Spier Light Art transforms wine farm into a night gallery

A trail of sound sculptures, neon texts, and glowing artworks

Last updated: Monday, 16 March 2026

It’s that time of year again when Spier Wine Farm transforms into an open-air gallery after dark, when many visitors start their evening with a picnic or dinner before seeing the art trail. From 6 March to 6 April 2026, daily, visitors can wander through 21 light and video installations scattered across the farm.

Some playful, others poetic, and all for free (booking is essential). Like the piece that turns ancient rocks into interactive sound sculptures, and the installation made up of illuminated umbrellas to reference floods. Here are all the details.

The Spier Light Art Festival is an annual event that was launched in December 2018. Image: Spier

OPEN-AIR EXHIBITION AFTER DARK

Now in its eighth edition, Spier Light Art has grown into one of the most significant platforms for contemporary light art on the continent. Each year, artists are invited to experiment with light as both medium and message, creating installations that reflect on South Africa’s past, present and future.

This year’s exhibition brings together works by 21 South African artists, alongside Swiss artists Florian Bach and Kerim Seiler. The installations explore themes close to home: memory and post-1994 identity, the relationship between technology and nature, and the infrastructures that shape everyday life, like water and electricity.

Part of the magic lies in how the works interact with the surroundings. Along the Eerste River, beams of white light cut through the darkness, transforming the water’s edge into a glowing stage. A neon “EISH” hovers between trees, and a cluster of umbrellas glows softly in the dark.

The result is an exhibition that feels less like a traditional art show and more like a night walk filled with surprising encounters.

The experience feels far removed from a traditional gallery visit. Image: Spier

21 CONTEMPORARY INSTALLATIONS 

The artworks reveal themselves slowly as you walk. Some are visible from across the vineyards, others only once you’re standing right in front of them.

A few invite visitors to interact directly, like “Songsmith” by Jenna Burchell, which turns ancient rocks into interactive sound sculptures. When visitors place their hands on the stones, each one responds with its own haunting tone.

Nearby, in “A Moment of Rest for Those Who Can’t”, artists Stephen van den Heever and Amy Leibbrandt create a semi-circular structure of fabric fins between the trees along the Eerste River.

One of the returning artists is Kenneth Shandu, presenting “When The Sky Falls”, an installation made up of illuminated umbrellas. It references the devastating floods that regularly affect many parts of South Africa, particularly in townships like Khayelitsha.

And new this year is Swiss artist Kerim Seiler’s “Pneuma, Somnambul”, a large geometric sculpture made from beams and blinking fluorescent lights. As the lights shift, the artwork almost feels alive – changing shape depending on where you stand.

There are over 13 000 visitors each year during the month of the light art festival. Image: Spier

WHEN'S THE BEST TIME TO ARRIVE?

Just after sunset, when the sky still holds a hint of colour and the lights gradually begin to glow.

Most people spend 1 to 1.5 hours on the 2km route, depending on how long you linger at each artwork. While there are printed and digital maps available, many people prefer to simply wander and let curiosity guide them.

Free guided tours run on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 7.30pm, departing from the information kiosk. On the tours, guides share insights into the artists and the ideas behind the installations, unpacking themes like memory, technology and the relationship between light and the natural environment. Booking in advance is essential.

The free guided tours are an optional extra to make the most of your visit. Image: Spier

NEW FOOD EXPERIENCES (MAKE A DATE OF IT)

Many visitors start their evening at Spier Wine Farm with food before setting off along the light art trail.

That’s why they’ve introduced new food experiences this year, like a burger from Bubbles & Braai for R140, pizza from Vadas Smokehouse & Bakery for R195 to be collected when you arrive or a relaxed dinner at Veld with a glass of Creative Block wine.

One of the most popular options remains a sunset picnic, which you collect from 6pm onwards and enjoy on the lawns before exploring the installations. The baskets come packed with seasonal treats like a cheesebox, meats, salads, Pasteis de Nata, and include blankets, cutlery and glasses.

If you prefer something more spontaneous, you can build your own picnic at the Picnickery counter from a selection of cheeses, charcuterie, breads, salads and desserts.

You can expect the night to unfold slowly with art, food, wandering, and conversation. Image: Spier

BOOK FOR SPIER LIGHT ART

By the time night settles over Spier, the artworks are fully alive – glowing across vineyards, riverbanks and forest paths. All that’s left to do is start walking and see what appears next.

Spier Light Art is happening: Friday, 6 March to Monday, 6 April 2026; 6.30pm to 10.30pm
Find it: Spier Wine Farm | R310 Baden Powell Drive, Stellenbosch
Cost: 

• Free entry, but booking is essential
• R140: Free entry + burger at Bubbles & Braai
• R195: Free entry + pizza at Vadas Smokehouse & Bakery
• R395: Free entry + sunset picnic
• R495: Free entry + dinner at Veld with a glass of Creative Block wine

Book: Via Dineplan
Contact on: 021 809 1100, or email info@spier.co.za

By Khadeeja Adams

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MORE FUN THINGS TO DO

Here’s everything you need to know about Spier unpacked.

While you’re in Stellenbosch, check out Webersburg’s unique wine farm experiences.

There’s always 7+ things to do this week(end).

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