Categories: Cape WinelandsStellenboschWestern Cape

Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch landscape. Photo: warrenski / Wikimedia Commons

The second oldest settlement in the Western Cape, Stellenbosch, sits on the banks of Eerste River at the foot of Stellenbosch Mountain. Known as a University town, Stellies, in the local lingo, is a 45-minute drive from Cape Town’s CBD, perfect for a day trip or ideally, a weekend getaway.

A utopia for foodies, history buffs, wine connoisseurs and nature lovers, Stellenbosch wows in all departments. The town was founded in 1679 by Simon van der Stel, which is where the name “Stellenbosch” was derived. The town grew quickly and when Huguenot refugees came to settle in Stellenbosch in 1690, they planted the grapes that would grow to form the wine region that Stellenbosch is a part of today.

Wine takes centre stage in what is undoubtedly South Africa’s most prestigious wine capital and one of the best in the world. Even if you aren’t an oenophile (a connoisseur of wines), visiting Stellenbosch should still feature on your travel to-do list. Wine farms boast award-winning wines and surroundings that are just as delicious. Explore picturesque valleys and soaring mountains that loom over the region’s precious vineyards. Any nature-loving, culture-hungry traveller will find a reason to head out and explore.

What to do in Stellenbosch

With markets, museums, nature reserves and more wine estates than you could possibly imagine, visitors should definitely come to Stellenbosch with some extra time on their hands.

Where to stay in Stellenbosch

Where to eat in Stellenbosch

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