🍷 From Vines to Vows: A Classic Lookbook for Winelands Lovers
 

From Vines to Vows: A Classic Lookbook for Winelands Lovers

A gentle breeze. The soft rustle of vines. Golden sunlight streaming over a long table lined with candles and crisp white florals. If that’s your idea of romance (and let’s be honest, who isn’t obsessed?), then this is your ultimate vineyard wedding moodboard.

Welcome to our Winelands Wedding Lookbook—an inspiration feast for brides and grooms who adore timeless style, nature’s elegance, and a bit of South African magic.

Whether you're tying the knot in Stellenbosch or flying in from Sydney to say “I do” in Franschhoek, this guide brings you the best of real vineyard weddings—full of charm, polish, and golden-hour photo ops you’ll treasure forever.

👰 The Dress Code: Classic, Understated, Unforgettable

In the land of vines and vintage, simplicity reigns supreme. We’re seeing brides opt for:

Bias-cut silk gowns that drape like a dream (see Charlotte from Kent in her ivory halter-neck slip dress),

Off-the-shoulder lace sleeves for a touch of drama (Olivia, from Australia, styled hers with soft curls and pearl drops),

Or structured mikado A-lines paired with cathedral veils for timeless glamour.

For the grooms?

Think sand-coloured linen suits, classic navy blazers, or even light tweed for autumn weddings.

Add a boutonnière made from olive sprigs or miniature roses for that refined rustic edge.

“We wanted a look that felt like Tuscany, but still South African,” says Richard, who married his partner at a boutique estate in Paarl. “Laid-back, but styled.”

💐 Blooms That Breathe Romance

Forget fussy arrangements. Vineyard weddings are about effortless beauty.
Here are three bloom combinations we’re obsessed with:

White roses + eucalyptus + olive branches – fresh, fragrant, and timeless.

Dusty pink proteas + lisianthus + wild grasses – a nod to local flora with European flair.

Peonies + hydrangeas + snapdragons – for soft textures and romantic fullness.

Top tip: Pair florals with textural foliage and neutral runners—nothing competes with the natural beauty of your venue.

🎨 Colour Palettes that Pair with Pinotage

Yes, neutrals are having a moment—but vineyard weddings take it to another level.
Here are our favourite classic combos:

Sage green + soft grey + ivory – for an elevated earthy vibe.

Burgundy + blush + dusty rose – perfect for autumn and wine lovers.

Navy + gold + crisp white – timeless and formal, especially for a cellar reception.

Champagne + mushroom taupe + pale peach – dreamy for a summer sunset ceremony.

Your backdrop is already stunning—these tones enhance, not compete.

🕯️ Table Settings That Tell a Story

Here’s where the magic happens.

Imagine a candlelit courtyard dinner beneath festoon lights. Tables dressed in soft linen runners, polished wine glasses catching the flame, and handwritten menus perched beside foraged greenery.

Opt for harvest tables with exposed wood grain, or whitewashed French-style tables for a touch of Provence.

Use vintage cutlery, ceramic charger plates, and crystal goblets for understated opulence.

Scatter local fruit—like figs, grapes, or pomegranates—for colour and texture.

Sophie and Henry, who wed at a farm outside Wellington, created a “wine pairing guide” for each course. It was a guest-favourite and doubled as a keepsake!

📸 Golden Hour Shot List

Vineyard weddings are made for moody, cinematic moments. Don’t miss:
✔ Couple walking hand-in-hand between the vines at sunset
✔ A wide shot of the reception space glowing under lights
✔ A kiss in the wine cellar doorway
✔ Detail shots of bouquets against vineyard backdrops
✔ The last toast before the stars come out

🍇 Our Favourite Vineyard Venues for Classic Style

Whether you're planning from abroad or booking local, these estates bring the Winelands dream to life:

Boschendal Wine Estate (Franschhoek): Cape Dutch elegance, heritage trees, and rolling lawns.

Cavalli Estate (Stellenbosch): sleek architecture and views for days.

Bushman Rock (Zimbabwe): lush, intimate, and ideal for destination vineyard vibes in Southern Africa.

Rickety Bridge (Franschhoek): rich history and one of the best golden hours around.

Spier Wine Farm (Stellenbosch): expansive gardens, art walks, and eco-conscious touches.

🛫 Planning from Abroad? Here's What to Know:

If you’re based in the UK, Canada, or Australia and dreaming of a vineyard wedding in Southern Africa, you’re in good company. Over 30% of couples planning Winelands weddings with us are abroad!

Quick tips:

Hire a local planner you trust (and ask them to do a video walk-through of the venue).

Use our digital wedding checklist inside the Plan My Wedding App to keep your planning on track, timezone-friendly.

Choose vendors who’ve worked with international couples—they’ll know how to make the process smooth.

✨ Final Toast

From vines to vows, a Winelands wedding is more than just beautiful—it’s immersive. It’s sensory. It’s about the way light dances through your glass of chardonnay, how your gown moves in the breeze, how the earth feels beneath your feet as you step into forever.

Classic never goes out of style. And your love story deserves a setting that’s as graceful and grounded as your future together.

Need help bringing your vineyard wedding to life?
🍾 Download the Plan My Wedding Africa App for curated vineyard venues, top-rated planners, and golden hour tips based on your wedding date and region