Timeless August at Webersburg

Most weekends in the Cape Winelands ask you to choose. A wine tasting or an art gallery. A leisurely lunch or an inspiring talk. A relaxing escape or an opportunity to make a meaningful difference. On 28 and 29 August, the Timeless August Art Gala at Webersburg Wine Estate invites you to stop choosing.

Instead, it offers two carefully created days that blend fine art, music, conversation, heritage, exceptional surroundings and thoughtful experiences into something that feels refreshingly different. Whether you’re an art collector, a couple looking for an elegant weekend away, a lover of the Cape Winelands or simply someone searching for a memorable day out, this is an event designed to slow you down and reconnect you with the things that matter.

A Weekend Worth Escaping For

A weekend away usually leaves you with photographs, a few bottles of wine and memories. This one might leave you with something far more valuable; a new perspective.

Set against the backdrop of one of Stellenbosch’s most picturesque Cape Dutch wine estates, Webersburg provides the perfect backdrop for an event built around beauty, reflection and conversation. This historic, 1693 wine estate, declared a 1786 National Monument, is where South Africa’s winemaking history began. It offers manicured gardens, elegant hospitality, mountain views and a peaceful atmosphere that encourages visitors to linger rather than rush. Johan Smit chose the venue because it reflects a vision of luxury that feels authentic rather than extravagant; a place where heritage, landscape and people naturally come together.

Unlike a conventional exhibition where visitors arrive, browse and leave, Timeless August encourages guests to spend the day discovering different experiences as they unfold.

Browse original artworks. Wander the estate. Share a glass of Stellenbosch wine. Listen to live music. Meet artists. Join conversations. Pause for nourishment. Then simply enjoy being surrounded by one of the Cape’s most beautiful wine estates.

Art That Starts Conversations

The exhibition brings together artists presenting contemporary and modern work, including oil paintings, acrylics and sculpture. Bonsai will also be featured, placed among the paintings and sculptures rather than set apart in its own section. The trees come from The Little Shop of Bonsai, a Mowbray nursery specialising in indigenous bonsai since 2017, alongside maintenance work and classes on bonsai care. Many pieces will be available for purchase on the day, and some collector pieces will only be available during the exhibition itself.

The format has a track record. Last year’s Family Art Exhibition, held on the rooftop at the Anew Hotel in Green Point, sold four of its saleable pieces and drew a notably mixed crowd – tourism industry leaders including a former Tui product developer and the owner of a large tourism company, alongside psychologists and international cargo importers.

But while the art itself is exceptional, it isn’t the only reason people will be talking about this weekend.

A Personal Story That Gives the Event Meaning

Behind Timeless August is a deeply personal story.

Sixteen years ago, organiser Johan Smit’s family began living with the realities of Huntington’s disease after his brother Ben was diagnosed. Rather than allowing that journey to define his family through loss alone, Johan chose to build something that encourages awareness, conversation and connection.

For Johan, hope is not about pretending difficult realities don’t exist. It is about refusing to let them define every moment. That philosophy quietly runs through the weekend, not as a sombre backdrop, but as a reminder that creativity, community and shared experiences can bring people together in unexpected ways.

Importantly, the event is not a traditional charity fundraiser. The participating artists exhibit independently, while proceeds from Johan Smit’s own artwork support his family’s caregiving efforts and ongoing community awareness around Huntington’s disease.

Rather than dominating the experience, this story gives it depth.

Friday – An Elegant Evening in the Winelands

Friday evening offers an intimate start to the weekend and is particularly appealing for couples, tourism professionals and anyone who enjoys sophisticated Winelands experiences.

Guests will enjoy:

Something special on arrival
Farm-to-table harvest table refreshments
Live violin performances by former Cape Town Philharmonic musician Estee Adams
Networking opportunities
Private access experiences and luxury hospitality

The atmosphere promises to be relaxed, elegant and unhurried. Less formal gala, more refined gathering among friends surrounded by art, music and Stellenbosch’s winter charm.

Estee’s set for the evening won’t be a straight classical programme. Her repertoire mixes classical violin technique with vocals and piano, moving between acoustic folk and touches of classic and modern rock. Expect reimagined arrangements of songs by Fleetwood Mac, The Beatles and contemporary folk artists, worked into instrumental pieces and vocal-led sets built specifically around Friday’s golden-hour timing.

Saturday – Inspiration, Discovery and Relaxation

Saturday broadens the experience into a full lifestyle programme celebrating Women’s Month.

Throughout the day, visitors can browse the exhibition while enjoying a programme that includes insights from Dr. Lené le Roux, who will explore mental wellness to mark Women’s Day. Wing Tsjun International instructor Marco Albedas will present an interactive self-defence family session with movement and discipline for all ages. Johan Smit will speak on Huntington’s and social molecular wellness. While DJ Snuky will provide relaxed outdoor entertainment later in the afternoon. Every guest also receives light refreshments throughout the day. The result is a day that moves naturally between inspiration, entertainment and quiet moments of reflection.

Why You Should Stay the Weekend

While both days can be enjoyed independently, attending the full weekend allows visitors to experience the event as it was intended. The Manor House, Jonkershuis, or Vineyard Cottages offer luxury accommodation (subject to availability).

Friday establishes the atmosphere through music, conversation and elegant hospitality.

Saturday expands on that foundation with speakers, demonstrations, art appreciation and a more relaxed public programme.

For those wanting the complete Winelands experience, the limited VIP overnight package transforms the event into a genuine luxury escape. The package includes accommodation for two at Webersburg, dinner, bed and breakfast, together with complimentary entry to Friday evening’s Timeless August experience. It’s an ideal option for couples looking to enjoy the estate without watching the clock or worrying about the drive home.

Can’t Attend Both “Timeless August at Webersburg” Days?

Not everyone can dedicate an entire weekend, and that’s perfectly fine.

Early Bird tickets are available at R300 per person, per day, until 5 August. From 6 August, Friday tickets are R350 per person and Saturday tickets are R400 per person.

Friday is ideal if you’re looking for an elegant evening of art, music and fine hospitality.

Saturday offers the fuller public programme, combining art, inspiring speakers, entertainment and relaxed Winelands living.

If you can only attend one day, you’ll still leave having experienced something genuinely different.

If you can attend both, you’ll discover why Timeless August Art at Webersburg is designed as a complete journey rather than two separate events.

An Invitation to Slow Down

Perhaps the greatest luxury Timeless August offers isn’t the artwork, the music or even the setting.

It’s time.

Time to wander through galleries without rushing. Time to enjoy conversations that last longer than a coffee break. Time to discover remarkable artists. Time to appreciate one of Stellenbosch’s most beautiful estates. And time to leave feeling you’ve experienced something with genuine substance rather than simply attended another event.

Some weekends entertain you.

Others stay with you long after you’ve driven home.

Timeless August hopes to be one of the latter.