Following the enthusiastic reception of the Routes of Sound over the past two years, Spier has expanded the intimate music experience from a single weekend into a series of three winter weekends in 2026, beginning on 3 July. Presented by Brett Bailey and Third World Bunfight, The Routes of Sound showcases more than 40 local musicians in cosy, atmospheric settings across the farm.
Opening Weekend
We attended the opening weekend and can confidently say the experience is unlike any other live music event in the Cape. After enjoying a hearty winter dinner at Veld Restaurant, paired with Spier wines and, finished with one of the most delectable crème brûlées ever, we set off into the night with our Spier guide leading us by torchlight.
Walking through the farm beneath the winter sky, we discovered a series of intimate performance spaces, each revealing a different artist and atmosphere. The concept is beautifully executed, creating a sense of anticipation as you move from venue to venue. Every performer we saw was exceptionally talented, captivating audiences with their unique craft and storytelling.
We especially loved how each artist brought something completely different to the experience, and how every new venue felt like a discovery. Beautifully styled and warmly lit, some with crackling fires and all welcoming guests with a glass of Spier wine, each stop offered a cosy retreat from the winter chill.
We especially loved how each artist brought something completely different to the experience, and how every new venue felt like a discovery.
Highlights from the opening weekend included unforgettable performances blues-rock musician Cheyenne Hill, who’s incredible voice had us swooning, the incomparable and funky Tubatsi Moloi, as well as Freddy Lalendle (Ntu2ko), Mickey Struwick (Like the Mouse), Chosi with Nkosinathi Matomela, and singer-songwriter Magé Troskie.
How it works
The Routes of Sound experience invites audiences on a journey of musical discovery, with three diverse performances. There are two routes and you follow one for the evening, experiencing three artists along the way. The evening is paired with Spier’s award-winning Creative Block wines, and happens in some of the estate’s most distinctive spaces, before everyone comes together for a vibrant finale concert.
The concept is beautifully executed, creating a sense of anticipation as you move from venue to venue.
Two More Weekends to Experience
If you missed the first weekend, there are still two opportunities to experience The Routes of Sound. The second weekend (31 July–1 August) features indigenous instrumentalist and singer Sky Dlala, Afrikaans poet-musician RFKI, South African-Peruvian singer Mano and other exciting performers.
The third weekend (21–22 August) showcases renowned musician Lungiswa Plaatjies, folk duo Deadman’s Dungarees, balladeer Maya Grey and additional artists. Each weekend has a completely different line-up, making every event a unique musical journey. The full programme is available on the Spier website.
Music, Wine and Storytelling
Music has always been at the heart of Spier, with the farm investing in the careers of South African artists for many years. Routes of Sound cleverly plays on the ideas of both “routes” and “roots” – the pathways to musical discovery and the pleasure of experiencing music in its most elemental form: unplugged, intimate and up close.
For lovers of lyrics and storytelling, it offers a rich and rewarding evening of wandering, listening and connection, with audiences transported by the poetic voices of South Africa’s diverse musical landscape.
Make an Evening of It
Guests are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy dinner at Veld Restaurant at the Spier Hotel before the performances begin. The restaurant is a beautiful space and the current menu features delicious options like Slow Braised Beef Brisket with buttered mashed potato and red wine jus, or Mushroom Tagliatelle with velouté and Parmesan, to name just a few. You have the option to choose a main course, paired with a glass of Creative Block wine, for R495 per person – book via email.
Warm clothing (yes, its cold!) and comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as you move between venues throughout the evening.
Routes of Sound cleverly plays on the ideas of both “routes” and “roots” – the pathways to musical discovery and the pleasure of experiencing music in its most elemental form: unplugged, intimate and up close.
Event Details
The Routes of Sound takes place at the Yellowwoods Lounge, Spier Wine Farm, on Fridays and Saturdays from 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm on 31 July and 1 August, and 21–22 August 2026.
Tickets cost R300 per person and include wine tastings along the route. The event is strictly for guests aged 18 and older. Accommodation enquiries can be directed to reservations@spier.co.za. The detailed line-up is available on the Spier website, and tickets can be booked through Webtickets.
Editor’s note: This is one of those rare events that is genuinely immersive. The combination of intimate performances, exceptional local talent, outstanding wine and the simple pleasure of wandering through Spier after dark makes for a memorable winter evening. If you’re looking for something different to do this season, we’d highly recommend booking one of the remaining weekends.
