About Stellenbosch

The town of Stellenbosch lies in the green and fertile fertile valley of the Eerste ("first") River and is the heart of the South African Winelands - and starting point of the Stellenbosch Wine Route. It is the second oldest town in South Africa after Cape Town and was founded by Governor Simon van der Stel in 1679, who named it after himself.

Stellenbosch has become known as 'the town of oaks'. These trees being abundant. Some of the oaks have been proclaimed national monuments. When Governor Simon van der Stel first visited the area in November 1679 he was much taken by its beauty. The name Stellenbosch ('Van der Stel's bush') was given to the site of the governor's camp, and by the following year the first settlers had arrived from Cape Town. There was ample water from the river and the streets were lined with furrows, which brought the water to every house. Oak trees were planted and houses built of locally available material, with thick walls, doors and windows made of local woods such as yellow-wood and stinkwood, and roofing of black thatch. The houses were finished with white-lime wash. The handmade furniture of these early settlers has become much sought after by collectors.

One cannot help but stand in awe of the magnificent countryside surrounding the town of Stellenbosch. Nestled in one of the world's most beautiful valleys, it is overlooked by the forested heights of Papegaaiberg (Parrot Mountain). A drive around Stellenbosch offers some of the best views of South Africa's stunning Winelands. Situated about 40km from Cape Town, 10 km from the coast with an elevation of 300m above sea level, the Stellenbosch area includes various meso-climates, aspects, elevations and soil types. To many this intensely farmed district is the wine capital of South Africa.

Key contributors to the quality of the wines are the cooler mountain slopes, varied soil types and it also has the advantage of frontage onto False Bay. The prevailing south-easterly wind, known as The Cape Doctor works its magic here keeping vines cool and helping to control diseases by reducing the relative humidity. Almost all classic varietals are represented here with Cabernet Sauvignon being the most widely planted varietal in the area.

The town itself is just as charming as its setting with furrows and oak trees, some dating from the 19th century, lining the streets. Thick-walled, limewashed buildings with thatched roofs and timberwork of stinkwood and yellowwood, dating from the same era, have been wonderfully preserved. Dorp Street, the main road through town, has the longest row of historic buildings in the country and Die Braak, the village green was once used for military parades and festivals, and is still marked by old churches and momuments.

The Village Museum in Reyneveld Street is a collection of historic houses dating from a number of eras, meticulously restored and furnished in period style, the gardens are planted with the flowers, shrubs and trees that would have graced the original homes.

• The Schreuderhuis is the oldest resorted townhouse in South Africa
• No. 18 Ryneveld Street serves as the entrance to this collection of restored buildings.

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Cape Winelanda Accommodation

Experience The Beauty Of The Stellenbosch Winelands

Stellenbosch is home to the oldest and most acclaimed wineland regions in South Africa. Conveniently located 40km east of Cape Town it is the perfect destination for a day trip, a weekend break or a holiday getaway.

A Brief History
In the Seventeenth Century Simon van der Stel, the second governor of the Cape of Good Hope, set out to explore the uncharted land in the peninsula. On 6 November 1679 he happened across a river running through a magnificent valley. He named the river Eerste Rivier and the area surrounding it Van der Stel Bosch. Families began to settle there not long after the area was discovered due to the rich and fertile nature of the soil. This small settlement later became known as Stellenbosch, and is the second oldest city in South Africa. Many years later in 1971 Stellenbosch became home to the first official South African Wine Route.

Stellenbosch Today
Stellenbosch, affectionately known as "Eikestad" (town of oaks), is the second oldest town in South Africa and boasts a reputation as a melting pot of culture, history and of course... wine. Apart from being a rich agricultural area Stellenbosch is also home to South Africas second oldest university. The University of Stellenbosch was founded in 1866 and is now educating approximately 22,000 students a year.

What to See and Do
Whether you are planning a short or long stay in Stellenbosch there is plenty to keep you occupied. The main tourist attractions in the area are the wine farms but you don't have to be a wine connoisseur to enjoy yourself in this novel town. The mountainous escarpment lends itself to magnificent nature walks, hikes and downhill mountain biking.

There is an abundance of scenic venues for picnicking, hot air ballooning, horse riding and watching the sun set, preferably with an award winning pinotage in hand.

The town itself is a bustling hive of activity with it's many museums, restaurants, pubs and rustic gift shops (such as the renowned "Oom Samie se winkel" (directly translated "Uncle Sam's Shop"), a traditional trading store with unique gifts from past era's).

One of Stellenboschs' most charming offerings is strawberry picking where for a set fee you can spend the day picking the freshest, most succulent strawberries the Western Cape has to offer. The Stellenbosch health hydro is also one of the town's main attractions and comes highly recommended by its guests.

Wine Routes
Stellenbosch has earned international acclaim as being one of the best wine producing districts in the world. Wines produced in this area are exported all over the world and can be bought online by international wine connoisseurs. The Stellenbosch Winelands is home to a multitude of estates and spending some time exploring the wine routes will afford you the opportunity to sample a bit of each one.

The Wine Route comprises 23 private cellars and 5 co-operative wineries, which produce between them a large variety of red and white wines. Set in the spectacular scenery that the mountains, rivers and vineyards paint, spending time on any of these wine farms is a pleasure.

Wine Estates
The farms are so exquisite that many couples hold their weddings on the wine estates themselves and as most are equipped with full restaurant and conference facilities this is the perfect location for such a special day. There are many prearranged day tours that take visitors to a limited number of estates for wine tasting, exploring and lunch. If you prefer to drive the route yourself you have the opportunity to stop at any estate that tickles your fancy.

The wine estates are impressive expanses of vineyards, Cape Dutch style farm houses and overwhelming beauty. Some estates are larger and offer more activities than others but they are all unique and worth visiting. Spier wine estate is a great example of one of the bigger estates housing its own open air theatre, accommodation, picnicking venues and many popular restaurants. Spier is also home to the Cheetah Outreach Programme which set out to introduce the cheetah to the South African community as well as to increase awareness of the diminishing numbers of cheetahs and to raise funds in order to enhance their efforts.

A visit to the cheetahs is a must especially for the little ones. This wine estate is also home to the Spier golf club, an internationally acclaimed championship golf course, this estate is a must for all golfing enthusiasts. Another one of the bigger estates definitely worth the visit is Fairview, not only can you sample South Africa's fine wines in a glorious setting but you can sample their award winning cheeses!

Other estates definitely worth a visit are Delheim, Morganhof, Rus & Vrede, Boschendal and Lanzarac to name a few. Most of the wine estates offer their own accommodation and there are many guest houses, lodges and hotels in the town itself.

Experience it for Yourself
Whether you are a wine enthusiast, a keen explorer or in need of a well earned break Stellenbosch's quaint charm will have you feeling at home in no time.

The Stellenbosch winelands, the vibrant town life and the picturesque scenery are what have earned the regions its local and international praise. Why not experience it for yourself?

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Greater Stellenbosch 2010 Project: Stellenbosch World Cup 2010 Preparations

The picturesque town of Stellenbosch in the Western Cape is set to be a popular attraction during the 2010 World Cup, hosted by South Africa next year. The University of Stellenbosch and local council are making big preparations for the world's most popular sports tournament. These preparations are in place to accommodate tourists and soccer fans, and also visiting teams, who are expected to spend time in the scenic university town during the games.

The Greater Stellenbosch 2010 project is helping the town to reach its true potential - as a world-class tourism destination and first-rate collection of sporting facilities. Local businesses, together with the town council, intend to create a home away from home for foreign visitors and sports people.

Find out more about Stellenbosch, South Africa, or read on to discover more about accommodation and activities on offer in Stellenbosch.

Accommodation in Stellenbosch
Accommodation is already available in Stellenbosch, in the form of quaint and cosy guest houses, which provide a welcoming feel for visitors to the Helderberg area. These guesthouses are graded by local authorities, thus ensuring that they are of a high standard, and offer all the amenities that guests would need for a comfortable stay. Different catering options, such as self-catering or full service, are available. These guest houses provide a relaxed and friendly atmosphere for visitors to the area.

Other types of accommodation include home-stays and university residence accommodation. Home-stays are a unique type of accommodation, and make for an unforgettable cultural experience. Home-stays are offered in the Dwars River Valley and Kayamandi, and provide a comfortable room in a family home. This is a true African experience, as well as an economical accommodation option. The University residences in the area will be able to accommodate 3,000 guests in affordable and basic accommodation. In total, Stellenbosch will be able to accommodate up to 6,000 people during the games.

Media facilities in Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch aims to host at least one World Cup team during the World Cup tournament. Local businesses, the municipality and the University of Stellenbosch are creating partnerships to create an exciting experience for all visitors to Stellenbosch during the tournament.

Training facilities in Stellenbosch
The university is enjoying an increased interest in its local soccer teams, whose successes are continually improving. A project is underway to build soccer fields on the northern fields of the university.

There are many first-rate sporting and training facilities available in Stellenbosch. One of the most successful rugby clubs in the country makes Stellenbosch its home. A programme of events is planned for the months leading up to the tournament, and training camps will be held for visiting teams before, during and after the World Cup. The university offers teams many excellent training grounds and facilities, such as the Danie Craven and Coetzenburg stadiums. These stadiums also offer sport support facilities, services and expertise.

The Coetzenburg Stadium is an excellent practice venue for visiting teams, as it has top facilities that are used by international teams when playing matches in the province. The indoor and outdoor sports facilities at the stadium include a gymnasium, recovery centre, sports-medicine unit and the Stellenbosch University Sports Performance Institute (SUSPI). The institute provides world-class athletes with training and support that is crucial to international sporting tournaments.

Top attractions in Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is renowned for its wine and culinary offerings, which are some of the best in the country. The influx of visitors to the town during the World Cup tournament is expected to provide a significant boost for the local economy: It's not just its sporting and accommodation facilities that are expected to put Stellenbosch on the map, but also its fine wines - produced in the region - and its magnificent vineyards and wine farms.

Stellenbosch is a mere 40-minute drive from the City of Cape Town, yet is set amongst spectacular countryside scenery. The town will provide a break from the bustling inner city, and a place where visitors can relax amongst history and beautiful surrounds.

Stellenbosch 2010: World-class facilities for a world-class event
Stellenbosch offers visitors a unique South African experience, including world-class training facilities and top-class accommodation. Through the partnerships of the municipality, local businesses and university, Stellenbosch is set to become a major destination during the World Cup 2010.

Secure your World Cup 2010 accommodation in Stellenbosch and enjoy the many facilities and activities the town offers to local and international visitors.

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Stellenbosch Accommodation