The Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy (BHRC) in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom will showcase its natural beauty during Garden Town Stellenbosch from tomorrow (Friday 27 October) to Sunday 5 November.
Curated by Visit Stellenbosch, in collaboration with key tourism stakeholders like the Stellenbosch Municipality and Stellenbosch Wine Routes, the initiative aims to nurture tourism and experiential economy for the holistic benefit of all communities. For the first time the BHRC’s natural sights and experiences are included.
The DeMorgenzon Open Garden event will be held throughout the greater event. The estate’s garden vineyards boast specially chosen wildflowers flourishing between the vines in spring. It believes a biodiverse and ecologically sensitive environment produces infinitely better grapes, and the beauty of their gardens is captured in every bottle of their wine.
- The first event in the BHRC is a Vineyard Walk in Devon Valley on Sunday 29 October. The 5,5 km guided circular walk through the picturesque valley will include tastings and treats along the way at Kunjani Restaurant, JC le Roux and Devon Valley Hotel. It starts at 08:00 and finishes at 11:00. Tickets cost R250 per person; all funds raised will go towards Froggies Aftercare NPO in Devon Valley. Space is limited to 100 people; book online here.
- The next BHRC event is the guided Hazendal Garden Tour from 10:00 to 11:00 on Tuesday 31 October. Participants will explore the historic Hazendal Wine Estate, including the Marvol gallery, classic car collection, pristine gardens and historic buildings followed by a wine tasting accompanied by a cheese or charcuterie platter. Tickets cost R200 each. The walk is limited to 30 guests; book online here.
- BHRC chairperson Tielman Roos, also owner and viticulturist at Mooiplaas Wine Estate, will host a three-hour guided hike through the estate’s private nature reserve on Saturday 4 November. The 5,6 km circular hiking trail meanders through the 70 ha reserve with its rich plant life and beautiful views. Limited tickets at R200 per person includes a wine tasting and cheese platter. Book online here.
- On the same day, the TrailFun run will be held at Bellevue Wine Estate. The entry level run will be easy to navigate up and down sections along the various route options that include a 5 km, 10 km, 15 km and 21 km. Runners are encouraged to embrace the Garden Town Stellenbosch “Viva Magenta” theme and come dressed in your most colourful pink and purple floral, with spot prizes for the best dressed runners. The event is dog-friendly run, as long as they are on a lead. Entry fees vary between R70 and R210 and include a medal, a bottle of spring water and free wine tasting. For more details, click here.
- Mountain bikers will saddle up for the Ride4Renosterveld MTB Challenge, which starts and finishes on the Protea lawn at Jordan Wine Estate on Sunday 5 November. Riders can choose between two distances: the 12 km (370 m elevation) and the moderate 25 km route on the 687 m ascent. At the estate, there will be a selection of tasty eats, wines and music. Enter online at R250 for the 25 km here and R200 for the 12 km here.
* To view the complete Garden Town Stellenbosch programme, visit https://gardentown.visitstellenbosch.org/.
