(Y)our Secret Season: Have a better winter

Specials & special things to do this winter. Plus daily wins

Last updated: Wednesday, 8 July 2026

From June to August 2026, we’ll help you rethink how you experience winter in the Western Cape. By sharing uniquely rewarding experiences, places, and products that come into their own during this season, which we call (Y)our Secret Season. 

Because we know you are looking for memorable reasons to leave the house. Special places and winter specials for date-night ideas, things to do over the school holidays, and cosy restaurants and wine estates to linger longer.

(Y)OUR SECRET SEASON DAILY GIVEAWAY 

Every day from 1 July, we’ll spotlight a special place that shines in winter, and you'll get the chance to win it as an experience. Enter on our Instagram.

20% OFF A NATURE GETAWAY

Our reader discount (CPTMAG-ROOIKAT) gives you discounted access to Rooikat Safari Collection’s Salt Mine, a boutique on the West Coast Private Game Reserve. It’s built for slow winter stays, with fireplaces, private hot tubs, board games, and kitchens stocked with herbs, cookbooks and fynbos teas. You can also pair your stay with a private game drive (at a separate cost).

Winter special: 20% discount on any 2-night stays between 1 May and 14 August 2026
Price: From R5 120 per stay (2 nights/4 guests) or R1 280pp (20% off the actual price)
Availability: Monday to Thursday until 14 August 2026

• Minimum two-night stay (Monday to Sunday). 
• All qualifying nights must fall between 3 June and 14 August 2026.
• Bookings made from 14 August onwards do not qualify for the offer. 

Booking: Valid for direct bookings only via bookings@rooikatsafari.com

West Coast Private Game Reserve | Yzerfontein | @rooikatsafaricollection | Image: Rooikat Safari Collection

WEEKLY SPECIALS: MAKE YOUR OWN PEANUT BUTTER

At Nude Foods, shopping feels refreshingly simple: bring a jar, fill it with what you need, and leave without the unnecessary packaging. Customers can grind their own peanut butter, refill olive oil, or buy small amounts of pantry staples, making it especially useful for students, pensioners, and anyone trying to waste less. The plastic-free grocer started because its founder wanted a zero-waste shop in Cape Town and couldn't find one. Today, it's one of the city's most interesting hidden gems.

Winter special: Weekly specials on their Instagram
Price: Various discounts for anything from food to products
Availability: Ongoing
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm; Saturday, 9am to 3pm

5 Constitution Street | District Six | Cape Town | @nudefoods.za | Image: Nude Foods

SOMERSET WEST STAY + DINNER SPECIAL

A snug suite with a fireplace; a massive deck for winter sunsets, wine tastings of 5-star John Platter’s wines; and a long dinner define The Bothey’s winter escape packages. It includes the stay, a tasting of the award-winning The Bothey wines, and a six-course chef’s small plates dinner at Spek & Bone.

Winter special: Midweek (3 nights/2 guests) and weekend (2 nights/2 guests) winter escape packages
Price: R5 500 for 2 nights/2 guests (includes wine tasting & dinner). R7 500 for 3 nights/2 guests (includes wine tasting & dinner)
Availability: 5 June to 30 August 2026
Booking: Direct bookings only via 083 795 2868 (Katja Leinberger) and 083 928 8900 (Marcel Hartman)

Lynn's View, 5 Paradise Road | Somerset West | @bothey_sa | Image: The Bothey

JAPANESE FIRE COOKING

At Yakiniku, you’re both chef and diner, grilling thin slices of premium local Wagyu over smokeless tabletop grills imported from Japan. It brings the theatre of Japanese barbecue to Cape Town, with bold, build-your-own flavours. Their winter surf-and-turf special pairs 200g of prime Wagyu with fire miso queen prawns, garlic fried rice, house-made kimchi and seasonal sides, finished with Japanese-inspired desserts.

Winter special: Surf-and-turf special
Price: R695pp
Availability: 19 May to 28 August 2026
Booking: Via Yakiniku’s website

84 Harrington Street | District Six | Cape Town | @eastcitygrillct | Image: East City Grill

EAST CITY STAYCATION

Inside 84 Harrington, Neighbourgood is an easy home base for the city. You can stay in a self-catering apartment with your own kitchen and dedicated workspace, then explore the district’s cafés, restaurants, galleries and nightlife on foot. With Table Mountain views, an on-site café and bar, rooftop deck and coworking spaces, it works just as well for a long weekend as it does for getting some quiet work done.

Winter treat: Aparthotel stay in the heart of East City
Price: From R1 100 per night
Availability: Ongoing
Booking: Via Neighbourgood's website

84 Harrington Street | East City | Cape Town | @neighbourgood_sa | Image: Neighbourgood

30 YEARS OF HEMPORIUM (WITH A GIFT)

Hemporium has been creating hemp clothing, accessories and natural skincare for 30 years. To celebrate this milestone, they’re inviting customers to their Harrington Street flagship and Westlake stores for a heritage-inspired birthday celebration throughout July. Spend R1 000 or more and get R300 off your purchase, or receive a complimentary gift with smaller purchases. It’s the perfect chance to discover one of Cape Town’s most unique local brands.

Winter special: 30th anniversary celebration offer
Price: Spend R1 000+ and get R300 off, or receive a complimentary gift with purchases under R1 000
Availability: 1 to 31 July 2026
Opening hours: 

• Harrington Street: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm; Saturday, 9am to 2pm
• Westlake: Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm

Ground Floor, 84 Harrington Street | Cape Town | @hemporium_sa | Image: Hemporium

STAY 3 NIGHTS IN LUXURY, PAY FOR 2

Webersburg Wine Estate is the kind of place winter was made for. Set against the Helderberg Mountains, the estate combines historic Cape Dutch charm with lakeside walks, wine tastings and slow mornings over a gourmet breakfast. Their winter special gives you 34% off accommodation with a stay-three-nights-pay-for-two offer, including breakfast and a complimentary flagship wine tasting for every guest.

Winter special: Stay 3 nights, pay for 2 (34% off)
Price: From R12 760 per stay
Availability: 1 June to 31 August 2026
Booking: 064 805 8777 or email reservations@webersburg.co.za

Webersburg Estate, Annandale Road | Stellenbosch | @webersburg_wine_estate | Image: Webersberg

VINTAGE WITH LOVE BIG SALE IN AUGUST

Vintage with Love gives great fashion a second life and every purchase helps change a child’s future. Shop your favourite brands, from Chanel and Fabiani to Country Road, Witchery and Poetry, at pre-loved prices, knowing your wardrobe is helping fund literacy and education programmes across South Africa. Every R250 spent helps keep a child in a reading programme for a week. There are so many ways to be part of the movement. Shop in their flagship East City store all year round, donate the quality clothing you no longer wear (and recieve Cash Out Your Cupboard on selected brands donations), or volunteer your time to help sort, steam and prepare donations for their next chapter. However you get involved, you’ll be helping turn fashion into lasting impact.

Shop at The Big Sale: 28 to 30 August, at Cape Town Cruise Terminal (there’s a fashion show)
Shop at the store: Huge, light-filled store in East City (next to The Electric)
Donate: Good quality clothes (“If you wouldn't lend it to a friend, we can't sell it.”)
Volunteer: To sort, clean, price items, send a message on their website.
Availability: All year

46A Canterbury Street | District Six | Cape Town | @vintagewithlovesa | Image: Vintage With Love

WINTER DINING + ART IN THE WINELANDS

At L’Ami Family Brasserie on the historic La Motte estate, the new winter menu turns lunch into a full winelands day. Seasonal, open-fire dishes like West Coast mussels with rooibos velouté and venison loin with “Aspatat” (potato wrapped in foil and baked on hot coals) and dried fruit with a glass from the estate’s own La Motte Reserve Collection wine. Afterwards, walk it off at Among the Trees, a new exhibition in the estate’s Ateljee gallery celebrating the relationship between nature, landscape and art.

Winter special: L’Ami winter menu
Price: R494pp for two courses. R595pp for three courses (includes a glass of La Motte Reserve Collection wine with starter and main)
Availability: 7 June to August 2026 (closed 6 to 20 July; reopening 22 July)
Booking: Via La Motte’s website

La Motte Wine Farm | R45, Franschhoek | @lamottewine | Image: L’Ami Family Brasserie

ITALIAN DINNER FOR 2, VINEYARD HOTEL

The special is simple: two Neapolitan-style pizzas and two Negronis for R395 every Thursday. It’s the setting that makes it memorable. Italian restaurant Morii, inside the Vineyard Hotel, overlooks some of the most beautiful gardens in the Cape, especially magical in winter when the streams are flowing and the grounds are lush.

Winter special: Two pizzas & two Negronis (from classic margherita and caprese to smoked chicken with gorgonzola and spicy pepperoni)
Price: R395 per couple
Availability: 13 July to 31 August 2026 (Thursdays only)
Booking: Email eat@vineyard.co.za

60 Colinton Rd | Newlands | @vineyard_hotel | Image: Vineyard Hotel

THE GREAT KIDS WINTER ESCAPE 

When the weather’s miserable and the kids are climbing the walls, the Aquarium is the great escape. During the school holidays, the Two Oceans Aquarium is extending its opening hours (until 6pm), so families have more time to wander and rediscover everything under the ocean, from the jelly gallery, penguins, touch pools and giant predator tank. We’ve got the inside scoop on Two Oceans Aquarium.

Winter treat: Extended school holiday hours
Price: R130 for kids 4 to 13. Free for under-3s. R280 for adults, R210 for pensioners and students
Opening hours: Daily from 27 June to 20 July; 9am to 7pm
Booking: Via Two Oceans Aquarium’s website

Dock Road (by the Watershed) | V&A Waterfront | @2oceansaquarium | Image: Two Oceans Aquarium

R99 LUNCHES THAT FEEL LIKE A TREAT

You’re going to have to take the kids out these holidays – and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. At Café Extrablatt, weekday lunch specials start at just R99, with options ranging from creamy calamari bowls and chicken curry to pasta and pizza. Other special mains (from wraps to lamb shank) start from R159,90. Add free parking across the street, a kids' corner and big-screen sports, and it's easy to see why locals keep coming back.

Winter special: R99 lunch specials and dinner specials
Price: Lunch specials from R99. Dinner specials from R159,90
Availability:

• Lunch specials: Monday - Friday 12.30pm to 2pm (Not available Cape Town event days & public holidays).
• Other special mains: All day, every day (Not available on Cape Town event days).

Booking: 021 434 3759, info@cafe-extrablatt.co.za, @extrablattcapetown

79 Main Road | Green Point | Cape Town | @extrablattcapetown | Image: Café Extrablatt

MOST IMPORTANT FAMILY DAY TRIP

This winter, South Africans under the age of 15 can visit the Robben Island Museum for free when accompanied by a paying adult. It’s a meaningful school holiday outing, especially with Mandela Day on 18 July. Don’t be that Cape Town family who's only ever seen the landmark from the comfort of the shore and take up the opportunity to teach your kids about their history.

Winter special: NextGen Heritage Free Pass
Price: Free for SA kids under 15 (one child per paying adult); R210 per child (if you bring more children); R400 for adults
Availability: 1 June to 30 October 2026 (tour times: 9am, 11am, & 1pm)
Booking: At the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island at the V&A Waterfront or online via the Robben Island’s website

Robben Island | @robben_island | Image: Robben Island Museum

COSY WINTER CAFÉ CLASSICS

Perched on the rooftop of 84 Harrington with Table Mountain and the city skyline in view, Somewhere Nowhere is the kind of place made for unhurried winter mornings, where you can linger over coffee, fresh pastries and comforting plates. The new winter menu brings together cosy favourites like creamy soup with sourdough, potato rosti topped with smoked trout, slow-cooked lasagne and a rich wagyu burger, making it an easy choice for a rainy-day breakfast or relaxed lunch.

Winter special: New winter menu
Price: From R35 for baked treats and R85 for light meals
Availability: Wednesday to Saturday, 7am to 8pm; Sunday to Tuesday, 7am to 4pm
Booking: Call 077 277 1096

84 Harrington Street | District Six | Cape Town | @somewherenowhererooftopbar | Image: Somewhere Nowhere

FIRE-LED 5-COURSE DINNER

East City Grill’s low-lit space of dark timber, copper details and leather seating feels made for winter, and its menu is built around fire, South African heritage and Asian flair. Its five-course winter menu of Wagyu biltong soup, fire-grilled springbok loin and creative Asian-inspired desserts like baked Asian pear crumble or yuzu crémeux, is perfect a long winter dinner

Winter special: Five-course winter menu
Price: R595pp
Availability: 19 May to 28 August 2026
Booking: Via East City Grill’s website

84 Harrington Street | District Six | Cape Town | @eastcitygrillct | Image: East City Grill

ULTIMATE RAINY-DAY GAME (WEEKDAY SPECIAL)

When the weather's bad, HintHunt is the go-to indoor adventure. You can choose from multiple themed escape rooms, like attempting a prison break, recovering stolen royal jewels, or stepping into a superhero-inspired mission. The sets are impressively immersive, with cinematic design, clever puzzles and just enough pressure to keep things exciting. Our team has tried them all, and we unpack HintHunt’s epic escape rooms.

Winter treat: Escape rooms
Price: R395 per person on weekdays, R445 per person on weekends
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 10am to 7.30pm; Friday to Saturday, 10am to 8.30pm; and Sunday, 10am to 5.30pm
Booking: Via HintHunt’s website

Watershed, 17 Dock Road | V&A Waterfront | @hinthuntafrica | Image: HintHunt

COMFORT FOOD BY THE SEA FROM R90 

There’s no place like Milk on the Beach. Set on a lagoon, it has the perfect menu for after a winter walk on the beach. Think hearty soups, broths, stews and curries on the menu. The kids will love their Waffle Bar, too, where sweet and savoury pancakes start from just R40. The restaurant remains our best-kept seaside secret.

Winter treat: New winter menu at Milk on the Beach & Waffle Shack downstairs
Price: From R90. From R40 at Waffle Shack
Opening hours: Daily, 8am to 8pm
Booking: Via Milk on the Beach’s website

1 Atlantic Drive (by the main beach), Onrus River | Onrus | @milk_onthebeach | Image: Milk on the Beach

CITY CENTRE BOARDROOMS

When winter keeps you indoors, a change of workspace can make all the difference. Cape Town Collective brings colour to grey workdays with fully serviced boardrooms, leafy courtyards wrapped in murals by renowned contemporary artist Sonny Behan, an on-site café and everything you need to work productively. Book by the hour and turn an ordinary workday into something a little more inspiring.

Winter treat: Fully serviced boardrooms with video conferencing, dedicated fibre internet, café catering and shared workspace facilities
Price: From R180 per hour
Availability: Ongoing
Booking: Via Cape Town Collective’s website

7th Floor | 38 Wale Street | Cape Town | @capetowncollectivectc | Image: Cape Town Collective

AFRICA'S BEST BEER + DAILY SPECIALS

Fresh off winning Best Beer in Africa, Woodstock Brewery is one of those places that comes into its own for winter. The brewery has big screens for live sport, regular live music, and a beer hall that keeps things buzzing. The daily specials help too: Half-price burgers on Mondays, curry with a free lager on Tuesdays, schnitzel specials on Wednesdays, and giant rib-and-wing platters on Thursdays while live bands play in the beerhall. Saturdays are reserved for steak feasts, and Sundays end with beer-battered hake and chips. Read more about Woodstock Brewery’s craft beer.

Winter special: Daily food specials
Price: From R62.50 for burgers
Availability: Daily, 11am to 10pm
Booking: Call 021 203 3045

252 Albert Road | Woodstock | @woodstockbrewery | Image: Woodstock Brewery

FREE NIGHT MARKET (WITH GLÜHWEIN)

Intaka Island turns into a glowing winter night market after dark throughout winter. The event features a large heated stretch tent, glowing fires, and live acoustic music drifting along the canals. You can expect comfort food like Spanish paella, tacos, and shawarmas paired with glühwein, craft beer and wine. There'll also be plenty of freshly baked breads, fudges, and sweet treats. 

Winter treat: Intaka Island Winter Night Market
Price: Free entry
Opening hours: Last Friday of every month until 28 August 2026, 4pm to 9pm
Booking: Via Quicket

Intaka Island Eco-Centre | 1 Park Lane | Century City | @centurycity_za | Image: Century City

STEAKHOUSE BURGERS FOR R95  

People travel from across the province for Char’d's dry-aged steaks, and this winter special might be the perfect excuse to discover it for yourself. For just R95, you get any of the burger classics, like a bacon cheeseburger, pulled beef burger, crispy chicken burger or a plain cheeseburger for under R100. If you want something even more meaty, you could try the unusual cuts and sides of the meat appreciation platter.

Winter special: R95 burger special
Price: R95
Availability: Daily, 12pm to 3pm
Booking: Via Char’d website

Shop 4 | Hermanus Waterfront | @chardhermanus | Image: Char’d Grill & Wine Bar

DISCOUNTED CLUBHOUSE MEMBERSHIPS 

Light House Holistic turns winter workdays into something far more appealing, with a heated rooftop sauna, mountain views and a calm indoor-outdoor workspace. A R160-day pass includes workspace access and a R60 café credit, while the R890 monthly membership adds classes, sauna sessions and lounge access. There’s also a three-month unlimited option with aerial yoga, guest passes and event discounts. Read more about the memberships at Light House Holistic.

Winter special: Winter Day, Winter Club & Winter Key memberships
Price: From R160 for a day pass
Availability: 1 June to 31 August 2026
Booking: Via Light House Holistic’s website

6th Floor, The Barracks | 50 Bree Street | @light_house_holistic | Image: Light House Holistic

3 WEEKLY SPECIALS, 1 ADDRESS      

Harringtons in East City makes winter socialising easy. Wednesdays are Wine & Dine nights, with a three-course dinner and five wine tastings for R375pp. Fiesta Fridays have a two-course dinner and two tequila cocktails for R330 before DJs take over from 9pm. Celebrating a birthday? Book a Saturday booth and pre-order catering to get complimentary Altos margarita cupcakes.

Winter special: Wine & Dine Wednesdays, Fiesta Fridays and birthday booth specials
Price: From R330pp
Availability: Weekly ongoing specials
Booking: Via Harrington’s website

61b Harrington Street | Cape Town | @harringtonsct | Image: Harrington Street

NEW WINTER MENU LAUNCH 

Pear Tree, with its fireplace, plush seating and easy Hermanus charm, has a new winter menu built for comfort. Think sticky Korean ribs with sesame and coriander, surf and turf with prawn bisque and pomme purée, and a thick cauliflower blue cheese soup with garlic ciabatta. For dessert, the brandy apple pecan pudding with vanilla ice cream feels like a warm hug. See why Pear Tree is our favourite hidden bistro in Hermanus.

Winter treat: New winter menu dishes
Price: From R75
Opening hours: Daily, 9am to 9pm
Booking: Call 028 313 1224 or email info@peartree.co.za

Marine Drive | Hermanus | @peartreehermanus | Image: Pear Tree

BRUNCH FOR UNDER R125

Few winter rituals beat a walk along the Sea Point Promenade followed by coffee at mischu, with their award-winning Isabella blend, which has been voted Best Coffee in Cape Town for three years running. That, and it has one of Cape Town’s most reliable breakfast deals: Eggs benedict and a flat white for R119, made with their signature Isabella blend. Beyond the coffee, mischu has also become a launchpad for local cafés.

Winter special: Eggs benedict and a cappuccino
Price: R119
Availability: Daily ongoing special, available from 6.45am to 3pm
Booking: Via mischu’s website

85A Regent Road | Sea Point | @mischucoffee | Image: mischu

WEEKEND DINNER SPECIALS     

Some places are special because of what they serve. Firehorse is special because of why it exists. After a fire destroyed Vergelegen's beloved Stables restaurant, Firehorse was created. With a warm marquee setting and many Stables favourites still on the menu, it's an especially rewarding winter stop. This season, stay after sunset for two-for-R225 burger nights on Thursdays, beer-battered hake and tartare sauce Fridays (R195) and 300g sirloin steak Saturdays with pepper sauce and chips (R225).

Winter special: Weekend dinners 
Price: From R195pp
Availability: Every Friday to Saturday, 8.30am to 5pm & 6pm to 8.30pm & Sunday, 8.30am to 5pm until 27 September 2026
Booking: Via Vergelen’s website

Lourensford Road | Somerset West | @vergelegen_wine_estate | Image: Vergelegen Wine Estate

DEGUSTATION MENU AT FINE DINING ICON 

Aubergine's winter degustation menu is a chance to experience the restaurant's 30-year fine dining legacy at its most seasonal. Inside, with velvet booths, soft jazz and one of the city's most impressive wine collections, guests can enjoy a three-course menu of amuse bouche, a bread course and coffee petit fours (plus an optional wine pairing), Read why Aubergine is Cape Town’s fine dining gem.

Winter special: Winter degustation menu
Price: From R895 for a 3-course menu (R1 375 with wine pairing)
Availability: 25 June to 30 September 2026
Booking: Call 021 461 9727 or book via Dineplan

39 Barnet Street | Gardens | @auberginecapetown | Image: Aubergine

WHOLESOME AFTERNOON WITH FRIENDS

A winter afternoon doing something meaningful with people you care about? Now that’s wholesome. Swap out sip and paint for a brush & brew at Life Is Good in Woodstock, where you have a choice between painting on canvas or designing your own tote bag. Think of the laughs you’ll have with your friends, your date or colleagues. All materials are included (apron, paints, brushes, canvas, tote bag). Plus, you also receive a choice of hot beverage, smoothie, or freshly squeezed juice. 

Winter special: Brush & Brew
Price: Canvas painting R399pp. Tote bag painting: R499pp 
Date night price: R799 per couple (canvases); R999 per couple (tote bags)
Availability: 18 June to 31 August 2026
Booking: WhatsApp 071 614 6835

349 Albert Rd | Woodstock | @lifeisgood.cafe | Image: Life is Good Café

COFFEE TASTING WITH REAL HORSEPOWER

Swap your regular coffee run for something only Revved Up Café can offer with a winter tasting inside the BMW Motorrad Cape Town, where you’re surrounded by rows of gleaming superbikes. Work your way through a set of two lattes and one mocha, each paired with a sweet treat that draws out the flavour, from crème brûlée and cinnamon condensed milk to Dubai chocolate.

Winter special: Latte & Mocha Tasting
Price: R119 per tasting board
Availability: 5 June to 30 September 2026
Booking: Call 76 125 5962 or email info@revvedupcafe.co.za

112 Buitengracht St | Cape Town City Centre | @revvedupcafe | Image: Revved Up Cafe

TEA TASTING WITH A CULTURAL TWIST

Guided by a tea expert, often one of the owners themselves, you can taste your way through five teas in an experience that’s as much about the ritual as the drink itself. At Nigiro Teacafe, they have hundreds of teas, from Japanese greens and oolongs, to South Africa’s own honeybush and Rooibos. You’ll learn how origin, temperature, and brewing change everything in the cup. Sessions are for a minimum of two guests, and you can upgrade to the dim sum pairing all for a slow afternoon that feels a long way from Plumstead.

Winter treat: Tea Tasting at Nigiro Teacafe
Price: R200 per person (2 guests or more)
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm; Saturday, 9am to 3pm; Sunday, 9am to 2pm
Booking: Call 021 671 2850 (bookings are essential)

71 Gabriel Road | Plumstead | @nigiroteacafe | Image: Nigiro Teacafe

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EXPLORE THE CITY 

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Discover the secret and hidden gems in the Western Cape.

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Your guide to what’s on in Cape Town this weekend.

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