Wine Town Stellenbosch Returns in July
Each winter, just as the vines begin their quiet slumber, Stellenbosch comes alive in a decidedly celebratory fashion. From July 26 to August 3, the country’s most esteemed wine region opens its cellars, dining rooms, and secret courtyards for Wine Town Stellenbosch—South Africa’s premier week-long ode to the vine.
Anchoring this spirited affair is the Stellenbosch Wine Festival (August 1–2), a convivial walkabout tasting set in the City of Oaks’ historic town hall. It’s here that more than 50 of the country’s top producers—from Simonsig to Spier, Alto to De Meye—will uncork over 200 wines, inviting the curious and connoisseurs alike to sip, swirl, and savour.
This year brings the welcome addition of Raats Family Wines, Hidden Valley, and De Meye Vineyards, who join a roster of estates that read like a who’s who of South African wine. The festival’s famed graze table returns too—an endless, locavore spread designed by the Bertus Basson Restaurant Group, featuring seasonal plates and a buffet of indulgent desserts. Live music punctuates the occasion with just the right amount of rhythm.
But this is more than just an event. It’s a nine-day immersion in Stellenbosch’s vinous lifestyle, where wine farms, restaurants, guesthouses, and tour operators collaborate to create a patchwork of experiences: vertical tastings, cellar workshops, winemaker dinners, and even Happy Hour at local wine bars from 5 to 7 p.m.
A full itinerary of Wine Town events will be announced soon, though early booking is advised—tickets are limited and demand, unsurprisingly, is high.
Festival Details
📍 Venue: Stellenbosch Town Hall
📅 Dates: Friday, August 1 (17:00–21:00) & Saturday, August 2 (14:00–18:00)
🎟️ Tickets: R550 online | R600 at the door (via Plankton)
🎫 Includes: Wine tasting tokens, live entertainment, and graze table access
Of course, a single evening can never quite contain Stellenbosch’s charm. The Stay & Play initiative encourages visitors to turn their wine festival into a weekend escape, complete with bespoke accommodation, culinary adventures, and cellar-door discoveries.
Because in Stellenbosch, the wine doesn’t just pair with food—it pairs with life.
More info: stayandplay.visitstellenbosch.org
📩 info@wineroute.co.za | ☎ 021 886 4310
Follow: @stellwineroute on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram
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