SPONSORED BY LIFTA
Good Morning, Insiders 😉
Big one this week. Karen Zoid is bringing the house down at Lourensford, truffle season has well and truly landed at Anthonij Rupert (three courses, freshly shaved, need we say more?), and Boschendal's Citrus Festival is the kind of low-key perfect Saturday we're all craving right now.
And then there's 18 July - Mandela Day. Whether it's the 67-minute walk for Youth Outreach Stellenbosch or just picking one small thing to do for someone else, it's the kind of week that reminds you why "community" isn't just a word.
Weather's playing along too: crisp mornings, sunny afternoons, daytime highs of 18-20°C through the week, with only a small chance of showers on Wednesday. Best days = Sat + Sun, so plan accordingly.
There's a lot to love in this issue: a village-living Franschhoek home we've fallen hard for, a R1,500 dinner-for-two winter escape, and a home lift that might just change how you think about staying in the house you love.
Grab a coffee, settle in, and let's get to it.
Here’s our lineup for you today 👇
Things To Do & Events
Community Highlights
Little Insiders: Movies + museum fun
Eye Catching Deals: Winter escape with dinner included
Weather
Property Of The Week: A Franschhoek gem
Mind, Health & Fitness
A Little Extra Inspo: Chicken cacciatore
TOGETHER WITH LIFTA
TAKE YOUR HOME TO THE NEXT LEVEL
Life changes, but that does not mean your address has to.
A Lifta Home Lift allows you to move safely and comfortably between floors while remaining in the home you love. Combining elegant European design with smart, space-saving engineering, our Home Lifts are designed to enhance accessibility, independence and everyday comfort without compromising the look and feel of your home.
Unlike conventional lifts, a Lifta Home Lift does not require a shaft, pit or machine room. It operates from a standard 220V household power supply and can usually be installed in as little as two days with minimal building work, mess or disruption.
Whether you are planning ahead, improving access for a loved one or simply future-proofing your home, Lifta offers a stylish and practical solution for both new builds and existing homes.
With over 600 Home Lifts installed across Southern Africa, Lifta SA is trusted by homeowners who want to enjoy every level of their home safely, comfortably and independently.
Arrange your free, no-obligation onsite assessment today.
080 73 73 73 7 | WhatsApp: 078 616 3640
[email protected] | www.lifta.co.za
LOCAL EVENTS
ARTS + CULTURE
Karen Zoid Live at Lourensford
📅 Sat. 18 Jul | 19:00-21:30 📍 Lourensford Wine Estate, Somerset West
One of South Africa's most celebrated rock artists performs an intimate evening of iconic songs and storytelling. (No under 16s.)
🎟 From R250 - More here
Wednesday Museum Walkabouts
📅 Wed. 15 Jul | 13:00-14:00 📍 Stellenbosch University Museum, Stellenbosch
Enjoy a guided lunchtime tour exploring fascinating artworks, historical collections and stories from Stellenbosch's past.
🎟 Free (RSVP recommended)
Dwarsrivier Adventures: Art, Culture & Storytelling Experience
📅 Sat. 18 Jul | 10:00-14:00 📍 Dwarsrivier Valley, Stellenbosch
Celebrate Mandela Day with a guided journey through art, history, local culture, food and wine in the beautiful Dwarsrivier Valley.
🎟 Book online - More here
Historical Journey: Paarl Main Road Walk
📅 Sat. 18 Jul | 09:00-13:00 📍 Frater Square, Paarl
Explore South Africa's longest main road on a guided heritage walk featuring historic buildings, local stories and museum visits.
🎟 From R30 pp - e-mail to book
FAMILY + COMMUNITY
Blaauwklippen Family Market - Rugby Screening
📅 Sat. 11 Jul & Sat. 18 Jul | 17:40 📍 Blaauwklippen Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
Watch the Springboks live on the big screen while enjoying great food, local wine and the lively family market atmosphere.
🎟 Free entry - No booking required
Boschendal Citrus Festival
📅 Sat. 18-Sun. 19 Jul | From 09:00 📍 Boschendal Estate, Franschhoek
Pick fresh citrus, enjoy live music, delicious farm food and plenty of family-friendly entertainment.
🎟 Book online - More here
HEALTH + WELLBEING
Gone Outdoor x RunBosch Group Run
📅 Sat. 11 Jul | Meet 07:45 | Run 08:00 📍 Gone Café, Stellenbosch
Join a free community run for all fitness levels, followed by great coffee and good company.
🎟 Free - More here
Sunday Brunch Hike at Plaisir Wine Estate
📅 Sun. 12 Jul | Hike 09:00 📍 Plaisir Wine Estate, Simondium
Enjoy a scenic self-paced hike through vineyards and forest trails, ending with brunch and wine overlooking Simonsberg.
🎟 R199 pp - Info here
Mandela Day Walk for Youth Outreach Stellenbosch
📅 Sat. 18 Jul | 10:00 📍 Maties Gymnasium, Stellenbosch
Support Youth Outreach Stellenbosch by taking part in this meaningful 67-minute Mandela Day fundraising walk.
🎟 Donations welcome - Details here
FOODIE EVENTS
Black Perigord Truffle 3-Course Wine Pairing Experience
📅 8 Jul-2 Aug | Daily 12:00 📍 Terra Del Capo Antipasti Restaurant, Anthonij Rupert Estate, Franschhoek
Celebrate truffle season with a luxurious three-course lunch featuring freshly shaved Black Perigord truffles, expertly paired with estate wines.
🎟 R550 pp (includes wine pairing) - More here
Neethlingshof Wine & Soup Pairing
📅 Fri. 17 Jul | 18:00-22:00 📍 EAT at Jasmine House, Somerset West
Enjoy four comforting seasonal soups expertly paired with Neethlingshof wines during this cosy winter tasting evening.
🎟 R350 pp - Info here
Lanzerac Brandy & Cigar Experience
📅 Sat. 18 Jul | 14:00 📍 Craven Lounge, Lanzerac Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
Enjoy three premium South African brandies paired with gourmet bites during an elegant afternoon hosted by brandy ambassador Shane Mumba.
🎟 R1,200 pp - Info here
Mont Rochelle Cellar Master Experience
📅 Tue. 21 Jul | 10:00 📍 The Country Kitchen, Mont Rochelle, Franschhoek
Go behind the scenes with the Cellar Master, enjoy a vineyard and cellar tour, library wine tasting and a two-course lunch.
🎟 R950 pp - More here
Thelema Dining Experience & Cellar Tour
📅 Wed. 22 Jul | Welcome 17:30 | Dinner 18:00 📍 Thelema Mountain Vineyards, Stellenbosch
Experience an unforgettable evening of cellar tours, roaming wine tastings and a beautifully curated multi-course dinner.
🎟 R1,500 pp - Details here
Spier Winemakers' Dinner: No Rules
📅 Fri. 24 Jul | 18:30 📍 Veld at Spier Hotel, Stellenbosch
Discover bold food and wine pairings during an intimate four-course dinner hosted by one of Spier's winemakers.
🎟 R950 pp - Info
🚗 Worth the drive…
Greyton Fire & Wine
📅 Fri. 24-Sat. 25 Jul | Fri. 13:00-19:00 | Sat. 12:00-18:00 📍 Greyton
Spend two cosy winter days tasting wines from 30 top producers while exploring Greyton's cafés, boutiques and crackling fireplaces.
🎟 R740 pp - More here
Weltevrede Vintage Table
📅 Sat. 25 Jul 📍 Weltevrede Wine Estate, Robertson
An exclusive evening featuring rare vintage wines, a cellar tour, gourmet five-course dinner and live piano entertainment. Limited to 15 guests.
🎟 R4,950 pp - Details
🛍️ If shopping is on your TDL over the coming days, we highly recommend you swing past:
Poppy's Pop-Up at De Wet Square
📅 Fri. 17-Sun. 19 Jul | Trading hours vary 📍 De Wet Square, Stellenbosch
Browse cushions, clothing, charms and exclusive new arrivals as Poppy's brings its first-ever pop-up shop to Stellenbosch.
🎟 Free entry - More here
Paarl's Weekend Indoor Market
📅 Sat. 18-Sun. 19 Jul | 10:00-16:00 📍 Winelands Square, Paarl
Support local Paarl vendors while browsing unique handmade products, gifts and artisan goods at Winelands Square's first-ever indoor market. Bring the whole family and discover some hidden local gems.
COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS
Cape Winelands Airport Expansion Moves Forward
Plans for an ambitious R8 billion aviation hub, developed in partnership with Stellenbosch University, could transform the region with pilot training, innovation hubs and the potential to create thousands of future jobs. While still subject to further approvals, it's a project worth watching. Read here
Tokara Cabernet Sauvignon Earns Global Recognition
Tokara's Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 continues to shine on the world stage after being selected for the prestigious 2026 Judgement of Davis and the World's Best Sommeliers' Selection - another proud moment for Stellenbosch wine.
Could Four Seasons Be Coming to Franschhoek?
Luxury hotel brand Four Seasons is reportedly close to operating Chamonix Wine Farm in Franschhoek. If confirmed, it would be only the group's second South African property and another major boost for the valley's luxury tourism offering. More here
Applications Open for Stellenbosch University's Department of Music
Dreaming of a career in music? Applications for Stellenbosch University's internationally recognised music programmes are now open for 2027. Undergraduate applications close 31 July, with postgraduate applications closing 30 October. More info
Volunteer at an International Sporting Event
Applications are now open for Maties Sport's Volunteer Development Programme, giving participants leadership training and the opportunity to volunteer at the 2026 FISU World University Championship Rugby Sevens in Stellenbosch. Details
LITTLE INSIDERS (FOR THE KIDS)
🎬 Fliek Niek Movie Nights at Jannie se Leeskamer, Stellenbosch
Brave
📅 Thu. 9 Jul | 14:00-16:00 & Fri. 10 Jul | 18:00-20:00
🎟 R80 (includes popcorn & drink) - Here
A Bug's Life
📅 Thu. 9 Jul | 18:00-20:00 & Fri. 10 Jul | 14:00-16:00
🎟 R80 (includes popcorn & drink) - Details
🎨 Rupert Museum, Stellenbosch | Holiday Program
Paper-Play Workshop (Ages 13-16)
📅 Tue. 14 Jul | 10:30-13:00 - Teens can create their own hero-inspired zine while exploring drawing, bookbinding and storytelling techniques. Includes all materials and a snack.
🎟 R160 pp - More here
Making Mask-terpieces (Ages 9-12)
📅 Wed. 15 Jul | 10:30-12:30 - Young creatives will design and build their own African-inspired mask using recycled materials while learning about South African artists.
🎟 R160 pp - Info
Animal Towers Workshop (Ages 5-8)
📅 Thu. 16 Jul | 10:30-12:00 - Little ones can build and paint their own colourful wooden animal tower inspired by African wildlife. Includes all materials and a snack.
🎟 R160 pp - Book
EYE CATCHING DEALS
Zomerlust Boutique Hotel Winter Escape
📅 Winter 2026 (Limited-time offer) 📍 Zomerlust Boutique Hotel, Paarl
Book a two-night winter stay and receive a complimentary dinner for two at SMEUL Restaurant, valued at R1,500. It's the perfect excuse to enjoy a cosy Winelands escape with boutique luxury, exceptional dining and warm Paarl hospitality.
👉🏼 Check it out!
WEATHER THIS WEEK
Winter is putting on a great show this week, with crisp mornings, sunny afternoons and daytime highs of 18-20°C - perfect for getting out and exploring something new. Expect mostly dry, settled conditions through Tuesday, with only a chance of showers arriving on Wednesday. Best days = Sat + Sun.
PROPERTY OF THE WEEK
🏡 Village Living at Its Finest
Dreaming of living just a short stroll from Franschhoek's cafés, restaurants and galleries? This beautifully renovated four-bedroom, all en-suite home offers the best of village living, overlooking the tranquil village dam. Think open-plan living, a spacious undercover patio, sparkling pool, raised jacuzzi and braai area - perfect for entertaining family and friends. Add a full solar system, double carport and contemporary finishes throughout, and you've found a home that truly has it all.
MIND, HEALTH + FITNESS
It's Mandela Day week, and research keeps confirming what most of us feel instinctively: doing something for someone else is one of the simplest, most effective mood-boosters out there. You don't need 67 minutes and a fundraiser (though the Youth Outreach walk above is a great option) - a coffee for a stranger, a call to someone you've been meaning to check on, or clearing out a bag of clothes to donate all count. This week, pick one small act and see how it feels.
A LITTLE EXTRA INSPO
Before we leave you, we’re sharing this flavour packed and beautifully wholesome Chicken Cacciatore recipe! One to save 📌
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