A Stellenbosch Summer: Here’s What To Do in the Winelands

A guide to Stellenbosch and the Cape Winelands from wine farms to festive delights for December and beyond.

Our muse of the month is the goddess-queen of the sea, Amphitrite. As we head into the summer months filled with sun, swims, and lazy Stellenbosch afternoons, we look to the mighty wife of Poseidon to guide us toward the very best this wine-farm-filled region has to offer.

Whether you’re looking to feast on the wines and cuisines of the Cape Winelands, see the lights and sights, or simply while away the warm afternoons poolside with a cocktail in hand, read on for our top picks for what to do in the summertime in Stellenbosch.

Feast your heart out on epicurean delights at Stellenbosch wine farms

No visit to Stellenbosch is complete without a stop (or three!) at some of the best wine farms on the continent. Many of The Salene’s neighbors have special treats planned for the festive period, making the summer season the ideal time to sample their epicurean offerings.

For a wine-filled meander through twinkling lights beneath a canopy of wild fig trees, visit  Blaauwklippen’s annual Twilight Festive Market. Unwind with a beautiful summer evening beneath the trees, replete with live music, great food, and local artisanal goods.

Soak in the balmy summer evenings with Sunset Rouge Evenings at Alto Wine Estate taking place every Friday evening in December.  With lively music by local musicians, award-winning wines, and amazing sunsets all while overlooking views of Table Mountain and Stellenbosch Hills, this is a summertime staple.

Image of the wedding and events venue deck at The Salene in Stellenbosch, a boutique hotel offering luxury accommodation near the best wine farms.

Forage amongst the flowers with immersive botanical workshops in the Cape Winelands

Let your creativity bloom this December with Babylonstoren’s Make Your Own Christmas Decor event from 6-8 December. Start off with a walk through the lush gardens to forage for wreath and decor materials before embarking on a guided workshop to create personalized festive decor for your home. Could anything feel quite as much like summer as spending your days weaving flowers while soaking in the Stellenbosch sun?

 Image of the pool at The Salene in Stellenbosch, a boutique hotel offering luxury accommodation near the best wine farms.

While away the summer poolside at our luxury boutique hotel in Stellenbosch

Escape the summer heat in our pool with a view when you stay in one of our luxury suites or self-catering accommodation options. Nestled in the heart of the Devon Valley in Stellenbosch, the Salene is less than 30 minutes from all of the above experiences and promises an idyllic end to days spent in the warm glow of the December sun.

Revel in cocktails served poolside, meander through our green spaces and let the ebb and flow of the slow season wash over you. To find out more about the above experiences and others curated to perfection for a summer in Stellenbosch, reach out to a member of our friendly team. Please note that all of the above activities require advance booking with each property.

Eager to dive into summer with a stay at The Salene?

Book a stay in our boutique hotel or one of our self-catering cottages and delight in the summertime magic of Stellenbosch and its surroundings.