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.
Cape Winelanda Accommodation
