Whether you’re driving through for the day or spending a long weekend, the darling of the winelands offers myriad activities that you
might not know about. We went exploring

Stellenbosch is synonymous with wine, gabled houses and, let’s face it – a bit of a snooty reputation. If you scratch beneath the surface though, there are plenty of activities that teetotallers, art throbs and people on a budget can enjoy. 

A Sculpted Experience 

Dylan Lewis’ gnarled statues, infused with organic energy and raw emotion make him one of SA’s most beloved sculptors. Seeing his work al-fresco in a private garden setting is a magical experience. Marvel at his mythological centaur-like beings and immerse yourself in the kinetic energy of his feline predator sculptures. We suggest you do a guided tour, which will give you a better insight into Dylan’s world at the Mulberry farm. 

Selfie Spots 

If a tropical overseas vacation isn’t in your budget in the coming months, the Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden boasts giant waterlilies as a photographic phenomena. These fabulous fairy-tale-like plants can support the weight of a newborn baby (although, we would seriously discourage visitors from testing this theory out). If you’re into birds, look out for Cape sugarbirds and the brilliantly coloured malachite sunbird. 

Stroll the Market 

Throw on your most stylish Breton T-shirt, bring your wicker basket and stock up on some lovely artisanal bread as well as cold meats for a charcuterie spread and some of Stellenbosch’s best wines. The Stellenbosch Root 44 market, along with the Blaauklippen Family Market, is open on the weekends. Both are great spots to rest and enjoy some much-needed family time with great food. If you feel the need to work off all the gourmet food and wine that you’ve been quaffing all weekend, there’s also a Park Run at Root44 on Saturday mornings. 

Art on Show 

You may have seen Van Gogh and Rembrandt in some famous European art museums, but how clued-up are you on our very own South African masters? Marvel at Pierneef’s blue mountains or the expressive lines of an Irma Stern, who, of course, hung out with some of Europe’s most influential expressionists. The museum has a permanent collection of more than 3 000 pieces and other influential artists that include Thomas Baines, Alexis Preller and Maggie Laubser. All this is located at the Sasol Art Museum.

Photography: Lisa Du Preez
Photography: gallo/gettyimages,unspalsh