What's new in Stellenbosch in 2025

Explore what’s new in

Stellenbosch

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.

Klein Alto – A New Chapter for a Stellenbosch Classic Alto Wines is on the move – temporarily! In mid-2025, Klein Alto will open its doors at Bonte Rivier Vineyards (formerly Bilton), just down the road from the original Alto Estate.

With stunning Helderberg mountain views and a serene setting among ancient trees, Klein Alto will house a new tasting room and restaurant while renovations unfold at Alto.

Guests can look forward to relaxed, stylish wine experiences in this interim space, blending Alto’s rich history with a fresh backdrop. Expect exciting updates as this iconic brand embraces its future while honouring its roots. More info here.

Lanzerac Deli – A Sleek New Space for Wine, Work, and Wonder Lanzerac Wine Estate, already a legend, has added a new gem to its crown: a slick, elegant mezzanine level at the Lanzerac Deli. Designed for both leisure and work, it’s a haven for wine lovers, foodies, and digital nomads alike. Sip on Lanzerac’s celebrated ranges (including their pioneering Pinotage) with a chocolate-truffle pairing or work remotely with full mobile charging amenities.

From hearty gourmet sandwiches to farmstyle breakfasts and decadent deli treats, the Deli's new space blends productivity with indulgence, all under the shade of ancient oaks. A seamless evolution for a timeless estate. More info here.

Compagniesdrift Tasting Room – Where Community and Wine Meet Compagniesdrift has re-opened its tasting room and wine shop, welcoming guests with even more heart and soul. Open weekdays and now Saturdays too, it’s a relaxed, authentic spot to enjoy wine tastings paired with generous cheese and meat platters.

Sydney du Plessis, their vibrant new Tasting Room Assistant, who brings six years of wine industry passion to every guest encounter. Sydney’s journey from the Pinotage Youth Development Academy to leading Stellenbosch estates inspires every glass poured. Compagniesdrift continues to be a shining example of wine, community, and opportunity flourishing together. More info here.

Asara Sensory Tree Experience – Wine Tasting Like Never Before Asara Wine Estate has launched the ultimate sensory adventure! Their new Sensory Tree Experience pairs wines with playful, whimsical treats: think Pinotage Rosé with raspberry sorbet, Sauvignon Blanc with citrus candyfloss, and more. Every pairing is designed to surprise and delight your senses.

It's an unforgettable, joy-filled journey into flavour and texture, ideal for anyone who loves to explore wine in a whole new way. A must-do for wine adventurers seeking a different kind of indulgence in Stellenbosch.

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.

Lorenzo’s at Delaire Graff – La Dolce Vita in Stellenbosch Italian dreams come alive at Lorenzo’s, Delaire Graff’s newest restaurant gem. With chef Alfonso Russo at the helm, Lorenzo’s offers an authentic taste of Italy in the heart of the Cape Winelands. Handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, antipasti, and fresh produce from the estate gardens are served under a sun-dappled pergola, creating a Mediterranean alfresco experience. Add breathtaking views, a dramatic bronzepanelled pizza oven, and a luxurious yet relaxed atmosphere, and you have the perfect recipe for a long, lazy lunch that transports you straight to the Amalfi Coast – Stellenbosch style. More info here.

Idiom Eco-Safari Drive – Wine and Wilderness Idiom Wines’ new Eco-Safari Drive is an exhilarating blend of wine, nature, and adventure. Guests are taken on a guided journey through fynbos reserves and lush vineyards, encountering wildlife like zebra, springbok, and wildebeest along the way.

Panoramic views of False Bay and Table Mountain add to the magic. Post-safari, guests can indulge in a Fynbos-inspired lunch and a signature wine tasting at Idiom’s stunning estate. It’s a perfect day out for nature lovers and wine enthusiasts alike, celebrating Stellenbosch’s extraordinary biodiversity and conservation efforts. More info here.

The Stellenbosch Art Mile – Creativity in Full Bloom Stellenbosch’s recently launched Art Mile is a groundbreaking outdoor gallery stretching along the Eerste River. Featuring interactive installations by leading local and international artists, the Art Mile invites you to walk, play, and engage with art and nature. The yearlong exhibition, themed Tapestry of Time, celebrates Stellenbosch’s ancient landscapes and vibrant contemporary creativity. It’s a living, breathing showcase of community spirit and artistic excellence – a must-do for anyone wanting to experience Stellenbosch’s rich cultural heartbeat. More info here.

Pinotage at 100 – A Star Reborn A century after Professor Abraham Izak Perold crossed Pinot Noir and Hermitage to create Pinotage, South Africa celebrates not just the grape’s origins but a truly exceptional 2025 vintage.

Winemakers across Stellenbosch and beyond are buzzing about small, flavour-packed berries and wines of balance, vibrancy, and remarkable finesse.

Sustainability is woven into Pinotage’s future, with innovations like precision irrigation, regenerative viticulture, and a growing global appetite for this unique varietal. From Stellenbosch to Shanghai, Pinotage is winning hearts, palates, and awards. As Jacques Bruwer says: “Pinotage is 100 years young, not 100 years old.” The future is ripe, and the best is yet to come.

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.

For more information or ideas, do not hesitate to contact us

www.visitstellenbosch.org +27.218864310 info@visitstellenbosch.org