondue, priced at the daily US dollar exchange rate.
🎟 USD $1 per person (daily rate) - More here

Blaauwklippen Winter Winemaker's Dinner
📅 Wed. 17 June | 18:30 for 19:00 📍 Blaauwklippen Tasting House, Stellenbosch
Join South Africa's Women Winemaker of the Year 2025, Narina Cloete, for an intimate winter dinner paired with three wines and a seasonal three-course menu.
🎟 R750 pp - Book here

Festa Fest - Unlimited Red Wine Party
📅 Sat. 13 June | From 16:00 📍 Festa, Wellington
Enjoy unlimited red wine, live music from DJ Pecko and a festive winter atmosphere as the sun sets over Wellington.
🎟 R150 pp - More here

🏆 Cavalli Chardonnay 2025 Wins Best Chardonnay in South Africa - Big news for the Helderberg. Cavalli Chardonnay 2025 has taken the Trophy for Best Chardonnay at the 2026 Investec Trophy Wine Show. Single-estate fruit, signature elegance and restraint - another strong reminder of how exceptional Helderberg Chardonnay really is. More here

🏅 ASARA Named Best Luxury Wine Estate Hotel in South Africa - A proud Stellenbosch moment. ASARA Wine Estate & Hotel has been recognised by the Luxury Lifestyle Awards as the Best Luxury Wine Estate Hotel in South Africa for 2026. Well deserved. Info here

📣 New Opening: Smeul Restaurant at Zomerlust Boutique Hotel - Paarl has a serious new table. Smeul - named after the Afrikaans word for "smoulder" - is chef Kevin Grobler's open-flame kitchen set inside the beautifully restored 1792 Zomerlust Boutique Hotel. Grobler's CV includes Michelin-starred JAN in Nice and an Eat Out One Star at SCAPE in 2025. Word is spreading fast - book early.

🌍 Stellenbosch to the UK: The FOM Story - Stellenbosch-founded lifestyle brand Freedom of Movement (FOM) is opening its first international store in Bath, UK. Founder Roal Boezaart started designing clothing while studying at Stellenbosch University. What began in a student workspace has grown into one of South Africa's best-known lifestyle brands.

🌸 Phenomenal Women of the Winelands 2026 - Nominations Open - Do you know a woman quietly making a real difference in your community? The Phenomenal Women of the Winelands Awards - presented by the Afrikaans Language Museum and Monument, the Cape Winelands District Municipality and the Historium Trust - are celebrating the women who inspire, uplift and lead across the region. Nominations are free and close on Tuesday, 21 July 2026 at 16:00. Request a nomination form here.

Youth Day (16 June) is more than a day off. Here are a few meaningful (and fun) ways to spend it in the Winelands.

Youth Day Fun Run at Middelvlei Wine Estate 📅 Tue. 16 June 📍 Middelvlei Wine Estate, Stellenbosch. 5km, 10km, 15km or 21km through the vineyards, with the option to add a bottle of Middelvlei wine to your entry. Trail running, mountain views and a well-earned post-run brunch. 🎟 Book here

#Action4Inclusion Social Justice Walk 📅 Tue. 16 June | 07:30 - 14:00 📍 Kruiskerk, Ryneveld Street, Stellenbosch. A 16km Youth Day walk from Stellenbosch towards Kylemore via the Old Helshoogte Pass, raising funds to clear student debt through Stellenbosch University's #Action4Inclusion campaign. Alumni, local leaders and community members all welcome. 🎟 From R300 - Info here

Youth Day Pot Painting Workshop at Rhebokskloof 📅 Tue. 16 June | 14:00 📍 Rhebokskloof Estate, Paarl. Kids paint and decorate their own terracotta pot to take home, while parents enjoy lunch at El Picoteo or Lume. Hosted by Team Pajamarama. Limited spots. 🎟 R245 pp - Details here

Free Youth Day Bike Ride 📅 Tue. 16 June | 09:00 - 15:00 📍 Groot Drakenstein Games Club. A free community bike ride hosted by Winelands Guide. Ride for fun, health and a better future. Tag @winelandsguide and #YouthDayBikeRide. 🎟 Free

Sorbet "Oh My Gel" Special
📅 8 June - 5 July | Mon - Wed only 📍 Participating Sorbet Salons & Nailbars
Enjoy gel polish for hands or feet for R295, including a free soak-off. A perfect midweek refresh.
🎟 R295 pp - Book here

Date Night at TERRA Stellenbosch
📅 Every Mon, Wed & Fri 📍 TERRA, Stellenbosch
Enjoy three courses per person plus a shared bottle of Salt Rock Sauvignon Blanc or Red Blend in one of Stellenbosch's most stylish dining rooms.
🎟 R1,100 per couple - Info here

Laborie Wednesday Pizza Club
📅 Every Wednesday | Movie starts 19:00 📍 Laborie Estate, Paarl
Pizza, popcorn, wine and a movie. The perfect midweek treat.
🎟 R255 pp - Details here

Winter Wednesdays at Fyre Dining
📅 Every Wednesday | Lunch & Dinner 📍 Fyre Dining, Olijvenkraal, Paarl
Tuck into a flame-grilled beef or chicken burger with chips and an ice-cold Stella Artois.
🎟 R195 pp - Book here

Pasta & Vino Thursdays at Peter Falke Wines
📅 Every Thursday | Lunch 📍 Peter Falke Wines, Stellenbosch
Enjoy handcrafted pasta paired with Peter Falke wines for a leisurely lunch in the Winelands.
🎟 More here

Showers today and Friday morning, then Saturday clears up a bit - great timing for Drink Chenin Day. Sunday stays showery but Monday brightens up. Youth Day on Tuesday is looking good at 19° and partly cloudy, with Wednesday warming up to a lovely 21°. 🌤️

Lakefront Living in Val de Vie Estate | Paarl

There is something rare about a home that is both beautiful and effortless to live in - and this five-bedroom residence in Val de Vie Estate is exactly that.

Perfectly positioned on the shores of Lake Clement in a quiet cul-de-sac, this exceptional home offers lakefront lifestyle living within one of the Winelands' most sought-after estates. The home has been thoughtfully designed around its setting: expansive living spaces that open up to the water, mountain backdrops that shift with the light, and the kind of privacy that is increasingly difficult to find.

Inside, the layout is made for real family life. Five bedrooms, generous entertaining areas, and the seamless indoor-outdoor flow that makes Winelands property so liveable all year round. Add the world-class amenities of Val de Vie - the polo fields, the cycling trails, the Berg River access - and this is estate living at its most complete.

Sneak peek here for further details.

🛋️ Real Talk: How's Your Winter Motivation?

We're six weeks into winter and it's time for an honest check-in. No judgment here - this is a safe space.

How's your winter motivation actually holding up?

🔥 Absolutely thriving - gym, trails, the works
😐 Going through the motions - some days are better than others
🛋️ I have fully merged with my couch and I'm at peace with that
🍷 Does walking to the wine rack count?

(Drop your answer by replying to this email or voting on our Instagram story @winelandsinsider)

And whatever you voted - here's your weekly reminder that on Tuesday, the whole Winelands is essentially one giant outdoor gym. The Middelvlei trails are open, the #Action4Inclusion walk is 16km of genuine good, and the Youth Day Bike Ride is completely free. Even a gentle stroll in the vines counts.

Winter is not the enemy of movement. It's just better with a warm-up and a glass of something at the finish line.

Sunday, 21 June - Celebrate the man who deserves a proper winter feast 💙

Whether Dad wants a classic roast, venison in the vineyards, a motorsport adventure or a tasting menu with all the trimmings - here's the shortlist worth booking right now.

Father's Day Family Feast Roast at Deux Lions, Franschhoek 📅 Sun. 21 June | Lunch - A generous winter roast built for sharing: pork belly, rolled lamb shoulder, roasted chicken and prawn curry, spinach and chickpea lasagna and all the trimmings. Dad arrives to a complimentary glass of Boschendal Nicolas. A proper family gathering. 🎟 R695 pp - Book here

Father's Day Venison & Vino Pairing at Peter Falke Wines 📅 Sun. 21 June | 12:00 - 16:00 - A hearty red wine tasting flight paired with a three-course winter menu: biltong soup with focaccia, venison with jacket potato and Cabernet jus, and traditional malva pudding. Countryside views, excellent wines and a relaxed Stellenbosch setting. 🎟 R550 pp - [email protected]

Father's Day Lunch at SMUL at Diemersfontein 📅 Sun. 21 June | 12:30 - A three-course Father's Day feast on one of the Wellington Winelands' most beautiful estates. Generous portions, comforting flavours and great family-friendly hospitality at one of the best-value Father's Day options in the region. 🎟 R395 pp - Info

Father's Day Lunch at Lievland Café, Stellenbosch 📅 Sun. 21 June | Lunch - Roast free-range beef rump, crispy smoked eisbein, fresh Cape line fish and comforting desserts in a warm vineyard setting. Choose two or three courses depending on how hungry Dad is. 🎟 2-course R350 | 3-course R410 - Details

Father's Day at Val de Vine Guest Farm 📅 Sun. 21 June | 12:00 - 16:00 - A hearty lamb spitbraai with garlic potatoes, beetroot and feta salad, homemade garlic ciabatta and dessert. Every dad gets a complimentary draught beer. A relaxed, no-fuss family outing. 🎟 Adults R395 | Children under 12 R150

Father's Day at the Franschhoek Motor Museum 📅 Sun. 21 June | From 10:00 - More than 80 classic, vintage and collectible vehicles on display, vehicle parades throughout the day, fire engine rides for the kids and family-friendly activities. Over a century of motoring heritage under one roof. 🎟 Adults R90 | Pensioners & Club Members R70 | Children R50 - Use promo code FREEDAD2026 when booking three or more tickets and Dad gets in free - Info

Father's Day at Revel 📅 Wed. 17 - Sat. 20 June | Various times 📍 Revel, Stellenbosch If Dad's idea of a perfect Father's Day involves a treatment, a cold beer and zero obligations - Revel has reserved special slots this week just for him, with a complimentary Blix draft beer included in every experience. 🎟 Details

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