Wine & Unwind At Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees 2026

In the current climate of constant digital stimulation, Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees offers attendees the opportunity to relax and reset with a curated programme dedicated to celebrating South African culture beyond the screen.

While the name “Woordfees” reflects the festival’s Afrikaans origins, over the past three decades, Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees has evolved into a multilingual and multicultural festival that honours diversity and inclusivity. Many productions are presented in English, and many of their offerings (from classical music to dance and visual art) resonate with audiences beyond language barriers – with food and wine often acting as a communal link between cultures.

Food, Wine & Wellness

With Stellenbosch being in the heart of the Cape Winelands, Woordfees has no shortage of events catered to the wannabe sommeliers and vino enthusiasts out there. The demo kitchen is the hub of much of this activity, with showcases hosted by Stellenbosch Wine Route’s wine schools that offer attendees the opportunity to learn more about the stories behind their favourite wines while enjoying an exclusive tasting.

Well-known chefs like Zola Nene, Jenny Morris, Kenneth Tebogo Middleton, and Tony Jackman are also making the demo kitchen their temporary home, with each demonstrating their skills and teaching guests some cooking tips and tricks to take home. Andriëtte Georgiou, MasterChef runner-up and founder of mouthwatering cookie brand Mondvol, is running two demos for the sweet-toothed, and there are plenty of other events on the lifestyle programme especially for the foodies.

Another highlight of the lifestyle program is the wordy trail race “Velddraf met Woorde” (literally “trail run with words”), where each athlete gets a unique Afrikaans word on their bib to identify them, instead of the usual number. This 10k and 5k event, supported by EasyEquities, draws a mixed crowd of culture lovers, fitness enthusiasts and ambidextrous “I-love-reading-AND-running” types – all are welcome, and all fitness levels can participate.

For the bookworms

The EasyEquities writers’ festival has always been at the heart of the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees, and this year some big names and important publications are taking the stage. Literary stars like Sally Andrew (Tannie Maria Mysteries) and Sven Axelrad (The Dogs of Vivo) talk more about their recent novels, alongside up-and-comers like Mia Arderne (Mermaid Fillet & A Thousand Eyes On You) and Zubayr Charles (Haram).

Playwright Louis Viljoen is also scheduled to speak about his work, from The Pervert Laura, which won him a Fleur du Cap in 2015, to his most recent work, The Killing of a Union Leader. Cellist, conductor, and radio personality Kutlwano Masote is discussing his recently published memoir, one of several works of English autofiction featured at the festival. Books on current affairs by political authors such as James-Brent Styan, Dan Corder, and Tara Roos give audiences insight into the state of South African life and politics, while Carla Venter (Money with Carla) shares tips for building wealth from her new book. Bookworms and rugby fans alike are sure to be in attendance to hear beloved Springbok Steven Kitshof promote his biography, and Popina Khumanda is hosting a conversation about her memoir, The Smallest Ones.

With hundreds of events spread across nine days, the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees offers something for every taste and every generation – from open-air concerts and award-winning theatre to fine food, thought-provoking discussions, family activities, and unforgettable cultural experiences. More information is available on the website, and a complete PDF of the festival programme (in English) is available here.