Eat, drink, go exploring

Published Aug 9, 2014

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Cape Town - I’ve visited Stellenbosch several times but have barely scratched the surface of what this country gem has to offer.

Stellenbosch’s Come Sit, Stay & Savour winter programme, which runs until the end of September, provides a range of insights for wine lovers, culture seekers and adventurers to immerse themselves in a fascinating variety of experiences.

The initiative, run by Stellenbosch 360 and Stellenbosch Wine Routes, makes it possible to discover the winter wonders of the Western Cape Winelands with three tiers of value-added packages available, ranging from budget-friendly to top-end stay-and-play experiences that reflect charm and cultural diversity of this town.

From just R1 200 a person one gets two nights’ accommodation, dinner, lunch and two activities selected from a “bucket list” of Stellenbosch experiences

Premium packages are available from R2 800 per person, and include a royal two-night stay at a five-star establishment, dinner at an award-winning restaurant, lunch and two timeout indulgences like a spa treatment or a virtual wine tasting.

Imagine waking up on a historic wine farm like Lanzerac, lunching at a busy pavement café, which is followed by an art experience or a cycle through the vineyards, all perfectly complemented by a sumptuous dinner. You can also opt to extend your stay or add more activities, all at reduced rates.

Lanzerac is one of several select places to stay. There are also Kleine Zalze Lodge, Majeka House and Wedgeview Country House & Spa.

One free attraction, which lures one to linger longer in the company of Stellenbosch and its interesting locals, is the town’s Come Sit outdoor sculpture exhibition, consisting of 24 minimalist concrete benches placed in strategic locations and transformed into functional artworks, using various mediums and techniques. Participating artists include some of our country’s finest such as Wilma Cruise, Strijdom van der Merwe, Jaco Sieberhagen and graffiti artist Mak1One.

It also costs nothing to visit Oom Samie se Winkel, take a stroll through the botanical garden or around the campus of South Africa’s most loved university town or appreciate the latest exhibition at the Sasol Art Museum. Wine or olive tasting at Tokara and wine tasting at Grangehurst is also mahala and, if you are in Stellenbosch over the weekend, don’t miss the Stellenbosch Slow Food Market (Saturday mornings), the Blaauwklippen Family Market (Sundays) or the Root 44 Market (Saturdays and Sundays).

Try the Spier Protea Walk or collect a booklet from Stellenbosch 360 and do an unguided Stellenbosch Walking Tour.

“Stellenbosch is definitely a town worth exploring over a few days. Friendly people, a fascinating living history, quality wines and food, unique entertainment for young and old, warm hospitality, a multitude of outdoor activities and awe-inspiring beauty… we have it all!

“If you are looking for a destination that offers an eclectic, urban lifestyle, yet with genuine small town hospitality, all at great value; then know you are in good company when you visit us,” says Annemarie Ferns, chief executive of Stellenbosch 360.

Get more insight by visiting http://blog.wineroute.co.za/ and then you can hop on to http://stellenboschtravel.co.za to book with Stellenbosch Travel.

Excellent deals have been secured for car rental and flights from Durban. Follow the links on http://stellenboschtravel.co.za/ or contact them on 021 887 2920.

 

Sunday Tribune

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