Taking place from 23 October to 1 November, the programme offers a variety of ways to explore the region's landscapes, discover local wine estates and engage with the natural environment. Conservation is an important part of this experience, with activities highlighting the value of protecting the Cape's unique biodiversity and supporting the communities connected to these landscapes.
The Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy (BHRC) and the wider conservation community play an important role in promoting awareness of the region's threatened natural heritage, including critically endangered Renosterveld, one of the Cape's most vulnerable vegetation types.
Established in 1992, BHRC works to conserve the Bottelary Hills' distinctive biodiversity. The conservancy protects approximately 1 500 hectares of critically endangered Renosterveld and connects visitors with a landscape that combines natural habitats, working farms, vineyards and outdoor recreation.
At the heart of Garden Town 2026 is a growing recognition that the future of the Winelands depends on protecting the natural landscapes that make the region unique.
A number of participating wine estates are recognised as WWF Conservation Champions, reflecting a commitment to biodiversity conservation and more environmentally responsible farming. These include Hartenberg, Mooiplaas, Zevenwacht, Neethlingshof, DeMorgenzon and Koopmanskloof, whose conservation efforts contribute to protecting natural habitats and supporting biodiversity across the Winelands. Their work reinforces the importance of collaboration between wine producers, conservation organisations, landowners and communities in safeguarding the region's natural heritage. Through the Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy and the Greater Simonsberg conservation landscape, protecting threatened vegetation, restoring habitats and promoting responsible engagement with nature remain important priorities.
Experiences that connect people with nature
The Garden Town programme features a selection of experiences designed to appeal to outdoor enthusiasts, wine lovers, families and visitors interested in sustainable living.
The Jordan Run & Ride for Renosterveld, taking place at Jordan Wine Estate on Sunday, 25 October, combines sport and conservation in support of BHRC. Participants can choose between a 34 km cycle, starting at 07:30 for R380 per person, and a 6 km fun run, starting at 08:30 for R220 per person. Entries are limited to 100 participants per event.
For those keen to explore the region's wine culture, the Bottelary Hills 4x4 Wine Adventure offers a guided off-road journey aboard a vintage military truck. Taking place on Friday, 23 October and Monday, 26 October, the experience visits Kaapzicht, Mooiplaas and Zevenwacht for wine tastings and insights into the relationship between farming, biodiversity and conservation. Tickets cost R1,295 per person. This unique experience is limited to 12 guests.
Visitors can also discover the Devon Valley's vineyards, orchards and olive groves during a guided walk on Saturday, 24 October. The R285 experience includes refreshments along the route and a glass of bubbly at JC Le Roux, with proceeds supporting Froggies Aftercare NPO.
Discovering conservation in action
Several Garden Town experiences offer opportunities to learn more about protecting and restoring the region's natural environment.
The Discover Renosterveld Conservation Nursery Open Day provides a rare opportunity to visit a nursery dedicated to growing indigenous and threatened plants for habitat restoration. Through guided tours, visitors can learn how locally grown plants contribute to the restoration of fynbos and Renosterveld habitats.
At Hartenberg Estate, Go Beyond the Garden Gate, on Thursday, 29 October, explores regenerative farming through a guided tractor tour. Visitors will learn how livestock, ducks, cover crops, healthy living soils and biodiversity contribute to farming practices that support healthier agricultural landscapes. The experience costs R595 per person and includes a Dexter beef burger and a glass of Sacred Soil wine made from regeneratively farmed grapes.
Garden Town also offers a more reflective way to connect with the natural environment through Magic Mindful Photography at DeMorgenzon on 24 and 28 October and 1 November. Led by photographer and mindfulness facilitator Manie van der Hoven, the two-hour sessions encourage participants to slow down, observe their surroundings and engage with nature through photography, gentle coaching and expressive writing.
Exploring the Bottelary Hills on foot
Outdoor adventure remains a highlight of Garden Town 2026. The Trailfun Long-Distance Garden Town Vineyard Run, on Saturday, 31 October, starts at Neethlingshof and takes runners into the vineyards, trails and Renosterveld of the Bottelary Hills. Participants can choose from four distances: 7 km, 16 km, 25 km and 37 km. Each entrant receives limited-edition socks featuring this year's Renosterveld flower, together with a commemorative medal.
The programme concludes on Sunday, 1 November, with the Sunset Bottelary Hills Hike. This guided experience takes participants through a 68-hectare private nature reserve to the highest point of the Bottelary Hills, at 476 metres above sea level. From the summit, hikers can enjoy panoramic views towards Table Mountain, False Bay and the Stellenbosch mountains. Tickets cost R250 per person and include a bottle of Koopmanskloof wine.
Together, these activities demonstrate how nature-based tourism can encourage visitors to appreciate the region's biodiversity while supporting local businesses, farms and community initiatives.
A landscape worth protecting
The Cape Floral Kingdom is recognised for its extraordinary botanical diversity, with approximately 9 000 plant species, many of which occur nowhere else in the world. Within this remarkable natural heritage, Renosterveld stands out as one of the most threatened vegetation types.
The Bottelary Hills offer opportunities to experience this biodiversity alongside the region's established wine and agricultural traditions. With approximately 130 km of mountain-biking trails and scenic outdoor routes across 55 member farms, the area offers visitors a distinctive way to explore the Winelands while learning about the importance of conserving the landscapes that sustain them.
Garden Town Stellenbosch 2026 provides an opportunity to bring these connections into focus, encouraging visitors to explore responsibly, support local initiatives and recognise the value of conserving natural habitats for future generations.
Discover the natural beauty of the Greater Simonsberg Conservancy with a special trail and taste experience at Delheim during the run of Garden Town. Arrive between 09h00 and 15h00 for a self-guided 2.5 km or 5 km nature walk on the slopes of Simonsberg Mountain, followed by a tasting of five Delheim wines. Explore a 375-hectare family-owned estate rich in biodiversity, home to more than 120 indigenous plant species, 50 bird species and wildlife including caracal, Cape fox and Cape leopard. As a founding member of the Greater Simonsberg Conservancy and a WWF Conservation Champion, Delheim is committed to protecting the natural heritage of the Winelands. Cost is R180 per persoon and bookings are essential.
Plan your Garden Town experience
Garden Town Stellenbosch 2026 takes place from Friday, 23 October to Sunday, 1 November 2026. Experiences range from guided walks and photography sessions to wine tours, trail running and conservation activities. Some events have limited capacity, and advance booking is recommended.
For event details and bookings, visit Garden Town Stellenbosch.
For the Jordan Run & Ride for Renosterveld, visit Jordan Wine Estate bookings.
For the Trailfun Long-Distance Vineyard Run, visit Trailfun entries.
For the Delheim Trail & Taste, HOME - Delheim Wines.