Good Morning, locals! 😊
I hope everyone’s holding up in this little heatwave - at least the sunsets and evening outings have been worth it!
We think you’d agree that the Winelands’ calendar is looking very full right now - in the best possible way. Between art under the stars, harvest tables, live music, vineyard walks and community events, there’s no shortage of things happening.
So we’ve done what we always do: sift through it all and pull together the highlights we think are truly worth your time.
Here’s this week’s lineup👇
Things To Do & Events
Community Highlights
Little Insiders
Eye Catching Deal
Weather: Wkend = best. Cooler days incoming…
Mind, Health & Fitness: Gut health + abs
A Little Extra Inspo: Packing hack
👉 Community: More than 2,000 Stellenbosch, Paarl and Somerset West locals read the Winelands Insider weekly and our community consists of people from Distell, Citadel, Standard Bank, Sanlam, PSG, Medic Clinic, Nedbank. Pepsico and Deloitte.
You’re in good company, and we’re genuinely flattered. Thank you.
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LOCAL EVENTS
Spoilt for choice this week? Start with our Editor’s Picks:
Spier Light Art 2026
📅 6 Mar - 6 Apr | From 6:30pm 📍 Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch
One of the Winelands’ most magical night-time experiences returns as Spier transforms into an immersive open-air gallery. Wander through vineyards and historic buildings as illuminated artworks appear along the riverside paths in playful and thought-provoking ways.
🎟 Free entry (booking required) - Details here
An Evening with Rassie Erasmus | Lord’s Wines
📅 Fri. 15 May | 5:30pm 📍 Lord’s Wines, McGregor
An exclusive evening with Springbok rugby legend Rassie Erasmus featuring a live Q&A, dinner, wine and fundraising auction. Proceeds support Eljada Kairos School.
🎟 R1200 pp - Booking essential

🎭 ARTS + CULTURE
Moonlight, Wine & Roses | Opera & Musical Theatre Evening
📅 Wed. 25 Mar | 6pm 📍 Ken Forrester Wine Lounge
A romantic evening of opera and musical theatre. International artists Astrid Bohm and Prof Patrick Tikolo perform beloved classics accompanied by pianist Dr Lisa Engelbrecht.
🎟 R395 pp - Book here
Montreux Jazz Festival | Franschhoek
📅 Fri. 27 - Sun. 29 Mar | From 12pm 📍 Various venues, Franschhoek
The world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival returns to the Cape for a vibrant weekend of world-class jazz, live performances and Winelands atmosphere. Expect top local and international artists, great food and unforgettable festival energy.
🎟 Book here
Plein Air Oil Painting Workshop | La Motte
📅 Sat. 28 – Sun. 29 Mar | 8:30am-5:30pm 📍 La Motte Ateljee, Franschhoek
Spend a creative weekend learning classical plein air oil painting techniques with artist Alice Toich. Paint outdoors while drawing inspiration from La Motte’s vineyards, historic buildings and breathtaking landscapes.
🎟 R6150 pp - more info here
🏟 FAMILY + COMMUNITY
Stellenbosch FC vs TS Galaxy FC
📅 Fri. 13 Mar | Kick-off 7:30pm 📍 Danie Craven Stadium, Stellenbosch
Football fans, rally behind the Maroon Army as Stellenbosch FC take on TS Galaxy in an exciting Betway Premiership clash.
🎟 From R40 - Book here
Sterrekykpiekniek | Stargazing Picnic
📅 Sat. 14 Mar | 5–10pm 📍 Afrikaanse Taalmonument, Paarl
Pack a picnic and enjoy a magical evening under the stars on Paarlberg. This guided stargazing experience explores the night sky while you relax in the beautiful setting of the iconic Taalmonument.
🎟 From R15 - Book here
Vine & Vinyl | Franschhoek
📅 Sat. 21 Mar | 11am-7pm 📍 Franschhoek
Wine and vinyl culture collide at this relaxed gathering. Browse record traders, enjoy curated wine tastings and soak up the atmosphere while DJs spin vinyl throughout the day.
🎟 R250 pp - Details here
Galaxy KDay Festival
📅 Sat. 28 Mar | 11am–7pm 📍 Sandringham Farm, Stellenbosch
One of Cape Town’s biggest family music festivals returns for a full day of live performances, food stalls and festival fun hosted by Kfm 94.5. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy a day of music in the Stellenbosch countryside.
🎟 From R180 - Book here
Easter Classical Music Concert
📅 Sat. 28 Mar | 6pm (Drinks 5pm) 📍 La Motte Estate, Franschhoek
Celebrate the Easter season with an elegant programme of voice and piano featuring soprano Siphamandla Moyake, tenor Lukhanyo Moyake and pianist Esthea Kruger. Enjoy timeless works by Bach, Handel, Mozart and more in the intimate historic Red Wine Cellar at La Motte.
🎟 R350 pp | R945 Concert & Dinner Package - Book here
🌱 HEALTH + WELLBEING
Absa Cape Epic | Spectator Highlights
📅 15-22 Mar 📍 Meerenendal • Montagu • Greyton • Stellenbosch
Spectators can cheer on elite riders as they tackle breathtaking routes through vineyards, mountains and historic towns across the Winelands.
🚴 Highlights include stages in Montagu, Greyton and the grand finale in Stellenbosch.
🔗 Spectator guide here
Free 5km Fun Run | Morgenhof Estate
📅 Sun. 15 Mar | 8am 📍 Morgenhof Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
Start your Sunday with a relaxed 5km run or walk through the scenic vineyards of Morgenhof Estate. This free community event welcomes runners and walkers of all fitness levels for a social morning outdoors.
🎟 Free event
Three Exceptional Women | Albright Speaker Club
📅 Tue. 24 Mar | 6:30-9:30pm 📍 The Olive Press, Boschendal
An inspiring panel evening featuring Jenni Rivett, Anni Wilhelm and Linda Makalima sharing stories of leadership, resilience and global impact. Includes welcome drinks and dinner in Boschendal’s beautiful setting.
🎟 Book here
🍽 FOODIE EVENTS
Fairview Long Table Harvest Feast
📅 Sat. 14 Mar & Sun. 15 Mar | 11:30am 📍 Fairview Wine & Cheese Estate, Paarl
Enjoy a farm-style feast showcasing produce from Fairview’s vineyards, bakery, dairy and orchards.
🎟 From R495 - Book here
Sunday Lunch Buffet | Morgenhof Estate
📅 Sun. 15 Mar | 12pm 📍 Morgenhof Estate, Stellenbosch
Bring friends and family for a relaxed Sunday lunch buffet surrounded by vineyards.
🎟 R270 pp | R320 with wine - 📧 Book here
Family-Style Sunday Roast | Stellenbosch Reserve
📅 Sun. 15, 22 & 29 Mar 📍 Stellenbosch Reserve
Gather around the table for a classic Sunday roast featuring roasted leg of lamb with traditional sides, served family-style with Stellenbosch Reserve wines and sweeping vineyard views.
🎟 R350 pp - Book here
Vino & Vibes | Muratie Wine Estate
📅 Throughout March | 4-7pm 📍 Muratie Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
This relaxed evening experience includes a carafe of wine and a selection of seasonal tapas-style dishes.
🎟 R245 pp - Book here
Cape Food Workshop: Traditional Bobotie & Seasonal Chutney
📅 Fri. 20 Mar | 8:30am-3pm 📍 Soetmelksvlei, Babylonstoren
Learn how to prepare classic South African bobotie and homemade chutney during this hands-on cooking workshop with master baker Martjie Malan, followed by a hearty farm lunch.
🎟 R1600 pp - Book here
Schwein & Stein Long Table | Wilderer Distillery
📅 Thu. 26 Mar | 6:30–9pm 📍 Ristorante Pappa Grappa, Paarl
A lively Bavarian-style long-table dinner featuring German-inspired cuisine, CBC beer tastings and Wilderer schnapps in a festive Winelands setting. Guests are encouraged to dress in traditional Bavarian attire.
🎟 R650 pp - Book here
There’s still time to book a spectacular Harvest Table event…👇
Harvest Table | Quoin Rock
📅 Thu. 26 Mar | 5:30–10pm 📍 Quoin Rock Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
Celebrate harvest season in elegant style with a vineyard long-table dinner, open-fire cooking, wine pairings and live jazz - all set against sweeping Simonsberg views.
🎟 R4,000 pp - Book online
COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS
🌿 Help Map Plants Along the Eerste River
Stellenbosch University’s School for Climate Studies and the Centre for Invasion Biology are calling on volunteers to help map plant species along the Eerste River. This citizen science project helps researchers track biodiversity and invasive plants while giving nature lovers the chance to contribute to real environmental research outdoors.
🔗 More info: @centreforinvasionbiology
🎨 Student & Novice Art Exhibition at the Botanical Garden
📅 14 Mar - 17 Apr 📍 Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden
Discover emerging creative talent at this botanical-inspired exhibition showcasing artworks by student and novice artists. Set in the beautiful SUBG Garden Gallery, it’s the perfect slow cultural stop while exploring the gardens - and a chance to support up-and-coming artists.
🖼 All artworks are available for purchase.
🚂 The Overberg Explorer Train Returns
The nostalgic Overberg Explorer heritage train is back, offering a scenic journey from Botrivier to the lively Elgin Railway Market. Enjoy countryside views, great food stalls, live music and craft drinks before the return trip - a unique day out combining vintage rail travel with one of the Cape’s favourite markets.
🔗 Details & bookings here
LITTLE INSIDERS (FOR THE KIDS)
Mommy & Me Pregnancy, Baby & Toddler Expo
📅 Sat. 28 - Sun. 29 Mar | 9am-3pm 📍 Klein Joostenberg, Stellenbosch
A family-friendly expo dedicated to pregnancy, baby and toddler life. Browse local brands, discover parenting resources and enjoy a relaxed day designed for parents and little ones alike.
🎟 R100 pp - Book here
EYE CATCHING DEALS
Did someone say brunch-date!? ☀️☕️
Lievlove Summer Brunch | Lievland Café
Daily | 8-11:30am 📍 Lievland Café, Stellenbosch
Slow mornings done right. Enjoy generous sharing platters, a hot breakfast of your choice and sweet pastries to finish, all served with fresh juice, coffee and sparkling or still water. Perfect for long, relaxed brunches in the Winelands.
🎟 R345 pp - Details here
🌤 WEATHER THIS WEEK
The heatwave isn’t letting up just yet - sunny skies stick around through the weekend with temps still hovering in the low-to-mid 30s.
It’s classic late-summer weather and we believe making the most of it. Things start to ease slightly from Monday onwards, with cooler temperatures and a bit more clouds rolling in.
Best days to get out: Friday, Saturday and Sunday

MIND, HEALTH + FITNESS
🥬 This week’s wellness corner: gut-friendly foods to support better digestion, plus a quick 10 minute ab workout to fire up your core.
A LITTLE EXTRA INSPO
9 items. 27 outfits. Yes, really. 👗🧳
The Sudoku packing method is a genius trick for travelling light without running out of outfit options. It’s all about smart mixing and matching - and once you see the grid, it makes total sense. Watch the video to learn the trick.
That’s it, you’re brilliantly up to date.
Thanks for reading.
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