Stellenbosch is South Africa’s second oldest town, and was founded in 1679 by Simon van der Stel after whom it was named and honored. Today Stellenbosch is the centre of South Africa’s wine industry and the home of the world famous University of Stellenbosch.
- Marvel at the original Cape Dutch Architecture – Stellenbosch is home to some of the finest examples in South Africa
- The town of Stellenbosch is adorned with Oak Trees, many which are many of hundreds of years old
- Despite its age, Stellenbosch is a vibrant town full of students attending the famous Stellenbosch University
- The Stellenbosch Wine Route is arguably the country’s most famous and is home to 106 cellars, many of which are open to the Public
Close to Cape Town, South Africa, and surrounded by the magnificent mountain scenery of the Jonkershoek valley lies the historic town of Stellenbosch. Stellenbosch, the country's second oldest town, after Cape Town, was founded in 1679, during the period of control of the Dutch East India Company. Situated 111 metres above sea level on the banks of the upper reaches of the Eerste River. Here the river flows out of the mountains and into a shallow, alluvial and fertile valley. Stellenbosch has become known as 'the town of oaks'. These trees being abundant. Some of the oaks have been proclaimed national monuments. When Governor Simon van der Stel first visited the area in November 1679 he was much taken by its beauty. The name Stellenbosch ('Van der Stel's bush') was given to the site of the governor's camp, and by the following year the first settlers had arrived from Cape Town.
There is much to see and do in and around Stellenbosch, and it makes the perfect base from which to explore the Cape Winelands.
History
From its oak lined street, Stellenbosch is steeped in history and is home to some beautiful architecture. Many of the guesthouses and hotels are housed in original buildings. Town planners have been very conscious of maintaining the integrity and historical importance and any redevelopments and new building have been built with an incredible respect for the historic architecture. As such the town is one of the nicest in South Africa
Restaurants
From Terroir Restaurant to Tokara Restaurant – Stellenbosch has some of the finest restaurants in the Country. Many of the wine estates have great restaurants. Be sure to phone ahead and book a table, enabling you to while away the day savoring some of the Cape’s finest wines paired with gourmet food and wine platters.
Shopping
Stellenbosch offers an array of charming shops, boutique shopping centers, jewelers, curio shops and other interesting businesses. Most shops are centrally situated between Merriman Avenue, Bird and Dorp Street. The best way to explore the shops is on foot. On going developments in both Church and Andringa Streets have contributed to a true facelift of this popular tourist area. The shops in these streets offer a wide variety of interesting and tasteful shops, street cafes and restaurants. You will find both African and local curios, art galleries, jewellery designers, interior specialists, bookstores and much more.
Go On – Pamper Yourself in Stellenbosch
Be pampered, or simply just relax in one of the many salons and beauty spas in and around Stellenbosch. You will find a variety of treatments including skincare clinics, beauty salons, wellness centres, reflexology therapists and other health and beauty services. Stellenbosch also has its own hydro at the High Rustenberg Estate.
Wine Estates
Stellenbosch is home to about 120 wine estates. Pinotage, South Africa’s indigenous wine varietal, was ‘ born’ in Stellenbosch. Pinotage was first grafted from Cinsaut ( Hermitage ) and Pinot Noir grapes in 1925 by Professor Abraham Isak Perold, who was a professor at the University of Stellenbosch.
