Garden Town Stellenbosch celebrates the beauty of the Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy in South Africa’s wine region with engaging activities such as guided vineyard strolls, scenic hikes, and dog-friendly trail runs. The event also includes wine tastings, outdoor exploration, and a De Morgenzon Open Garden. Garden Town Stellenbosch aims to support the local economy and foster tourism while showcasing the area’s diverse flora and fauna.
What is Garden Town Stellenbosch and what can attendees expect?
Garden Town Stellenbosch is an event that celebrates the diverse flora and fauna of the Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy in South Africa’s wine region. Attendees can enjoy engaging activities such as guided vineyard strolls, scenic hikes, and dog-friendly trail runs. The event also features wine tastings, outdoor exploration, and a De Morgenzon Open Garden. Garden Town Stellenbosch strives to foster a thriving tourism culture and invigorate the local economy.
In the heart of South Africa’s famed wine region lies the Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy (BHRC), which is gearing up to host Garden Town Stellenbosch, a mesmerizing event that pays tribute to the area’s diverse flora and fauna. Running from October 27th to November 5th, attendees will have the opportunity to delve into the captivating realms of horticulture, fine art, gastronomy, and outdoor exploration. Collaborating with Visit Stellenbosch, the Stellenbosch Municipality, and Stellenbosch Wine Routes, Garden Town Stellenbosch strives to foster a thriving tourism culture and invigorate the local economy.
A Sanctuary for Nature Aficionados: Discovering the BHRC
Encompassing an impressive 1,500 hectares of critically endangered Renosterveld, the BHRC boasts an extraordinary array of plant and animal species. Guests can fully immerse themselves in nature, thanks to a 130-kilometer network of mountain bike trails, picturesque hiking paths, and wine-tasting experiences at over 50 member farms in the idyllic Bottelary Hills.
Captivating Events and Engaging Activities: What to Expect
1. Devon Valley Vineyard Stroll (October 29th)
Embark on a guided 5.5-kilometer loop walk through the awe-inspiring Devon Valley, featuring tastings and indulgences from local establishments such as Kunjani Restaurant, JC le Roux, and Devon Valley Hotel. Proceeds from the walk will benefit the local Froggies Aftercare non-profit organization, with a limited 75 spots available. Tickets are priced at R250.
2. Hazendal Garden Sojourn (October 31st)
Visit the historic Hazendal Wine Estate on a one-hour guided tour, showcasing the Marvol Gallery, a vintage car exhibit, magnificent gardens, and historic buildings. The tour also includes a wine tasting accompanied by a cheese or charcuterie platter, limited to 30 guests. Tickets are priced at R200.
3. Mooiplaas Scenic Hike (November 4th)
Venture through the 70-hectare Mooiplaas private nature reserve on a three-hour hike and wine tasting led by Tielman Roos, owner and viticulturist of Mooiplaas Wine Estate and chair of the BHRC. Recognized as the first WWF Conservation Champion in the Botteraly wine ward in 2020, the estate features a 5.6-kilometer circular hiking trail. Tickets include a wine tasting and cheese platter, limited to 30 guests, and are priced at R200 per person.
4. Dog-Friendly Trail Run (November 4th)
Bring your furry friend along for a fun, leisurely day of walking or running through the Stellenbosch Winelands. With 5-kilometer, 10-kilometer, 15-kilometer, and 21-kilometer trail options, the event encourages participants to dress in pink and purple in line with the Garden Town Stellenbosch ‘Viva Magenta’ theme, with prizes for best-dressed runners. Entry fees range from R70 to R210.
5. Garden Town Mountain Bike Finale (November 5th)
Catering to mountain biking enthusiasts, participants can choose between 12-kilometer and 25-kilometer routes, both commencing and concluding at Jordan Wine Estate. The Ride4Renosterveld MTB Challenge offers breathtaking views of the Stellenbosch valley, with demanding climbs and single tracks through endangered Renosterveld. Tickets are priced at R200 for the 12-kilometer route and R250 for the 25-kilometer route.
6. De Morgenzon Open Garden (October 27th – November 5th)
Explore the biodiverse and ecologically sensitive landscape of De Morgenzon, featuring wildflowers nestled between the vines. Visitors can partake in painting, flower crown crafting, wine tastings, and learn about microgreen cultivation and the wonder of fungi.
Garden Town Stellenbosch offers an unparalleled opportunity to uncover the natural marvels of the Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy while bolstering local tourism and the economy. To learn more about Garden Town Stellenbosch and the BHRC’s preservation efforts, visit their respective websites.
1. What is the Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy?
The Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy is a 1,500-hectare conservation area in South Africa’s wine region that is home to critically endangered Renosterveld and a diverse array of plant and animal species.
2. What is Garden Town Stellenbosch?
Garden Town Stellenbosch is an event that celebrates the natural beauty of the Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy through engaging activities such as guided vineyard strolls, scenic hikes, and dog-friendly trail runs. The event also features wine tastings, outdoor exploration, and a De Morgenzon Open Garden.
3. When is Garden Town Stellenbosch taking place?
Garden Town Stellenbosch is taking place from October 27th to November 5th.
4. What kind of activities can attendees expect at Garden Town Stellenbosch?
Attendees can expect a wide variety of activities such as guided vineyard strolls, scenic hikes, dog-friendly trail runs, wine tastings, outdoor exploration, and a De Morgenzon Open Garden.
5. Can attendees support local non-profit organizations?
Yes, attendees can support local non-profit organizations through activities such as the Devon Valley Vineyard Stroll, which benefits the Froggies Aftercare non-profit organization.
6. Are there limited spots available for certain activities?
Yes, some activities such as the Devon Valley Vineyard Stroll and the Hazendal Garden Sojourn have limited spots available.
7. Is there a theme for Garden Town Stellenbosch?
Yes, the theme for Garden Town Stellenbosch is ‘Viva Magenta.’
8. How can attendees learn more about Garden Town Stellenbosch and the Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy’s preservation efforts?
Attendees can visit the Garden Town Stellenbosch and Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy’s respective websites to learn more about the event and preservation efforts.
