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Visit SA Winelands

Every glass of South African wine holds more than flavour – it holds sunshine.

Discover stories, people, and landscapes that light you up from within. 🌞

02/06/2026

Some of the Swartland Wine & Olive Route's most intriguing producers only open their doors once a year.

On 6 June, the Swartland Open Day invites visitors beyond the tasting room and into the heart of one of South Africa's most distinctive wine regions. Wander country roads, meet passionate winemakers, discover family-run farms, and enjoy a day shaped by warm hospitality, seasonal flavours, and stories rooted in the landscape.

From walking through some of the country's oldest Chenin Blanc vineyards at Zwartwater Wines to enjoying winter soup and wine pairings, outdoor culinary experiences, olive farm discoveries, and relaxed tastings accompanied by vinyl records, every stop offers something unique.

What makes this day special is the chance to experience the Swartland as locals know it: authentic, creative, and wonderfully unhurried. Travel at your own pace between farms, uncover hidden gems normally closed to visitors, and soak up the beauty of the region in its winter colours.

Pack a warm jacket, gather your friends and set out for a day of discovery on the Swartland's backroads.

📍 Swartland Open Day
📅 6 June 2026
⏰ 09:00 - 18:00

01/06/2026

Christmas comes to Tulbagh in the middle of winter 🎄❄️

From 26 to 28 June 2026, the Tulbagh Christmas in Winter Festival celebrates 25 years of turning this historic Cape Winelands town into a festive winter escape.

What began in 2001 as a small community celebration has grown into one of the region’s most-loved winter traditions, drawing visitors back each year for glowing festive lights, warm fires, local food, family activities, and the charm of a wintry countryside Christmas.

Over the weekend, Church Street and the wider Tulbagh Valley come alive with markets, live music, wine tastings, festive dinners, and seasonal experiences for all ages.

Friday opens with the much-loved Farmer’s Electric Light Parade, where decorated vehicles light up the valley for Sparkle and Shine Night.

Saturday’s Wine, Dine & Be Merry programme brings together wine farms, local restaurants, artisanal stalls, and live entertainment throughout the day and into the evening.

Sunday slows the pace with Defrost Day, offering a more relaxed family atmosphere before the weekend comes to a close.

Along the way, expect mulled wine, roosterkoek, spit-braai lamb, snow play areas for kids, tractor rides, and fireside moments that make winter in the Winelands feel especially memorable.

📍 Tulbagh
🗓️ 26 to 28 June 2026
🎟️ Day passes from R100 | Weekend passes from R250

If you’re planning a winter weekend in the Winelands, this is one worth adding to the calendar.

29/05/2026

A refreshed Winelands escape in Wellington 🌿

Val du Charron Wine & Leisure Estate has reopened with a full upgrade, and it's worth the road trip. Set in the Bovlei Valley, this is a place where you can arrive for lunch and easily turn it into a full weekend away.

Start at the Grillroom, now extended with a deck that looks out over the vineyards, or keep it casual at Pizza Vista, a family favourite with a dedicated play area, splash pad, and space for kids to move freely.

At the centre of the estate, a new oversized pool and Boma Bar create an easy spot to unwind under the trees, whether you’re stopping in for the day or staying over.

Accommodation now ranges from modern guesthouse suites with private balconies to more secluded options like the Coach House and Manor House, designed for a more private, luxury stay.

There’s also wine tastings, spa treatments, and direct access to mountain biking and trail running routes, making it easy to mix relaxation with a bit of activity.

27/05/2026

What’s new in the Winelands right now? 🍷

Across the South African Winelands, wine estates are evolving far beyond the traditional tasting room experience, introducing new restaurants, redesigned tasting spaces, creative food pairings, luxury farm stays, and fresh ways to explore the countryside.

From vineyard padel at Rickety Bridge Estate and heritage-inspired dining at Vergenoegd Löw The Wine Estate to the Bot River Wine Hopper, Spier Wine Farm reimagined hotel, and Newton Johnson’s newly reopened restaurant in Hemel-en-Aarde, there’s a growing list of experiences reshaping wine tourism across the region.

Whether you’re planning a winter escape, a weekend of wine tasting, or simply looking for somewhere new to explore, we’ve rounded up some of the latest openings and experiences across the Winelands.

Read more on the blog and start planning your next Winelands getaway: https://visitwinelands.co.za/whats-new-in-the-winelands/

26/05/2026

Wine tastings, craft beer, chocolate pairings, mountain trails, wood-fired pizza, art studios, tea tastings, and family-friendly fun all in one place? ☀️

Spice Route Paarl is the ultimate Winelands day out. Spend the afternoon tasting Rhone-style wines, sipping craft gin and beer, enjoying artisanal chocolate, or exploring over 50km of hiking and biking trails through the vineyards.

From long lunches at Jewells and La Grapperia to playgrounds, creative workshops, and local shopping, this historic estate is made for slow days shared with family and friends. Dogs on leashes are welcome too.

No entrance fee required, simply arrive, explore, and experience the best of the Winelands at your own pace.

25/05/2026

A full day out in the Riebeek Valley 🌿

Kloovenburg Wine and Olive Estate brings together more than just wine. Set on the slopes of Kasteelberg, it’s a destination where olives, food, family time, and wide-open views all come together in one place.

Start in the historic cellar with a wine and olive tasting, then move into a long, relaxed lunch at Kringe Inni Bos, where wood-fired pizzas are served under the trees. For something different, the Eight Feet Village offers additional dining, shopping, and one of the best sunset viewpoints in the valley.

Families are well looked after, with a large outdoor play area that keeps kids entertained, while dogs are welcome in outdoor spaces, making it an easy choice for a day out with everyone included.

If you’re not ready to leave, the on-site guesthouse offers a comfortable stay, and for those who enjoy being active, there are hiking trails that wind through the vineyards and up the mountain slopes.

With seasonal wine and olive pairings and added winter perks for visitors, it’s the kind of place that offers more the longer you stay.

23/05/2026

One farm, three ways to spend your day 🌿

Vrymansfontein, home of Vondeling Wines, on Paarl Mountain is a haven for foodies and young families. It’s a 350-year-old almond farm turned lifestyle destination, where you can move between relaxed dining, open spaces, and one of the best family setups in the Winelands.

Start at the Vondeling tasting bar, set under oak trees with wide views across the orchards and mountains. Then choose your setting:

• Scape Restaurant for Mediterranean-style sharing plates and a more refined, sit-down experience
• The Shed for a laid-back, outdoor vibe with gourmet pizzas and burgers right next to the kids’ play area
• The Tree Bar for mezze, wine, and an easy afternoon outside

If you’re visiting with family, this one’s an easy yes. The adventure playground is a full setup with trampolines, water features, and plenty of space to keep kids busy while you settle in.

Set on working almond orchards with views stretching to Table Mountain, it’s the kind of place where you can plan lunch and end up staying the whole afternoon.

22/05/2026

From vineyard mornings to golden-hour rallies, Rickety Bridge Estate brings a fresh rhythm to Franschhoek Wine Valley . 🎾🍷

Set beneath the slopes of the Dassenberg mountains, this historic estate blends centuries of winemaking heritage with a more playful side of the Winelands. One moment you’re tasting Chardonnay beside panoramic cellar views, the next you’re stepping onto a padel court framed by vineyards and mountain air.

Beyond the courts, long lunches spill into the afternoon, wine tastings linger a little longer, and every corner of the estate invites you to slow down and stay awhile.

Whether you’re booking a weekend escape, hopping off the Wine Tram, gathering friends for a match, or settling in for a fireside glass of red, Rickety Bridge captures the easy balance between refinement and relaxation that Franschhoek does so well.

Because in the Winelands, some of the best moments happen between the sips. ☀️

21/05/2026

A grape worth travelling for 🍇

This International Chardonnay Day, it’s all about experiencing just how versatile this varietal can be across the Winelands. From crisp, citrus-driven styles in cooler regions like Elgin and Hemel-en-Aarde, to richer, textured expressions from Stellenbosch and Robertson, Chardonnay tells a story of place in every glass.

It’s the perfect excuse to plan a day out — think vineyard views, thoughtful tastings, and long lunches paired with one of the world’s most loved white wines.

Whether you prefer your Chardonnay fresh and mineral or layered and complex, there’s a style waiting to be discovered.

20/05/2026

Where art and wine meet in the Winelands

There’s a different way to experience the Winelands, one that goes beyond the tasting room and into spaces shaped by creativity, culture, and story.

Across the region, wine estates are bringing art into everyday moments. From sculpture gardens and curated galleries to working studios and large-scale installations, these are places where you can slow down, look a little closer, and take it all in between tastings.

Whether you’re wandering through open-air exhibitions, stepping into a gallery space, or watching artisans at work, it’s an experience that adds another layer to a day in the Winelands.

We’ve rounded up some of the top winery art galleries to explore.

Read more on the blog and plan your https://visitwinelands.co.za/top-winery-art-gallerie/

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Picardi
Paarl
7600

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http://www.visitwinelands.co.za/

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