Good Morning, locals! 😊
Spring Day is exactly two Tuesdays away (1 September, mark it), and the Winelands is already warming up for it - literally. The mercury climbs steadily from Thursday's breezy 19° into the low-to-mid 20s by next Tuesday and Wednesday, which is about the friendliest weather forecast we've seen since May.
Add in a full weekend of Boks vs All Blacks watch parties, Stellenbosch Cabernet Month racing toward its 30 August finish line, and Bertus Basson pulling the last plates at Eike before Basson & Co takes over the Dorp Street address on 1 September - and you've got a proper transitional week. Get your outdoor plans in early, this one moves fast.
Here’s what we’ve got for you this week 👇
Your Weekend At A Glance
Things To Do & Events
Community Highlights
Little Insiders: Total Ninja, SSW
Eye Catching Deals: Rugby or Roasts
Weather: Best days = Weekend, Tue + Wed next week
Property Of The Week: A Fairway Family home
Mind, Health & Fitness
A Little Extra Inspo: Simple steps to get back on track
TOGETHER WITH EYE LASER CLINIC
SEE THE WINELANDS DIFFERENTLY 👁️
There’s a reason Eye Laser Clinic has become such a trusted name in eye care across the Winelands and Cape Town. Since 1993, they’ve helped thousands of patients improve, restore and better understand their vision - combining world-class technology with a genuinely personal approach to care.
Whether you’re tired of relying on glasses, exploring laser correction options, dealing with dry eyes or looking into cataract treatment, their team offers a full range of modern eye care services under one roof.
Led by Dr Johann Krüger, an internationally recognised refractive surgeon, alongside Dr Wilna Rautenbach, whose expertise includes cataract, refractive and corneal surgery, the clinic focuses on tailored care rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.
📍 Tygervalley | +27 21 9100 300 📍 V&A Waterfront | +27 21 180 0550 📍 Paarl | +27 21 180 0295 👉🏼 Book a free consultation
🗓️ YOUR WEEKEND AT A GLANCE (new this week - let us know if you'd like this to stay)
For the readers who just want the short version before the school run:
Friday night out: Nik Rabinowitz brings his sharpest multilingual wit to Franschhoek Cellar for one night only - dinner from 18:00, show at 20:00.
Saturday day plan: Long tables, oysters and charcuterie at the Klein Joostenberg Farm Brunch in Muldersvlei - just 35 seats, so move fast.
Sunday chill: Fondue, Glühwein and the Schalk Joubert Trio's world-music set at Delheim's Live Music Sundays.
Full details on all three (and everything else) below.
LOCAL EVENTS
ARTS + CULTURE
The Chopin Project II: The Complete Chamber Music
📅 Fri 21 Aug | 19:00 📍 Endler Hall, Stellenbosch • Pianist José Dias explores Chopin's chamber works with Liezl Stoltz, Suzanne Martens and Peter Martens. 🎟 R170 general / R130 pensioners / R50 students | Info here
Papa Hemingway Live
📅 Fri 21 Aug | 19:00 📍 Drostdy Theatre, Stellenbosch • D. David Morin's acclaimed one-man Hemingway tribute. Not for under-16s. 🎟 Book here
Pocket Performance: Journey Through Jazz
📅 Thu 27 Aug | 13:10-13:50 📍 Endler Hall, Stellenbosch University • A brisk 40-minute lunchtime jazz set from the SU Big Band. 🎟 R30 | Email to book
The Bookshelf: Tom Eaton & Tanya Meeson
📅 Thu 27 Aug | 18:00 📍 Ken Forrester Wines, Raithby, Helderberg • Jonathan Amid talks new books with Tom Eaton and Tanya Meeson. First two Bookshelf events sold out. 🎟 R250pp | Book here
Ink & Bleach: Intuitive Painting Workshop
📅 Fri 28 Aug | 10:00-13:00 📍 Glen Carlou Gallery, Klapmuts • Michelle Solomon leads an experimental ink-and-bleach session. Materials + 2 drinks included. 🎟 R500pp, 15 spots | Email to book
Cutting Through the Landscape: Paper Cutting & Collage
📅 Sat-Sun 29-30 Aug | 09:30-16:00 📍 La Motte Ateljee, Franschhoek • A two-day layered-paper and collage workshop with Catherine Holtzhausen. Coffee, pastries and lunch included both days. 🎟 R3,230 for both days | Book here
FAMILY + COMMUNITY
Rugby Watch Party & Padel Tournament
📅 Sat 22 Aug | From 14:30 📍 Anura Racquet Club, Stellenbosch • Padel first, Boks vs All Blacks after. Come in your colours for a shot at a free padel session. 🎟 R250pp incl. a beer or wine | More here
Varsity Netball Bumper Weekend
📅 Sun 23 & Mon 24 Aug | 13:00 & 19:00 📍 Coetzenburg Centre, Stellenbosch • Maties open their season at home against UJ, then Kovsies.
Delheim Live Music Sundays: The Schalk Joubert Trio
📅 Sun 23 Aug | Arrival 12:00, music 12:30-15:00 📍 Delheim Wine Estate, Stellenbosch • World-music on the Simonsberg slopes, fondue lunch and Glühwein included. 🎟 R580 adults / R355 children under 10 | Book here
The Small Business Collective Market
📅 Sat-Sun 29-30 Aug & 5-6 Sep | 10:00-15:00 📍 Winelands Square, Paarl • Local makers, bakers and creators, live music throughout. 🎟 Free entry
HEALTH + WELLBEING
Devonvale Winter Fun Run
📅 Fri 21 Aug | 18:30 📍 Devonvale Golf and Wine Estate, Stellenbosch • Untimed 5km around the golf course, headlamp optional. Fires and specials at Chez Shiraz after. 🎟 R100 adults / R50 under-15s | More here
Runs & Buns at Sci-Core Members Club
📅 Sat 22 Aug | 10:00 📍 Sci-Core Members Club, Plein Street, Stellenbosch • Low-key 3km, free buns and supplements after - for members and non-members. 🎟 Free, no booking
TEVA x TITAN Obstacle Course Run - Stellenbosch #2
📅 Sat 29 Aug | From 07:00 📍 Cape Joy, Uitspan Farm, Klapmuts • Mud and obstacles - 5km Sprint or 10km Savage, competitive or fun-run pace. Kids' play area on site. 🎟 From R345 | Book here
A bit further, but worth it:
THIRSTI Spring Half Marathon
📅 Sat 29 Aug | From 08:00 📍 THIRSTI Beverages, Tulbagh • Inaugural half marathon (21.1km) and 10km option from THIRSTI's springs through Tulbagh's historic centre into vineyard and fynbos country. First year, entries open now. 🎟 Book here
FOODIE EVENTS
Nik Rabinowitz: Mountain Jew
📅 Fri 21 Aug | Dinner from 18:00, show 20:00 📍 Franschhoek Cellar, Franschhoek • One of SA's sharpest comedic voices, one night only. Dinner not included in ticket. 🎟 R250pp | Book here
Bubbles & Bliss 2026
📅 Sat 22 Aug | 18:00-late 📍 Laborie Estate, Paarl • Black-tie gala in aid of Stellcare - drinks, canapés, live entertainment, silent auction. 18+. 🎟 Book here
Klein Joostenberg Farm Brunch
📅 Sat 22 Aug | 09:00-12:00 📍 Klein Joostenberg, Muldersvlei, Stellenbosch • Long-table feast of West Coast oysters, French charcuterie and slow-cooked pork trotter. Just 35 seats. 🎟 R330pp + 12.5% service | Book here
Burger Date Night at STEEN at Perdeberg
📅 Fri 28 Aug | 18:00 📍 STEEN Restaurant, Perdeberg Cellar, Windmeul, Paarl • Tortilla chips to share, a smash burger and wine each, dessert to finish. Fills up fast. 🎟 R350 per couple | Email to book
Amphora Wine Festival
📅 Sat 29 Aug | 10:00-15:00 📍 Lourensford Wine Estate, Somerset West • SA's first festival dedicated to clay amphora winemaking, with a talk from Portugal's AmphoraFestival founder. 🎟 R450pp | Book here
A Taste of Tuscan Togetherness: SecretEATS at Baccō Estate
📅 Sat 29 Aug 📍 Baccō Estate, Paarl • A one-night-only secret dinner - four courses, welcome drinks and wine pairings all kept under wraps until the night, Cordon Bleu chef behind the pass. Seats limited. 🎟 Contact [email protected]
COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS
Eike's Last Call Bertus Basson's final service at Eike lands Saturday 29 August, before Basson & Co - open-fire cooking, nostalgic SA flavours - takes over the same Dorp Street spot from 1 September. If you've been meaning to get in one last visit, this is genuinely your last chance. Booking strongly advised.
Stellenbosch Cabernet Month: Final Week The wine route's Cabernet-focused tastings and cellar-door offers wrap up 30 August, International Cabernet Sauvignon Day. Worth squeezing in an outing before the month turns.
SALT. Original Threads Opens Its First Stellenbosch Store Coastal clothing brand SALT. Original Threads launches Friday 21 August on the corner of Church and Mill, sharing a space with Holiday Resortwear. Walk-in only, freebies and discounts via an in-store QR code - bring the dog.
The Hive Studio Opens Next Door to The Wine Hive A new space combining African art and craft by day with themed wine tastings by night opens in Paarl on Friday 28 August, 16:00 -19:00. R100 of every RSVP goes to Magda's Kitchen. RSVP by 20 August.
Varsity Netball's Opening Weekend Lands in Stellenbosch See Family + Community above for the fixture details - a proper season-opener on home turf for the Maroon Machine.
LITTLE INSIDERS (FOR THE KIDS)
Total Ninja Somerset West - Grand Opening
📅 Opens Fri 28 Aug 📍 Lourensford Estate, Somerset West • A new obstacle-course adventure park. 🎟 More info here
🚨 20% off any session with code EARLYBIRDSSW20, valid for bookings until 30 September 2026
EYE CATCHING DEALS
🏉 Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Watch Party at Nederburg
📅 Sat 22 & Sat 29 Aug 📍 Nederburg Wines, Paarl • Big screens, live music, kids' play area for both Boks vs All Blacks clashes. 🎟 R185pp | Book here
🍽️ Franschhoek Cellar Sunday Roasts
📅 Sun 30 Aug | 12:00-15:00 📍 Franschhoek Cellar, Franschhoek • Three-course Sunday roast, award-winning wines, valley views. 🎟 R320pp | Book here
WEATHER THIS WEEK: 20 - 26 AUG
Thursday starts on the cool, breezy side - 19°, clearing to partly cloudy through the afternoon. Friday and the weekend hold steady in the high teens, with Saturday and Sunday both partly-to-mostly sunny. Then the good news: from Monday, temperatures start climbing properly, hitting 22° on Monday and pushing into the low-to-mid 20s by Tuesday and Wednesday - genuinely spring-like, and a full week ahead of Spring Day itself.
Best days to lock in outdoor plans: Saturday, Sunday, and especially Tuesday/Wednesday next week ☀️
PROPERTY OF THE WEEK
A Fairway Family Home on Pearl Valley
There's something to be said for a home that comes with its own view of two mountain ranges. This one sits right along the 11th fairway in Pearl Valley Golf & Country Estate, in the Shoal Creek precinct - four bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, spread across 465m² of open-plan living with high ceilings, a wood-burning fireplace and a scullery and cellar for the serious entertainers. East and west-facing outlooks mean sunrise over the Stellenbosch mountains and sunset over Paarl's, and the upstairs "pyjama lounge" with dual balconies is the kind of detail you don't know you want until you see it.
MIND, HEALTH + FITNESS
Why Late Winter Is the Best Time to Get Back Outdoors
It's tempting to wait for a "behoorlike" spring before lacing up again, but the sweet spot is actually right now - cooler mornings mean easier runs, the trails are quiet, and this week's run of Devonvale, Sci-Core and the TEVA x TITAN events (see above) makes it easy to just show up rather than plan a whole outing.
A few small nudges if you've been hibernating a bit:
Start with 20 minutes, not a training plan. A short walk or jog outdoors does more for your mood than a longer one you talk yourself out of.
Morning light matters more than the temperature. Even a cloudy walk before 9am helps reset your body clock for spring.
Pair it with something social. Walk to the Paul Roos Kwik Spar for Birdcage’s bake sale on Friday (effort needs to be rewarded, right!?)
A LITTLE EXTRA INSPO
You had us at Carrot Cake Oats, Uleen! 🤤
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