As winter loosens its grip - not quite ready to let go - the Cape Winelands roll into September with an air of anticipation and unpredictability. One day brings golden warmth that glints off vineyard trellises, the next, a southeasterly gust rattles the shutters and sends clouds racing down the mountains. This is a month of in-betweens: misty mornings, moody skies and the quiet, patient work of winemakers coaxing flavour from last season's harvest in barrel rooms that hum with quiet intent.
For those who call the Winelands home - and those fortunate enough to visit - September 2025 offers a full and flavourful calendar of experiences. From intimate gallery showings and trail runs through ancient valleys to sensory dinners in candlelit cellars, the month is brimming with opportunities to indulge, connect and rediscover the magic that has long drawn people to these storied slopes.
Whether you're a long-time resident or exploring from afar, here's what not to miss in the Winelands this September - and a curated preview of what's still to come as the year unfolds. From culinary celebrations to collector's car displays and gallery showcases, it's a calendar rich in discovery - with the truly legendary Montreux jazz festival waiting just over the horizon.
Awaken the Senses: Art, Wine & Culinary Escapes
  Photo by Ante Emmanuel: https://tinyurl.com/5zu755wv
1. Ceramics with Soul at Spier
On show now until 14 September 2025, Spier Wine Farm in Stellenbosch invites art lovers to explore Grounded Practice, a compelling ceramics exhibition that reimagines our relationship with the earth. Drawing on clay's ancient, tactile history, the show balances technical excellence with spiritual resonance. It's a slow, contemplative journey - and a fitting pairing with Spier's acclaimed tasting experiences, which remain open daily throughout the season.
2. The African Table at Nederburg - Paarl's Hidden Feast
On show now until 27 September, Yours to Explore: The African Table is a bold, immersive dining experience set in the heart of Nederburg's heritage estate. Guests are led through a curated sensory journey - blindfolded tastings, story-driven courses and unexpected settings beneath chandeliers or starlit vines. It's not just dinner; it's theatre, history and terroir on a plate.
For the Heart & Soul: Festivals, Markets, Cars & Music