A silver Christmas in Winter, wine gold & a website on the way

Christmas in Winter 2026: a silver celebration

This June, Tulbagh’s beloved Christmas in Winter festival reached a remarkable milestone, celebrating its 25th anniversary and drawing feet to the valley in record numbers. What began as a creative initiative to attract visitors during the colder months has blossomed into one of the Western Cape’s most treasured winter traditions.

The 25th annual festival unfolded over the weekend of 26–28 June, transforming historic Church Street and surrounding wine farms into a festive wonderland. Visitors were treated to the dazzling Farmer’s Electric Light Parade, cosy Glühwein shacks, local wine tastings, and a magical Kids’ Winter Wonderland.

From Wolseley to Ceres and beyond, thousands of visitors filled the valley’s streets, wine estates and restaurants, bringing not only festive cheer but a vital boost to local businesses, accommodation providers and artisans. The success of the 25th edition is a powerful reminder of the valley’s ability to draw people together.

Big news from Wolseley Tourism!

Something exciting is coming… and you won’t want to miss it! We’re giving our website a complete makeover. Soon it’ll be interactive, modern, and packed with fresh features to showcase the beauty, heritage and experiences of our valley. Stay tuned: the countdown to launch has begun!

Accolades from Mountain Ridge Wines

From vineyard to cellar, every step has been guided by excellence. Mountain Ridge Wines proudly celebrates a remarkable trio of achievements for the Romansrivier Fire Lily 2023: Double Platinum at the National Wine Challenge 2026, Top 100 SA Wines 2026, and Gold at the Red Blends Challenge 2026.

Inspired by one of nature’s rarest blooms, this hand-selected Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot blend is crafted to leave a lasting impression: an expression of passion, artistry, and the valley’s unique terroir. Born of fire, bloom of rarity.

Congratulations to our ‘Wolwe’!

We are incredibly proud of three staff members from Laerskool Wolseley who were honoured at the National Teaching Awards in June: Ms Lambrechts for Excellence in GET Mathematics, Ms Van Zyl for Excellence in Primary School Teaching, and Mr Strydom with the Trophy for Excellence in Primary School Leadership. Thank you for your passion, dedication, and the difference you make in our learners’ lives. You make the ‘Wolwe’ community proud!

June member spotlight: Ceres Zipline Adventures

Wolseley Tourism is proud to spotlight Angelique Le Roux of Ceres Zipline Adventures, a valued member. Next time you travel towards Ceres, make time for this truly unique adventure: the thrill of soaring through the valley, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. Zip through the mountains. Feel the rush. Discover the valley.

Support local on the R46

While repairs to Mitchell’s Pass continue after the devastating May storm, life in Wolseley carries on, and our local businesses are open and ready to welcome you. Despite the big “Road Closed” sign, Hillbilly Farm, Café on the Hill and the Creative Hub all remain accessible. Visit, share, and support: together we keep Wolseley strong.

Strengthening tourism through collaboration

Wolseley Tourism was proud to attend the Regional Tourism Office Forum: Cape West Coast, hosted by Weskus Tourism and Wesgro in partnership with the Department of Economic Development and Tourism. Held at the Saldanha Bay Hotel on 8–9 June, the forum brought together tourism stakeholders, government representatives, industry experts and local businesses under the theme “Inclusive Tourism: Unlocking Township and Community Opportunities.”

Save the date

Three Wolseley Tourism events to put in your diary: the Annual General Meeting at Monks Distillery (Tuesday 28 July, 10:00), the Dakkie Markie & Wolseley Tourism Waddle at Rietdakkie Farmstall (Saturday 19 September), and Wines of Wolseley at Mountain Ridge Winery (Saturday 17 October). Full details on our Events page.