Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa. Identified as a viable agricultural area because of the fertile soil and amenable climate, it was soon the premier wine producing region in the country.
Stellenbosch’s vineyards makes up over 18% of the total amount of land under vines in South Africa, approximately 100,200 hectares The most planted variety in 2005 was Sauvignon Blanc, followed by Chardonnay. The most uprooted variety in the same year was Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinotage. Stellenbosch producers carry the honour of winning the most wine awards per capita / wine than any other region in the country.
The Cellars and Cooperatives of Stellenbosch are well worth visiting, not only for their great wines, but for their ambience and the charming settings. Many of the wine routes are home to original Cape Dutch Architecture.
Among the most prominent wine farms are :
Delheim
021 888 4600
Weekday 09h00 – 17h00
Saturday 10h00 – 16h00
A long standing stalwart of the wine route, is situated on the slopes of the Simonsberg. With good food, alfresco eating and memorable vistas across to Table Mountain and the coast, Delheims tasting room is a place for lingering
Morgenhof
021 889 5510
Weekday 09h00 – 16h30
Weekend 10h00 – 15h00
Morgenhof dates back to 1692. French owned by the Huchon family who also own Gosset Champagnes. New vineyards, barrel maturation for whites and underground octagonal barrel cellar for reds all add up to an estate dedicated to quality. Morgenhof are known for serving excellent lunches throughout the year.
Thelema
021 885 1924
Weekday 09h00 – 17h00
Saturday 09h00 – 13h00
Thelema produces some of the finest wines in the country. The wine estate is well worth a visit, if its only for its views ! Be warned the wines are so popular and so sort after they are rarely in stock.
Muratie
021 865 2330
Weekday 09h00 – 17h00
Weekend 10h00 – 16h00
Muratie is a fine Cape Dutch Homestead, one of the regions oldest which was established in 1685. Muratie is particularly noted for its fine ports and red wines. Cellar tours can be conducted but you need to phone ahead and book them.
Blaauklippen
021 880 0133
Weekday 09h00 – 17h00
Saturday 09h00 – 16h30
Sunday 09h00 – 15h30
Blaauklippen consists of a classic H Shaped Cape Dutch mansion with beautifully decorated gables. Blaauklippen is a working all purpose farm. Among the attractions is a museum of coaches, carriage, vintage and veteran vehicles. During the Summer Months be sure to enjoy their horse drawn coach tour of the vineyards and their delicious ‘Coachman’s Lunch’
Spier
021 8091100
Every Day 10h00 – 16h30
Spier has been renovated and generally upgraded to become one of the Cape’s leading wine estates, and should definitely be included on everyone’s tour of Stellenbosch. At Spier you can do everything from meeting a Cheetah, Wine Tasting as well as a Birds of Prey Centre. Spier is home to the Moyo Restaurant, an African themed dining experience, where booking is absolutely essential. There is also several other restaurants including Jonkershusi which serves traditional South African Cuisine. The Deli is open daily and a popular attraction is to buy a ‘ picnic’ and enjoy the day relaxing around the Spier Dam
