Stonehaven on Vaal brings Gauteng's most scenic wine route back for winter 2026, offering eight boutique wines from R80 and optional river cruises aboard Gauteng's largest inland cruiser.
With winter well underway, Johannesburg residents looking for a memorable weekend escape no longer need to travel far. Stonehaven on Vaal, situated on the banks of the Vaal River in the Vaal Triangle, is hosting the Vaal River Meander Wine Route every Saturday, Sunday and public holiday from 6 June to 26 July 2026. Doors open at 12:00 and close at 18:00.
At just R80 per person for a tasting of eight boutique wines, the Meander is one of the best-value day experiences in Gauteng this winter — and one of the few that combines wine, water and the warmth of an open fire in a single outing.
Rare boutique wines you won't find on retail shelves
The Meander features a hand-selected line-up of boutique South African producers, including Da Luca, The Bush Camp, Bob's Your Uncle and Jakkalsvlei. These are labels rarely stocked in supermarkets or bottle stores, making the tasting an opportunity to discover wines that most Gauteng residents simply won't encounter elsewhere.
Guests can sip at their own pace while seated beside crackling fireplaces, soaking in winter sunshine and taking in wide-open views of the Vaal River.
What is the Vaal River Meander Wine Route?
The Vaal River Meander is a seasonal wine tasting experience hosted at Stonehaven on Vaal. It runs on weekends and public holidays through the winter months and combines boutique wine tastings, optional river cruises, riverside dining, and family entertainment at a single venue on the Vaal River, approximately 45 minutes south of Johannesburg.
Land tasting
The R80 tasting includes eight boutique wines enjoyed in the gardens or beside the indoor fireplaces, with views across the Vaal. It is ideal for those who want a leisurely, relaxed afternoon in a scenic riverside setting.
Cruising wine tasting
For R200, guests can take their tasting experience onto the water. The Cruising Wine Tasting takes place aboard Gauteng's largest and most luxurious inland river cruiser, departing on the hour throughout the afternoon. Guests can combine a land tasting with one or more cruises, or spend the full afternoon on the water.
"Whether you want to stroll through riverside gardens with a glass of something rare, or sip Jakkalsvlei on a cruiser with the Vaal stretching out ahead of you, the Meander offers something genuinely different for winter in Gauteng."
Beyond the wine: dining, families and fireside relaxation
Stonehaven on Vaal is known as one of the most popular restaurants on the Vaal River, and the full menu is available to Meander guests throughout the afternoon. Whether it's a long, relaxed lunch before the tasting or dinner as the sun goes down, the kitchen brings the same quality that has made Stonehaven a go-to Vaal River destination for years.
Families are well catered for, with complimentary children's entertainment and dedicated play areas on site. The venue's riverside gardens are open for strolling, and the combination of fireplaces and outdoor seating means guests can follow the sun throughout the afternoon.
Who is the Vaal River Meander for?
The Meander suits a wide range of visitors:
- Couples looking for a romantic, unhurried winter afternoon
- Groups of friends wanting a novel alternative to the usual weekend outing
- Families who need something that works for adults and children alike
- Wine enthusiasts seeking boutique South African labels off the beaten retail path
- Foodies looking for a riverside lunch with a reason to linger
Getting there
Stonehaven on Vaal is approximately 45 minutes from central Johannesburg and under an hour from Pretoria, making it one of the most accessible day trip destinations from Gauteng's major urban centres. The Vaal Triangle is well serviced by major routes south from the city.
Booking and contact
Reservations for the Vaal River Meander Wine Route are recommended, particularly for the Cruising Wine Tasting option. For bookings and further information, visit the Stonehaven on Vaal website or contact the venue directly.