Although most of our visitors to Stellenbosch come over the
summer, “high season”, there are plenty of reasons to come during the winter
months – and that tasting wine in 40 degree weather is a bad idea is just one
of them! During winter, most of the wineries are a lot quieter, and you can be
sure of some personal attention, sometimes even chatting to the winemakers
about their delicious wines. In addition to the attraction of visiting (and
tasting!) some of our beautiful vineyards, Stellenbosch also plays host to a
large number of exciting events over the winter months. Here are just a few of
our favourites:
The annual Rare Plant
Fair will be held in the idyllic setting of Rustenberg Wines, Ida’s Valley,
Stellenbosch on 13 April 2013 from 9h30-14h30. Entry fee is R10 to this event
where 27 growers, both professionals and amateurs, will be selling their
plants. There will also be other gardening stalls and a tea garden.
Enquiries: +27 (0)78 0212101
Enquiries: +27 (0)78 0212101
If you prefer eating to gardening, the annual South African Cheese Festival at the Sandringham Estate will be
held from Friday, 26 April 2013 to Sunday, 28 April 2013. In addition to the
widest selection of cheese currently available in South Africa, visitors will
also be tempted with wine, nuts and olives, amongst other delicacies.
For more information, contact Mariana Rabie: +27 (0)21 975 4440
And for the more athletic of us, the Bien Donne Trail Run/Walk and Kids
MTB Funride will take place on Saturday, 20 April 2013 at the Agri Mega
Expo and promises to be fun for the whole family. All entrants will receive
free entrance into the Expo and all pre-entries will receive a discount and
goody bag! Registration is from 08:00, with the first race starting at 08:30.
There are different trails, so every fitness level can take part, be it 3km,
5km or 8km.
For more information, contact the Dirtopia Trail Centre on +27
(0)21 884 4752 or info@dirtopia.co.za
From Monday, 24 June 2013 to Monday, 05 August 2013, the Delheim Jazz and Cheese Fondue Festival will
encompass a welcoming glass of traditional hot Glühwein, a selection of fine
Delheim wines, filter coffee, live jazz music and, of course, bubbling hot
cheese fondue every Sunday from 12 noon. Tickets are R150 per person and
booking is essential.
Contact: +27 (0)21 888 4607
The Stellenbosch Chamber Music
Festival will be held from Friday, 05 July 2013 to Sunday, 14 July 2013,
giving young South African musicians to opportunity to study, perform and be
inspired by student groups the world over. All students are between 12 and 28
years old and about 235 are expected this year. Public master classes will also
be held throughout the festival.
For more details, information and the programme, contact +27 (0)21
808 2343 or +27 (0)21 808 2358
Prospective brides are also advised to rush to Stellenbosch on
Sunday, 28 July 2013 and Monday, 29 July 2013 for the Winelands Bridal Festival at the Spier Wine Estate. A wide range of
exhibitors will be showcasing their products and services, giving future brides
(and grooms) the ideal opportunity to meet service providers and ask questions
they would otherwise have to make an appointment for. Fun attractions and
entertainment will also be provided throughout the day and fabulous fashion
shows held twice a day. Chat to photographers and look at beautiful wedding
gowns while sipping a glass of champagne with your betrothed – what’s not to
like!
Contact +27 (0)21 981 4737 for more information.
On Sunday, 28 July 2013, join the Stellenbosch Winterfest at the Paul Roos Centre for traditional
German meals, wine, beer, coffee and cake. Live music, family entertainment and
crafts will also be on offer.
For more information, call +27 (0)72 422 3179
