The Cape Winelands is a treasure trove of great food and wine, award-winning estates, stunning accommodation, and peerless natural mountain-meets-vineyard scenery – but did you know it also offers some incredible, family-friendly markets?
That’s right! The Cape Winelands offers everything from Friday night markets to ease you into the weekend to family weekend markets and foodie extravaganzas.
In this post, we look at five of the best markets in the Winelands:
ROOT44 Market (Stellenbosch)
One of the most famous Winelands markets is undoubtedly the ROOT44 Market. For years, this market has been a Stellenbosch icon. After a lengthy close due to renovations/moving to their new market location, the market is back strong as ever.
The market offers a wonderful wine emporium (located on the first floor), an oyster- and sports bar, a coffee shop, a restaurant an exciting art gallery, and a host of food- and arts-and-crafts-stalls, meaning it offers something for every market lover.
Best of all, the market’s stylish indoor location means that it stays open no matter the weather.
Opening hours:
The market is open on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays), from 09:00 am – 17:00 pm.
For the opening hours of the other on-site offerings (like the wine emporium, gallery, and coffee shop), please see the website.
Location:
Corner of R44 and Annandale Rd, Stellenbosch
Boschendal Friday Night Market (Franschhoek)
Boschendal’s Friday Night Market is one of the most famous, well-loved markets in the Cape Winelands – and with good reason!
This fabulous evening market only runs during the warmer months (their last market of the season usually falls in late autumn so keep an eye on their social feeds) but it is certainly one of the biggest (market) attractions every year.
Visitors from far and wide come to enjoy twinkling lights, food stalls, live music, kiddies’ entertainment, and of course, fine wine under the shelter of the estate’s historic oak trees.
Markets are strictly weather-dependent and take place in the Werf Area.
Opening hours:
The market is held seasonally on Fridays from 17:00 – 21:00 pm.
Location:
Boschendal Estate, Pniel Road, Franschhoek
Lourensford Market (Somerset West)
This Helderberg market always has a vibe. It offers a trendy market space, set amid lush Lourensford Wine Estate gardens, oak trees, and rolling lawns.
This popular weekend market has everything from incredible food stalls to unique arts and crafts and artisanal wares.
When visiting this weekend market, be sure to explore the rest of this beautiful Somerset West estate, as there is so much on offer, from memorable wine tastings to lovely eateries, a vintage car display, and a host of fun activities.
Better still, for a unique evening experience, check out the Lourensford Friday Night Twilight Market!
Opening hours:
Fridays: 17:00 – 21:00 pm
Saturdays: 11:00 am – 16:00 pm
Sundays: 10:00 am –15:00 pm
Location:
Lourensford Wine Estate, Lourensford Road, Somerset West
Freedom Weekend Market (Paarl)
This lovely, family-friendly Paarl market offers visitors fresh produce, a vibrant sense of the local community’s spirit, diverse stalls, and artisanal goodies.
The market is passionate about supporting local and more sustainable lifestyles. The energy here is nourishing, gorgeous, and fun from beginning to end at this weekend market.
Opening hours:
The market runs every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am – 16:00 pm.
Location:
Freedom Village, R301, Wemmershoek Road, Paarl.
Blaauwklippen Family Market (Stellenbosch)
Another well-loved Stellenbosch market is Blaauwklippen Family Market, held on the beautiful Blaauwklippen wine estate.
This weekend market focuses firmly on seasonal items, especially organic foods, goods, and produce.
Following COVID, the market underwent a bit of a revamp but it’s back with even more family-friendly fun, great stalls, and exciting market experiences to enjoy.
Opening hours:
This market is open every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am – 16:00 pm.
Location:
Blaauwklippen Vineyards, R44, Strand Road, Stellenbosch
These are (in our opinion) five of the best markets in the Winelands. Which are you keen to visit first?
Written by Tamly Ryan for travel opulent box .
Lead image courtesy of Lourensford Market via Facebook
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