From street parties and markets to wonderful walks, duck parades and a celebration of Afrikaans literature and music with more than 1 000 performances on the schedule, there is so much happening in and around Stellenbosch. Plan your visit around these events.
Stellenbosch Street Soirees
8 Feb, 22 Feb, 8 Mar, 22 Mar; 6pm
Drostdy Street
Enjoy the carnival atmosphere and happy throngs wandering down Drostdy Street twice a month for the Stellenbosch Street Soirees. Savour delicious Stellenbosch fare and try the wines from a selection of cellars and caterers. Entry to the street party is free, but R70 gets you a wine glass and a ticket to taste as many wines as there are on offer on that evening. Food dishes are priced individually by vendors. www.wineroute.co.za
Markets
Every weekend
Stellenbosch is famous for its wonderful markets. Our favourites are the Slow Food Market (at Oude Libertas, Saturdays, 9am-2pm- all fare sourced or produced by stall-holders themselves), the Blaauwklippen Family Market (Sundays, 10am-3pm) and Vergenoegd Market (see below).
Top of the Hill Fun Walk
8 February; 10am
De Waal Wines
Mid-morning walk to the oldest existing Pinotage block in the world. Enjoy a wine-tasting of the De Waal range including their flagship Top of the Hill Pinotage 2014 and local cheeses. Email: admin@dewaal.co.za | Tel: 021 881 3711.
Woordfees
3-12 March
Venues around Stellenbosch
Celebrating all forms of expression using words, the festival boasts talks by and discussions between distinguished thinkers and writers, dramatic performances by South African greats and exciting emerging artists; there is comedy and music of every genre, from classical and jazz to folk and pop. Set up an account at woordfees.co.za, choose the events you wish to attend and pay via the links to Computicket.
Duck Parade
Every day, 12:30 & 15:30
Vergenoegd Wine Estate
Watch more than a thousand Vergenoegd ducks head out to keep the pest population under control in the vineyards. Tie your visit in with one of the music concerts (Arno Carstens is up on Sun, 5 March) or the Saturday Family Breakfast Run (8am) and Market (10am-4pm). 021 843 3248, vergenoegd.co.za