6 must-do Winelands summer outings

Winona Griggs

6 Fun Summertime Activities in the Winelands

Hey there! It’s December, and you know what that means – tourist season in the Cape! So, let me share six incredible experiences you absolutely can’t miss this holiday season. Picture this: the sun is shining, the vines are lush and green, and the magical Winelands are calling your name. Exciting, right?

1: Enjoy a Leisurely Summer Lunch at the Kraal

Now, close your eyes and imagine it with me. The aroma of mouthwatering food fills the air as Harry from Harry’s Big Wine Adventures asks, “Anyone fancy some tomatoes? Because that’s all that’s left!” We all chuckle as he pours sauce over his succulent Cape Wagyu beef shin. Ah, pure contentment. This is what you’d experience at Joostenberg Wine Estate during their delightful Sunday lunch. As the day leisurely slips by, you can savor the sensational food and lively conversations without a care in the world. It’s the epitome of relaxation.

Welcome to The Kraal! It’s a special place that just opened up. As you may have guessed, it used to be an animal shelter way back in the 1700s! Can you believe it? Five generations of people have lived here, and they’ve left behind so many amazing stories, recipes, and memories.

I’m excited to share with you the incredible experience you’ll have at Joostenberg Bistro. Every Sunday, they serve a different three-course menu, lovingly created by the talented chef Lanri Marais. Lanri has been a valuable member of the Joostenberg Bistro team for the past four years and honed her skills at Hurst campus.

Together with her mentors Garth Bedford, the head chef at Joostenberg Bistro and Klein Joostenberg Events, and Christophe Dehosse, the chef and owner of Joostenberg Bistro, Klein Joostenberg Events, and The Vine Bistro, they have crafted a menu that evokes childhood memories and embraces French cuisine. Their secret? They use only the freshest seasonal ingredients, locally sourced or grown right on the estate. It’s a celebration of flavors and a tribute to their shared passion for cooking.

When you step into the bistro, you’ll find yourself in an airy, open courtyard that’s been lovingly whitewashed. The fragrance of old trees and olive groves fills the air, creating a magical atmosphere. As you take your seat at one of the wooden tables, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a picture-perfect scene. It’s an enchanting place to savor your meal.

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And let’s not forget about the wine tasting! Anette, the wife of renowned wine-maker Tyrrel, will be your expert guide. She’ll take you on a journey through five different wine samples, giving you a crash course in oenology. Feel free to ask any questions, no matter how uninformed they may seem. Anette is there to help, and she’ll gladly share her knowledge with you.

So, let’s go back to the table, where the delicious main course has disappeared and our awesome Service Manager, Veronica, is impressively balancing dessert dishes on each arm. Date balls, strawberry sorbet, and cinnamon marshmallows? Sounds like a tasty treat that I definitely can’t pass up!

If you’re wondering about the price, it’s R360 per person for a set three-course menu. And here’s the best part – this amazing summer menu is available until April 2019. Don’t forget, you can also do some wine tasting for just R60.

Now, let’s get into the details. It’s important to know that advanced booking is essential, so make sure you secure your table in advance. You can do it easily by sending an email to [email protected] or by making a phone call or sending an SMS to (079 641 1320).

The Kraal is located at Joostenberg Wine Estate, so make sure you keep that in mind when planning your visit. And don’t worry about the dates, you have plenty of time to enjoy this fantastic experience. The event runs from November to April 2019.

2: Street-Party with Stellenbosch Wine Routes

Hey there! Let me tell you about an exciting event coming up in the next few months. This cool tarmac stretch, you know the one with all the cars and traffic lights? Well, guess what? For a few hours, it’s going to undergo a magical transformation. Instead of cars, there will be wine vendors, and instead of honking horns, there will be lively conversations around food stalls. It’s going to be a street party like no other!

Now, I bet you’re wondering – who’s behind this awesome idea? It’s none other than the Stellenbosch Wine Routes. They’ve taken the concept of a street party and made it super accessible for everyone to enjoy. And let me tell you, they really know how to throw a party!

Picture this: every month, and sometimes even twice a month, both well-known and smaller, independent wine cellars and restaurants will set up their stalls. It’s like a mini paradise for wine and food lovers. And the best part? You get to enjoy all of this while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of live music and beautiful lights, with the backdrop of historic Stellenbosch buildings.

I don’t know about you, but I think it sounds pretty amazing. So mark your calendars and get ready for a unique experience that combines the best of wine, food, music, and history. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this one!

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Price: It’ll cost you R100 per person. You’ll get a glass and 12 wine tasting tokens, which I challenge you to enjoy to the fullest. The doors (or should I say streets?) open at 18h00 and close at 20h00.
Details: You can find the dates on the wineroute.co.za website.
Dates: The festival takes place once a month on Wine Wednesday, from 28 November to 27 March 2019.

3: Get spellbound at Spier’s Light Art Festival

Some of my best memories involve lights. I remember looking up at the sky and seeing beautiful, glowing jellyfish at AfrikaBurn. I also remember sitting on the beach at Bakoven and watching the sun set, with its warm light slowly fading away. That’s why I’m so excited about Spier’s new light festival. Spier is known for their amazing collection of contemporary art and their support of local artists. They even have the Spier Arts Academy, where students can learn about mosaic and ceramic art. They also have a wine range called Creative Block, which is all about mixing and matching different artworks, just like the building blocks of winemaking.

And now, they’ve come up with something new. They’ve partnered with the talented Jay Pather to create a festival that will amaze and captivate everyone. Jay has put together a collection of installations that are sure to intrigue and captivate. One of the highlights is an artwork called ‘Written in the Stars’ by Berco Wilsenach. It features panels that are lit from within, creating thousands of stars. It’s like being in space and looking up at the starry sky. The opening ceremony will be a magical experience, with sound and light sculptures, ballet performances, and illuminated bamboo forests with giant puppets. It’s going to be a wonderland for people of all ages.

If you’re interested, here are the important details:

  • Price: Entrance is free starting from December 10th.
  • Details: The opening ceremony will take place on December 8th and 9th, 2018. You can pre-book your tickets online at www.spier.co.za and choose from various dinner options. For example, you can get a couple ticket for R580, which includes a picnic basket, a bottle of Spier wine, and entry tickets.
  • Dates: The festival will run from December 8th, 2018 to January 30th, 2019.

4: Tempting Bubbles and Irresistible Treats

Mmm, fudge! It’s like a slice of heaven in every bite. And when you pair it with the delightful fizz from Stellenbosch Hills, it becomes an experience you won’t want to miss. They have put together a fantastic summer pairing for you to enjoy. Get ready to savor two of their finest bubblies: the Pinot Noir Sparkling Rosé 2018 and the Sauvignon Blanc Brut 2018. These delicious wines are expertly matched with specially handcrafted Basilei fudge. It’s an exquisite combination that you won’t find anywhere else. But remember, to partake in this delightful adventure, you’ll need to book in advance.
Price: Just R40 gets you two glasses of Polkedraai’s bubbly and two delectable Basilei fudges.
Details: This exclusive pairing takes place at the Stellenbosch Hills Tasting Room. Call 021 881 3828/9 or email [email protected] to make your reservation.
Dates: Available from November through to February 2019.

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5: Indulge in the Perfect Marriage of Wine and Macarons

Have you ever wondered about the fascinating history behind macarons? Well, Idiom has combined their rich Italian heritage with these delectable treats to bring you an extraordinary summer pairing. As you take in the breathtaking view of False Bay from their stunning estate, immerse yourself in the flavors of Italian grape varietals and a remarkable collection of imported wines. Prepare for a taste sensation like no other. Savor Idiom’s Imperium White Gold, a late harvest viognier, paired with a luscious lemon macaron. This golden delight features caramel cream, honey jelly, lemon curd, and candied lemon, all elegantly dusted with gold and served on a bed of crushed almonds. Or, enjoy the imported Prosecco, Romeo and Juliet, accompanied by a chamomile macaron. This delicate treat boasts chamomile jelly, peach buttercream, white chocolate, and a sprinkle of bee pollen dust, garnished with white estate flowers. It’s an upscale experience that exudes beauty and taste. Remember, pre-booking is a must.
Price: Indulge yourself for just R150 per person.
Details: Don’t miss out—book your pairing at [email protected] or give them a call at 021 858 1088.
Dates: Available from November through to February 2019, Fridays to Sundays.

6: Outdoor Movies Under the Stars

And to wrap up a day filled with sunshine, delicious food, and perhaps a glass of wine or two, why not treat yourself to an unforgettable experience at the Gallileo Open Air Cinema? They have an amazing selection of movies, and I’ve got my eye on ‘Into the Wild’. Whether you’re with family, friends, or that special someone, this is the perfect way to spend a summer evening. Picture it: you’re lounging on a cozy blanket, surrounded by the warm summer breeze, munching on snacks, and enjoying a great movie. It’s simply irresistible!

Admission Price: Only R100 per person.
Additional Information: You can find the schedule and book your tickets at thegalileo.co.za. Just visit thegalileo.co.za/buy-tickets.
Event Dates: Every Saturday from October to April 2019, so mark your calendars!

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