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WHAT’S NEW AND FRESH IN STELLENBOSCH IN 2025
Stellenbosch – A Place of Constant Discovery
Stellenbosch is a premium destination that evolves with every season Here, tradition dances with innovation, creating a vibrant, ever-changing landscape of experiences Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, there's always something new to taste, sip, and savour Plan a multi-day stay – because in Stellenbosch, one day is never enough!
Let's take a look at what’s exciting and (re)fresh(ed) around Stellenbosch and the Stellenbosch Wine Routes right now:
Vriesenhof – A Timeless Reawakening
After a careful and soulful restoration, Vriesenhof has re-emerged as a must-visit destination The historic estate, long associated with the legendary Jan Boland Coetzee, now invites guests into the beautifully redesigned tasting room and restaurant, Die Stoep. Dene from Okasie has worked magic on the interiors, creating stunning vignettes within the heritage setting Outside, sprawling gardens frame spectacular Stellenbosch mountain views Vriesenhof’s wines, crafted with elegant restraint, now have a home that mirrors their timeless quality – a place where you can savour their range, from delicate whites to robust reds, with genuine warmth A fresh chapter for a Stellenbosch icon More info here.
Spier Hotel – A Reimagined Icon of Cape Elegance
March 2025 saw the rebirth of the beloved Spier Hotel – now an 80-room sanctuary of luxury, authenticity, and nature Located within rewilded indigenous gardens featuring 39,000 fynbos plants, the new hotel blends regenerative philosophy with world-class hospitality. Guests can expect elegant rooms with garden access, a vast spa (complete with a Cape Herbal Bath House), farm-totable dining, a wine library, and two stunning new restaurants Sustainability remains the golden thread – from farm-grown wellness treatments to community upliftment initiatives A luminous new chapter for Spier and a triumph for purposeful travel in Stellenbosch More info here.
Delaire Graff Estate – Luxury Redefined
Delaire Graff Estate recently unveiled its spectacularly refurbished lodges, spa, and the new HŌSEKI Japanese restaurant, reaffirming its crown as the Jewel of the Cape Winelands. Reimagined by the renowned David Collins Studio, every detail speaks of quiet, understated luxury, from hand-knotted rugs to custom South African art pieces Expansive wine-tasting lounges, refined interiors, and impeccable views complete the experience With new lodges, a reimagined spa, and award-winning hospitality, Delaire Graff is where world-class elegance meets soul-stirring beauty More info here.
Mill Street Bistro – Refined Bistronomy in the Heart of Stellenbosch
Chef Phil Carmichael’s Mill Street Bistro continues to cause a stir. Here, French bistronomy meets South African soul in a relaxed, flavour-driven dining experience. With a passionate focus on sustainability and seasonal ingredients, dishes like Day Boat Market Fish and Mushroom Parfait sing of authenticity and simplicity The wine deck adds an exciting twist, offering rare and fine wines by the glass thanks to a Coravin system Mill Street Bistro is not just a meal –it’s a tribute to craftsmanship, community, and conscious dining More info here.
Fizz & Chips at Bellevue – Playful Dining in the Winelands
A sparkling new addition to Stellenbosch’s food scene, Fizz & Chips at Bellevue Estate is all about carefree fun With a menu of loaded fries, fresh oysters, and fizzy drinks –paired with great wine, of course – it’s the perfect laid-back lunch stop Whether you're looking for a quick treat or a relaxed afternoon under the Winelands sun, Fizz & Chips serves up joy, bubbles, and plenty of good times. More info here.
Hartenberg Wine Estate – Regenerating the Future of Wine
Hartenberg has made history by becoming the first wine farm in South Africa – and only the second in the world – to achieve Ecological Outcome Verification for regenerative farming Their commitment to soil health, biodiversity, and truly sustainable winegrowing has tangible, scientifically measured results Through cover cropping, holistic livestock grazing, organic composting, and the elimination of chemicals, Hartenberg is not just protecting the environment but enhancing the flavour, aroma, and quality of its wines This milestone is a bold beacon for Stellenbosch and the global wine industry: proof that farming with nature creates wines – and futures – that are richer, healthier, and more resilient More info here.
Vergenoegd Löw – A “Back to the Future” Wine Renaissance
Vergenoegd Löw is embracing a bold new era by blending ancient wisdom with modern sustainability Their "back to the future" winegrowing philosophy works with nature, not against it, through regenerative farming, indigenous plantings, wetland eco-corridors, and the careful preservation of historic landscapes Cooling coastal breezes, fossilrich calcareous soils, heritage vine-row alignments, and the symbiosis of Dexter cattle, ducks, and cover crops all contribute to a holistic vision. This is terroir-driven viticulture at its finest, delivering wines of elegance, balance, and authenticity, while nurturing a thriving, biodiverse ecosystem at the farm’s heart More info here
In Stellenbosch, the spirit of reinvention is alive.
Every tasting, every meal, every vineyard stroll reveals a place where heritage meets innovation, and where passion for the land and its people creates an ever-evolving story Come and stay a little longer – because in Stellenbosch, the adventure never stands still.