🙌🏼 Your Big Week Ahead. Let's Go!

Winter just unlocked its full potential. And it came with a wine list 🍷 👀

GM, Winelands!

Let’s be frank: this is one of the strongest weeks on the Winelands calendar in a while. We’re celebrating the life of Winemaker André Morgenthal, there’s bookbinding at La Motte, winemaker dinners at Jordan and Meerlust, classical music meets Latin rhythm at Endler Hall, a citrus orchard you can literally walk into, and enough winter dining specials to keep you busy from Tuesday through Sunday without repeating a venue 🥩 🍷

The Drink Chenin Day Festival is also coming up faster than you think - I'm flagging it now because it will sell out, and I refuse to let that happen to you.

I've done the scrolling, the sorting and the overthinking.

Here’s what I’ve got for you today 👇

💥 Book This Now - Sells Out Fast

Drink Chenin Day Festival 2026
📅 Sat. 13 June 📍 Cavalli Estate, Stellenbosch
SA's biggest Chenin Blanc celebration returns with unlimited tastings, a branded tasting glass, live music and gourmet food stations. Expect top producers including Ken Forrester, Raats, Jordan, Kleine Zalze and Spier all under one roof.
🎟 From R450 pp - Book your ticket now

Open Mic Night: Reinterpreted Classics - MADD Thursdays
📅 Thu. 4 June | 19:00 📍 MARKS at Hazendal Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
Angelah Stuurman performs reinterpreted classics in one of the Winelands' most stylish venues. Join for great food, excellent wine and an intimate atmosphere with local talent at its best.
🎟 Reserve here

Bookbinding Workshop with Hélène van Aswegen
📅 Sat. 6 June | 09:30-16:00 📍 La Motte Ateljee, La Motte Wine Estate
Spend a creative winter's day learning to create a beautiful open-spine accordion (leporello) book. Suitable for beginners and includes a coffee and pastry break, plus a seasonal lunch.
🎟 R1,355 pp - Book here

Winter Art Escape: Stellenbosch's Creative Side
📅 Throughout Winter 2026 📍 Various Venues, Stellenbosch
Take a break from the usual wine route and explore Stellenbosch's thriving art scene, including the Rupert Museum, Glenelly Glass Museum, Stellenbosch Art Mile, Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden and SOST. Perfect for a slower winter wander.
🎟 Entry varies (some venues free)

💡 Winter is made for wandering. These spaces are never crowded in June - which makes the experience even better.

Windmeul Farmers Market
📅 Sat. 6 June | Morning 📍 Windmeul Kelder, Paarl
One of our favourite country markets, packed with local produce, artisan foods, baked goods, wine and great coffee. Perfect for a relaxed morning of browsing, breakfast and stocking up on local treats.
🎟 Free entry - More here

Pick Your Own Citrus at Nieuwe Sion - Last Days!
📅 Until Sat. 6 June | 10:00-15:00 Daily 📍 Nieuwe Sion, Simondium/Paarl
Wander through the orchards and pick your own citrus straight from the trees, then enjoy freshly squeezed orange juice and coffee on-site. A simple winter outing that makes the most of the season.
🎟 R20 per kg picked

Swartland Open Day
📅 Sat. 6 June | Various Times 📍 Various Venues, Swartland Wine & Olive Route
Explore one of South Africa's most exciting wine regions with exclusive access to boutique wineries, cellar tastings, food pairings and winemaker experiences throughout the Swartland.
🎟 Pricing varies by producer - Full list here

💡 Worth the drive this Saturday. The Swartland is one of SA's most exciting wine regions and Open Day is the best way in.

Celebrating the Life of André Morgenthal
📅 Tue. 16 June | 18:30 📍 De Warenmarkt, Stellenbosch
The South African wine industry comes together to honour the life and legacy of André Morgenthal, one of its most respected ambassadors. The evening includes exceptional old-vine wines, dinner and reflections from industry leaders, family and friends, with renowned wine critic Tim Atkin as guest speaker.
🎟 R750 pp - Book here

A rare opportunity to raise a glass to one of the true champions of South African wine and celebrate a legacy that continues to shape the industry today. 🕊️

Core Concepts Pilates - First Saturdays Community Class
📅 Sat. 6 June | 07:30 & 08:30 📍 Stellenbosch Square (also Stellenbosch Central & Durbanville)
Start the month with a community-focused Pilates or Yoga session, with options including Reformer Pilates, Mat Pilates and Yoga. A great way to move, reset and ease into the weekend.
🎟 R250 Reformer | R200 Mat/Yoga - Info here

Run The Wines - Ayama Slent Farm
📅 Sat. 13 June | 09:00 📍 Ayama Slent Farm, Paarl
Swap the usual road race for a relaxed 5km run through the vineyards, complete with wine tasting stations along the route. Expect beautiful scenery, a social atmosphere and a finisher's medal at the end.
🎟 Details here

Meerlust Burger Night - De Vrije Pop-Up
📅 Thu. 4 June | 18:30 📍 Meerlust Estate, Stellenbosch
Enjoy a gourmet De Vrije burger, chips and a half bottle of Meerlust Estate Red per person at the estate's historic Old Distillery. A relaxed winter evening pairing great burgers with exceptional wine.
🎟 R350 pp - More here

First Fridays at The Courtyard
📅 Fri. 5 June | Until 20:00 📍 Nederburg Wine Estate, Paarl
Kick off the weekend with wood-fired pizza, live music, late-opening cellar doors and a glass of Nederburg Winemasters wine by the fireplace.
🎟 R150 pp - Book here

Winemaker's Dinner with Vriesenhof at Jordan Restaurant
📅 Fri. 5 June | 18:30 📍 Jordan Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
Chef Marthinus Ferreira joins Vriesenhof's Eddie Smit and Adam Mason for a seasonal sharing menu thoughtfully paired with Vriesenhof wines. An intimate evening of exceptional food, wine and storytelling.
🎟 R1,250 pp - Book here

Sips & Giggles at Haute Cabrière
📅 Sat. 6 June | 10:00 📍 Haute Cabrière, Franschhoek
A relaxed morning wine social bringing together good wine, great conversation and a welcoming crowd in the heart of Franschhoek.
🎟 R200 pp - Book here

Safari Outdoor Couch Conversations: Deon Meyer & Nico Panagio
📅 Tue. 9 June | 18:00 for 18:30 📍 Safari Outdoor, Stellenbosch
Join bestselling author Deon Meyer and presenter Nico Panagio for an evening of stories, laughter and behind-the-scenes insights, hosted by chef Nic van Wyk.
🎟 RSVP required here

La Cotte Winter Tales: Dr Dean Allen - Exiles in Paradise
📅 Fri. 12 June | Evening 📍 La Cotte Farm, Franschhoek
The first in La Cotte's popular winter dinner series, featuring historian Dr Dean Allen exploring Napoleon's exile on Saint Helena and its fascinating South African connections over a three-course dinner.
🎟 R750 pp - Info here

Good to Gather - Friday Night Suppers
📅 Fri. 12 & Fri. 19 June | From 18:00 📍 Good to Gather, Stellenbosch
Candlelit communal suppers built around a seasonal set menu, good wine and meaningful conversation. A cosy winter dining experience designed for sharing and connection.
🎟 Book here

💡 Winter evenings were made for this. Honest food, no fuss, great atmosphere.

👨‍⚕️ Stellenbosch Startup Building Prosthetic Knees 10x Cheaper Than Imports

A Stellenbosch University venture is doing something genuinely remarkable. NAVU Mobility has developed a prosthetic knee that costs up to 10 times less than imported alternatives - restoring independence and dignity to amputees across Africa who'd otherwise go without. The team featured on the latest LaunchPod episode from LaunchLab. This is exactly the kind of homegrown innovation that reminds us why Stellenbosch continues to punch well above its weight.

🚗 Ken Forrester Winter Charity Drive - Wine in Return

Drop off 5kg of clothing or 5 library books or 5kg of dog food at Ken Forrester Wines and receive a complimentary bottle of wine (while stocks last). Running throughout winter. Clear out a cupboard, help a community, come home with something in hand. Good wine is even better when it does good. Drop off at Ken Forrester Wines during tasting room hours.

🍽️ Winshaw: The Hidden Winelands Gem Doing Less - And Better

In a world of oversized menus and trend-chasing, Winshaw Tasting Room & Eatery in Lynedoch is doing the opposite: four dishes, quality ingredients, honest farm-to-table cooking. Their grass-fed Usana beef burger (raised on the farm itself) is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about quiet discoveries among local food lovers. 4.9 stars on Dineplan.

There’s plenty happening for little ones at Play By Nature this winter, from pizza-making evenings and rugby sessions to sensory classes for babies.

🍕 Pizza Friday
📅 Fri. 5 June | 16:30-20:00
An early family dinner where kids can make their own pizza.

🏉 Rugby Tots
📅 Every Friday | 09:00-09:45
Fun rugby-based activities for little ones, followed by free play in the garden.

👶 Baby Sensory Class
📅 Thu. 11 June | 14:00-14:45
A sensory experience for babies aged 8-14 months, held on the balcony venue.

There are lots more family-friendly events, workshops and seasonal specials planned throughout winter. Spaces are limited, so advance booking is recommended.

🎟 Book early to avoid missing out.

🔥 Fireside Fridays at Die Stoep

📅 Every Friday from 12 June 📍 Vriesenhof Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
Settle in by the fire for a weekly themed dining experience created by Chef Keane Munro, featuring everything from wood-fired favourites to seasonal comfort food, paired with Vriesenhof wines.
🎟 R495 pp - More here

🍔 Clos Malverne Winter Special - Burger & Wine

📅 Wed-Sun Lunchtimes 📍 Clos Malverne Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
Enjoy a burger, chips and a glass of Devonet wine for just R200. The perfect excuse for a relaxed winter lunch overlooking the vineyards.
🎟 R200 pp - Book here

🏡 Franschhoek Midweek Staycation - Pay 2 Nights, Stay 3

📅 Until 15 Sept 2026 📍 Participating Properties, Franschhoek
Book a midweek escape and enjoy a complimentary third night at participating Franschhoek properties. Many offers also include wine tastings, dining vouchers and a R500 Franschhoek Wine Valley voucher.
🎟 Use code STAYCAY26 when booking directly - Details here

💆‍♀️ Winter Wellness Specials at Revel Self Care

📅 Throughout Winter 2026 📍 Revel Self Care, Stellenbosch
A collection of winter treatments designed to restore tired skin, ease tension and add a little self-care to the colder months.
🎟 From R220 - Book via the Revel App

Great news for the weekend - mostly sunny Thurs - Sat with highs of 19°. Perfect Swartland Open Day weather. Monday brings some morning showers, then mild and partly cloudy through to Wednesday. Classic Cape winter doing us a favour. Pack a layer for the evenings.

Framed by Simonsberg | Between Two World-Class Estates

Tucked between Val de Vie and Pearl Valley Golf Estate, this beautiful four-bedroom home sits on one of the most coveted nature stands in the area - and those Simonsberg views? Utterly breathtaking.

Inside, light floods every room and the mountain feels like it's part of the living space. It's the kind of home that just feels right - calm, private, and made for real family life. Think lazy weekends, kids running in and out, and easy entertaining in spaces that flow naturally from one to the next.

Three bathrooms, a flexible fourth room (currently a gorgeous pyjama lounge), and the option to purchase the furniture for a true move-in-ready experience.

Exclusive mandate - sneak peak for further details.

Winter is when many of us quietly let healthy habits slide. The mornings are colder, the evenings darker and somehow the sofa always seems more appealing.

The trick? Stop waiting to feel motivated. Momentum comes from taking action first. The people who stay consistent through winter aren't necessarily more disciplined — they've simply made it easier to get started.

💡 Try the Two-Minute Rule
Popularised by James Clear, the idea is simple: make the first step of any habit take less than two minutes. Put your trainers on. Roll out your yoga mat. Open your notebook. Start small and let momentum do the heavy lifting.

What's one healthy habit you're determined to keep this winter? We'd love to hear.

The Ultimate Soup Starter Base

Most great soups begin with these simple ingredients:

~ 1 onion, finely chopped
~ 2–3 cloves garlic, crushed
~ 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
~ 1–2 carrots, diced (optional)
~ 1 celery stick, diced (optional)
~ 1 litre good-quality stock (chicken or vegetable)
~ Fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary or parsley
~ Salt and black pepper to taste

Method:

From there, you're only a few ingredients away from a seriously good bowl of winter comfort. 🍂

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