Stellenbosch Wine Route

A tour of the famous wine route through the vineyards of Stellenbosch is, without question, one of the most pleasurable things to do on your holiday to the Cape. History and scenery, stories and wine combine to form a fantasy journey into the past. Intrigue, romance and award-winning vintages mingle in a rich tapestry that will linger in your memory long after you leave the emerald valley.

What is "The Wine Route"?
There are several 'official' wine routes in Stellenbosch and many unofficial ones too. You could even try exploring the area on your own but it is highly recommended that you try at least one of the 'official' routes first since they are designed to give you a good understanding of the area which will make it easier for you to find your way around by yourself.

The other advantage of a guided tour is that you will be driven to all the farms and then back to town again so you can taste as much wine as you like without having to worry about getting a little tipsy. Driving drunk is never a clever idea and nobody wants to be left out of tasting the glorious wine just because they have to drive!

Each route will take you to a different set of farms where you will get to taste their wine and get a brief history of the place. Most of the farms in Stellenbosch have very interesting histories and plenty of humorous anecdotes which will have you smiling (or laughing out loud) into your wine glass!

So Many Choices!
Before you choose a tour operator, it's a good idea to decide what you want to get out of the experience. Do you want to do as much as possible because you have limited time, alternatively, do you want to relax and have plenty of time to explore each farm without being rushed back into a crowded bus?

Different operators offer different selections of activities and "busyness" levels. All good operators will be happy to give you information on exactly what their tours include and most of them have websites with all the information you need. Some tour operators cater specifically for large groups while others offer flexible, individual tours.

Good Advice
A good way to find the perfect tour for you is to ask someone who knows the area and is familiar with the tourism industry. A great place to find a person who can give great advice is to ask the staff or management of the guesthouse or B&B where you are staying. A good guesthouse will have friendly, knowledgeable staff who will be only too happy to help. The other advantage of asking for advice is that you can tell the person exactly what you need instead of reading through a whole lot of websites and pamphlets that turn out to be unsuitable after all.

With a bit of good advice and a clear idea of what you want, your trip to the magnificent wine lands of Stellenbosch will be an adventure to remember.

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Guest Houses in Stellenbosch South Africa

Guest houses in Stellenbosch South Africa are found all over the country and very popular among overseas and local tourists alike. A good guest house is like a small hotel, there are usually no more than ten to twelve bedrooms. They are graded from a 2–5 star grading. The owners or the management of the guest house do not normally reside on the premises. In a bed & breakfast establishment, the owners live on the premises.

You will find a variety of guest houses in Stellenbosch and around South Africa. A vast majority of visitors and business people prefer to stay at a guest house or at a bed & breakfast. This is due to the personal service and attention they receive. The owners and staff are there to welcome the guests and see to their every need. The owners are usually very involved in the day to day running of their establishment. In the lounge area of a guest house there should be informative books on South Africa. At the reception area you would find brochures on the day tours that Stellenbosch has to offer. This popular Western Cape town has long, hot summer days so many of the guest houses have a pool for you to swim and cool down in. In many of the guest houses you would find an “honesty bar” system where you would write down what drinks you have taken from the bar.

In the town of Stellenbosch, Western Cape, there are approximately 40 guest houses. Some of them are situated on a wine farm or in the historical town. The price for the accommodation would normally include a breakfast. A few of them provide dinner, with prior arrangement having been made. Some establishments have a restaurant on the premises, especially those which are situated on a wine farm.

The Western Cape and winelands is very well known for the celebrity weddings that take place here. With the majestic Stellenbosch mountains and the vineyards as a backdrop, it is so popular to “tie the knot” on a wine farm. Bridal couples from all over South Africa and the world get married in the Cape winelands. Some of the famous wine farms like Neethlingshof, Asara, Clouds End, Blaawklippen, Zevenwacht and Zorgvliet all offer a magnificent wedding venue. Most of the established guest houses in Stellenbosch South Africa will often host a bride and her entourage before the wedding.

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Bonne Esperance - Stellenbosh Accommodation

Stellenbosch Art Gallery - Rich Heritage

The Stellenbosch Art Gallery is situated at 34 Ryneveld Street, in Stellenbosch. A street that has been drenched in history, from the start of this town’s existence. Located near the Stellenbosch University, this gallery is at the heart of local activity.

As with most galleries in this modern day and age, the Stellenbosch Art Gallery also uses their website as a medium to display their fine artwork to local and international buyers. With a vast range of artist and style of works, there is guaranteed to be a piece for every discerning art collector. The Stellenbosch Gallery has an inspiring range featuring ceramics, glassware, paintings and sculpture.

Visitors can view colorful, inspiring pieces by Kenneth Baker (1921 – 1995), as well as works by Hennie Nieman, Conrad Theys, H de Clercq, Robert Slingsby, and many others. And in the masters' collection, there are paintings by the likes of Gregoire Boonzaier and Piet Kannemeyer. The Stellenbosch Art Gallery also exhibits an extraordinary range of wildlife works, bringing to life the spirit of Africa.

In the graphics section, the work of Pieter van der Westhuizen and William Kentridge will open your mind to an entire new world of art, and the selection of glass creations are a visual feast of tantalizing color and form.

Also available from the Stellenbosch Art Gallery, are a variety of art books, written by authors such as F.P. Scott, Marion Arnold, Andre Brink, and others. The books vary in topics and have autobiographies available, for example, the autobiography of Gerard Sekoto: My Life and Work. Gerard Sekoto was born in Middleburg, Transvaal, on 9 September 1913. Leaving for Paris in 1947, he became respected in South Africa for his two-dimensional art, but has also built a legacy as an accomplished musician by composing 29 of his own songs. The Stellenbosch Art Gallery recognizes all artists, and strives to accommodate all forms of art.

The Stellenbosch Art Gallery, through their range of books and exhibited work, offers the art lover the opportunity to enter the mind of an artist, and the art in the minds of many talented people.

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Stellenbosch

Town Guide

The second oldest town in South Africa, founded by Simon van der Stel in 1679 and renowned for its Cape Dutch buildings, university and wines, Stellenbosch lies in a fertile valley surrounded by vineyards, orchards and mountains.

It is an academic and farming community and one of the best preserved towns in South Africa. Stellenbosch is affectionately known as "Eikestad" - town of oaks

Stellenbosch is situated in the fertile Jonkershoek river valley and boasts a mild Mediterranean climate with rainy winters and hot summers. The Eerste River that flows through the town, has it origin in the nearby Jonkershoek mountains and flows into the Sea at the Strand in False Bay, 20 kilometers away.

The Stellenbosch mountains form a link in the chain of mountains along the south coast of the Western Cape, to the southern tip of Africa (Agulhas). The Stellenbosch valley was the first to be settled and cultivated by the Dutch as they moved from Cape Town towards the interior.

The areas offers superb scenic views over mountains, vineyards and orhards covered with wild flowers in spring. The magnificent mountains ranges reach heights of 1600 metres, forming a spectacular backdrop to the town.

Stellenbosch is a haven for tourists who have time to walk around and savour the atmosphere of this unique town with oak-lined streets and ater furrows. Open-air restaurants and cosy coffee shops line the shady streets and secluded lanes, inviting people to linger and observe the everyday activities of this bustling village.

Of the towns founded in the Cape during the period of control by the Dutch East India Company, Stellenbosch is the best preserved. This becomes apparent when walking along Dorp Street, a national monument, which has one of the longest rows of surviving old buildings in South Africa. Dorp Street is a gracious blend of Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian architecture.

Many of these historic buildings currently house art galleries, restaurants, shops, guest houses and hotels. Talented artists and craftmen find inspiration in this stimulating yet serene environment.

The University of Stellenbosch is an intergral part of the history and atmosphere of the town. As the Second oldest university in South Africa it is dedicated to preseving its heritage, while at the same time preparing the leaders of the future.

Coetzenburg, the university sports grounds, has nurtured some of South Africa's top athletes and sportsmen and women as well as being the scenic venue for many other events such as the Pavarotti concert and music festivals.

Annual Events that take place are: Athletics meetings at Coetzenburg (February and March); University Rag (February); Stellenbosch Festival - street and music festival (September and October); Simon van der Stel Festival (October) and the Food and Wine Festival (October). Thousands of vistors flock to the village to join in the festivities with the locals!

The viticulture centre of Southern Africa, Stellenbosh boasts the oldest Wine Route in the country, established in 1971.

For a wider appreciation of the area enjoy spectacular views whilst traversing the four passes which make up the fruit route. Starting with the Helshoogte Pass to the Berg river valley, over the Franschoek Pass to the upper Riviersonderend valley, then over the Viljoenspass to Elgin and finally back to Stellenbosch down the Sir Lowry's Pass.

Stellenbosch with its beautiful art galleries and interesting shops is also part of the Western Cape Arts and Crafts Route.

Stellenbosch Tourism Information is situated at 36 Market Street.

Avis Stellenbosch service the surrounding farming community with their short term and long term van rental, bakkie hire and 4x4 rental requirements.

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Bonne Esperance - Stellenbosh Accommodation

Stunning Stellenbosch And Its Wine Farm Accommodation

Stellenbosch which is situated near Cape Town at a distance of about 45 minute drive, is one of the most famous wine regions in South Africa. Hotels and accommodations on the fertile lands of the wine farms make it even easier for the traveler to explore this scenic beauty.

Officially declared as a wine route for the first time in 1971, this region houses a variety of cellars that produce some of the country's most acclaimed wines. The University town of Stellenbosch with oak-lined streets has numerous museums and galleries apart from cafes, bars and restaurants. Most of the wine farms offer a wide range of accommodation

like cottages, self catering accommodation, luxurious single, double or family rooms, suites, bed and breakfast type rooms etc. The other facilities that you can expect at these hotels and accommodations are wine cellar, Jacuzzi, air-conditioners, secure parking and guest transportation. Food at these hotels and accommodations can be enjoyed at outside dining facilities, dining rooms, meal sections or even a Sundeck or a Private Deck for those who would not mind spending a little more on luxury.

Some tips that could help you during your vacation on the wine farms are outlined below

Seek route guides and maps that are freely available at the hotels and accommodation on the wine farms. Try and familiarize with the routes on the map to save time while exploring.

Confirm the days available for sight seeing as some of the wine farms which are normally open Monday through Saturday may be closed on weekends

If you are planning to visit more than one wine farm, it would be prudent to stay a night or two at each wine farm accommodation or hotel available. This will not only save you traveling time but will also give you the chance to experiment on local cuisines and culinary delicacies. Some hotels even offer sumptuous Mediterranean style buffet lunch

Another innovative idea particularly if you have kids around or are traveling with other families would be picnic spots that these wine farms are so famous for. Enquire if the hotel or accommodation you are staying in provides picnic lunches. Carrying them will save you the trouble of having to worry where the next meal will come from.

Tasting is allowed at most of the wine farms. In fact you would enjoy them so much, that you could probably get tipsy just tasting so many samples. Remember drinking and driving in South Africa is a heavily fined offence.

The best way to discover the wine farms is by car, as you can stop wherever you wish. The hotel and accommodation on the wine farms would be more than ready to help you with local travel agents.

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Wild Animals Stalk Stellenbosch Streets

Stellenbosch residents may be startled to find a cheetah stalking them as they make their way through town over the next few months. Dylan Lewis, internationally renowned sculptor from Stellenbosch, will be giving art lovers a unique experience by turning the town into an outdoor sculpture gallery. Not only will his life-size sculptures be viewed up close and personal, but in the setting Dylan will allow the animals depicted to claim back the area they once roamed freely.

Twenty-three life-size Dylan Lewis sculptures will be on display in and around the main areas of Stellenbosch, including the historic town centre and the communities of Idas Valley, Jamestown, Tennantville and Kayamandi until April 2009. Among these ‘manifestations’ of wildlife will be 21 big cats, a buffalo pair and one rhino.

Lewis has received much international success, but he would like credit to be shared with the community members who work for him in the foundries where the sculptures are made. His intention is for the families and friends of the workers to see what they have achieved and in turn introduce art as a form of expression and to pave the way towards nature conservation and appreciation.

As Dylan takes his inspiration from the wilderness, this outdoor experience speaks not only to discerning art lovers, but also to people passionate about the environment. Educating today’s young minds and the Stellenbosch community is also important to Dylan.

The sculptures will be marked with a plaque displaying a Cell C cell phone number for callers to phone in order to learn more about the pieces on display. The audio information will be available in English, Afrikaans, Xhosa, German and French. The profits from the calls will be donated by Cell C to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), South Africa. “We are extremely proud to be part of this exhibition and delighted that we can support the conservation and preservation of our environment in this way,” says Simon Camerer, Cell C’s Executive Head: Marketing.

While most art does not lend itself towards tactile enjoyment, Dylan encourages viewers to touch his sculptures to get a deeper understanding of art and an appreciation for the environment that inspires it.

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