WeeklySA_AdminMira, Sandton’s most anticipated new restaurant, has officially opened a 200-seater Mozambican, Portuguese dining destination where old world craftsmanship, multisensory design, and contemporary sophistication converge. Designed for corporate leaders, international travellers, lifestyle focused diners, and those who value quiet luxury, Mira offers a fresh kind of intimacy in Sandton, refined and softly spectacular.
Founded by hospitality partners Luke Dakers, Ben Stanger, and industry stalwart George Sinovich, Mira is the meeting point of legacy and modernity: “old money energy” refined through youthful ambition. The name itself embodies this interplay: chosen after countless iterations, Mira evokes reflection, literally and metaphorically, inviting guests to encounter mirrored art upon arrival and experience a moment of self-recognition before stepping into the immersive journey ahead.
Mira occupies the former Villamoura and Alice & Fifth, a site steeped in memories and cinematic design. “What makes Mira even more meaningful is that it wasn’t simply acquired , it was pursued,” notes Dakers. “It took us over three years to secure this space, a journey that began with a single email I sent to George. That message started everything.”
“Our aim was to build a place where tradition and innovation could meet,” says Stanger. “George brings generational wisdom and a deep understanding of hospitality. Luke and I bring a modern lens. Mira sits beautifully in the tension between those worlds.
“It also represents a coming of age moment, a passing of the torch between George, who has shaped Johannesburg dining for over 32 years with spaces like The Codfather, Riboville and Bowld, and the next generation behind Greenhouse and Ocaso. Mira is the place where those eras converge”.
EVENTS
Van Rhyn’s Jazzy Sessions
A night of rhythm, soul and infectious grooves is billed with The Ploemies at Van Ryn’s Distillery on December 19.
The Jazzy Sundowner Sessions will be trunked up by fine brandy and the Ploemies’ electric sounds. The Ploemies is a Cape Town-based collective known for rewriting the script on the local jazz scene.
Guests can expect a vibrant mix of always infectious Cape Jazz, original compositions, and proudly South African sounds, blended with rhythms from across the continent like Ghoema, Marabenta and Kwassa-Kwassa.
A ticket costing R275 includes entry, live music, and a picnic per person. Beverages will be on sale, and the venue is fully cashless. The address is Van Ryn’s Distillery, Van Ryn Road.
Durbanville Hills Sundaze
Durbanville Hills is hosting dazzling Sunday sessions called Sundaze, a summer music series, which started early this month, continues this Sunday (December 14) until March 29 next year.
Long lazy afternoons, cool beats, and Cape Town’s best views. Summer at our family-friendly Olive Grove Bistro at Durbanville Hills is back.
Sundaze Summer Sessions unwind from 13h00 to 17h00 with award-winning wines, cocktails, craft beer, and delicious eats available for revellers who attend.
DJs will play cool tunes ranging from Deep House, RnB to HipHop as guests relax on the lawns overlooking Table Bay and Table Mountain with food served from the Olive Grove Bistro. The winery’s vineyards are situated in one of the Cape’s coolest wine-producing regions, all located a mere 10km from the ocean and a 30 minutes’ drive from Cape Town.
Other dates for the forthcoming sessions are: December 28 (DJ Blaine) January 25 (DJ Stefanos); February 8; (DJ Tiny T); March 8 (Dags on Decks) and March 29 (DJ Tiny T).
Bring your picnic blanket, your besties, and your summer spirit. Durbanville Hills Winery, M13 Tygerberg Valley Road. Entry fee is R100. Sessions start at 14h00.
Graham Beck-Maslow Picnics
Sandton’s social calendar draws to a glittering close as The Maslow hosts its final Sunday Society Picnic of the year on December 14.
Set on the lush garden lawns of the hotel at 146 Rivonia Road, the event invites guests to “sparkle and shine in the sunshine” with bold sequins, metallics and festive flair.
Couples can look forward to an indulgent afternoon from 13h00, raising glasses of Graham Beck bubbly while enjoying an abundant spread featuring harvest table favourites, hearty hot mains and a selection of gourmet picnic snacks.
Priced at R1 600 per couple, the experience is positioned as one of Sandton’s most sought-after festive outings — and with limited availability, early booking is strongly encouraged.
The Sunday Society Picnic series has become a signature on Johannesburg’s lifestyle circuit, and this final edition promises a celebratory end to 2025’s social season.
Vibes in the Vines
Diemersfontein Wine Estate in Wellington will set the scene for a relaxed summer afternoon as it hosts Vibes in the Vines with singer-songwriter Wesley Clark on December 14.
The free-entry concert begins at 12h30 on the estate’s picturesque grounds along Jan van Riebeeck Drive (R301), offering visitors a perfect blend of live music, good food and fine wine. Guests can look forward to Clark’s mellow acoustic set, delicious offerings from SMUL Restaurant, and a selection of Diemersfontein’s signature wines.
Designed as a family-friendly outing, the event also features a dedicated kiddies’ play area, making it an ideal day out for all ages.
Pack your picnic blankets, gather your friends and family, and settle in for a memorable afternoon against the backdrop of vineyard anbience.
NEDERBURG PICNIC
To welcome the festive season, Nederburg has lined up a series of new “Under the Stars” evening picnics on their farm in Paarl in the Western Cape next month.
The winery’s promises guests three unforgettable nights – all to be enjoyed on its lawns after sunset, in relaxed, music-filled settings that capture the easy magic of a South African summer.
Each picnic basket is thoughtfully curated to showcase local, seasonal flavours – a true taste of the Cape Winelands. Among other teats, guests can expect a feast that begins with local cheeses, marinated olives, and seasonal fruit, paired with house-made onion marmalade and crisp lavash.
The experience is open to everyone – couples looking for a romantic night out, families wanting to make the most of the holidays, and friends simply seeking a beautiful evening together. The expansive lawns provide plenty of space for kids to play, and well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome too. Bring your own blanket or low chairs, find your spot beneath the stars, and let the evening unfold.
Each Under the Stars event features live local music to set the tone: Newton & Co on December 13; Johan van der Merwe on December 20; Juan Casey on December 27. Pre-booking via Dineplan is essential. Tickets cost R385 per person. Vegetarian and kids’ baskets available.
Boschendal Wine & Market
Boschendal Estate will transform into a festive wonderland on December 15, as it welcomes guests to its “Wine and Christmas Market” — an evening of fine wine, gourmet flavours and family-friendly cheer.
The event begins at 17h00 on the historic estate along Pniel Road, Groot Drakenstein.
For R220 per person, visitors receive eight wine-tasting coupons, a signature Boschendal tasting glass and a festive headpiece. Children enter for free, with organisers encouraging young guests to bring along a Santa Shoebox as their “ticket” to support those in need.
The market will feature artisanal stalls, gourmet treats, live music and Boschendal wines to enjoy under the summer evening sky.
Perfect for families and wine lovers alike, the Boschendal Wine and Christmas Market offers a spirited start to the festive season in the heart of the Cape Winelands.
Spier’s Christmas Picnic
Spier Wine Farm in Stellenbosch is offering a serene and flavour-filled way to celebrate Christmas this year with its Festive Picnic on December 25.
Hosted from 12h00 at the scenic Spier Picnickery along R310 Baden Powell Drive, the experience promises a leisurely afternoon under the estate’s ancient oaks or tranquil Eerste River.
For R995 per person and R350 per child under 12, guests will enjoy gourmet picnic baskets brimming with seasonal delights. The picnic is designed for effortless enjoyment — allowing families and friends to revel in good food and great company.
With Spier’s festive picnics known to sell out quickly, organisers are encouraging early bookings to secure a spot for this relaxed and memorable Christmas celebration.. – Compiled by Len Maseko
