Happy Thursday, Winelands 😊
It’s a busy one around town this week. From KAMERS Makers at Allée Bleue and live music under the stars to harvest celebrations, vineyard walks and a few very tempting foodie events - there’s plenty worth getting out for.
We’ve rounded up the highlights across Stellenbosch, Paarl and Somerset West. Start with our Editor’s Picks, then get comfy and grab your dairy!
Here’s this week’s full lineup👇
Things To Do & Events
Community Highlights
Little Insiders
Eye Catching Deals: Weekday brekkie special
Weather: Mon-Wed = 🥵
Mind, Health & Fitness: Up your communication skills
A Little Extra Inspo: Peanut Chilli Oil Noodles
👉 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. Good company, and we’re genuinely flattered. Thank you.
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LOCAL EVENTS
Spoilt for choice this week? Start with our Editor’s Picks…
KAMERS MAKERS 2026
📅 3-8 Mar 📍 Allée Bleue Wine Estate
A vibrant showcase of proudly local design, fashion, food and creativity set against the Franschhoek mountains - the ultimate Winelands day out 🎟 Info here
RMB Starlight Classics
📅 Fri. 13 - Sat. 14 Mar | 7:30pm 📍 Vergelegen Wine Estate
Enjoy an unforgettable evening of classical and contemporary favourites performed by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra alongside stars like Msaki, Arno Carstens and Levy Sekgapane. Pack a picnic and settle in under the stars.
🎟 From R500 - Book here
🎭 ARTS + CULTURE
Women’s Day Sip & Paint
📅 Sun. 8 Mar | 12pm 📍 Schoon Laborie Café, Paarl
Celebrate Women’s Day with a dreamy afternoon of creativity and connection. Enjoy a guided painting session, all art supplies and a complimentary drink in a relaxed café setting - the perfect Sunday.
🎟 R380 pp - Book here
Zoid Psalm - Karen Zoid
📅 Fri. 13 Mar | 7:30-9pm 📍 NG Kerk Die Paarl (Strooidakkerk)
Acclaimed artist Karen Zoid brings her powerful and intimate Zoid Psalm performance to Paarl. Set inside the historic church, expect an emotional evening of music and storytelling where her iconic Afrikaans rock sound meets a beautifully atmospheric setting.
🎟 From R50 pp - Book here
Valiant Swart Live at Heuer Theatre
📅 Thu. 19 Mar | 6-8pm 📍 Heuer Theatre, Heuer Pianos, Stellenbosch
Legendary singer-songwriter Valiant Swart returns to Stellenbosch for an intimate concert at the newly opened Heuer Theatre. Joined by Jake Gunn, expect a warm evening of storytelling, powerful lyrics and classic South African music in an up-close setting.
🎟 From R400 pp - Book here
Mel die Storieverteller - Internet Sensasie
📅 Fri. 20 Mar | Doors 6:30pm | Show 7:30pm 📍 Paarl Stadsaal
Internet sensation Mel die Storieverteller brings her hilarious one-woman show to her hometown. Expect outrageous social media stories, colourful characters and laugh-out-loud moments in this raw and wildly entertaining comedy performance.
🎟 From R140 pp | No under 14s - Book here
Jubilate Deo - South African Première
📅 Sat. 21 Mar | Endler Hall, Stellenbosch | Sun. 22 Mar | Welgelegen Dutch Reformed Church
An unforgettable evening of choral music as Canticum Novum presents the South African première of Dan Forrest’s Jubilate Deo. Performed with full choir and orchestra under Dr Yolanda Botha, the programme also features works by Ola Gjeilo and John Tavener.
🎟 From R120 pp - Book here
Sunset Jazz Evening at Deux Lions
📅 Thu. 26 Mar | 6pm for 6:30pm 📍 Deux Lions, Franschhoek
An elegant autumn evening of live jazz under the trees. Enjoy a soulful performance, a generous buffet dinner and a welcome drink as the sun sets over Franschhoek - the perfect excuse for a relaxed night out in the Winelands.
🎟 R850 pp - Details here
Watershed LIVE at Simonsvlei
📅 Sat. 28 Mar | Gates 5pm | Show 7:30pm 📍 Simonsvlei Winery, Paarl
Proudly South African favourites Watershed take the stage for a laid-back summer evening of live music, great wine and lawn vibes. Expect food stalls, pre-show entertainment by Ben Dey and a relaxed picnic-style atmosphere under the stars.
🎟 R320 pp - Book here
🏟 FAMILY + COMMUNITY
Live Music Sundays at Zorgvliet
📅 Sun. 8 & 22 Mar | From midday 📍 Zorgvliet Estate, Banhoek Valley
Slow Sundays with live music, mountain views and estate wines. Settle in for long lunches, relaxed picnics and an easy soundtrack to the afternoon.
🎤 8 Mar - Kruger & Tutu | 22 Mar - Dani Ville
🔗 Bookings here
FNB Maties vs FNB Emeris - Varsity Cup
📅 Mon. 9 Mar | 7pm 📍 Danie Craven Stadium, Stellenbosch
Rugby night in Stellenbosch. Expect a packed stadium, electric student atmosphere and top varsity rugby action as FNB Maties take on FNB Emeris under the lights.
🎟 From R50 - Book here
Mos Fees 2026
📅 Sat. 14 Mar | 7-5pm 📍 Koelenhof Wine Cellar, Stellenbosch
A vibrant farm-style day out combining fitness, food, wine and family fun. Expect a 5km & 10km fun run, mos tasting, food trucks, live entertainment and a kids play area - all set against scenic vineyard views.
🎟 Fun Run R50 pp (Kids under 12 free) - Info here
🌱 HEALTH + WELLBEING
Signature Makeup Workshop
📅 Sat. 7 Mar | 10:30-1:30pm 📍 Paarl
Refine your everyday beauty routine at this hands-on makeup workshop focused on modern, wearable techniques that enhance your natural features. Learn skin prep, foundation matching, soft contouring and smoky eye techniques while applying the makeup on yourself in a guided session.
🎟 R650 pp - Book here
Tussen Boom en Bosch
📅 Sat. 21 Mar | 8-4pm 📍 Trees South Africa, Vlaeberg Rd, Stellenbosch
A family-friendly celebration of nature, sustainability and the beauty of trees. Expect a 5km fun run, kids’ treasure hunt, Slow Market stalls, food & wine, live entertainment and tree & wine pairing tours set among the forests of Stellenbosch.
🎟 From R20 - Book here
Harvest Trail Run - Knorhoek
📅 Sun. 22 Mar | Morning 📍 Knorhoek Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
Lace up for a scenic harvest-season trail run through the vineyards and rugged terrain of Knorhoek. Expect flowing Dirtopia singletrack, beautiful views and that unbeatable post-run wine farm atmosphere.
🎟 6km & 11km routes - Info & entries here
🍽 FOODIE EVENTS
Picnic Garden Braai at Klein Joostenberg
📅 Sat. 7 Mar | 6:30pm 📍 Klein Joostenberg Farm, Stellenbosch
A warm farm evening of live music, generous braai classics and picnic vibes. Expect breads, smoked snoek, wors, sosaties and all the good sides - finished with berry & vanilla ice cream and wine flowing all night.
🎟 R445 pp | Kids R200 - Book here
Windmeul Farmers Market & Firsty Thirsty
📅 Sat. 7 Mar | 8-12:30pm 📍 Windmeul Cellar, Paarl
Celebrate the first wine of the 2026 harvest as the Firsty Thirsty Chenin Blanc makes its debut. Expect farm stalls, artisan bakes, breakfast, live music and 10% off wines in a lively cellar market setting.
🎟 Free entry - Info here
Wednesday Pizza Club
📅 Every Wed | Movie 6:30pm 📍 Suzanne Restaurant, Laborie Estate, Paarl
Midweek plans sorted. Enjoy a wood-fired pizza, popcorn, a movie and a glass of wine or cooldrink in a relaxed setting at Laborie Estate. Easy date night or family treat.
🎟 R255 pp - Info here
La Motte Harvest Experience
📅 Sat. 14 Mar | 10am 📍 La Motte, Franschhoek
Celebrate harvest season with an immersive journey through vineyards and cellar spaces at La Motte. Learn about the winemaking process and enjoy the energy of harvest time in true Franschhoek style.
🎟 R300 pp - Book here
Winery & Vineyard Walks - Joostenberg Wines
📅 Sat. 14 Mar | 9:30am 📍 Joostenberg Wines, Muldersvlei
Step behind the scenes during harvest season with a guided vineyard walk, cellar insight and wine tasting with the Joostenberg team. A relaxed morning experience for wine lovers wanting something authentic.
🎟 R180 pp - Book here
Chocolate & Wine Pairing
📅 Fri. 20 Mar | Evening 📍 Wellington Terroir, Old Tannery, Wellington
Indulge in a decadent evening pairing artisan chocolates with carefully selected local wines. A rich, flavour-filled experience celebrating Wellington’s terroir - perfect for anyone who loves a little sweetness with their wine.
🎟 R350 pp
Mediterranean 4-Course Dinner at Heins
📅 Fri. 27 Mar | 6:30-11pm 📍 Heins, De Clamputs Farm (R44 & Muldersvlei Rd)
A relaxed farm-style evening celebrating vibrant Mediterranean flavours. Enjoy a four-course dinner, welcome drink and live music in a beautiful countryside setting.
🎟 R450 pp - Book via Heins at Kleine Liebe (Facebook)
📲 BUSINESS EVENTS
DEDAT Tourism Ambassador Programme - Drakenstein
📅 Mon. 9 Mar (Paarl) | Tue. 10 Mar (Wellington)
A one-day tourism workshop for frontline tourism workers, students and community participants. Learn about destination knowledge, tourism opportunities and service skills to strengthen your impact in the local tourism industry.
🔗 Register here
💫 FREE THINGS TO DO
Coffee Rave
📅 Sat. 14 Mar | 7:30am 📍 De Warenmarkt
Strong coffee, solid beats and early morning energy with DJ Fallo in the heart of Stellenbosch.
🎟 Free event
First Thursdays
📅 Thu. 5 Mar | From 6pm 📍 Stellenbosch
Art galleries, wine bars and shops open late with exhibitions, tastings and street buzz.
🎟 Free event - info here
🚗 WORTH THE DRIVE
Fire & Wine Experience
📅 Fri. 20 & Sat. 21 Mar | From 6pm 📍 Deetlefs Wine Estate, Rawsonville
Flame-kissed cuisine meets exceptional Breedekloof wines in this bold Fire & Wine dining experience hosted by Deetlefs and Chef Gert from Lelik Maar Lekker. Expect hearty fire-inspired dishes, outstanding wines and a warm social atmosphere against a dramatic mountain backdrop.
🎟 R690 pp - Book here
COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS
♻️ Recycling Collection Expands to Klapmuts
📅 From Thu. 5 Mar | Every Thursday 📍 Klapmuts
Good news for Klapmuts residents. Stellenbosch Municipality has expanded its recycling collection service to include the area, with weekly collections now taking place every Thursday starting 5 March. A small but meaningful step toward making sustainable living easier across the Winelands.
🔗 Updated schedules and recycling guidelines available via Stellenbosch Municipality
🛍️ Dorp Street Sunday Market Closes Indefinitely
📍 Stellenbosch
The much-loved Dorp Street Sunday Market has officially closed indefinitely. Known for artisan stalls, handmade goods and relaxed Sunday browsing, the market had become a favourite gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. Vendors say the closure may impact many small businesses who relied on the market as a platform to trade and connect with the community.
📲 Get Notified - Drakenstein Municipality Alerts
📍 Paarl, Wellington, Gouda, Saron & Simondium
Drakenstein Municipality’s #GetNotified system allows residents to receive targeted SMS and email alerts about service disruptions in their area - including water outages, electricity interruptions and road works. A simple way to stay informed and ahead of local infrastructure updates.
LITTLE INSIDERS (FOR THE KIDS)
Kids Adventure Bike Classes
📅 Fri. 13 Mar | 4-6pm 📍 Hero Legacy Pumptrack, Spice Route Destination, Paarl
A fun, confidence-building bike session for young riders at the Spice Route pumptrack. With guided coaching and a supportive environment, kids can develop their skills while enjoying an active afternoon outdoors.
🎟 Free event - More info here
EYE CATCHING DEALS
Who doesn’t like a delicious, bargain brekkie!? ☀️
📅 Mon-Fri | 9-12pm 📍 The Pottery, Stellenbosch
Pop in for Eggs Benedict and a freshly brewed coffee for R120 - the perfect excuse for a relaxed midweek catch-up or a work-from-café morning.
Plus, keep an eye out for their weekly favourites:
🍸 Cocktail Thursdays
🍔 Burger Wednesdays
🌤 WEATHER THIS WEEK
A warm one ahead in the Winelands ☀️
Best days:
🌞 Saturday (25°C) - clear, sunny and ideal for plans.
🔥 Sunday (31°C) - a gorgeous warm day.
☀️ Mon-Wed bring a proper heatwave, climbing to 35-38°C, so plan early outings and keep cool.
Summary: Weekend = perfect. Next week = hot, hot, hot. 🌡️

MIND, HEALTH + FITNESS
We talk all day long - but how often do we actually communicate well? 🎙️
This week’s pod bite dives into the art of better conversations - from tone and timing to the energy behind your words. Featuring insights from trial lawyer and author Jefferson Fisher, it’s a smart, practical listen that might just change the way you handle your next tricky chat.
A LITTLE EXTRA INSPO
These Peanut Chilli Oil Noodles bring the HEAT 🌶️🔥 - silky noodles drenched in a fiery, nutty, umami-packed sauce that clings to every strand. It’s spicy, punchy and dangerously addictive…
Want to level it up? Throw in juicy chicken or crispy tofu, add broccoli for crunch, and don’t be shy with that extra drizzle of chilli oil.
That’s it, you’re brilliantly up to date.
Thanks for reading.
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