📩 This Week in the Winelands: 25 Events, Hidden Gems & Winter Escapes

GM, Winelands! ☀️

Happy midwinter, friends. The vines are bare, the fireplaces are lit, and we are absolutely here for it. This week the Winelands’ is offering up opera in a heritage garden, trail runs at dusk, long-table feasts by the fire, and 25 reasons to leave the house even when your couch is putting up a very compelling argument.

Christmas in Tulbagh kicks off this weekend (yes, really), the First Thursdays crowd takes over Stellenbosch next week, and the countdown to Bastille is officially on. There is absolutely something for everyone.

Our vote? Get outside Saturday while the sun is still cooperating, because Sunday is a 90%+ rain situation and you might want to tuck into some of the recipes (scroll down to the Extra Inspo section). Oh, and Watershed at Lourensford next Friday is already on our radar - if you haven't seen them live in a cellar setting, add it to the list.

Before you get stuck in, we need to remind you that this newsletter runs on genuine recommendations and local love, so tell us: What's one thing you'd love to see more of in the Winelands Insider? 🤔 👀

Here’s our lineup for you today 👇

TOGETHER WITH EYE LASER CLINIC

👁️ What Would You Do Without Your Glasses Tomorrow?

Most of us don't think about our vision until something changes. A little more squinting at night. Eyes that tire faster than they used to. The glasses that are always just out of reach.

If any of that sounds familiar, Eye Laser Clinic is worth a visit. With rooms in Paarl, Tygervalley and the V&A Waterfront, the team - led by ophthalmologist Dr Johann Krüger and Dr Wilna Rautenbach - offers everything from laser vision correction and cataract surgery to dry eye treatment, glaucoma management and corneal care.

No pressure, no assumptions. Just a honest diagnosis and a plan that fits your life.

→ Book your FREE eye laser or cataract suitability screening at eyelaserclinic.co.za (t&c’s apply)

Last Thursday: Wear Your Art
📅 Tonight, 25 Jun | 17:00-21:00📍 RELEVANT Art Gallery, Paarl
Paarl's gallery walk returns with its most creative theme yet. Wear something handmade, vintage or wonderfully unexpected, then explore local galleries, wine spots and creative spaces throughout town.
🎟 Free - More here

Bobby van Jaarsveld Live at Die Platteland, Paarl
📅 Sat 27 Jun | Doors 12:00 | Live from 20:30 📍 Die Platteland
Enjoy an evening of live music, great company and dancing as Bobby takes the stage, followed by DJ Jinx keeping the party going late into the night.
🎟 R75 online | R100 at the door | Free after 21:00 - Book here

Opera Without Words - Violin & Piano at Old Nectar
📅 Sun 28 Jun | 15:00-17:00 📍 Old Nectar Gardens, Jonkershoek
Violinist Daniel Rowland and pianist Megan-Geoffrey Prins perform a programme inspired by the drama of opera, set in one of the Winelands' most beautiful heritage venues. Wine and finger food included.
🎟 R200 pp | Students R50 - Book here

First Thursdays Stellenbosch
📅 Thu 2 Jul | 17:00-20:00 📍 Central Stellenbosch
Galleries, museums, studios and restaurants stay open after hours for an evening of art, culture and great food. This month's programme includes artist talks, exhibitions, installations and dining specials across town.
🎟 Free - Info here

Watershed Live in the Lourensford Cellar
📅 Fri 3 Jul | Doors 18:00, Show 19:00 📍 Lourensford Wine Estate Cellar, Somerset West
One of South Africa's most-loved bands returns to the Winelands for an intimate acoustic performance in the heart of the Lourensford cellar. A memorable evening of storytelling, nostalgia and sing-along favourites in a unique setting.
🎟 R270 pp - Book here

Christmas in Winter Tulbagh
📅 26-28 Jun 📍 Church Street, Tulbagh
One of the Western Cape's most-loved winter festivals returns with festive lights, live entertainment, artisan markets, family attractions and the famous Electric Light Parade.
🎟 More here

Ashes Women's Health Event
📅 Sat 27 Jun | 08:30-12:00 📍 Santé Wellness Retreat & Spa
A morning dedicated to women's wellbeing, featuring Pilates, nutrition guidance and expert talks on gut health, hormones, fertility and longevity, all in a beautiful setting.
🎟 From R980 - Book here

HYROX Simulation
📅 Sat 27 Jun | 08:15 for 08:30 📍 FitClub, Stellenbosch
Test your fitness in this partner-style HYROX simulation combining functional workout stations and running segments.
🎟 Limited spaces available - Book here

Mid-Year Trail Run - Muratie Wine Estate
📅 Sun 28 Jun 📍 Muratie Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
Choose between 6km and 11km routes through vineyards and mountain trails.
🎟 6km & 11km options - Enter here

Run for Wellness Community Run
📅 Tue 30 Jun | 17:30 📍 Corner of Hillcrest & Reservoir Road, Somerset West
Join Somerset West Run Crew for an 8km community run focused on connection, conversation and wellbeing as Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close. Whether you're there for the run, the people or a fresh start, everyone is welcome.
🎟 Free - Bring a friend

Sunset Seminar: Nature's Pharmacy
📅 Thu 2 Jul | 18:00 📍 Old Conservatory, SU Botanical Garden
Discover how Southern Africa's medicinal plants are influencing modern pharmaceutical research in this fascinating talk by PhD botany student Tamarin Powell.
🎟 Free - E-mail to reserve your spot

Rosé All Day - Padel Edition
📅 Thu 2 Jul | 18:00-19:30 📍 Anura Racquet Club, Simondium
Grab the girls for an evening of beginner-friendly padel, pink drinks and good vibes.
🎟 R250 pp - Ladies only | Book here

Fire & Wine at McFarlane Wines
📅 Sat 27 Jun | 13:00-16:00 📍 McFarlane Wines, Stellenbosch
Award-winning wines meet slow-smoked meats at this intimate long-table cellar lunch. Three courses, paired wines and a relaxed winter atmosphere make for the perfect afternoon out.
🎟 R800 pp | 21+ - Book here

Syrah vs Shiraz Blind Tasting
📅 Thu 2 Jul | 18:00-19:00 📍 Bertha Wine Bar, Stellenbosch
Discover how climate and winemaking style can transform the same grape variety. Guided by Group Sommelier Danielle de Beer, this blind tasting lets your palate decide.
🎟 Book here

Sips & Giggles
📅 Sat 4 Jul | 10:00-17:00 📍 KWV Emporium & Laborie Wine Estate, Paarl
Enjoy a relaxed day of wine tasting across two of Paarl's favourite estates, with welcome drinks, nibbles and plenty of great company. Guests are encouraged to bring a beanie or scarf donation for those in need this winter.
🎟 R200 pp | 18+ - Book here

On the horizon:

Franschhoek Bastille Festival 2026
📅 Sat. 11 & Sun. 12 Jul | From 11:00 📍 Church Street, Franschhoek
Wine, food, live entertainment and plenty of French flair at one of the Winelands' most-loved annual festivals.
🎟 R450 pp - Book here

The Routes of Sound at Spier
📅 3-19 Jul | From 19:30 📍 Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch
A three-week festival featuring 40+ South African musicians performing in intimate venues across the farm.
🎟 R300 - More info here

Also coming: Delheim’s Live Music & Cheese Fondue Sundays kick off 5 July - traditional fondue lunch, Glühwein on arrival, live music and vineyard views on Simonsberg. A proper winter tradition. Book here

Phenomenal Women Awards - Nominations Open
⌛ Nominations close Tue 21 Jul at 16:00 📍 Cape Winelands District
Know a woman making an extraordinary difference in the Winelands? Nominations are now open for the fifth Phenomenal Women Awards, recognising women creating a lasting impact across the region.
🎟 Free to nominate here

Honey Needed for Stellenbosch's Four-Legged Patients
📍 AWSS, Devon Valley Road, Stellenbosch
The Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch urgently needs honey donations to assist with wound care treatment for dogs and cats at their clinic. A small donation can make a big difference.
🎟 Drop-offs daily from 09:00-16:00

Tree House Holiday Programme - Boschendal
📅 29 Jun-17 Jul 📍 Boschendal Estate
Daily themed nature adventures, creative workshops and farm exploration in one of the Winelands' most magical settings. With groups limited to just 15 children, it's a fun and memorable school holiday experience for ages 4-12.
🎟 From R350 per session | Full week R2,900 - More info

Little Holiday Golfers - Stellenbosch Golf Club
📅 29 Jun-17 Jul (weekdays) 📍 Stellenbosch Golf Club
A fun winter holiday programme for children aged 5-14, featuring PGA-led golf coaching over two consecutive days. Perfect for beginners and young golfers looking to build confidence and skills outdoors.
🎟 R650 per child - E-mail to book

Cavalli Winter Menu - R590 for Two Courses: Chef Lucas Carstens’ seasonal menu at Cavalli is one of the best-value fine dining experiences in the Winelands right now. Wagyu brisket, cured langoustine, sunchokes with black garlic - and those views over the dam. Stay for the art gallery afterwards.

Vergelegen Firehorse Winter Specials: Thurs - two burgers for R225. Fri: beer-battered hake for R195. Sat: 300g sirloin for R225. Sun: roast lunch + Heritage wine for R295. Great value, iconic estate.

Clos Malverne Cosy Classic | R200 Burger Lunch (Wed-Sun): A burger, chips and a glass of Devonet wine for R200. The kind of winter deal that deserves a slow afternoon in the Winelands. Book here

Rupert Museum Café scone special: A homemade Still Life Scone and hot drink for R80. Open Tue-Fri 10:00-16:30 and weekends until 15:30. Some winter outings really are that simple. ☕

A beautiful window Today-Sat (sunny, up to 23°) before Sunday brings proper winter - 93% rain and a max of 15°. Trail runners, get out Saturday. Everyone else: Sunday is a fireplace, soup and a good book kind of day. 🔥

If you've been eyeing Paarl Valleij Lifestyle Estate, this one is worth a serious look. Four en-suite bedrooms, herringbone floors, a wood-burning fireplace, built-in braai and a Smeg kitchen - plus a pyjama lounge for when the family needs a little breathing room from each other. Almost every room looks out onto mountains, waterways and landscaped greenery.

Double automated garage, solar infrastructure already in place, and walking distance to the estate's clubhouse, gym and restaurants. Security is top-tier, the trails are on your doorstep, and the Winelands are quite literally your backyard.

👉🏼 Take a peek here

I love a mid-year check-in. It's a chance to pause, reflect on how far you've come, and make a few intentional tweaks for the months ahead. This list is the perfect prompt to reset, refocus and finish the year strong.

🥗 Eat Better This Week Without Thinking Too Hard About It

The week gets away from you fast. Lunch becomes a granola bar. Dinner becomes whatever's easiest. By today you're running on caffeine and good intentions, and you feel it everywhere.

Here's what's actually going on: without enough protein and fibre together, your blood sugar spikes and crashes all day. These two nutrients slow digestion, stabilise your energy and keep you full long enough to get through your calendar.

These five meals do exactly that. Under 30 minutes, easy to prep ahead.

Chicken & Black Bean Burrito Bowls - rotisserie chicken, canned black beans, brown rice, salsa and greens. Make the components Sunday, assemble all week.

Egg & Lentil Scramble - two eggs, half a cup of cooked lentils, garlic and whatever greens need using up. Under 10 minutes. Works for breakfast, lunch or the 11am moment you forgot to eat.

Greek Yogurt Power Bowl - plain yogurt, chia seeds, raspberries and high-protein granola. Five minutes, no cooking, 30g+ protein.

White Bean & Veggie Soup - one pot Sunday, eat until Wednesday, freeze the rest. White beans alone give you 17g protein and 11g fibre per cup.

Tuna & Chickpea Salad - one bowl, five minutes, no heat. Over greens, in a wrap or with crackers.

Pick two or three. Notice how different you feel by Friday. 💪

❤️ 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.