Franschhoek Festivals
Summer Celebrations in the Winelands
“These are the days of the endless summer
These are the days, the time is now
There is no past, there's only future
There's only here, there's only now”
- These Are the Days, Van Morrison
Summertime in the Cape Winelands is filled with festivities, activities and the perfect accompaniment to outdoor plans - long, lazy, sunny days.
Escape the city and head out to Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and surrounds for one of these exciting events…
For the Fitness Fanatics
On the 21st of January, the first edition of the Franschhoek Cross Triathlon is taking place. Begin the route at the Berg River Dam and experience moments of awe as you battle against the elements through the majestic Franschhoek mountains.
For the Social Butterflies
Every couple of weeks in the summer, Stellenbosch Wine Routes presents the Stellenbosch Street Soirees. Attendees can enjoy laidback mingling with fellow food and wine lovers against a backdrop of live music and - of course - the best Stellenbosch street food and wines. The event will take place on the 18th of January, as well as on the 1st and 15th of February 2023.
The L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate will take place on the 10th of January. The annual calendar highlight is a celebration of art, horse racing and equestrian excellence. First run in 1861 in honour of Queen Victoria, it brings together the most noble thoroughbreds in the country, with fine dining and world-class entertainment to top it all off.
On the 25th of February, the Rocking the Lagoon festival will be taking place in Hermanus. Cloud9 will be gracing the stage and providing rock ‘n roll enthusiasts with a fun and fabulous concert of the golden oldies. After dancing up an appetite, you can refuel at the Moody Lagoon Restaurant or Oyster and Seafood Bar in the Tasting Room.
For the Wine Lovers
There are, of course, many wine-related events taking place in the area for visitors to choose from.
The Chardonnay Colloquium - Exploring Elgin Chardonnay event takes place on the 20th of January and includes a tasting of 12 different internationally recognised wines, a luncheon and an interactive discussion with prominent Elgin wine producers.
The Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir Celebration will be taking place on the 28th of January. At the lively event, Hemel-en-Aarde winemakers will look back on the decades it took to master their noble Pinot Noir, their voyage of discovery, and their ongoing journey towards perfection.
The Stellenbosch Wine Harvest Parade will also be taking place on the 28th of January. The festivities honour wine-farming communities but also the impending season of grape gathering. The event is organised in collaboration with the local municipality and Stellenbosch Wine Routes. View the floats and dress up to the nines to celebrate mother nature with other winemakers and oenophiles.
In a similar spirit, The Delheim Harvest Festival will also be recognising the age-old tradition of celebrating the bountiful harvest bestowed upon the farming communities. The event, held on the 28th and 29th of January, will include offerings of glasses of mos (freshly pressed grape juice); homemade Bretzels; grape picking and stomping opportunities; tractor rides; live music and a luncheon feast - with dishes inspired by Germany, the Netherlands and Cape Malay cuisine.
The Cape Wine Auction will also be taking place during this time, on the 18th of February. The event, which is organised in partnership with Mastercard, is regarded as one of the most significant international wine charity auctions ever conceived in South Africa and has a single goal of raising funds for education, as 100% of the proceeds are managed by the Cape Wine Auction Trust and distributed amongst beneficiaries. During the 2022 event, attendees were able to bid on a catalogue of once-in-a-lifetime lots and raised a total of R12 million.
For the Culture Buffs
Between the 23rd and the 26th of February, the Franschhoek Chamber Music and Art Festival 2023 will be taking place. Not only will the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra musicians be in attendance, but many international artists will also be taking to the stage, performing favourites such as the Trout Quintet by Schubert, Dvorák’s American Quartet, the Mendelssohn Octet, and a Brahms Sextet. Art exhibitions will also be on display throughout the duration of the festival.
For the Luxury Lovers
Guests staying at one of the world-class Leeu Collection properties in Franschhoek - Leeu Estates, Leeu House or Le Quartier Français - can immerse themselves in the festivities from the supreme comfort of a five-star premium base. Think exquisitely outfitted rooms and suites; award-winning wining and dining; expertly curated art; awe-inspiring grounds; and more.
Contact us to book your stay and make the most of the summer festivities.
