If you’ve ever wanted an all-encompassing way to learn about South Africa’s capital of wine and experience the Stellenbosch lifestyle, Wine Town Stellenbosch is it. The country’s largest lifestyle celebration of wine returns to Stellenbosch from 26 July to 3 August, 2025, with a programme stuffed with outstanding experiences and rare tastings.
Some of the country’s most recognisable and award-winning producers will participate, including Bellevue, Beyerskloof, Cavalli, Ernie Els Wines, Flagstone, Guardian Peak, Journey’s End, Kaapzicht, Neil Ellis Wines, Reyneke Organic, Spier, Stellenzicht, Thelema and Waterford Estate.
Wine Town Stellenbosch comprises a nine-day programme of activities across the region that culminates in the Stellenbosch Wine Festival, an all-inclusive walk-around tasting at the City of Oaks’ historic town hall. On the list are specialised wine tours, workshops and curated vertical tastings as well as winemaker lunches and dinners, specials at restaurants around town and tastings hosted exclusively for the run of the event.
Wine Town Stellenbosch is also the reason for Happy Hour being in force from 17:00 to 19:00 at selected wine bars and restaurants. Think of it as a wine safari through the streets of Stellenbosch: from 26 July to 2 August, Happy Hour invites you to sip, stroll and savour. Explore 11 participating wine bars and eateries offering curated wine specials and tasty bites.
Whether you linger at a favourite or wander from one stop to the next, it’s the perfect way to toast the town – one glass at a time.
View the program with detailed information for bookings and prices here.
A veritable feast of wine
The Stellenbosch Bordeaux Tasting Experience is a must for wine enthusiasts and takes place from 12:30 to 15:00 on 26 July at Remhoogte Wine Estate. Stellenbosch has firmly established itself as the home of South Africa’s finest Bordeaux-style red blends. The gathering brings together six accomplished and respected producers – Remhoogte Wine Estate, Taaibosch, Thelema Mountain Vineyards, Kaapzicht Wines, Glenelly Estate and Miles Mossop Wines. Only 50 tickets available and are priced at R1 500pp.
On 29 Jul, a wine experience introduces six top Semillon wines through blind tasting. Called Six Shades of Semillon, it will be held at Bertha Wine Bar. The line-up includes limited vintages and small-lot wines from both iconic and indie producers. Light snacks are included in the price of R350pp. It takes place from 18:00 to 20:30.
Stellenbosch Wine Routes pioneer Simonsig presents older vintages of its wines on its annual Vintage Day to be held on July 26. This year, the event is themed as Christmas in July. Tickets are R395pp and include live music and a traditional festive season lunch. It takes place from 11am to 16:00.
A Wine Town-only tasting of Kleine Zalze’s alternative wine portfolio, titled Project Z, provides a sneak peak of a fifth edition pre-release. The tasting is priced at R180pp and includes six wines at the cellar, available from 09:00 to 18:00. Project Z incorporates wines made limited only to the imagination of Kleine Zalze’s winemakers.
What’s a festival without a party? On August 2, from 15:00 to 20:00, the popular folk-rock duo Raaf hits the stage at Muratie. At R300pp, each ticket includes a glass of wine. Food and wine will be available to order at the event.
Simon Wine Emporium adds to the Wine Town celebrations with an intimate evening honouring a South African icon. Join the winemakers from Beyerskloof, Koelenhof, and Bellevue – farms synonymous with the story of Pinotage – for a night of storytelling and flavour, paired with exceptional wines. The event takes place on Tuesday, 30 July at 18:30. Tickets are R575pp and include a feast alongside the tasting. Bookings can be made via dewarenmarkt.com or by emailing .
Simon Wine Emporium is also offering an exclusive 10% off any Stellenbosch wines purchased during wine week. Whether you shop online via their website (www.simonwineemporium.co.za) or shop from the Emporium on Van Riebeeck Street, you pay cellar door prices – with the added bonus of this special discount.
Crowning the Wine Town Stellenbosch program is the Stellenbosch Wine Festival, which happens on Friday, the 1stand Saturday, the 2nd of August. Some 200 wines from over 60 producers will be available for tasting. Among the region’s biggest names will also be new participants at this year’s event, including Raats Family Wines, Hidden Valley Wines and De Meye Vineyards. Once again, a feature of the show is the graze-table of traditional savouries and sweets by chefs Adele Grewar and Bertus Basson that is re-stocked throughout the event. Live entertainment adds to the spectacle.
The Stellenbosch Wine Festival runs on the Friday from 17:00 – 21:00 and on Saturday, from 14:00 – 18:00. Tickets are R550pp (online, via Plankton) or R600 at the door. Each ticket includes wine tasting tokens, rousing musical entertainment, water and access to the delectable graze table and floating eats.
But that’s not all!
Wine Town Stellenbosch is all about exploring the region, its wines and its hospitality. In addition to the events above, farms and restaurants hosting events include Delheim with its live music and cheese fondue Sundays.
There’ll also be a five-course winemakers’ lunch at Blaauwklippen Tasting House on July 31; and, Sip and Soup and Sip and Paint, at Simonsig. Make sure to book a meal at Klein Alto restaurant and the Kleine Zalze restaurant too.
Make it more than just a day out
Turn your Stellenbosch Wine Festival experience into a proper break-away. Stellenbosch’s Stay & Play initiative, encourages visitors to take time to explore all the region has to offer – from stays and restaurants to unforgettable wine experiences. Plan your visit here.
In a nutshell
Wine Town Stellenbosch, South Africa
From 26 July to 3 August, 2025
Information here
General enquiries: or 021 886 4310.
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