| enbosch is home to the oldest and most | | | | being one of the best wine producing districts in |
| acclaimed wineland regions in South Africa. | | | | the world. Wines produced in this area are |
| Conveniently located 40km east of Cape Town it | | | | exported all over the world and can be bought |
| is the perfect destination for a day trip, a | | | | online by international wine connoisseurs. The |
| weekend break or a holiday getaway. | | | | Stellenbosch Winelands is home to a multitude of |
| A Brief History | | | | estates and spending some time exploring the |
| In the Seventeenth Century Simon van der Stel, | | | | wine routes will afford you the opportunity to |
| the second governor of the Cape of Good Hope, | | | | sample a bit of each one. |
| set out to explore the uncharted land in the | | | | The Wine Route comprises 23 private cellars and |
| peninsula. On 6 November 1679 he happened | | | | 5 co-operative wineries, which produce between |
| across a river running through a magnificent valley. | | | | them a large variety of red and white wines. Set |
| He named the river Eerste Rivier and the area | | | | in the spectacular scenery that the mountains, |
| surrounding it Van der Stel Bosch. Families began | | | | rivers and vineyards paint, spending time on any |
| to settle there not long after the area was | | | | of these wine farms is a pleasure. |
| discovered due to the rich and fertile nature of | | | | Wine Estates |
| the soil. This small settlement later became known | | | | The farms are so exquisite that many couples |
| as Stellenbosch, and is the second oldest city in | | | | hold their weddings on the wine estates |
| South Africa. Many years later in 1971 | | | | themselves and as most are equipped with full |
| Stellenbosch became home to the first official | | | | restaurant and conference facilities this is the |
| South African Wine Route. | | | | perfect location for such a special day. There are |
| Stellenbosch Today | | | | many prearranged day tours that take visitors to |
| Stellenbosch, affectionately known as "Eikestad" | | | | a limited number of estates for wine tasting, |
| (town of oaks), is the second oldest town in | | | | exploring and lunch. If you prefer to drive the |
| South Africa and boasts a reputation as a melting | | | | route yourself you have the opportunity to stop |
| pot of culture, history and of course... wine. Apart | | | | at any estate that tickles your fancy. |
| from being a rich agricultural area Stellenbosch is | | | | The wine estates are impressive expanses of |
| also home to South Africas second oldest | | | | vineyards, Cape Dutch style farm houses and |
| university. The University of Stellenbosch was | | | | overwhelming beauty. Some estates are larger |
| founded in 1866 and is now educating | | | | and offer more activities than others but they |
| approximately 22,000 students a year. | | | | are all unique and worth visiting. Spier wine estate |
| What to See and Do | | | | is a great example of one of the bigger estates |
| Whether you are planning a short or long stay in | | | | housing its own open air theatre, accommodation, |
| Stellenbosch there is plenty to keep you occupied. | | | | picnicking venues and many popular restaurants. |
| The main tourist attractions in the area are the | | | | Spier is also home to the Cheetah Outreach |
| wine farms but you don't have to be a wine | | | | Programme which set out to introduce the |
| connoisseur to enjoy yourself in this novel town. | | | | cheetah to the South African community as well |
| The mountainous escarpment lends itself to | | | | as to increase awareness of the diminishing |
| magnificent nature walks, hikes and downhill | | | | numbers of cheetahs and to raise funds in order |
| mountain biking. | | | | to enhance their efforts. |
| There is an abundance of scenic venues for | | | | A visit to the cheetahs is a must especially for |
| picnicking, hot air ballooning, horse riding and | | | | the little ones. This wine estate is also home to |
| watching the sun set, preferably with an award | | | | the Spier golf club, an internationally acclaimed |
| winning pinotage in hand. | | | | championship golf course, this estate is a must for |
| The town itself is a bustling hive of activity with | | | | all golfing enthusiasts. Another one of the bigger |
| it's many museums, restaurants, pubs and rustic | | | | estates definitely worth the visit is Fairview, not |
| gift shops (such as the renowned “Oom | | | | only can you sample South Africa’s fine |
| Samie se winkel” (directly translated | | | | wines in a glorious setting but you can sample |
| “Uncle Sam’s Shop”), a | | | | their award winning cheeses! |
| traditional trading store with unique gifts from | | | | Other estates definitely worth a visit are Delheim, |
| past era's). | | | | Morganhof, Rus & Vrede, Boschendal and |
| One of Stellenboschs' most charming offerings is | | | | Lanzarac to name a few. Most of the wine |
| strawberry picking where for a set fee you can | | | | estates offer their own accommodation and there |
| spend the day picking the freshest, most | | | | are many guest houses, lodges and hotels in the |
| succulent strawberries the Western Cape has to | | | | town itself. |
| offer. The Stellenbosch health hydro is also one of | | | | Experience it for Yourself |
| the town’s main attractions and comes | | | | Whether you are a wine enthusiast, a keen |
| highly recommended by its guests. | | | | explorer or in need of a well earned break |
| Wine Routes | | | | Stellenbosch’s quaint charm will have you |
| Stellenbosch has earned international acclaim as | | | | feeling at home in no time. |