There’s something deeply whimsical and romantic about a night market that speaks to the little child in you. The atmosphere is buzzing with nightlife, the fairy lights are twinkling just beneath the night sky and suddenly, the night feels alive, tangible almost, with potential. Boschendal is back with its annual Friday Night Market season and this year, we’re so here for it.
Boschendal wine estate, South Africa / DocDaysleeper / Wikimedia Commons
A new season of delectable wine, good food and live music on the Werf is about to descend upon the community of Boschendal, and it definitely deserves your Friday night.
You’re probably asking yourself, is it really worth the trip for just one night? The short answer is yes, but why not make it a weekend to remember?
Because let’s face it, Boschendal is ludicrously famous for its selection of fine wine, and we definitely want you to be safe. So, we’ve taken the liberty of giving you ample reasons to extend your stay in the glorious landscape that is Boschendal and become a local for the weekend.
Friday morning: Arrive and settle in
An escape to Boschendal is the equivalent of being transported into a fairytale book. The landscape is breathtakingly stunning, covered in luscious greenery and gardens galore, while structures seamlessly combine old-world charm with modern comfort. Arrive at Boschendal on Friday morning with the enthusiasm of a little child about to receive their favourite candy.
Depending on your preference for accommodation, you can choose from an array of selections, such as the charming Werf Garden Cottages, where you will be welcomed with a complimentary breakfast included in your stay.
If you’re leaning more into zen and peace vibes, then the Orchard Cottage is probably more up your alley, providing you with a space to relax, reconnect and unwind away from the distractions of daily life.
If you’re feeling a little more adventurous but still want the comforts of modern life, then Camp Canoe is the perfect choice. Situated on a beautiful peak of Boschendal, it offers its guests striking views of nature, while the tents are fully kitted to serve any of your possible needs with an inside-outside type of feel.
Once you’ve settled in, unpacked and taken a moment to breathe in your surroundings, it’s time to start the weekend properly.
Friday afternoon: A full belly and a wide smile
It’s so easy to get swept up in the delicious food Boschendal has to offer.
Start your day with breakfast at the Deli restaurant, a modern farm-style approach to its menu that will leave you deliciously filled and eager to spring into the rest of the day.
Book a table for a leisurely lunch at The Retreat Restaurant, offering a casual feasting experience with an intention of providing honest, seasonal food, all surrounded by glorious views of the landscape.
Be sure to take a moment between bites to be present and really take in the scenery before you. Sometimes, the most memorable parts of your getaway are the ones where you’re standing still and enjoying the feeling of simply being.
And then, as the afternoon begins to fade into evening, it’s time to make your way towards the reason you came.
Friday night: What’s the fuss about?
If it’s your first time hearing about the Boschendal Friday Night Market, that’s totally okay. It initially began as a fun community experience that grew in both vibe and aesthetics as the years passed by. The night market will run every Friday night from 17:00 to 21:00, starting on 4 September 2026 until 30 April 2027.
This season, Boschendal has changed the game just ever so slightly to accommodate the allure of the event by introducing a R50 adult entry ticket that includes a Boschendal stemless wine glass to use throughout the evening. And here’s the best part, the stemless wine glass is yours to take home.
If you’re under 18, they’ve got your back with a free reserved entry ticket. The market is, however, in high demand. This does mean that walk-in tickets will be subject to capacity, so you should book your tickets via the Boschendal website to avoid some serious disappointment.
Now comes the fun part. Spend the evening wandering between the food, wine and live music as the Werf comes alive beneath the fairy lights. Let the night unfold at its own pace. Eat something delicious, find a glass of wine, listen to the music and enjoy the simple magic of being somewhere beautiful after dark.
And when the market eventually winds down, you don’t have to worry about making the drive home.
Saturday morning: Take your time
Saturday is where your Boschendal weekend really begins to open up. There’s no need to rush out of bed or immediately start ticking activities off a list. You’re in the Winelands, and there is something rather lovely about allowing the morning to take its time.
If you’re ready for another delicious start, the Cellar Door Breakfast Canapé Experience will gently usher you into the day by pairing tasty bites with Boschendal’s finest wines. From here, the day is yours.
Naturally, a place surrounded by wineries will lead you towards the temptation of wine tastings galore, and there is truly an amazing selection to choose from.
If you’re looking for a little bit of adventure in your wine journey, then the Wine & Wander Safari is the one for you. Embark on an exclusive journey that allows you to take in the breathtaking scenery and dive into the heart of the landscape.
But perhaps you don’t want an itinerary at all, perhaps you simply want to slow down.
Saturday afternoon: Slow down or step it up
Connect with nature and slow down by enjoying a laid-back picnic on the lawns with a carefully curated seasonal picnic basket. Grab your favourite book and allow the sun, scenery and overall feeling to seep into your bones as you lounge under the Boschendal sun.
If you’re feeling a little more audacious, enjoy the exquisite trails the estate has to offer by foot, bike or horse. The trails are designed for all levels of experience and only require you to stop for a moment and take in the natural beauty that surrounds you.
If the historian in you awakens, Boschendal’s garden tours will gladly answer any and all questions you may have about the farm, its roots and its agricultural history. Not only are you embraced into the learnings of the farm’s narrative, but you are also provided with the opportunity to engage in a sustainable gardening experience. Don’t forget your comfy shoes and your much-loved sun hat for the walking tour.
And if you’re one to immerse yourself in the culture of a place, you would love a visit to The Farm Shop and Butchery. Filled with locally crafted homeware and carefully selected local produce, you’re sure to find a piece to take home with you that will gently remind you of the time you spent in this little corner of the world.
By now, you’ve probably worked up an appetite again. Luckily, Boschendal has that covered too.
Saturday evening: End the day slowly
End your day with an evening at The Arum, Boschendal’s newest dining experience, which utilises the historic 1812 Boschendal cellar overlooking the organic vegetable gardens.
The restaurant is focused on providing a menu that is rich in the community’s agricultural roots, making it a fitting way to end a day spent exploring the estate.
Be sure to take a moment between bites to be present and really take in the scenery before you. Sometimes, the most memorable parts of your getaway are the ones where you’re standing still and enjoying the feel of just being.
Sunday: Ready your vacation boots
And then, suddenly, it’s Sunday. Depending on your personal preference and capacity, there are plenty of options available to create an itinerary that will leave room for every version of you that you decide to bring along for the weekend.
Perhaps you wake up early and squeeze in one last adventure before heading home. Perhaps you linger over breakfast, take one final walk through the gardens or simply sit somewhere beautiful and let the weekend settle around you.
There’s no right way to do it. The charm of Boschendal is that you don’t need to do everything. But the option is always there, should you want to.
We tend to overlook the freedom there is in having the option of changing your mind, maybe that’s what a weekend away is really about.
Not having to rush. Not having to choose perfectly. Just having the freedom to decide what feels good in the moment, and knowing that, for a little while longer, you have nowhere else you need to be.
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