Stellenbosch is the second oldest European settlement in the Western Cape Province, South Africa after Cape Town, and is situated about 50 kilometers (30 mi) away along the banks of the Eerste Rivier. The town became known as the City of Oaks or Eikestad in Afrikaans and Dutch due to the large number of oak trees that were planted by the founder to grace the streets and homesteads. South Africa's prime wine region.
Stellenbosch (founded in 1679) is about 50 km east of Cape Town and is the second oldest town in South Africa. It was named (like Simon's Town) after the former Governor Simon van der Stel. The town is situated on the banks of the Eerste River ('First River') and has some fine examples of Cape Dutch architecture. It is also known as 'Eikestad' ('Oak City') because of its oak tree lined streets. Wines from Stellenbosch are known internationally and rank among the best in the world. Stellenbosch is also home to one of the country's oldest established universities with over 25000 students. There is a bustling night life during the university term-time, with many night clubs catering for young people.
WINE
The Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek valleys form the Cape Winelands, the largest of the two main wine growing regions in South Africa. The South African wine industry produces about 1,000,000,000 litres of wine annually. Stellenbosch is the primary location for viticulture and viticulture research. Professor Perold was the first Professor of Viticulture at Stellenbosch University. The Stellenbosch wine route, established in 1971 by Frans Malan from Simonsig, Spatz Sperling from Delheim and Neil Joubert from Spier is a world renowned and popular tourist destination.
The region has a mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and cool wet winters. Stellenbosch lies at the foot of the Cape Fold mountain range, which provides soil favourable to viticulture. Grapes grown in this area are mainly used for wine production, as opposed to table grapes. The region possesses a wide range of soils in the area, from light, sandy soils to decomposed granite. Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon is beginning to get a good reputation as a fine wine.
WHAT TO DO
Easy Rider Tours offers daily guided tours of the wine region that depart from the Backpackers' Hostel at 10:30 and return at 17:00. The tours are R300 and include lunch and wine tasting at four wineries.
Popular things to do in Stellenbosch range from Oom Samie se winkel to the Stellenbosch Museum or Spier Wine estate.
Go Cape Tours offers visitors both Private and Daily Wine Tours. Both tours can be selected as Half or Full day tours. Our experienced wine guides will take you to the less Touristy estates where the atmosphere is generally more intimate and the service more personalised. In addition we also offer Cape Town City, Cape Peninsula and the Garden Route Tours.
HOW TO REACH
By air - Stellenbosch has its own airfield but the nearest international airport is near Cape Town. Cape Town International airport is about 35 minutes away by car and airport shuttle service is available.
By bus - A bus service runs from hostels in Cape Town to Stellenbosch for about R120/pp. The main bus companies also go to Stellenbosch.
By train - MetroRail operates a regular train service to Stellenbosch from Cape Town via Bellville. Check the schedule, as trains do not run very often. It is also advisable to travel in groups and avoid busy travel times in the morning and evening on weekdays. The train station is on Adam Tas Street, on the western edge of town ; it is only a few minutes walk from the station to the city centre.
By Car - Stellenbosch lies approximately 60km from Cape Town. Drive on either the N1 or N2 highway. If on the N1, exit at the R304 towards Stellenbosch. If on the the N2, exit at the R310 (Baden Powell Drive) and follow the signs. The N1 is generally considered to be the safer route, particularly at night.
