ADVERTORIAL
THE SOUTH AFRICAN WINELANDS REIMAGINED
From indigenous gastronomy to vineyard padel clubs, South Africa’ s wine country is entering a new era.
Art, design, and hospitality come together at the reimagined Spier Hotel.
A taste of new African gastronomy
One of the most exciting additions to Stellenbosch’ s culinary scene, The Restaurant on Precious Hidden Valley is bringing a fresh perspective to dining in the Winelands. Created by owner Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe and executive chef Bjorn Guido, the restaurant is anchored in New African Gastronomy, a philosophy that combines indigenous and heritage ingredients, traditional preservation techniques, and hyper-local produce.
Guests can choose between eight- and
12-course tasting menus featuring dishes such as beeswax-cured buffalo, monkfish cured in sorghum garum, and Khoi-San-inspired Dream Tea. Set against panoramic vineyard views, the experience combines fine dining with storytelling.
Fine dining meets African storytelling at Precious Hidden Valley.
Spier’ s remarkable reinvention
Following an extensive transformation, Spier has unveiled a reimagined hotel experience that feels more like a contemporary Cape village. Some 80 individually designed rooms and suites are set among rewilded indigenous gardens, while contemporary South African art, handcrafted furnishings, and locally crafted design elements give the property a strong sense of place.
Coastal flavours at Newton Johnson
The Hemel-en-Aarde Wine Valley has long been celebrated for its cool-climate wines, and Newton Johnson’ s newly reopened restaurant adds another reason to make the journey. Led by husband-and-wife team Alex and Ella Rykaart, the restaurant pairs ingredient-driven cuisine with sweeping views of vineyards, mountains, and glimpses of the nearby ocean. The seasonal menu is designed to complement the estate’ s Chardonnay and
Pinot Noir wines, making it an ideal destination for a long, unhurried lunch.
A new chapter at Klein Goederust
Klein Goederust Boutique Winery has opened its own cellar, marking a milestone for Franschhoek’ s first fully black-owned winery. Restored by owner Paul Siguqa in honour of his mother, who spent her life working on farms, the estate tells a story of heritage, perseverance, and possibility. Visitors can enjoy relaxed garden gatherings and popular weekend spitbraai lunches beneath oak trees.
Padel among the vines
At Rickety Bridge in Franschhoek, the new Padel & Social Club reflects the growing appetite for Winelands experiences beyond tastings. Visitors can start the day with a match on the courts before settling in for a tasting or leisurely lunch overlooking the valley. It is a relaxed, social experience that brings together friends, families, wine lovers, and nondrinkers alike.
Discover more at visitwinelands. co. za or scan the QR code.
JULY 2026 / INBOUND SA 39