Stellenbosch

Close to Cape Town and surrounded by the magnificent mountain scenery of the Jonkershoek valley lies this charming and historic University town. 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. Stellenbosch is situated on the banks of the Eerste River, which flows out of the mountains and into a shallow, alluvial and fertile valley perfect for producing wine.

Stellenbosch has become known as 'the town of oaks', these trees being abundant and verdant here. Some of the oaks have even been proclaimed national monuments. When Governor Simon van der Stel first visited the area in November 1679 he was so taken by its beauty that he decided to establish a town here. The name Stellenbosch (literally meaning 'Van der Stel's forest') was given to the site of the Governor's camp, and by the following year the first settlers had arrived from Cape Town.

The soils combined with the well-drained, hilly terrain and Mediterranean climate prove ideal for viticulture. Summers are dry and warm to hot, with some February and March days rising to over 40°C. Winters are cool, rainy and sometimes quite windy, with daytime temperatures averaging 16°C. Snow is usually seen a couple of times in winter on the surrounding mountains. Spring and autumn are shoulder seasons and daytime temperatures hover in the 20°C's.

Read more about Stellenbosch in our blog.