As the October sun slips behind the Orange River, the vineyards turn gold and the air softens. On 31 October 2025, African Vineyard Boutique Hotel & Spa will host Velvet in the Vines — an evening of art, music, and theatre beneath the Kalahari sky.
Lanterns light the garden paths, glasses catch the last of the daylight, and quiet laughter carries through the vines. Guests wander between artworks, tasting local wines while live music drifts in the background. It’s the kind of evening that captures the calm beauty of the Green Kalahari — unhurried, soulful, and full of life.
A Celebration of Art, Music & Theatre
Between 18:00 and 20:00, the evening begins with an art exhibition and performances by local musicians. Guests enjoy light snacks and a welcome drink made from nearby Green Kalahari wines.
At 20:15, the stage lights rise and Nataniël & Trio take over. Their performance blends music, storytelling, and theatre — heartfelt, humorous, and deeply human. Under the open night sky, surrounded by vineyards, every note feels part of the landscape.
Nataniël & Trio
Nataniël has spent years captivating South African audiences with his honesty, wit, and distinctive stage presence. For this special evening, he is joined by Trio — musicians whose sound adds warmth and depth to his storytelling.
Together they bring a performance that feels close and personal, shaped by the stillness of the vines and the quiet rhythm of the river nearby.
Between River and Vineyard
Kanoneiland, South Africa’s largest inland island, sits between two arms of the Orange River. It’s a place where desert and vineyard meet — red earth, green vines, and endless sky.
African Vineyard reflects that same balance. The gardens are filled with birdsong, the air smells of jasmine, and the pace is steady and calm. Here, nature sets the rhythm.
At Velvet in the Vines, the island itself becomes part of the performance — the scent of soil after sunset, the flicker of light on water, the hush before the first song.
Flavours of the Green Kalahari
Wine from the Orange River vineyards tells the story of this land — shaped by heat, river water, and patience. Each glass carries the taste of the Green Kalahari.
During Velvet in the Vines, guests will enjoy local wines paired with seasonal snacks. Expect clean flavours, fresh ingredients, and pairings inspired by the surrounding farms and cellars along the Upington wine route.
Simple, authentic, and made to be shared.
Stay for the Weekend
When the show ends, the evening doesn’t have to. African Vineyard was made for lingering — a place to wake slowly, breathe deeply, and reconnect.
Each suite opens onto the garden, filled with light and the sound of the Orange River nearby. The wellness spa offers treatments drawn from indigenous plants and desert botanicals, while the surrounding region invites exploration — Augrabies Falls, Orange River wine tastings, and quiet country drives through the Green Kalahari.
For travellers looking for boutique accommodation in Upington, this is where comfort meets stillness.
Planning Your Visit
- Date: 31 October 2025
- Time: 18:00–20:00 art exhibition and local performances | 20:15 main show
- Tickets: R495 per person (includes light snacks & a welcome drink; cash bar available)
- Location: African Vineyard Boutique Hotel & Spa, Kanoneiland — 25 km from Upington
- Dress Code: Casual sophistication
- Bookings: Contact Elmarie on 083 461 1724 or email [email protected]
Make a weekend of it. Stay overnight, visit the spa, and explore the Orange River wine route — one of the most unique things to do in Upington.
Why African Vineyard
African Vineyard is more than a stay — it’s a reflection of the Green Kalahari itself. Every detail, from the wines poured to the art displayed, carries a sense of place and care.
Here, hospitality is personal and time moves gently. Whether you come for Velvet in the Vines, a spa weekend, or simply to rest, you’ll leave with something that lingers.
When the final song fades and the lanterns flicker low, the vineyards fall quiet again. The air smells of river water and wine, and for a moment, everything feels still.
Come for the culture. Stay for the calm.
Velvet in the Vines — where the Green Kalahari comes alive in sound, flavour, and light.
