THIS past weekend I was once again a guest of Stellenbosch Wine Routes and spent 48 glorious hours doing little more than eating, drinking and sleeping. Today marks the beginning of spring, for those who are not aware of the equinox still three weeks away, as well as the beginning of Taste Stellenbosch (until 30 September). Participating restaurants will unveil new menus and showcase their exceptional talent – and visitors can experience the seasonal produce, bold flavours, and deep-rooted traditions that inspire Stellenbosch’s award-winning chefs.
Stellenbosch calls itself the food and wine capital of South Africa, and while all my news media training has instilled in me the phrase “one of” I’m not going to die on this hill; if they want to call themselves that you’ll find no argument here. The two days were wonderfully diverse and just a small look of what Stellenbosch has to offer; the variety means there is something for all tastes, from fine to casual dining, pairings and experiences. I’ll be rolling out the individual stories, but as a thumbnail I did a tasting with one of only two water sommeliers in the country (and yes, you can tell the difference), a fabulous small plates menu at Spek & Bone, a sushi and wine pairing at DuVin at Kanu, all things rosy at Pink Valley, and fabulous French-style charcuterie brunch at Klein Joostenberg Bistro (and oh my word, the deli…). I stayed at Roosenwijn guest house in the middedorp, a very pretty central location.
Now, the weather is beautiful for pretend-spring so I’m going to take advantage and make a braai. Here’s the press release for more info so long.
“This September, Stellenbosch is not claiming the title of South Africa’s Food & Wine Capital. It is reminding everyone why it holds it. Taste Stellenbosch is a month-long, valley-wide celebration of the destination’s enduring culinary excellence, cellar-door mastery and innovative spirit. From award-winning restaurants and trailblazing chefs to historic vineyards and pioneering wine estates, Stellenbosch continues to set the standard for taste, creativity and hospitality.
“From 1–30 September 2025, more than 30 of the region’s restaurants are dishing up spring offers that’ll make you weak at the knees. Expect a feast of tasting menus, chef’s tables, and seasonal platters that reflect a deep connection to place, people and produce.
“Daniël Kriel, Chairman of Taste Stellenbosch, believes Stellenbosch has earned its stripes as the perfect destination for both casual foodies and serious gastronomes.
“‘Our exceptional culinary offering has developed over generations and is built on history and heritage, creating a depth and richness that is unique. This is very similar to the development of the great wines from this region – and in Stellenbosch food and wine go hand in hand,’ says Kriel. ‘No wonder this region is regarded as SA’s food and wine capital.’
“For Kriel, this depth and richness is evident in the wide range of dining options, styles and experiences on offer. ‘Visitors are spoiled for choice. In Stellenbosch you can find everything – from authentic samosas to gourmet burgers to internationally acclaimed fine dining establishments. The local restaurant industry caters for every taste, budget and mood.’
“’Whether on one of the wine farms, on a pavement under the oaks or inside one of our vibrant casual eateries, the golden thread that binds this diverse offering together is food prepared with passion and love!’ says Kriel. ‘This is what our sponsors have also realised. We are excited to have Capitec on board for the campaign in September.’
“Throughout Taste Stellenbosch, the variety and calibre of experiences on offer reflect why the town’s flavour truly reigns supreme:
- Dusk, fresh from earning a coveted three-star rating from Eat Out, has created an Odyssey Tasting Menu that’s best described as culinary poetry. New dishes, seasonal ingredients, and pairings that’ll redefine what you thought possible.
- Jordan Restaurant with Marthinus Ferreira is serving up temptation on a plate – a 250g sirloin with Café de Paris butter, hand-cut fries, fresh chef’s salad and a glass of their exquisite Jordan the Long Fuse Cabernet Sauvignon 2019.
- The Garden Restaurant at Delheim invites guests to experience its intriguing Kurktafel which includes a 2.5 km walk between the estate’s fynbos, a three-course heritage menu and a reserve wine tasting. Fresh air and flavours combine for a perfect lunch in the vineyards.
- Lievland Vineyards is laying on the love at its Lievland Café with a spring brunch from 8am to 11.30am every day – perfect for alfresco catch-ups with family and friends (made more perfect by the delightful collection of ‘mismatched animals’ grazing in the paddocks beyond).
- Spek&Bone is making Tuesdays and Saturdays the most coveted nights in Stellenbosch with 50% off its legendary chef’s set menu. This lively wine bar, tucked away in a hidden courtyard lit with fairy lights, serves up bold-flavoured tapas that’ll have you questioning why you eat anywhere else. This is your chance to experience its famous seven-plate journey at half the price – because exceptional dining shouldn’t be reserved for special occasions.
- De Warenmarkt is dedicating September to celebrating one of the Cape’s most treasured indigenous ingredients – the waterblommetjie. Every single day, they’re transforming this delicate water flower into culinary art with waterblommetjie and sorrel soup, crispy waterblommetjie tempura, and its signature waterblommetjie bredie with lamb knuckle. It’s a daily love letter to Stellenbosch’s deep-rooted food heritage.
- Klein Joostenberg Bistro is pulling out all the stops for what its calling “the best, boldest brunch in the Boland” – butchers, bakers, and chefs combining forces under the guidance of Garth Bedford and Christophe Dehosse on Friday, 19 September.
“‘A wide range of Stellenbosch’s favourite coffee shops and eateries are also participating alongside recognised names like Bertus Basson’s Chorus, Kantien and Eike,’ says Annemie Liebenberg, CEO of Visit Stellenbosch. ‘It’s an exciting time to visit. Restaurants like Jordan and Dusk are receiving international acclaim, young, up-and-coming chefs are making their mark, and local gems are waiting to be discovered. Taste Stellenbosch gives visitors the chance to experience all of this in one unforgettable month.’
“Bertus Basson agrees: ‘Taste Stellenbosch celebrates what already makes Stellenbosch special – its community of passionate chefs, winemakers and artisans who have been creating extraordinary experiences for years. Food has this incredible power to bring people together and tell the story of a place.’
“Spring in Stellenbosch is a celebration in itself, with warm days, fresh seasonal produce and a calendar that blends vineyard life with world-class dining. For food lovers seeking authentic experiences and travellers who believe the best way to understand a destination is through its cuisine, Taste Stellenbosch is the ultimate way to savour the capital of flavour, one unforgettable plate and glass at a time.”
For more information about Taste Stellenbosch and participating restaurants, click here.
