Stellenbosch Wine Region

Stellenbosch is South Africa's second-oldest town, established in 1679 by Simon van der Stel on the banks of the Eerste River. The town is characterised by oak-lined streets, Cape Dutch architecture and a historic centre that has been remarkably well preserved. It is home to Stellenbosch University, founded in 1918 and one of South Africa's foremost academic institutions, where viticulture and oenology departments have contributed significantly to the science of Cape winemaking.

The Stellenbosch Wine Routes, established in 1971 as the first wine route in Africa, covers more than 200 estates across several sub-regions: Stellenbosch itself, Jonkershoek, Simonsberg, Bottelary, Devon Valley and Helderberg. Each sub-region has distinct terroir characteristics influenced by proximity to mountains, ocean breezes and soil types ranging from granite to decomposed sandstone.

Stellenbosch sits approximately 50 km east of Cape Town, accessible via the N2 and R310 (Stellenbosch Arterial) in approximately 45 minutes. The town makes an excellent day trip from Cape Town, combining wine tasting with lunch at an estate restaurant, visits to historic buildings and galleries, and exploration of the town's many streets and squares.

The region excels particularly in Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinotage, Shiraz and old-vine Chenin Blanc. The combination of Mediterranean climate, diverse soils and the moderating influence of False Bay and the Atlantic Ocean creates conditions for wines of genuine complexity and age-worthiness.