20 Sep 2016
Media Update: September 2016
Overview:
Surrounded by dramatic natural terrain and scenery and bustling with vineyards, world class restaurants, rich Cape heritage, architecture, art and plenty of family-friendly activities; Stellenbosch, South Africa's second oldest town, truly is a destination for all seasons and ages. Located only 30 minutes inland from the Cape's best beaches, a mere 40km from Cape Town International Airport and 50km from Cape Town, Stellenbosch is the perfect hub from where to explore the city, coastal regions and the rest of the Cape Winelands.
Stellenbosch boasts South Africa's first and foremost wine route, the Stellenbosch Wine Routes. The Stellenbosch wine region has the highest concentration of quality wine producers in the world. The vineyards, fanning out from the historic heart of the town, feature both large and small producers offering some of the world's best wine tourism experiences. Within a radius of 30km more than 150 wine farms are open for tasting – many boasting award winning restaurants and offering an array of year-round events. Besides this, it is possible to stay on a working wine farm in anything from self-catering cottages to 5-Star hotels or serviced luxury villas.
Stellenbosch continues to attract international visitors
Following consistently strong visitor figures for the past 20 years, Stellenbosch continues to attract visitors from traditional markets like the UK, Germany, Netherlands and the United States, in particular during the warm summer months (November to March). Many visitors favour the off peak season (April to October) when it is less crowded, better value for money, cooler and nature is at her most beautiful. The average winter (June to August) temperature is 16-18 degrees, making the climate ideal for year-round travel.
WINE TOURISM NEWS
1-2 November 2016: National wine tourism strategy to be unveiled at The Business of Wine and Food Tourism Conference
The inaugural “The Business of Wine and Food Tourism” Conference will be held at Spier Wine Estate in the heart of the Cape winelands. The conference will feature a list of international and local experts who will share their knowledge on various aspects of regional food and wine travel. The South African Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom, will also be presenting the first-ever national wine tourism strategy, as developed from the South African Wine Industry strategic exercise (WISE), launching an exciting new era for the wine and tourism sector of South Africa. The conference marks the first time that industry players and government from national and provincial level will come together to discuss the promotion of South Africa as an international wine and food tourism destination. For more information, or to register, visit www.wineandfood.co.za
RESTAURANT & FOODIE NEWS
Hoghouse at Spier: Smoking hot!
Hoghouse has brought their concept barbeque to the bakery at Spier. In addition to its renowned pastries and breads, a giant new smoker has been installed, offering low- and slow-smoked meats. Spier's Farmer Angus supplies Hoghouse with grass-fed beef, pork and free-roaming chicken. Allow room for a few tasty side dishes, then round off the meal with a decadent artisanal gelato or one of the patisserie specialties such as a crispy, creamy pasteis de nata.
De Warenmarkt
A new food market for Stellenbosch, De Warenmarkt is a trend setter that bridges the gap between a market and sit-down eatery. Selling artisanal, locally made food and drink including speciality meats, cheeses, breads, vegetables, craft beers, coffees and wine; visitors choose from a range of vendors and sit down to eat in a buzzing communal area. The market's vendors have been curated by those in the know and pop up stalls with well know local chefs offers easy to go food by day and converts into casual bistro at night- a real treat for visitors (www.dewarenmarkt.com)
Lourensford Harvest Market
The weekly Lourensford Harvest Market is a must for those seeking yummy artisanal foods made using fresh, organic produce as well as original pretty crafts handmade with love – from almost 76 traders. (www.lourensford.co.za)
ACCOMMODATION NEWS
Lanzerac Hotel & Spa shows off renovated rooms and facilities as part of a large-scale refurbishment
Lanzerac, a historic wine farm and country hotel is welcoming guests with luxuriously refashioned guest rooms and stunning new wine-tasting facilities. A national monument dating back to the late-17th century, the Lanzerac Wine Estate is a heritage landmark on the outskirts of Stellenbosch town. The working wine farm location gives hotel guests easy access to the cellar and wine-tasting centre where they can embark on a sensory experience with innovative wine and chocolate pairings. The estate also offers vineyard and cellar tours.
Opening late 2016: Lanzerac Spa has been completely rebuilt and reimagined and will offer a place of luxury, restoration and sheer indulgence in the heart of the Cape Winelands. The redesigned building, which overlooks the towering Jonkershoek Mountains and is nestled against rows upon rows of lush vineyards, offers superior amenities and unrivalled views, while establishing itself as a leader in health and wellness on the Stellenbosch Wine Routes.
NEW! L'Avenir Launches a Cutting-Edge Conferencing Centre in the Winelands
L'Avenir have a created a facility with uninterrupted panoramic views dedicated to inspiring innovative & expansive thinking. Whilst the concept, design & construction of the facility itself make use of raw materials like steel & wood, all crafted into a finished product by hand on-site; the technology within meets the needs of any business. With a focus on high end meetings, functions, weddings and special occasions, they can accommodate up to 110 guests.
Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa renovation of rooms and conference centre to be completed by late 2016
Natural evolution has preserved the rich heritage of this property which has gradually transformed from its origins as a portion of the Cape Governor's estate, circa 1700, into a contemporary lifestyle hotel. The beautifully upgraded rooms provide guests with serene interiors, embellished with custom designed furnishings and works of art. The transformed ballroom will be equipped with the latest technology and have additional French doors leading onto a terrace under the ancient Camphor trees; providing additional natural light into the venue aiding organisers to have effective meetings in an inspiring setting.
ATTRACTIONS, ACTIVITIES & TOURISM OFFERINGS
Stellenbosch Culture
Stellenbosch 360 offers two activities that highlight cultural tourism in its local communities and allow visitors to savour the warm hospitality, genuine friendliness and rich cultural diversity of the Stellenbosch people:
- Route 360 Kayamandi Township Tour: a local guide takes visitors to experience a local crèche, a spaza shop, craft centre and a Xhosa lunch in the home of a loving local, Mama Swartbooi.
- Dine With Locals experience: visitors are treated to a traditional South African home-cooked meal and the generous hospitality of a local family hosting the dinner in the comfort of their own abode.
For information and bookings, visit www.stellenbosch.travel
Circle of Life Biodynamic Walks at Waterkloof Estate
More than just a typical 'organic vine to organic wine' experience, the two-hour Circle of Life Biodynamic Tour takes eco-enthusiasts and lovers of pure, untamed wines in particular behind the scenes of Waterkloof's green way of life on the crest of the Schapenberg in the Helderberg. Personally conducted by the estate's farm manager Christiaan Loots – the driving force behind Waterkloof's cutting edge, environmentally responsible farming methods – these insightful edu-eco tours show how biodynamic and organic farming is really done. (www.waterkloofwines.co.za)
Learn about Wine and Horses at Avontuur Farm Walk
Avontuur Estate is best-known for its award-winning premiere range wines named after its race horses, stunning setting against the Helderberg and the internationally acclaimed race horses bred at its highly rated stud operation. Visitors have the opportunity to experience the Estate with a guided tour which starts at the tasting room and takes in the vineyards, paddocks and horses, and interesting sites like the historic manor house and the Taberer family memorial bench. It ends off with a seasonal speciality tasting like a biltong and wine pairing, a nougat and wine pairing and the ever-popular chocolate cup with a shot of Avontuur's Liqueur wine, Above Royalty (www.avontuurestate.co.za)
EVENTS & FESTIVALS
Jamestown Strawberry Festival – 5th November 2016
The Jamestown Strawberry Festival is a new event which was added to the Stellenbosch calendar in 2015 and is one of only two Strawberry Festivals in the world. A family-friendly affair, the event boasts strawberry picking experiences, an exhibition by local artists, a 5km fun run, food and craft stalls, and live entertainment each November (www.stellenbosch.travel)
Stellenbosch Street Soirees – bi-monthly starting 16th November 2016 until March 2017
The popular Stellenbosch Street Soirees spill the town's unique food and wine culture onto its oak-lined streets, for locals and visitors alike to sip, savour and share in the vibrant spirit of this 'forever young' town. Happening in the town's bustling Drostdy Street, cars make way for a merry crowd to mingle, indulge in Stellenbosch wines and snack on gourmet bites by famed resident foodies. Live music adds feel-good vibes to this sensory 'pavement playground'. Each event features a different selection of cellars, eateries and music.
Stellenbosch Wine Festival - 24-26 February 2017
This festival is an annual three-day food and wine extravaganza for lovers of the grape and all things gourmet. The celebration highlights the rich history of the town and the produce from the area, with around 150 wineries from the Stellenbosch Wine Routes coming together at one venue, making this fiesta one of the largest regional wine varietal tastings in the world. Sip and sample hundreds of different wines each day, and taste the appetising dishes from some top restaurants on offer in the food section, aptly called Gourmet Lane.
Woordfees Festival: 3 – 12 March 2017
Stellenbosch comes alive with a dash of creativity and plenty of activity when the annual Woordfees strolls into town with poetry, stories, live music performances, art exhibitions. Running over a period of nine days the programme is packed with interesting activities set to entertain the public and educate the masses.
ENDS
For more information on the Stellenbosch Experience and inspiration to visit the region, visit www.stellenboschexperience.co.za and keep an eye on #visitStellenbosch.
The Stellenbosch Experience is an initiative by Stellenbosch Wine Routes and Stellenbosch 360, in collaboration with Destinate, made possible through multiple partnerships, including: Oude Werf Hotel, Kleine Zalze, Spier, First Car Rental, L'Avenir and Delaire Graff Estate.
Press enquiries / images:
Beate Pechmann
Tel. +49 (0)1578 0255 613
@bppr_travel
