If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping fine wine while being whisked through Cape Town’s most iconic spots—this winter, Steenberg Vineyards is turning that fantasy into reality.
But this isn’t just another wine-tasting tour.
It’s a celebration of legacy, luxury, and the bold spirit of a woman who made history.
From 1 July to 24 August 2025, Steenberg is running The Catharina Experience, an exclusive competition named after their trailblazing founder, Catharina Ras—the first female landowner at the Cape and the original fearless adventurer.
Honouring Catharina Ras: A Woman Ahead of Her Time
Catharina Ras wasn’t your typical 17th-century woman.
Arriving at the Cape in 1662, she refused to follow the rules society set for her.
She built a life on her terms—moving from Rondebosch to Bo Kaap before settling on the land that would become Steenberg Estate.
Her story is one of grit, ambition, and independence—qualities that continue to inspire everything Steenberg does today.
As Steenberg’s winemaker Elunda Basson puts it, “Our wines reflect Catharina’s fearless character—bold yet elegant, powerful yet refined.”
What Is The Catharina Experience?
Steenberg’s Catharina Experience isn’t just a wine competition—it’s a fully curated, four-day luxury escape worth R120,000.
Think: vineyard walks, beach horse rides, vintage car drives, private tastings, spa treatments, and five-star stays—all wrapped in history and indulgence.
This journey isn’t random—it follows the path Catharina Ras once walked, with each day offering a new chapter in her legacy.
Here’s What the Lucky Winner Will Experience:
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Day 1: Arrive in Cape Town and check into the elegant Banksia Boutique Hotel in Rosebank—close to where Catharina first settled. Then, cruise the coast of Clifton and end the evening with a private wine-paired dinner led by Cellarmaster Elunda Basson.
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Day 2: Saddle up for a horseback ride on Noordhoek Beach, followed by a rustic lunch at The Foodbarn. Later, check into the charming Dorp Hotel in Bo Kaap, steeped in Cape heritage.
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Day 3: Hop into a vintage Cobra roadster and drive to Steenberg. Enjoy a relaxed lunch at Bistro Sixteen82, take a vineyard walk, and indulge in wine tasting before settling into five-star accommodation. Dinner at Tryn—a restaurant dedicated to Catharina’s story—wraps up the day.
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Day 4: Start with a spa treatment, unwind with a vineyard picnic, then dive into a vertical wine tasting in the cellar with Elunda Basson. The experience ends with a private, intimate dinner in the cellar.
Here’s How to Enter and Win
Getting a shot at this once-in-a-lifetime journey is easy.
Simply buy a glass or bottle of Steenberg wine from participating restaurants or online between 1 July and 24 August 2025.
Each bottle counts as one entry, and the winner will be revealed on 31 August 2025.
Steenberg’s wines—like their bold red blends or crisp Sauvignon Blanc—are priced from R150 per bottle and are crafted to reflect Catharina’s pioneering essence.
Why This Experience Stands Out
In a world full of wine tours and tasting rooms, Steenberg’s offering is different.
It blends storytelling with luxury, heritage with indulgence.
Whether you’re relaxing in a vineyard or cruising the coast, every moment is designed to make you feel like part of something bigger—something timeless.
Elunda Basson said it best: “At a time when South Africans are craving connection and meaning, we believe our wines carry a story in every sip.”