What to Do in Stellenbosch this Summer

 With beautiful wine farms and amazing restaurants, Stellenbosch is often considered South Africa's culinary and wine capital. Beyond that though it’s also steeped in history, saturated with art and culture, packed full of opportunities for adventure and a bit obscenely beautiful. 

From November to March, this picturesque town offers an exciting mix of summer experiences for families, foodies, wine enthusiasts, culture vultures and basically anyone with a soul.

I recently went there to sample some of its many many incredible offerings. Here are some of the experiences you can enjoy in Stellenbosch this summer:

*I was a guest of Visit Stellenbosch and The Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Where to Wine & Dine:

The Lievland Café

Lievland, meaning "Loveland," is a historic gem in the Stellenbosch region with roots dating back to 1865. Its storied past includes a Latvian baroness who once ploughed the vineyards with her horse and a family of unlikely animal friends: a pair of horses who adopted a springbok. 

The Lievland Café, located here, is easily one of Stellenbosch's best-kept secrets. At the charming sister establishment to the popular Postcard Café, head chef Gareth Goliath offers an à la carte menu that tempts diners with a variety of options. The three-course Lievlove Brunch Menu, however, might ruin all other brunches for you for the rest of your days. This experience begins with a sharing platter, followed by a choice of hot mains (like the dreamy Brioche French Toast with mascarpone and apple-pear compote), followed by a trio of dessert pastries. I’m still dreaming about it …and waking up hungry. 

The Lievland Tasting Room, located in the original 19th-century manor house, offers a memorable wine experience where you can sample six wines, including their flagship Heart’s Ease Syrah.

This culinary adventure comes paired with sweeping views of rolling hills, grazing ponies and serene lakes.

For more, read this: Lievland Vineyards: Stellenbosch’s Best-Kept Brunch Secret

L’Avenir 

L’Avenir is a beautiful wine estate that marries South African winemaking with French flair. With views of rolling vineyards, green lawns and a tranquil lake, it is scenically very beautiful and serene.

At the estate’s elegant tasting room, inspired by French bistro culture, guests can sample an exceptional lineup of wines that highlight the estate’s dedication to Chenin Blanc and Pinotage. Each sip is elevated with stories about the terroir, the winemaking process and the heritage of each bottle. 

Highlights include the crisp Provenance Chenin Blanc, the delightful Glenrosé (with a beautiful protea-inspired imprint in the base of the bottle) and the award-winning Single Block Pinotage. This can be complemented with a delicious platter or, in my case, a mystery carpaccio (surprise, it was crocodile!), in a true celebration of flavour and finesse.

For more, read this: L’Avenir: A Boutique Winery in Stellenbosch with Award-Winning Wines and a View

De Vier

Stepping into this restaurant with its elegant decor and soft lighting, you may be forgiven for thinking you have entered a fine dining establishment, but that is not the case. The liveliness of the diners and - at the risk of sounding extra Capetonian - “the vibe” suggests a more casual dining experience. Owner Candice Bester is quick to emphasise its laid-back ethos. This is a place where guests are encouraged to drop by often — whether for a full meal or a casual drink on the stoep. The warm, welcoming atmosphere has attracted quite the loyal following. 

The menu is an ode to simplicity, offering a single, expertly crafted dish in each of four categories: beef, chicken, seafood and vegan. (Hence the name “The Four”). Each main comes with a choice of four complementary sides. Guests can also enjoy appetisers and desserts aligned with this concept, as well as Stoep Snacks — perfect for savouring with a glass of Stellenbosch wine in the charming outdoor seating area.

Read my full review for Hello Lifestyle Magazine.

Where to Stay:

Roosenwijn Guest House 

Roosenwijn Guest House captures the essence of Stellenbosch’s historic charm perfectly. A stay here is like stepping into a former time, but a place where your smartphone still works. This beautifully restored Victorian-style home, dating back to 1904, offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern comfort. Antique furnishings, intricate wooden finishes and sparkling chandeliers transport you to another era, while air conditioning, plush bedding and free Wi-Fi ensure you enjoy contemporary convenience.

Wake up to a delicious breakfast served in the elegant dining room before stepping outside to explore Stellenbosch. Located within walking distance of art galleries, boutiques, museums and world-renowned restaurants, Roosenwijn Guest House is the perfect base for exploring this beautiful town.

Read my full review here

Where to Play:

The Stellenbosch Art Mile:

The Stellenbosch Art Mile is taking the mental health walk to a whole new level. 

This outdoor gallery takes the form of a 1.6-kilometre route (or one mile, depending on who’s counting) that meanders along the scenically beautiful Eerste River. It features interactive installations and sensory experiences designed to inspire anyone who stumbles upon them. Each artwork has been chosen for its creativity, educational value and playful nature, inviting visitors to slow down, connect with their surroundings and soak in the art. It is also intended to create a place where art, nature and community meet.

With the theme "Tapestry of Time," this year’s exhibition explores the flow of time and memory through pieces that interact with light, shadow and the elements. From playful installations like Speel Speel! (a granite tic-tac-toe table) to evocative sculptures such as Unsunk (designed to erode over time) and "Exploded Geographies IV, 2024," (which changes appearance throughout the day with shifting shadows), the Stellenbosch Art Mile transforms a simple walk into a journey of wonder and introspection. Best of all, it is free and open to anyone open to being inspired.

Read my full review here. 

Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden

The Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden in Stellenbosch isn’t just for art lovers and nature enthusiasts—it’s for anyone who enjoys being awestruck …and maybe a little out of breath.

This expansive outdoor sculpture gallery that sprawls out over seven hectares showcases bronze sculptures by renowned South African sculptor, Dylan Lewis. Meandering along the 4-kilometre path (yes, that’s enough to reach your step count for the day even if you haven’t already done the Stellenbosch Art Mile), visitors encounter over 60 sculptures, each a testament to Lewis's exploration of the human psyche and the natural world. The sculptures, ranging from intimate figures to monumental beasts, are scattered around the park surrounded by beautifully designed gardens that, like the sculptures, play off the themes of tame versus wild.

Throw in a beautiful mountain backdrop and some tranquil ponds, and it makes for a mesmerising and thought-provoking experience, inviting visitors to contemplate the deeper meanings behind the artist's creations. 

The Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden offers an unforgettable experience of inspiration and reflection. But most of all, this place is just so beautiful that it could make your eyes hurt!

For more information or to book, click here.

Discounted offers this December


Whether you're sipping wine with a view, pretending to be an art connoisseur while secretly googling "What does this sculpture mean?", or just lounging in Victorian elegance at your guest house, this town knows how to spoil you.

For some reason, despite its many draw cards, Visit Stellenbosch is still offering discounted rates between 13 and 27 December 2024. Enjoy special offers on stays, from boutique hotels in the historic town centre to serene retreats on wine farms. Browse their offers on the Stay and Play website. 

So pack your sunscreen, stretchy pants (for all the food and wine) and a sense of adventure. Stellenbosch is ready to turn your summer into a highlight reel




Win with Visit Stellenbosch:

Check out their social media for weekly summer giveaways.

And if you need more time to plan your stay in Stellies, find out How to Have a Perfect Winter Getaway in Stellenbosch here.