The popular Stellenbosch Street Soirees are back in full swing to give locals and visitors alike more reason to savour, sip on and share the vibrant pulse and pleasures of South Africa’s wine and gourmet capital during the summer months.

January’s event will celebrate the start of the 2014 harvest when everything that Stellenbosch offers – including its natural beauty, winemaking culture, tourism season and vibrant agricultural industries - is at its best and brightest. Perfect summer weather, the buzz of a new University year, music entertainment and the bustling start of the harvest season will all add excitement and colour to the Street Soiree.

Until March 2014 these monthly, easy-going gatherings will transform the oak-lined streets of Stellenbosch into a colourful hub of food, wine and live music where strangers become friends over a glass of vino stemming from the country’s oldest and foremost wine route.

The lower part of Church Street is where all the action is at, with wine tastings offered by various Stellenbosch estates and gourmet bites by participating restaurants beckoning enthusiasts to revel in a slice of the Stellenbosch lifestyle – right there on this makeshift ‘pavement playground’.

“Our quaint town really lends itself to street ‘kuiers’ and these after-work get-togethers allow one to bask in a wonderful Winelands atmosphere and forget about the day’s hassles and hullabaloos. Stellenbosch has always been celebrated for its high quality wines, but these days we are also known as the Gourmet Capital of South African as recently attested at the prestigious 2013 Eat Out Awards. Four of the Top Ten restaurants hail from the Stellenbosch Wine Routes,” adds Elmarie Rabe, events manager for Stellenbosch Wine Routes.

The Stellenbosch Street Soirees take place from 18h00 to 20h00 (between Bird Street and Andringa Street) and each gathering features a different selection of cellars and eateries. For R30 one gets a wine glass and a ticket to taste as many wines on the evening and delicious street food will be on sale.

Stellenbosch Street Soirees dates to diarise for 2014 are 15 January, 12 February and 12 March – weather permitting. 

For more information contact Tel: 021 886 8275, visit www.wineroute.co.za, follow the Stellenbosch Wine Routes on Twitter, join their Facebook page or be inspired by images from the region on Instagram.