Winter is usually the quiet season around Somerset West once many of our favourite weekend markets wrap up for their annual break. That is why it is always exciting to see the first signs of preparations beginning behind the scenes, and Lourensford Wine Estate has now officially started gearing up for the next market season with a call for new vendors.
While the gates are still closed to the public for now, the organisers have officially opened the floor for the 2026/2027 season. I always think this is the perfect time for the creative entrepreneurs around the Helderberg to start planning, especially if you have been sitting on a small business idea or a new product line that needs a home.
According to a recent announcement from the Lourensford Market team, they are currently in the thick of preparations for their September return. The current winter closure is being used to gear up for the upcoming 2026/2027 run, which usually brings that familiar buzz back to the estate grounds.
The announcement notes that they are looking for a wide range of talent to fill the stalls this year. They have put out a call for foodies, artisans, designers, and creators to join what they describe as the market family. It is a significant opportunity for small business owners because the foot traffic at Lourensford is consistently strong, drawing people from all over Cape Town and the surrounding winelands.
If you are interested in becoming a vendor, the process has already moved online. The market’s latest social media updates and website indicate that the Vendor Application Form is officially live. They are encouraging anyone with a unique offering to apply sooner rather than later to secure a spot in the next line-up.
I know quite a few people in our community who use these markets as their primary launchpad, and Lourensford is arguably one of the most scenic settings to do it. While the specific opening date in September has not been pinned down in the latest update, the “Calling all Vendors” campaign is a clear signal that the countdown to spring has started.
For those of us who just enjoy the weekend atmosphere, we still have a bit of a wait ahead of us. The market remains closed for the rest of the winter season, but the promise of a fresh start in a few months is exactly the kind of news I like to see during these colder weeks.
It will be interesting to see what new faces and flavours join the regulars this time around. If you are a maker or a baker, this is your cue to get those applications in before the season kicks off in earnest. It is always one of the highlights of the Somerset West social calendar, and I am already looking forward to seeing how the 2026/2027 season takes shape.
I’m a wife, mother and local publisher who traded Johannesburg and two years abroad for life in Somerset West. Through HelderbergStuff, I share lifestyle stories, local discoveries and noteworthy developments across Somerset West, Strand and Gordon’s Bay. For media and collaboration enquiries: marina@helderbergstuff.co.za
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