A quaint town full of old world charm, Stellenbosch in the Western Cape province of South Africa is a favorite vacation spot among holidaymakers. Home to one of the oldest universities in the country, this place is mostly famous for its oak laden streets and hundreds of beautiful vineyards located in the lush mountain valleys of Stellenbosch. The region is also known for its numerous festivals and events especially in the Summer season when the Sun is out and the days are perfect for all the festivities. Stellenbosch festivals are full of fun and frolic and each one of it has something unique to offer.
10 Joyous Stellenbosch Festivals 2023
We have shortlisted some of the best festivals in the city of Stellenbosch in 2023 which are a must visit if you happen to be here during that period.
1. Delheim Harvest Festival 2022
At the start of the year, the vineyards of Stellenbosch are abuzz with events as it's the start of the harvest season. Delheim leads the wine estates to launch the latest vintage flavors amidst much fanfare and celebrations. This year ‘Pink’ is the theme color for the festival dedicated to Delheim’s world famous wine Pinotage Rose. Starting with grape picking and thrilling stomping session which will be leading on to a scrumptious harvest feast with choicest of culinary delights prepared from farm fresh ingredients accompanied by a selection of the best of wines. This is one of the Stellenbosch festivals 2022 which is something not to be missed.
Location: Knorhoek Road, Simonsberg, Stellenbosch
Dates: NA
Timings: 10:30 AM - 5 PM
Entry cost: INR 3355 for adults; INR 775 for kids
Must Read: 15 Best Festivals In South Africa For Witnessing The True Colors Of The Country
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2. Stellenbosch Street Soirees
Hosted by the Stellenbosch Wine Routes, this event is one of those where all the locals and visitors come together to celebrate, have fun and mingle with each other. Held in the town’s Drostdy Street, this is an ideal place to get up close and personal with their vibrant culture and living style and enjoy amidst live music, delectable delicacies and excellent wines. This Stellenbosch Wine Festival takes place on every Wednesday once or twice a month starting from November. If you are looking for some fun on the streets, then this is where you must head to unwind after a day of sightseeing at Stellenbosch.
Location: Drostdy Road
Dates: On 26 January, 9 February, 23 February, 9 March and 23 March
Timings: 6 PM - 8 PM
Entry cost: INR 775 (includes a glass of wine and 12 tasting coupons)
3. Stellenbosch Wine Festival
This three-day event which is held mostly in the month of February is one of the best ways to revel in the magical beauty of the Winelands. On offer are hundreds of wines from the area including the award-winning ones too. An event for the whole family with a dedicated area for kids, this ensures three days of nonstop fun, mouth-watering food, loads of games and activities and an unforgettable experience. Stellenbosch Wine Festival can be enjoyed in two different categories; general wine tasting and premium wine tasting experience.
Location: Coetzenburg Sports Ground, Stellenbosch
Dates: Not Confirmed Yet
Entry cost: INR 775 for the general tasting; INR 1800 for premium tasting; free for children
Suggested Read: Don’t Miss These Food Festivals In South Africa If You Call Yourself A Foodie
4. Winelands Chocolate Festival
Stellenbosch chocolate festival is a shout out to all the chocoholics to be a part of this two day of the ultimate fun event. Hosted at the Anura Estate in Klapmuts, there are plenty of activities on board to keep you happily busy along with a line of stalls serving some of the best and fresh food and drinks. In addition, you will be delighted to find a chocolate fountain, boutique hand made chocolates, confectionary and ice creams. There will be movie screenings with a chocolate based theme, live musical bands, all sorts of drinks like wine, gin, champagne and beer to keep you buzzing and an assorted bread and cheese stall too. It’s definitely a must-attend event to have the time of your life!
Location: Anura Vineyards, Klapmuts, Stellenbosch
Dates: 4th & 5th February 2022
Entry cost: INR 775 for adults; free for children
5. Idiom Wine and Macaron Experience
Wine combined with chocolates is enough to give your taste buds a sensory pleasure and there's no better place to experience this other than at the chocolate and wine festival Stellenbosch. This is being held at the restaurant of Idiom Winery starting from last year November and is on till the end of February this year. A unique pairing delight of macarons made in the true Italian style with some unconventional wines along with the alluring natural beauty of the vineyards serving as the perfect backdrop. The macarons in a host of flavors like chamomile, blueberry, lemon etc. and decorated with white chocolate filling and dark chocolate ganache are created by the bakery and pastry section of Idiom with finest of ingredients to enhance the taste of wines.
Location: Idiom tasting Centre & Restaurant, Somerset West, Stellenbosch
Dates: 5th March 2022
Entry cost: INR 775
Suggested Read: 10 Stellenbosch Restaurants That Are So Good, You’d Want To Visit South Africa Time & Again!
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6. Wine Walk to Warwick
If you are looking for an offbeat experience during your stay in the winelands, then this among the major Stellenbosch festivals 2022 that is tailored for you to enjoy along with family and friends. A total of 6 km of walking amidst the lovely vineyards and a reward of getting to taste some classic wines with a delicious lunch afterward in addition. What can be more perfect than this on a holiday! Starting from Dirtopia Cafe at Delvera farm after a coffee and hearty breakfast, the group is lead to the picturesque Warwick Wine Estate where you get to taste a maximum of four varieties of wine. Lunch is served at the Dirtopia Cafe after the end of the walk.
Location: Starts from Dirtopia Cafe, Delvera, Stellenbosch
Dates: 2nd & 3rd April 2022
Timings: 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM (followed by lunch)
Entry cost: INR 1300 for adults; INR 775 for kids (all inclusive)
7. Stellenbosch Hills Fizz & Fudge Summer Pairing
Think of soft gooey fudge and a glass of bubbly sparkling wine…You can relish this unconventional pairing at the tasting room of Stellenbosch Hills, a cooperative known for producing quality wines at competitive rates in South Africa. Come summer and the winelands get lively with various kinds of events and festivals and this one is surely worth a visit.
Location: Stellenbosch Hills Tasting Room, corner of Vlottenburg Road and R310, Stellenbosch
Dates: Till February 2020
Timings: Starts from 9 AM onwards; pre-booking is mandatory
Entry cost: INR 210 per pairing
Suggested Read: 10 Things To Do In South Africa To Convince You For Your Next African Adventure!
8. Stellenbosch Craft Beer Festival
Every October, the scenic locales of Jana Marais Reserve comes alive with the vibrant energy of this Stellenbosch Beer Festival. An initiative of Oktoberfest, this event is a ticket to a whole day of fun and joy amidst loads of activities, delicious food, drinks from the local breweries, live band and much more. Come and enjoy with the whole family as there are many kid-friendly things to do like orbs, face painting, jumping castles etc. An awesome way to spend a great day in the beautiful outdoors and happy ambiance!
Location: Jan Marais Nature Reserve
Dates: TBA
9. Top of the Hill Fun Walk
A 2 km walk to the grand old fig tree located at the top of the hills in the De Waal Wine Estate. The walk is hosted by the owner of the estate Pieter De Waal who has many interesting snippets and stories to share. The vineyard is one of the oldest in the region with its origin at about 68 years ago and joining this walk is an ideal way to know more about the good old history of the place. It includes a tasting of the top of the hill Pinotage along with four more wines and a delectable cheese luncheon with choicest of local delicacies and variety of cheese. All this is accompanied by a glass of your favorite flavor of wine from the winery’s collection. Held on a Saturday, this is one of the best among the numerous Stellenbosch festivals.
Location: De Waal Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
Dates: NA
Timings: Starts at 10 AM
Entry cost: INR 1300
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10. Jordan Wine Estate Picnics
This is one of the most popular ways to spend a warm summer day at Stellenbosch, admiring the appealing natural views of the fynbos covered hills and enjoying a basket full of delicious treats with a bottle of clear sparkling wine. You get all of this and much more at the sprawling lawns of the magnificent Jordan vineyards. It's just perfect to soak up the sunshine and spend a cheerful, happy day with the whole family!
Location: Jordan Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
Dates: NA
Timings: 12:30 PM - 4 PM
Cost per picnic basket: INR 3100 (can be shared)
Further Read: 10 Best Villas In South Africa That’ll Pamper You With Sheer Luxury & Bliss
There are numerous things and places in the land of wines and oaks which makes this a perfect holiday destination and the countless Stellenbosch festivals also add more appeal to the existing charm. Contact TravelTriangle so that we can customize a memorable trip to South Africa just for you and help you experience this very charm with your friends or family!