The Lourensford Market is one of our favourite outings in the Helderberg. It's set on open lawns and landscaped gardens under old oak trees at Lourensford Wine Estate, at the top of Somerset West, with the mountains rising behind. Around 60 permanent stalls and a rotating line-up of pop-ups sell prepared food, the estate's wines and craft beer, alongside handmade goods, original artwork and artisanal produce.
It's relaxed and easy: grab a plate from one stall and a glass from another, find a spot on the grass, and listen to the live music from local DJs and artists. It works just as well for a family afternoon as for a Friday-night date.
Lourensford Market times
The market runs on Friday evenings from 17:00 to 22:00, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 to 16:00. Entry is free, though there is a parking charge per vehicle entering the estate.
The market closes for part of winter, and times can change over holidays, so check with the market before you go. You can reach the organisers at market@lfhm.co.za.
Bringing children and dogs
Children have an interactive fountain and a jungle gym to keep them busy, and dogs are welcome on a leash. The lawns make it an easy place to spend an afternoon with a pram or a picnic blanket.
Getting there from Green Gables
Lourensford is on Lourensford Road at the top end of Somerset West, around 15 minutes by car from Green Gables. On a Friday evening, take a taxi or choose a designated driver if you'll be tasting the wine.
More to eat and drink at Lourensford
If you arrive early, the Wine Sales & Tasting Room is open every day from 09:00 to 17:00, with the last tasting at 16:30. Bookings are essential. Ginologist, the estate's gin distillery, stays open until 19:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, and ABRU, a craft brewery set in a classic car showroom, is open until 22:00 on Fridays.
On non-market days, the Coffee Roastery serves breakfast and lunch every day, and The Millhouse Kitchen does breakfast and lunch daily and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday. For nougat to take home, visit the Wedgewood Emporium.
Make a day of it
Walk the estate's gardens to see the monumental sculptures by Anton Smit on the Lourensford Art Route, which is free to visit. See our Anton Smit guide. Vergelegen is on the same road, so you can spend the morning in its gardens before an afternoon at the market.
