There are certain Cape Town evenings that signal the start of summer long before the calendar does, and Steenberg has a way of capturing them perfectly. The Steenberg Soirée, an open-air summer concert hosted on the lawns at Tryn, brings together live music, estate wines, and a relaxed picnic-style setting.
The gentle slope of the Tryn lawns, with its stretch of expanses and a dedicated stage area at front, presents a natural viewing space set against the heritage manor of the Steenberg Estate. Steenberg’s story stretches back to 1682, when the farm, first named Swaaneweide, or “the feeding place of swans”, was granted to the formidable Catharina Ras, one of the Cape’s earliest female landowners. What began as a smallholding on the slopes of the Constantia valley has evolved over centuries into the elegant estate it is today, with its Cape Dutch manor still anchoring the property.
Music and Oak
By late afternoon, the estate was already washed in summer light, warm enough to feel the season turning, cool enough to keep everyone comfortable on the lawn. Guests arrived, spreading out blankets beneath the oak trees or settling at tables arranged just far enough apart to feel spacious. The oaks added a particular kind of atmosphere, their branches offering shade and a reminder of the farm’s long history.
The setting alone would have been enough to justify the event, but the programme, a curated performance by soprano Lynelle Kenned and pianist Stefan Lombard, elevated it further. Their opening piece carried clearly across the lawn, and the audience responded instinctively by quietening. The set moved through a blend of classical favourites and contemporary arrangements, each transition smooth and deliberate. The music took listeners on a journey, the kind where a few familiar pieces quietly invited you to hum along without thinking.
Both performers brought a welcoming ease to the evening. Lynelle Kenned, a soprano known for her versatility across opera, musical theatre, and contemporary work, carried the programme with a light, conversational charm between pieces. Stefan Lombard, an accomplished pianist with a background that spans classical repertoire and modern arrangements, matched her energy with understated confidence at the piano. It was the kind of set that made newcomers feel included while still satisfying listeners who recognised the technical skill behind each piece.
Food and Wine
The Al Fresco Picnic Box for Two offered a generous selection that encouraged slow grazing throughout the evening. There were a few staple favourites, cured meats, cheeses, mini quiches, salads, and a beautifully prepared terrine. It was more than enough for two people, thoughtfully assembled and easy to enjoy between pieces of music. For guests wanting a more formal experience, Steenberg also offered a plated multi-course dinner, a sit-down option that paired the concert with a refined, restaurant-style meal.
Steenberg’s wines, naturally, played a central role, and there’s something grounding about drinking a glass made just a short walk from where you’re sitting; it gives the experience a sense of coherence that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. We opened a bottle of their newly released 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, a crisp, sea-breeze-bright expression of the valley. Steenberg’s newer vintages, including the celebrated Black Swan Sauvignon Blanc and the elegant Magna Carta blend, continue that legacy, offering guests a taste of how the estate balances history with modern craft.
Closing the Evening
By the time the final notes faded, night had settled over the estate. Walking back toward the parking area, it was easy to understand why events like these are becoming a highlight of Steenberg’s summer calendar. It captures something essential about the estate and provides an invitation to ease into the season with good music, generous food, and one of the most beautiful settings in the Western Cape.
To submit a release, contact us here.
