First-of-its-kind Sunflower Festival in Stellenbosch

Sunflower picking, winelands and riverbank picnics

Last updated: Monday, 2 December 2025

For the first time ever, The Neighbours Farm in Stellenbosch is opening its gates for a wholesome weekend of sunflower picking, wine bingo, and picnics. You can wander through three hectares of sunflowers, pick your own bouquet, and picnic on the riverbank, lawns or in the farm’s sprawling yellow fields on 20 and 21 December 2025.

It’s a farm experience, picnic, photo opportunity, and a celebration of sunflowers all in one. Image: Sunflower Festival

270 000 SUNFLOWERS (PICK YOUR OWN FOR R120)

The three hectares of cheery sunflowers, which have been growing since September, will be in full golden bloom come December 20th and 21st.

The best time to pick is in the morning when the flowers are at their perkiest. The festival starts at 8am, with the ideal window for picking between 8am and 12pm, as the weather isn’t at its hottest and you can secure a shaded picnic spot.

Visitors can pick 12 stems and secateurs can be rented for R100 (you’re also welcome to bring your own).

Visitors can stroll through and around the farm. Image: Sunflower Festival

BUILD-YOUR-OWN PICNIC & MINI MARKET

Once your bouquet is picked, there’s plenty more to do at the festival. You can settle in for a picnic anywhere - under trees, by the riverbank, among the sunflowers or at one of the 200 rustic-style wooden tables and chairs.

Picnics are made fresh on the day and you can build your own from a variety of cheeses, meats, breads, fruit, preserves and snacks. You pay per ingredient with vegan, vegetarian and halaal options on offer.

If you prefer something warm, D’s Noodle Bar will be serving Asian-style dishes, including some inspired by the sunflowers themselves. There’ll also be a sushi stand.

The farm’s mini-market is where local makers and farmers sell everything from produce and artisanal olive oil by The Neighbours Farm, to handmade furniture from Andy Dominique Furniture and seeds and flowers from the Flower Cartel. It’s the kind of space you linger through with a cold drink or ice cream from POPCO.

It’s a lovely day out with friends and family. Image: Sunflower Festival

WINE BINGO TASTING: 12 STELLENBOSCH WINES

Your ticket also includes a wine tasting with a twist. When you arrive, you’re handed a wine bingo card featuring labels from four wineries: Remhoogte, Pink Valley, le Chant and Skilpadvlei.

Instead of a formal tasting room, the stands sit along wide lawns. There are 12 wines (four from Remhoogte, three each from Pink Valley and le Chant, and two from Skilpadvlei) and each time you taste a wine, you stamp its square.

A handful of cards have a pre-printed “winning streak” and if you happen to receive one of these, you automatically win a prize. For non-drinkers, there’ll be freshly-pressed juice, smoothies, matcha, iced coffee’s, soft drinks and water.

You’ll be able to purchase bottles of wine as well to enjoy at home. Image: Sunflower Festival

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

The festival runs from 8am to 5pm both days, with plenty of free parking on site for up to 900 cars across the main lot and overflow area.

Sunblock and hats are essential as there’s limited shade in the fields. You can grab your Sunflower Festival tickets via Webtickets.

Whether you go to pick sunflowers, taste local wines, or simply spend the day outdoors, the Sunflower Festival is a must-try in the December events calendar.

Pack sunblock and hats because the December heat can be intense and there’s limited shade in the fields. Image: Sunflower Festival

GET TICKETS TO SUNFLOWER FESTIVAL

Sunflower Festival is happening: Saturday, 20 December & Sunday, 21 December 2025; 8am to 5pm

Find it: The Neighbours Farm | 468 Annandale Road | Stellenbosch

Cost: R120pp

Book: Via Webtickets
Contact on: hello@theneighboursfarm.co.za

By Khadeeja Adams

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