Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch is the heart of South Africa's wine industry

A place of great beauty and culture that is steeped in South African tradition. The ideal base from which to explore the Winelands.

The Stellenbosch Wine Route is arguably the country's most famous, and the Stellenbosch Wine of Origin area includes over 300 members of which more than a 100 are open to the public, every one with its own unique style and character. Enjoy a long luscious day's wine tasting, wine talk and wine buying and you'll sip more than our great South African wines - you'll taste our South African way of life. The cellars of the Stellenbosch Wine Route are up to 300 years old, making it the oldest, most established in the country.

The town is also home to the world famous University of Stellenbosch - Maties - and has a rich heritage reflected in its Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian architecture. Stellenbosch offers almost every outdoor activity you could desire - from world-class sporting facilities (rugby, cricket and soccer are national passions) two popular mountain bike routes and six truly great golf courses.

Several hiking trails within the Jonkershoek and Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve offers hiking, fly-fishing, picnic spots and accommodation. Visit Granny's Forest at Helderberg Farm for easy walking - they also offer various other trails and an overnight hut.

As an important cultural centre, Stellenbosch has many galleries and museums housing important national and international art collections. The Stellenbosch Conservatoire is also the country's oldest music school.

Strawberry cultivation and farming in Stellenbosch has an interesting history. Up to date it is probably, second to wine, the largest export product from Stellenbosch. The town's first Strawberry Festival takes place in October with craft markets focusing on strawberries, restaurants offering strawberry dishes and much more.