For the very first time this year, the Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy (BHRC) is set to transform into a haven for all things green and blooming.
Introducing: Garden Town Stellenbosch, an enchanting event that promises to be a delightful showcase of horticultural wonders, floral artistry, culinary journeys, and outdoor adventures.
Also read: Tokara farm garden blossoms for Garden Town Stellenbosch
From the 27th of October to the 5th of November, Garden Town Stellenbosch is your passport to a plethora of nature experiences.
You’ll have the opportunity to wander through the BHRC’s 1 500 hectares of the critically endangered Renosterveld, explore a 130km network of mountain bike trails, embark on picturesque hiking routes, and indulge in wine-tasting adventures at 50 member farms nestled within the picturesque landscape of Bottelary Hills.
Curated by Visit Stellenbosch in partnership with key players in the tourism sector, including the Stellenbosch Municipality and Stellenbosch Wine Routes, Garden Town Stellenbosch is poised to cultivate a vibrant tourism culture and stimulate the thriving experiential economy.
Here is what you can look forward to:
Vineyard walk in Devon Valley (Sunday, 29 October)
This guided 5.5km circular walk through the picturesque Decon Valley will feature tastings and treats at Kunjani Restaurant, JC le Roux and Devon Valley Hotel. The leisurely walk through the vineyards will start at 8am at finish at 11am. Tickets include the guided walk, a breakfast snack and a glass of wine at Devon Valley Hotel. Funds will go towards the local Froggies Aftercare non-profit in Devon Valley. Book now, as only 75 spots are available.
- Cost: R250
- Tickets are available here.
Hazendal Garden tour (Tuesday, 31 October)
Explore the historic Hazendal Wine Estate in all its glory in this one-hour guided walk from 10am to 11am, which will feature the Marvol gallery, a classic car collection, pristine gardens and historic buildings as well as a wine tasting accompanied by a cheese or charcuterie platter. Tickets are limited to 30 guests.
- Cost: R200
- Tickets are available here.
Mooiplaas guided hike (Saturday, 4 November)
In 2020, Mooiplaas became the first WWF Conservation Champion in the Botteraly wine ward. Adventurers can look forward to a three-hour hike and wine tasting led by Tielman Roos, the owner and viticulturist of Mooiplaas Wine Estate and chair of the BHRC. The 5.6km circular hiking trail meanders through the 70-hectare Mooiplaas private nature reserve. Tickets include a wine tasting and cheese platter, limited to 30 guests.
- Cost: R200 per person
- Tickets are available here.
Dog-friendly trail run (Saturday, 4 November)
This entry-level run is perfect for a fun, relaxed day of walking or running in the Stellenbosch Winelands. It is easy to navigate up and down sections along the various route options, which include a 5km, 10km, 15km and 21km trail. Come dressed in pink and purple as part of the Garden Town Stellenbosch ‘Viva Magenta’ theme, and you could win a prize for the best-dressed runner. Participants can bring their canine friends along (although they must be on a leash). Tickets include a medal, a bottle of spring water and a free wine tasting for each runner.
- Cost: Vary between R70 and R210
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/TrailFunTrailSeries.
Garden Town Wrap Up MTB Ride (Sunday, 5 November)
Mountain bike enthusiasts can choose between two distances that both start and finish on the Protea lawn at Jordan Wine Estate where friends and family can enjoy a morning with picturesque views of the Stellenbosch valley with tasty eats, wines and music. The Ride4Renosterveld MTB Challenge features a 12km (with 370m elevation) route that includes a stop at the Polkadraai Bike Park, as well as a 25km route that runs across several member farms with views on the 687m ascent. If the climb doesn’t take your breath away, the combination of the testing elevations, flowy single tracks in natural terrain and beautiful views will. The route also includes easy cross-country sections, singletrack through endangered Renosterveld into the Conrad Stoltz signature track.
- Cost: R200 for the 12km | R250 for the 25km
- Tickets: Get tickets for the 12km route here. | Get tickets for the 25km route here.
- For more information on the Ride4Renosterveld MTB Challenge, visit https://gardentown.visitstellenbosch.org/events/wrap-up-mtb-ride-for-renosterveld-12km-25km/.
De Morgenzon Open Garden (27 October to 5 November)
This biodiverse and ecologically sensitive environment will feature specially chosen wildflowers between the vines. Unleash your creativity through painting and flower crown crafting, indulge in wine tastings, and discover the secrets of microgreen cultivation and fungi marvels.
For more information on Garden Town Stellenbosch, visit this link. To learn more about BHRC’s conservation work, visit here.
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Picture: Supplied