Stellenbosch, one of the oldest towns in the Western Province, is synonym with wine and harmony. Host to numerous picturesque wine farms, Stellenbosch oozes old world charm, style, history and exquisite culinary experiences.

WHAT TO DO IN STELLENBOSCH

Wine tasting and more wine tasting is what a stay in Stellenbosch will gently force you to do. Get a proper map from Tourist Information and set out on a trip between the blue mountains and green vineyards, for an experience of a life time.

Spier is the most commercialised wine farm, in the area, with their own conference facilities, spa, performing arts festivals, walking trails, horse riding and obviously wine tasting and buying.

A more romantic and tranquil setting is at Delheim where wine tasting is inside a cellar. The ambience here can’t be beaten. The green vineyards against the slate blue mountains create an everlasting picture in your mind.

At Simonsig you can do a cellar tour and experience the wine making and bottling process. Their vineyards are very interesting. In front of every section is a rose bush. It looks very pretty but they don’t plant it for the visual effect. They check the rose buses for diseases. If the rose bush is infected it means that section of the vineyard is infected and needs to be treated. Apparently it is easier to spot a disease on the rose bush than on the actual vine. The farm has been in the Malan family since 1688 when the first Malan, a French Huguenot, came to the Cape.

Morgenhof has very nice Port wines and a very tranquil atmosphere. It is not as busy as Spier and Delheim and the staff’s undivided attention during the wine tasting process makes it a very insightful experience.

For the lovers of sparkling wines there is the J C Le Roux cellar where their Cap Classique versions can be tasted. The Cap Classique process is exactly the same as for champagne.

Once tired of all the wine, you can take a stroll through the lovely town and admire the architecture. A lot of the Cape Dutch Style is still present. The University of Stellenbosch has a peaceful atmosphere, not always associated with a university, and magnificent old buildings.

WHERE TO STAY IN STELLENBOSCH

Bellevue Manor Guest House has luxury accommodation, on a working wine farm, for a more intimate experience of the daily activities of a wine farm. The old manor house is built in the Cape Dutch style.

Spier has a four star hotel on the banks of the Eerste River with panoramic views of the mountains and vineyards.

Stumble Inn Backpackers Lodge is in the centre of town close to the shops, restaurants, pubs and nightlife.

WHERE TO EAT IN STELLENBOSCH

Die Volkskombuis (translation from Afrikaans would be “The People’s Kitchen”) serves traditional Cape cuisine combined with award- winning wines.

The Garden Restaurant at Delheim specialises in lunch under big umbrellas with unspoiled views of the mountains and gardens. Salads are innovative, fresh and meticulous attention is paid to detail to create a food artwork. You feel a bit scared, at first, to upset the beauty but once you’ve tucked in, those thoughts are far gone.

Outside Stellenbosch on the Helshoogte Pass on the way to Franschhoek is Hillcrest Berry Orchard. Another culinary experience awaits that makes the drive more than worth it. The deli offers a variety of in season berries, jams, health breads and a wonderful selection of gifts to take home. The restaurant and tea garden has one of the best views of the valley. The atmosphere is relaxed and the food uncontested. Light meals from traditional Cape Bobotie to savoury Croissants make the choice impossible. Cheese cakes and muffins with berry jams and toppings will destroy any dieter’s good intentions.

Take a step back into South Africa’s history, try some of the best wines in the world and enjoy the visual feast of mountains and miles of green vineyards.