Drink
lots of good wine! Have
lunch in Dorp Street Shop
for art and gifts in town Photograph
the Moederkerk Visit
the toy & miniature museum Play
a round of golf Go
hiking at Jonkershoek Visit
the Village Museum
The town of Stellenbosch is synonymous with award-winning
South African wines. This accolade has been well earned
with the region's wine route, formed in 1971,
now boasting over
120 members.
Of the 120 000 hectares under vines in South Africa, nearly
twenty percent are planted in and around this famous historical
town. So no visit will be complete without tasting some of
the superb Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Shiraz,
Pinotage and Chenin Blanc on offer.
Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in the country and
its history is best enjoyed by exploring the town center.
Take a stroll down Dorp Street and you will find some of the
finest examples of Cape Dutch architecture anywhere. Most
of the buildings date back to the 19th century and many have
been given National Monument status.
This charming precinct is also a favourite with students from
the University of Stellenbosch (Maties) - many coffee shops,
restaurants
and
art galleries fill the oak-lined streets and its easy to relax
and soak up the pleasant atmosphere of this modern, bustling
town proud
of its culture and history.
Good food is everywhere in Stellenbosch! You will find an interesting
collection of restaurants and eateries, ranging from upmarket
gourmet establishments to casual bistros and sidewalk cafés
serving light lunches and snacks. If you're hankering for something
different try some of the local fare like 'waterblommetjie-bredie'
(waterlily-stew) or Bobotie, a sweet curry mince dish best
enjoyed with rice and chutney.
Many wine estates also
have excellent restaurants, or offer picnics and vintner's
platters to enjoy in their beautiful gardens. Be sure to check
the wine lists - you'll find them as varied and exciting
as the food and don't be afraid to try something different.
The surrounding mountains offer outdoor enthusiasts
several hiking trails including those in the Jonkershoek
Nature Reserve for fitter walkers, and a few easy walks at Helderberg
Farm. The full-day Vineyard Hiking Trail meanders through
forest plantations, vineyards and olive groves and is a wonderful
way to explore the area.
Other outdoor activities available include
golf at the Stellenbosch Golf and Country Club,
hot air ballooning, mountain biking and fruit picking, to mention
a few. Get detailed
information at the tourist office in town.