As if showcasing more than 500 wines under one roof is not enough, this year the Stellenbosch Wine Festival literally goes the extra mile to extend its Winelands hospitality even further with its 'Wine Week', attracting fun-loving visitors to South Africa's oldest and foremost wine route between 24 and 31 July.

Participating wine farms situated along the popular Stellenbosch American Express Wine Routes — home to more than 145 world-class wineries — will open their cellar doors for a week long feast of unique attractions leading up to the 8th annual Stellenbosch Wine Festival which takes place from 30 July to 2 August.

The preceding Stellenbosch Wine Week offers a wide-ranging kaleidoscope of family-friendly activities including adventurous day trips, restaurant specials, exclusive winemaker dinners and rare vertical and varietal wine tastings, all blended into one big barrel of fun.

Thrill-seeking travellers can sign up for a full-day tour of the Winelands on a bicycle or set off on a scenic donkey hike and wine picnic on the Polkadraai Hills, whilst special area visits to selected farms on the five different sub-routes — Greater Simonsberg, Stellenbosch Berg, Helderberg, Stellenbosch Hills and Bottelary Hills, will give you insight into the diversity and delights of the Stellenbosch Winelands.

Some rare dining experiences

Marrying all passions of the Boland, the Wine Week programme also celebrates the complementary effect wine and food have on each other with special dinners hosted at signature Winelands restaurants ranging from five-star crème de la crème and hot new dining spots to the more rustic, all time favourites and winter-inspired cellar meals.

Tantalising newcomers on the Stellenbosch Wine Routes include Simonsig's eclectic Cuvée restaurant and the magnificently appointed restaurant at Delaire Graff Estate who will both cook up a special food and wine menu during the Wine Week.

Other rare dining experiences include a sublime twelve-course food and wine evening hosted at the renowned 96 Winery Road restaurant and a special organic food and wine pairing at the newly transformed Waterkloof cellar and chic new tasting centre overlooking False Bay.

Separating the boys from the men, Alto Wine Estate will host a 'Gentleman's Club' evening complete with steak, Port and cigars. Volkskombuis restaurant in conjunction with Neethlingshof Estate will add melodic charm to a three-course feast of tripe and bredies when the legendary Ollie Viljoen and singer Niël Rademan bring out their instruments.

A more hands on experience?

Those wine enthusiasts looking for a more hands-on encounter can sign up for wine blending sessions at Lovane Boutique Wine Estate and Apprentice restaurant while you can also roll up your sleeves for tutored vine pruning sessions at Simonsig Estate.

Various art exhibitions will also be showcased during the Stellenbosch Wine Week, including a spectacular art installation commemorating 350 years of winemaking in South Africa by world-renowned landscape artist, Strijdom van der Merwe, which will take centre stage at Simonsig Estate.

Various special accommodation packages in and around Stellenbosch, ranging from budget Winelands sleepovers to luxury rest and relaxation amidst the tranquility of aristocratic vines, are available to make the Stellenbosch Wine Week and Wine Festival more accessible to upcountry visitors this year.

The Stellenbosch Wine Festival (hosted at the Paul Roos Centre from 30 July–2 August) has become a tradition during the winter months in Stellenbosch and is a popular destination for both local and international visitors. The 2008 extravaganza attracted more than 12 500 visitors with another record attendance anticipated this year.

No need for driving

Indulge without having to worry about traffic congestion, parking or the drive home. The shuttle service by A2B Tours will depart from three designated points for the duration of the festival: Paarl, Somerset West and Franschhoek.

Festival goers from Paarl can catch the bus at The Vineyard Centre, Main Road as well as from tasting centres at Delvera and Bottelary. The Shuttle from Somerset West will pick up wine enthusiasts at the Waterstone Village as well as Somerset College and Spier Estate, while festival goers from Franschhoek can catch a shuttle at the Dutch Reformed Church in Huguenot Road. Return-tickets are available at R100 or R60 per day, depending on the pick-up point. To book your seat, call: 083 258 4769.

Departing from the V&A Waterfront, Wine Desk Shuttles will ensure that Capetonians also get to enjoy the festival by picking up wine lovers at the Clocktower. Alternatively, catch a shuttle from the Shell petrol station at Canal Walk or the Woolworths entrance at Tygervalley Shopping Centre. Tickets for the shuttle range between R300 and R350 per day, including a ticket to the Stellenbosch Wine Festival. Contact +27 21 405 4550 to make a booking and make sure you arrive home safely.

Tickets for the Stellenbosch Wine Festival 2009 are available at Computicket, from R100 per person, to R300 for the Golden Pass. The exclusive Wine Connoisseurs Evening from 4pm till 9pm on Thursday, 30 July, costs R150 per person, and includes a welcome snack and bubbly on arrival.

For a complete Wine Week Programme and more information on the Stellenbosch Wine Festival; accommodation specials and packaged tours, contact +27 21 886 4310 or visit www.wineroute.co.za.

To win a dinner for two at Delaire Graff Estate and a bottle of wine, worth R600, simply fill in your details below: