Blog - Penelope's Stellenbosch

The good life in the Cape Winelands

2017-07-18T00:00:00+02:00

We are so fortunate to live in this most beautiful part of the world. I recently returned home after a short holiday, and realised again how lucky we are.

When the aeroplane comes in over the Cape Peninsula to land at Cape Town International the view is just wonderful. We have it all: mountains, ocean, beautiful flora and wine! (Not to mention the many restaurants, sporting facilities, shops and markets).

Come and visit us to enjoy the beauty of the Cape Winelands.

The Quiet Months in Stellenbosch

2016-05-26T00:00:00+02:00

My favourite time of the year is Autumn & Winter. The vineyards are beautiful when their leaves change colour. We have a few stormy days as a cold front passes... and then the most wonderful crisp clear days. Blue skies and sunshine.
The village is still bustling with students, restaurants get their fireplaces going - and we settle down with a glass of wine.
In the garden we do some autumn sorting, moving roses which are in the wrong place.... and plant plenty of spring bulbs.....then the snowdrops start popping up.

Spring in Stellenbosch

2015-10-04T00:00:00+02:00

Penelope's is the perfect base for exploring the Cape Winelands and even further afield. Last weekend we had family visiting us so we took a drive to Babylonstoren. The fruit trees are in full flower - and the clivias are absolutely beautiful. A short drive away is the beautiful wine estate Plaisir de Merle, where there were many people enjoying the Franschhoek Uncorked event.

Tea and scones at Hillcrest Berry Farm in the Banhoek valley was followed by a glass of wine on the verandah at Penelope's

News February 2015

2015-02-12T00:00:00+02:00

We have recently been to Leopard's Leap near Franschhoek for lunch. Highly recommended. They do a buffet type lunch with wonderful salads and vegetables as well as a choice of 3 or 4 meats. And a bottle of wine costs as little as R40.00!

The garden is blooming, though the roses are finding the heat a bit much. We have harvested so many tomatoes and passion fruit! The cucumbers are delicious, real old fashioned farm cucumbers. The tomato seeds which Alex sent from Bulgaria are growing like mad, with big round fruit (green still). The March lilies are flowering! First time ever, even though they are a bit early.

5 Not-to-be-missed Events in Stellenbosch

2014-09-01T00:00:00+02:00

For the Foody: SA Cheese Festival

The South Africa Cheese Festival is a celebration the best cheeses and deli products the country has to offer. The festival which has been running since 2002, combines wine tastings, dairy products and gourmet gurus to create to create a pleasant atmosphere throughout the town.

For the wine connoisseur: Stellenbosch Wine Festival

Think thousands of wine enthusiasts and more than 70 delegates from wine estates in one place celebrating their love for vino, and you have Stellenbosch Wine Festival. Hosted in Stellenbosch Wine Route which houses over 140 wine farms, the ten-day festival has offers a historical journey through some of the best wines estate in the world, excellent wine tastings and great food.

For the film lover: Cape Winelands Film Festival

Recognised as one of the best film festival in the world, this festival showcases over 150 feature films documentaries and short films. Fans of the silver screen are treated to a feast art, music and culture through film under the Stellenbosch skies.

For the Poet: Woordfees

Woordfees is celebration of the Afrikaans language through poetry, film and music. With a wide variety of themes, the event invites Afrikaans authors, music and ‘taal minaars’ to share their love for ‘the word’.

For the Adventurous: Die Burger Mountain Bike Challenge

Join more 4000 mountain biking enthusiasts as they ride through the picturesque town of Stellenbosch and surrounding areas. With kiddies entertainment events and exhilarating routes for experienced riders, The Die Burger Mountain Bike Challenge has something for everyone.