As summer approaches, Stellenbosch is preparing a range of activities aimed at attracting families, food and wine enthusiasts and cultural explorers during the festive season. From November 2024 to March 2025, Stellenbosch’s “Stay and Play” campaign offers outdoor adventures, family activities and a selection of unique dining and wine experiences.

“We’re inviting everyone to discover the magic, freedom and ‘coolness’ of a Stellenbosch summer,” says Elmarie Rabe, Marketing Manager for Visit Stellenbosch. She describes the campaign as an invitation to explore the town’s landscapes, eateries and open-air spaces.

Family activities

Stellenbosch’s outdoor attractions for families include Hazendal’s Wonderdal Edutainment Centre for young children and the putt-putt course at Kanu. “Children of all ages will enjoy the Blaauwklippen bike park and pump track,” Rabe notes. Activities for teenagers include quad biking, segway tours and mountain e-biking along farm tracks.

Wining and dining experiences

As Stellenbosch is known for its wine offerings, the summer line-up includes a mix of traditional and creative tastings. Vergenoegd Löw offers a pairing that includes local foods like bokkom and spekboom while Middelvlei adds a South African twist with wine and braaibroodjie pairings. Family-friendly tastings include Eikendal’s milk and cookie pairings for children and Koelenhof’s grape juice tastings with activity sheets.

Restaurants have also tailored their menus to accommodate a range of tastes and ages. De Vier and Mill Street Bistro offer contemporary and refined dining while Kantien and Vadas at Spier provide a more relaxed atmosphere. Rabe points out that “the dining preferences of younger generations are changing” and new restaurants are responding to the trend with local and sustainably sourced menus.

Art mile and street soirées

In addition to food and wine, Stellenbosch is spotlighting its artistic offerings with the newly opened Art Mile, which debuted on October 2. The project adds an open-air gallery experience to the town, featuring interactive installations that incorporate art and local heritage. The popular street soirées will also return this summer with food, wine and live music in the Stellenbosch town centre.