Good Morning, Insiders! 👋
There’s still plenty happening before Easter - and we’ve got everything you need to know.
A few great end-of-summer events are still rolling through, from sunset drinks and jazz evenings to outdoor plans worth locking in while the weather’s this good.
With proper sunshine from the weekend carrying through to next week, consider this your nudge to make the most of it!
Here’s this week’s lineup👇
Things To Do & Events
Community Highlights
Little Insiders
Eye Catching Deal: 20% off Family Easter Stays
Weather
Mind, Health & Fitness: Vitamin Time Guide
A Little Extra Inspo: St. Paddy’s Day Salad
👉 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.
👉 Loved today’s read? Spread this email + follow @winelandsinsider so you’re always in the know.
👀 Want to see if your company is a good fit? Join our Partner Waitlist here.
LOCAL EVENTS
Spoilt for choice this week? Start with our Editor’s Picks:
Vergelegen Harvest Sundowner Celebration
📅 Thu. 26 Mar | 5-8pm 📍 Vergelegen Wine Estate, Somerset West
Celebrate harvest season with sunset views, live music and a curated harvest table.
🎟 R950 pp - Info here
Sunset Jazz Evening at Deux Lions
📅 Thu. 26 Mar | 6pm 📍 Deux Lions, Franschhoek
A golden-hour concert paired with a South African braai feast in a beautiful Franschhoek setting.
🎟 R850 pp - Book here
Beach Pilates | Strand
📅 Sat. 28 Mar | 8-10am 📍 Strand Beach
A feel-good Pilates session hosted by Elite Studio in collaboration with Sealand, this session blends wellness with purpose - the perfect way to kick off your weekend.
🎟 R100 pp - Book here
Currently happening and not to be missed:
Absa Cape Epic | Spectator Highlights
📅 15-22 Mar 📍 Meerenendal • Montagu • Greyton • Stellenbosch
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
🎭 ARTS + CULTURE
St Patrick’s Day Celebration | Lourensford Market
📅 Fri. 20 Mar | 5-10pm 📍 Lourensford Market, Somerset West
Get ready to wear your green 🍀 A festive Friday evening filled with great food, live music and a lively market atmosphere. Expect all your favourite Lourensford vibes with an Irish twist.
🎟 Free entry - Details here
Art Hang at La Motte
📅 Sat. 28 Mar | 5pm 📍 La Motte Ateljee, Franschhoek
An intimate evening of art, conversation and creativity. Enjoy a curated walkabout, artist insights and optional classical music.
🎟 Free entry - info here
Sunday Outside | Old Tannery
📅 Sun. 29 Mar | From midday 📍 The Old Tannery, Wellington
A full-day music experience with 11 DJs, a live band and a high-energy crowd. Bring your cooler box, picnic blankets and good vibes.
🎟 From R70 - Book here
Melktert Band Live at Festa
📅 Fri. 10 Apr | Doors 5:30 | Show 8pm 📍 Festa Restaurant, Wellington
A lively night of music, food and good energy.
🎟 R280 pp - Book here
Garden Music Session at Waterford Estate
📅 Fri. 10 Apr | 5:30pm 📍 Waterford Estate, Stellenbosch
Golden hour, great wine and live music. A relaxed garden session featuring Tanner Wareham, with food trucks and a laid-back sunset atmosphere.
🎟 R350 pp - Book here
🏟 FAMILY + COMMUNITY
Tokara Autumn Rare Plant Fair & Open Garden
📅 Sat. 18 Apr | 8-4pm 📍 Tokara Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
A peaceful autumn day of garden walks, rare plants and incredible valley views 🌿 Expect specialist growers, fynbos displays and relaxed picnic-style exploring.
🎟 R60 pp (kids under 10 free) - Info here
🌱 HEALTH + WELLBEING
TEVA x TITAN Obstacle Course Run
📅 Sat. 28 Mar | From 7am 📍 Cape Joy, Klapmuts
A high-energy obstacle course packed with mud, endurance and adventure 💥 Choose 5km or 10km and expect a proper challenge with serious bragging rights.
🎟 Details here
Full Moon Run | Dornier Wine Estate
📅 Tue. 31 Mar | 7pm 📍 Dornier Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
Run under the full moon 🌕 A unique night trail experience through vineyards and hills with 5km and 10km options.
🎟 Info here
Easter Trail Run at Muratie
📅 Mon. 6 Apr | From morning 📍 Muratie Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
A scenic Easter Monday run with vineyard views, singletrack routes and post-run wine vibes 🐰🍷 Expect medals, prizes and a festive atmosphere.
🎟 From R165 - Info here
🍽 FOODIE EVENTS
Live Music Sundays | Zorgvliet
📅 Sun. 22 Mar 📍 Zorgvliet Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
A relaxed Sunday under the trees with live music, great wine and long lunch vibes.
🎟 Free entry - Info here
Autumn Harvest Table at Babylonstoren
📅 Sat. 28 Mar | 5:30-10:30pm 📍 Babylonstoren, Franschhoek
One of the Winelands’ most sought-after dining experiences. A seasonal farm-to-table feast in a secret setting under the stars.
🎟 Premium experience - Book here
Mont Rochelle End-of-Summer Picnic & Live Music
📅 Fri. 10 Apr | 5pm📍 Mont Rochelle, Franschhoek
A magical sunset picnic with gourmet food, wine and live music. Expect golden hour views and a beautifully relaxed atmosphere.
🎟 From R380 - Info here
Jazz Under the Stars | Vergenoegd Löw
📅 Fri. 10 Apr 📍 Vergenoegd Löw, Stellenbosch
An elegant evening of fine dining and live jazz under the stars. Featuring a seasonal menu and a magical open-air setting.
🎟 R1,200 pp - Details here
An Evening With The Stars | Brookdale Estate
📅 Sat. 18 Apr | 6pm 📍 Brookdale Estate, Paarl
10 winemakers. 10 small plates & 20 wines per person. A special evening of wine, stories and craftsmanship.
🎟 R900 pp - Book here
COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS
Stellenbosch Founders Are Quietly Raising Big Money
Stellenbosch is fast becoming a serious launchpad for high-growth businesses - not just a university town anymore.
Since 2019, 11 founders with local roots have each been linked to deals exceeding R100 million, spanning industries from fintech and AI to solar and e-commerce. Big names include SolarSaver (~R1.1bn), Ukheshe (~R777m) and Ad Dynamo (~R555m), with more recent momentum from companies like Simera Sense, Float and Zero Carbon Charge.
The takeaway? 🚀 Stellenbosch is quietly producing founders with global impact - and the momentum is only building.
Travel Update: What Visitors Should Know
Getting to Cape Town is becoming a little more complex ✈️
Recent changes to flight routes and airspace restrictions mean fewer options, longer travel times and less predictable connections. Add rising fuel costs, and overall travel is getting more expensive too. For now, demand remains steady - but accessibility and pricing are starting to influence travel decisions.
LITTLE INSIDERS (FOR THE KIDS)
Kids Holiday Farm Programme | Boschendal
📅 30 Mar - 3 Apr 📍 Boschendal, Franschhoek
A fun, nature-filled holiday programme for kids 🌱 Expect farm adventures, creative workshops and outdoor play in small groups.
🎟 From R80 - Info here
BOSJES Troopers Scavenger Hunt
📅 Wed. 1 Apr | 10-12pm 📍 BOSJES Farm, Worcester
A magical scavenger hunt for little explorers 🌿 Follow clues, discover nature and enjoy a fun-filled morning ending with lunch.
🎟 R150 per child - info here
EYE CATCHING DEALS
🌿 Easter Family Escape | Babylonstoren Farm Hotel
📅 Valid until 30 Apr 📍 Babylonstoren, Franschhoek
A Winelands Easter done properly. Slow down, switch off and reconnect with a two-night family stay at one of the region’s most iconic farms.
Think cycling through orchards, harvesting fresh produce, rowing on the dam and plenty of space for kids to explore - all wrapped up in Babylonstoren’s signature luxury-meets-nature experience.
✨ Special Offer:
Book a two-night stay and receive 20% off
🌤 WEATHER THIS WEEK
A few showers to start (Thu/Fri), then it’s all sunshine and proper Winelands weather from the weekend onwards. Expect warm days, clear skies and perfect outdoor conditions.
Best days to plan around ☀️
Sat & Sun: Sunny, mid-to-high 20s.
Mon & Tues: Hotting up (32°C), mostly sunny - perfect for pool days or late lunches
Wed: Still warm and bright, slightly cooler - a great all-rounder
In short: push through the rainy start… the good stuff kicks in from Saturday 🌿🍷

MIND, HEALTH + FITNESS
Did you know that when you take your supplements can make a big difference to how well your body absorbs them? Some vitamins work best with food, others on an empty stomach, and a few even compete with each other if taken together.
Getting the timing right helps your body absorb nutrients more effectively and get the full benefit from what you’re taking (who knew? 🤷♀️).

A LITTLE EXTRA INSPO
Keeping it fresh and green this week ☘️ This cucumber & avocado salad is light, zesty and effortlessly good - with lemon, feta and plenty of dill. Perfect for a quick lunch or an easy side.
That’s it, you’re brilliantly up to date.
Thanks for reading.
❤️ 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.

