From vineyard trails and sunset hikes to wine tastings and off-road adventures, Garden Town Stellenbosch is giving visitors new ways to experience the Winelands while highlighting the importance of protecting its natural environment.
Running from 23 October to 1 November 2026, the programme brings together outdoor activities, wine experiences and conservation initiatives across the Stellenbosch region. Beyond the familiar vineyards, visitors can discover threatened plant life, explore nature reserves and learn how local farms are working to protect biodiversity.
The programme comes at a time when conserving the Cape’s unique natural heritage remains an important priority, particularly in areas where agriculture and natural habitats exist side by side.
Exploring Stellenbosch beyond its vineyards
While Stellenbosch is widely associated with wine farms and scenic landscapes, Garden Town 2026 places greater emphasis on the natural environment that makes the region distinctive.
The Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy (BHRC), established in 1992, plays an important role in these conservation efforts. It protects approximately 1 500 hectares of critically endangered Renosterveld, a threatened vegetation type found in the Cape.
The conservancy’s work highlights the relationship between the region’s agricultural activities, natural habitats and outdoor recreation.
Several participating estates are also recognised as WWF Conservation Champions, including Hartenberg, Mooiplaas, Zevenwacht, Neethlingshof, De Morgenzon and Koopmanskloof. Their conservation commitments contribute to protecting natural habitats and supporting biodiversity across the Winelands.
Outdoor adventures with a conservation purpose
Visitors looking to combine physical activity with supporting conservation can take part in the Jordan Run & Ride for Renosterveld at Jordan Wine Estate on Sunday, 25 October.
The event offers two options: a 34km cycle starting at 7:30am for R380 per person, or a 6km fun run starting at 08:30am for R220 per person. Entries are limited to 100 participants per event, with proceeds supporting the Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy.
Another option is the Trailfun Long-Distance Garden Town Vineyard Run on Saturday, 31 October. Starting at Neethlingshof, the event takes runners through vineyards, trails and Renosterveld landscapes in the Bottelary Hills.
Participants can choose between four distances: 7km, 16km, 25km and 37km. Each entrant receives limited-edition socks featuring this year’s Renosterveld flower and a commemorative medal.
For those who prefer walking to running, the Sunset Bottelary Hills Hike on Sunday, 1 November, offers a guided route through a 68-hectare private nature reserve.
The hike reaches the highest point of the Bottelary Hills, at 476 metres above sea level, where participants can enjoy views towards Table Mountain, False Bay and the Stellenbosch mountains. Tickets cost R250 per person and include a bottle of Koopmanskloof wine.
Wine tasting meets environmental awareness
Garden Town also offers experiences that connect wine culture with the landscapes and farming practices behind it.
The Bottelary Hills 4×4 Wine Adventure takes visitors on a guided off-road journey aboard a vintage military truck. Scheduled for Friday, 23 October, and Monday, 26 October, the experience includes stops at Kaapzicht, Mooiplaas and Zevenwacht for wine tastings and insights into the relationship between farming and conservation.
Tickets cost R1 295 per person, and each trip is limited to 12 guests.
At Hartenberg Estate, Go Beyond the Garden Gate on Thursday, 29 October, introduces visitors to regenerative farming through a guided tractor tour.
The experience explores how livestock, ducks, cover crops, healthy living soils and biodiversity can contribute to more environmentally responsible agricultural practices. For R595 per person, visitors also receive a Dexter beef burger and a glass of Sacred Soil wine made from regeneratively farmed grapes.
Meanwhile, the Devon Valley offers an opportunity to explore vineyards, orchards and olive groves on a guided walk on Saturday, 24 October. The R285 experience includes refreshments along the route and a glass of bubbly at JC Le Roux, with proceeds supporting Froggies Aftercare NPO.
Discovering the Cape’s threatened plant life
Conservation also takes centre stage through activities that allow visitors to learn about protecting and restoring indigenous vegetation.
The Discover Renosterveld Conservation Nursery Open Day offers a closer look at a nursery dedicated to growing indigenous and threatened plants for habitat restoration. Guided tours will explain how locally grown plants can help restore fynbos and Renosterveld habitats.
Photography enthusiasts can also connect with nature through Magic Mindful Photography at De Morgenzon on 24 and 28 October and 1 November.
Led by photographer and mindfulness facilitator Manie van der Hoven, the two-hour sessions combine photography, gentle coaching and expressive writing to encourage participants to slow down and observe their surroundings.
The wider conservation landscape also features in a special trail and tasting experience at Delheim during Garden Town.
Visitors can arrive between 9am and 3pm for a self-guided 2.5km or 5km nature walk on the slopes of Simonsberg Mountain, followed by a tasting of five Delheim wines. The experience costs R180 per person, and bookings are essential.
The 375-hectare family-owned estate is home to more than 120 indigenous plant species, 50 bird species and wildlife including caracal, Cape fox and Cape leopard. As a founding member of the Greater Simonsberg Conservancy and a WWF Conservation Champion, Delheim is committed to protecting the area’s natural heritage.
Why protecting the Winelands matters
The Cape Floral Kingdom is known for its remarkable plant diversity, with approximately 9 000 plant species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. Renosterveld is among the region’s most threatened vegetation types, making its protection particularly important.
The Bottelary Hills offer visitors a chance to experience this natural heritage alongside the area’s established wine and agricultural traditions.
With approximately 130km of mountain-biking trails and scenic outdoor routes across 55 member farms, the area provides opportunities to explore the landscape while learning more about the importance of conservation.
Garden Town Stellenbosch 2026 brings these experiences together, encouraging visitors to look beyond wine tasting and recognise the natural habitats that form part of the Winelands’ identity.
Plan your Garden Town visit
Garden Town Stellenbosch runs from 23 October to 1 November 2026. Activities include guided walks, wine tours, trail running, photography sessions and conservation experiences. Some events have limited capacity, so advance bookings are recommended.
Visitors can find event information and booking details through the following links:
- Full Garden Town programme: Garden Town Stellenbosch
- Jordan Run & Ride for Renosterveld: Jordan Wine Estate bookings
- Trailfun Long-Distance Vineyard Run: Trailfun entries
- Delheim Trail & Taste: Delheim Wines
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Picture: Supplied
