Issue 42

Good Morning, Winelands ☕️

Let’s be honest… it’s been a week. 😅

But thankfully, the Wineland’s events calendar understood the assignment. From a literary festival and wine dinners to wellness mornings, live music and a very good-looking new Date Night special in Stellenbosch, there’s plenty happening to pull us out of our inboxes and back into the real world.

And for once, the weather seems to be fully cooperating too ☀️

Here’s what we’ve got for you today👇

  • Things To Do & Events

  • Community Highlights

  • Little Insiders: Mini Ninja’s

  • Eye Catching Deal: Winter Escape at Weltevreden Estate

  • Weather: Sunny + dry weekend!

  • Property Of The Week: New!

  • Mind, Health & Fitness: 3 Best workouts for brain health

  • A Little Extra Inspo: Creamy Protein Pasta

👉 Community: The Winelands Insider is read more than 6,000 times a month by people from Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek and Somerset West, and we’re genuinely flattered.

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With ❤️ from your team at Winelands Insider.

TOGETHER WITH DE VIER

There’s something quietly special happening at De Vier right now - and to us, it feels like the kind of spot Stellenbosch has been craving more of.

Tucked away on Mark Street, De Vier has that rare balance of feeling elevated without trying too hard. It’s intimate, warm, softly romantic… the sort of place where dinner naturally stretches longer because the wine’s flowing, the lighting’s low, and no one’s in a rush to leave.

What makes it even better is the story behind it. Owners Werner & Candice built De Vier around a beautifully simple concept: four curated mains (beef, chicken, seafood and vegan), paired with four sides, four desserts and a handful of thoughtful small plates and “stoep snacks” inspired by long conversations over wine on a veranda. It’s refined without being complicated - and you can feel that throughout the experience.

The menu was shaped alongside private chef Wynand Van Rooyen, with a wine list curated by sommelier Charles Pohl, so yes… you’re in very good hands.

And now for the part that makes this a proper midweek win 👀

Date Night at De Vier

Every Tuesday, De Vier is offering:
🤍 Two main courses
🤍 A bottle of Diemersdal Reserve Sauvignon Blanc or Malbec
For R675 per couple

It’s the kind of deal that almost feels too good for the setting you’re getting - especially considering how beautiful the space is inside.

Valid every Tuesday from 12 May until 25 August, with parking available for guests after 5pm (a small Stellenbosch luxury in itself 😉).

If you’re looking for a winter date night that feels cosy, stylish and genuinely memorable without needing a whole weekend plan attached to it… this is your sign.

LOCAL EVENTS

🎭 ARTS + CULTURE

A Tribute to Elvis - The Stellenbosch City Orchestra
📅 14-16 May 📍 Lourensford Wine Estate
The Stellenbosch City Orchestra celebrates the King of Rock ’n Roll with iconic Elvis hits, timeless ballads and the powerful energy of a live orchestra.
🎟 From R235 pp - Book here

Franschhoek Literary Festival
📅 15-17 May 📍 Franschhoek
One of the Winelands’ most loved cultural weekends returns with celebrated authors, inspiring conversations, storytelling, wine, food and lively literary events hosted across Franschhoek’s cafés, wine estates and venues.
🎟 View festival programme here

Elandré Live at Kapstadt Brauhaus Paarl
📅 Wed. 27 May 📍 Kapstadt Brauhaus Paarl
Afrikaans singer-songwriter Elandré brings his popular tour to Paarl for an intimate evening of live music, singalongs and good local vibes.
🎟 From R220 pp - Book here

Nataniël in Concert
📅 Sat. 30 May | 19:00 📍 Lourensford Wine Estate
An elegant evening of music and storytelling awaits as Nataniël takes the stage alongside pianist Charl du Plessis for a refined autumn concert experience in Somerset West.
🎟 R300 pp -Book here

🏟 FAMILY + COMMUNITY

Great Rock Climbs of the Western Cape - Book Launch
📅 Thu. 21 May | 18:30 📍 Gone Outdoor Stellenbosch
Join climber and author Tony Lourens for the launch of his latest book celebrating 75 iconic climbing routes across the Western Cape, alongside mountain stories, climbing history and a live Q&A session.
🎟 Reserve your spot

Kindervoeding Praatjie met Karlien & Kandas
📅 Wed. 27 May | 18:00-19:00 📍 Karlien & Kandas Speelskool
Hosted with Jacomien Mouton (BSc Food Science and mom of two), the session will cover picky eaters, healthy snacks, lunchbox ideas and building balanced eating habits without the overwhelm.
🎟 Book here

🌾 HEALTH + WELLBEING

Wellness Morning with Ashes
📅 Sat. 16 May | 08:30-12:00 📍 La Terra de Luc, Franschhoek
Start your Saturday with guided Pilates, wellness talks and nourishing bites in a beautiful countryside setting.
🎟 R480 pp - Book here

HOKA Fly Club Stellenbosch
📅 Mon. 18 May | 17:30 📍 147 Dorp Street, Stellenbosch
Join HOKA Fly Club for an energetic 5KM community run through Stellenbosch with giveaways, good vibes and post-run treats.
🎟 Info here

STRIDE x CTM Marathon Shakeout Run
📅 Fri. 22 May | 06:05 📍 La coco C Food Purveyors, Stellenbosch
Join STRIDE Run Club, Almost Monday and La coco C Food Purveyors for a special 5KM CTM Marathon Shakeout Run in Stellenbosch.
Includes coffee specials, protein iced coffee deals and an early bird breakfast special from La coco C.
🎟 Free community event - info here

Happiness Program - 3 Day Wellness Experience
📅 22-24 May 📍 Spice Route Destination
A guided three-day wellness programme focused on stress reduction, emotional resilience and practical breathing techniques for everyday life.
🎟 More info here

Silent Spokes Awareness Ride
📅 Sun. 24 May | Arrive 07:15 📍 Canyon Café, Stellenbosch
A meaningful community ride focused on cyclist safety and awareness with a scenic +-60km route between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
🎟 More info here

Somerset West Run Crew
📅 Weekly 📍 Somerset West & Paardevlei
Weekly community runs for all fitness levels with coffee meetups, women’s runs and relaxed social energy throughout Somerset West.
🎟 Follow Somerset West Run Crew

The Duck Run
📅 Sat. 30 May | 09:00-11:00 📍 Laborie Wine Estate
Join Duck Apparel for a vibrant morning of movement, community and the launch of their new Motion Collection at Laborie Wine Estate.
🎟 Limited to 150 tickets - Book here

🍽 FOODIE EVENTS

Fire & Wine: Prawn Night at Brookdale Estate
📅 Tonight (Thu. 14 May) 📍 Brookdale Estate Bistro, Paarl
Brookdale Estate is turning up the heat this winter with flame-grilled prawns, warm fires and perfectly paired wines in a cosy setting.
🎟 From R340 - Book your table

A Night of Wine & Wonder
📅 Sat. 23 May | 18:00-22:00 📍 Protea Hotel Stellenbosch
A relaxed wine tasting experience bringing together 17 exceptional wine farms under one roof with live music, vibrant atmosphere and plenty of incredible wines to discover.
🎟 From R280 - Details here

SASA Western Cape Chapter Meeting
📅 Tue. 26 May | From 09:00 📍 Lievland Vineyards & Stark-Condé Wines
A full-day wine experience featuring tastings, winery tours, organic wine masterclasses and lunch for sommeliers, wine professionals and enthusiasts alike.
🎟 Book via South African Sommeliers Association

Curry Evening at Lounah Cafe
📅 Thu. 28 May | 18:00 📍 Lounah Café, Paarl
A cosy winter-themed Curry Evening featuring butter chicken, lamb rogan josh, dhal, naan, pilau rice and Indian-inspired sweet treats to finish.
🎟 R400 pp - Here

Shiraz & Shanks Dinner
📅 Fri. 29 May | Arrival from 18:00 | Dinner starts 18:30 📍 The Goatshed at Fairview
A rich winter evening of bold Fairview Shiraz and slow-cooked lamb shanks awaits at The Goatshed. Expect a four-course dining experience paired with selected Fairview wines.
🎟 R695 pp - Info here

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

Zomerlust Boutique Hotel Opening
📅 Opens Fri. 15 May 📍 193 Main Road, Hoog-En-Droog, Paarl
A beautifully restored heritage space is opening its doors in Paarl. Zomerlust Boutique Hotel blends bold interiors, craftsmanship and historic character into a refined boutique Winelands stay experience.

Avontuur Estate Unveils New Cellar Door Experience
Avontuur Estate has launched a beautifully refreshed Cellar Door experience along the R44, featuring contemporary interiors, sweeping vineyard views and relaxed Winelands hospitality. The new terrace and tasting space is designed for slow afternoons, wine tastings and catch-ups overlooking the vineyards toward Table Mountain.

Newinbosch Open Day
📅 Sun. 24 May | 14:00-17:00 📍 Newinbosch Neighbourhood Estate, Stellenbosch
Discover the award-winning Newinbosch lifestyle estate during an afternoon open day focused on sustainability, wellness and modern Winelands living. Guests can explore the estate, view development plans and experience the future vision of the community firsthand.

Absa Vintage Excellence Awards
📍 Pinotage Association South Africa
The Absa Vintage Excellence Awards celebrate South Africa’s finest mature Pinotage wines aged 10 years and older - recognising the elegance, depth and ageing potential of the country’s signature cultivar.
📧 Enter here

New Luxury Apartments Released at The Charles
📍 Somerset West
Following strong launch demand, a new release of premium 2- and 3-bedroom apartments has officially launched at The Charles in Somerset West - offering elevated modern Winelands living with easy access to the coast, Cape Town and surrounding wine country.
💰 From R4.65 million - More info here

LITTLE INSIDERS (FOR THE KIDS)

Mini Ninja Coming to the Winelands 🥷
📅 Opening May 2026 📍 Winelands Square
A brand-new indoor adventure space for kids aged 0-7 is officially coming to the Winelands - focused on movement, confidence, play and fully supervised fun for little adventurers.
📲 Follow Total Ninja SA

EYE CATCHING DEALS

Winter Escape at Weltevreden Estate
📅 28 April - 30 Aug 2026 📍 Weltevreden Estate
Enjoy a luxury Winelands getaway with a seasonal winter special including a complimentary third night and daily breakfast.
Pay for 2 nights, get the 3rd free

WEATHER THIS WEEK

A thankfully good-looking week ahead in the Winelands ☀️ Crisp mornings, sunny afternoons and barely a drop of rain in sight. Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday are shaping up to be the standout days - make the most of it while it lasts.

PROPERTY OF THE WEEK

Spacious Family Living in Die Boord 🏡

This is the kind of family home that just makes sense. Spacious, beautifully maintained and perfectly positioned near some of Stellenbosch’s top schools, it’s designed for easy everyday living without sacrificing warmth or charm.

Inside, light-filled living spaces flow effortlessly towards an indoor braai area, pool and water-wise garden - creating that seamless indoor-outdoor lifestyle Winelands families love. Upstairs you’ll find four generous bedrooms with lovely views, while downstairs adds even more flexibility with a guest room, games room and plenty of storage.

The triple garage, domestic quarters and practical low-maintenance finishes make this a seriously easy home to settle into long-term. A rare mix of space, functionality and relaxed family living in one of Stellenbosch’s most sought-after neighbourhoods.

MIND, HEALTH + FITNESS

The 3 Best Types of Exercise for Brain Health 🧠🏃‍♀️
A neuroscientist has revealed the three most important types of exercise for protecting brain health, improving memory and slowing cognitive decline as we age - and interestingly, it’s not all about intense workouts.

A LITTLE EXTRA INSPO

This week’s Creamy Protein Pasta is ✔️ Comforting ✔️ One-pan ✔️ Delicious

Instagram post

That’s it, you’re brilliantly up to date with everything happening in the Winelands (that’s worth knowing about).

Thanks for reading :)

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