Garden Town Stellenbosch returns from Friday 23 October to Sunday 1 November, inviting visitors to step beyond manicured gardens and into the working landscapes that define the Cape Winelands.

This year’s programme weaves together outdoor adventure, wine experiences and a strong thread of conservation, all centred on protecting the natural heritage that makes the region extraordinary.

At the core of this effort sits the Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy, established in 1992 to safeguard roughly 1 500 ha of critically endangered Renosterveld – one of the Cape’s most vulnerable vegetation types.

Several participating estates carry WWF Conservation Champion status, among them Hartenberg, Mooiplaas, Zevenwacht, Neethlingshof, De Morgenzon and Koopmanskloof. Their commitment to responsible farming and habitat restoration reflects a shared understanding that the Winelands’ future depends on the landscapes beneath them.

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Programme for all

The programme offers several ways to engage with these landscapes directly. On Sunday 25 October, Jordan Wine Estate hosts the Run & Ride for Renosterveld, pairing sport with conservation in support of the conservancy. Participants can enter a 34 km cycle (R380, starting 07:30) or a 6 km fun run (R220, starting 08:30), each capped at 100 entrants.

Wine lovers can board a vintage military truck for the Bottelary Hills 4×4 Wine Adventure on Friday 23 and Monday 26 October. The R1 295 guided tour visits Kaapzicht, Mooiplaas and Zevenwacht, combining tastings with insights into how farming and biodiversity coexist. Attendance is limited to twelve guests per outing.

A guided walk through Devon Valley on Saturday 24 October takes in vineyards, orchards and olive groves for R285, including refreshments and a glass of bubbly at JC Le Roux, with proceeds supporting Froggies Aftercare NPO.

Green education

Conservation takes centre stage through several learning experiences. The Discover Renosterveld Conservation Nursery opens its doors for guided tours showing how indigenous plants are grown for habitat restoration.

At Hartenberg Estate on Thursday 29 October, Go Beyond the Garden Gate explores regenerative farming by tractor tour – explaining how livestock, ducks, cover crops and living soils build healthier farmland. The R595 ticket includes a Dexter beef burger and a glass of Sacred Soil wine.

For a quieter connection with nature, photographer Manie van der Hoven leads Magic Mindful Photography sessions at De Morgenzon on Saturday 24 and Wednesday 28 October, and Sunday 1 November, blending photography, gentle coaching and expressive writing across two reflective hours.

Lacing up

Trail runners can take on the Trailfun Long-Distance Vineyard Run on Saturday 31 October, starting at Neethlingshof and winding through vineyards and Renosterveld in the Bottelary Hills.

Four distances are available – 7 km, 16 km, 25 km and 37 km – each entry including limited-edition Renosterveld flower socks and a commemorative medal.

The programme closes on 1 November with a guided Sunset Bottelary Hills Hike through a 68-ha private reserve to the range’s highest point at 476 m, offering panoramic views towards Table Mountain, False Bay and the Stellenbosch mountains. Tickets cost R250 and include a bottle of Koopmanskloof wine.

Throughout the festival, Delheim offers a self-guided Trail & Taste experience on the slopes of Simonsberg Mountain.

Visitors can walk a 2,5 km or 5 km route through a 375-ha estate home to over 120 indigenous plant species and wildlife including caracal and Cape leopard, then enjoy a tasting of five Delheim wines. The experience costs R180 and runs daily from 09:00 to 15:00.

With some events limited in capacity, advance booking is recommended. Garden Town Stellenbosch 2026 is a reminder that the Winelands’ greatest asset is its living landscape – and that exploring it responsibly helps keep it that way.

• For event details and bookings, visit Garden Town Stellenbosch.

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