Since the founding of Stellenbosch in 1697, it has become synonymous with table wines of high quality. The cellars of the Stellenbosch Wine Route are situated along the four main roads leading to / from Stellenbosch. Each cellar entrance is clearly signposted –be on the lookout for the official Wine Route logo. Most of the cellars offer cellar tours, as well as lunches in their shaded gardens or restaurants together with a bottle of wine of your choice.

Founded in 1679, Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa (after Cape Town), renowned for it’s historical buildings in the Cape Dutch Style, it’s university and wines. Also known as the ‘Eikestad’ (town of oaks) because of it’s many oak trees, Stellenbosch lies in a fertile valley, surrounded by majestic blue mountains, vineyards and orchards. Stellenbosch is home to one of South Africa’s foremost universities – the University of Stellenbosch – a leading educational institution which over the years has produced six prime minister and various Springbok rugby captains.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Cape Town 48 km, Gordon’s Bay 29 km, Paarl 32 km, Franschhoek 35 km, Strand 25 km, Somerset West 20 km

Altitude: 115 m above sea level

Average Temperatures

Summer 15°c – 35°c; winter 1°c – 18°c

Rainfall: 600 mm per year

Rain Moths: May to September

Mountains

Stellenbosch Mountain (1175 m), Helderberg, Simonsberg (1390 m), Twin Peaks (1494 m)

Rivers

Eerste River

Banks

Absa, Nedbank, FNB, Standard, Saambou, Boland, SA Perm

HISTORICAL VIEW

Probably the best way to explore Stellenbosch and it’s historical attractions is to do so on foot. A comprehensive guide tour of Stellenbosch is conducted daily.

Burgerhuis Museum

A classic H-shaped Cape Dutch homestead and today the Head Office of the Historical Homes of South Africa.

D’Ouwe Werf

Built on the foundation of the first church in town (1687), this is possibly the oldest tavern in town – today an elegant hotel.

Die Braak

The original village green, formerly used as parade ground for the local militia and festivals. Various historical buildings surround the Braak, including the Kruithuis, Burgerhuis and St Mary’s on the Braak.

Libertas Parva

Rembrandt van Rijn Art Museum

Morkel House

One of the few buildings to appear on the 17th century town plan which is still standing today.

Old Lutheran Church

Built in 1854. Home to the Art Gallery of the Stellenbosch University

Rhenish Church

Built in 1823 as a school for slaves and today housing the PJ Oliver Art Centre. It’s pulpit is one of the most beautiful in the country.

Rhenish Complex

One of the finest restoration projects undertaken in South Africa. Houses a toy and miniature museum.

Slave House

Built for freed slaves, this is a good example of a 19th century Stellebosch street

Stellenbosch Gymnasium

Both the Paul Roos Gymnasium, a boy’s school and the Stellenbosch University had their origins in this building.

Stellenryck Wine Museum (Libertas Parva Cellar)

A collection of old wine making tools and furniture

Village Museum

Encompasses approximately 5 000m2 of the oldest part of town. The original houses, dating from several periods of the town’s history, have been beautifully restored and furnished to depict the development of the town.

VOC Kruithuis (Powder Magazine)

Built in 1777 as a weapons store, this is the oldest surviving powder magazine in the country. Today houses a military museum with 17th century cannon, flintlock muskets, VOC memorabilia and items from the Stellenbosch Military Regiments.

NATURE

Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve

Adjoining the Jonkerhoek State Forest and Hottentots-Holland Nature Reserve, this 204 ha reserve conserves a large variety of indigenous fauna and flora, including a number of rare proteas. Animal species include the common duiker, Cape grysbok and small grey mongoose. Birdlife includes the grey-winged francolin, the black eagle and the Cape Sugarbird. There are no accommodation facilities in the reserve. Other attractions include short walking trails, a wild flower garden with labelled plants, and picnic sites with braai facilities. The reserve is open throughout the year.

Jonkershoek Nature Reserve

12 km out of town. World renowned trout hatchery – trout fishing allowed from 15 April to 15 September. Hikers and mountain bikers are also catered for. There is a scenic mountain drive of approximately 12 km.

Wiesenhof Game Park

12 km north of Stellenbosch on the R44. Free ranging game, including cheetah, and indigenous flora in a spectacular setting. Self catering bungalow, picnic sites, boatrides and swimming pools. Best game viewing during feeding time – 11:00. Open daily (except Mondays) from 09:30 – 18:00.

ATTRACTIONS

Annual Events

Food and Wine Festival – Last week of October

Music Festival – September

Simon van der Stel Festival – Saturday nearest 14 October

Stellenbosch Festival – September

Bergkelder

Tunnelled into the southern slopes of the Papegaaiberg, this cellar is renowned for it’s magnificent vats carved in 1968. Wines are sold at the Vinotaque.

Brandy Route

Bird Watching Tours

David Peplar local ornithologist (group max. eight).

Oom Samie se Winkel

A typical village shop renowned for it’s merchandise ranging from homemade preserves ro collectable.

Ostrich Farm Heen & Weer

Ostrich farm in the heart of the Winelands. Guided tours, ostrich meat tastings and sales, leather goods, restaurant and curio shop.

Sasol Art Museum

The University of Stellenbosch’s permanent art collection.

Stellenbosch Wine Route

Tour Guides & Operators

University of Stellenbosch

Bookings essential for groups, conducted tours and lectures.

ACTIVITIES

Angling

Most farm dams are well stocked with tilapia, black bass and trout.

Aviation / Parachuting

Hiking

Banhoek Day Walk

11 km / 1 day circular route, average grading

Eerste River Trail

This scenic treelined trail follows the Eerste River from De Volkskombuis Restaurant to the Lanzerac Hotel.

Helderberg Farm Hiking Trail

Situated just outside Somerset West on the R44, with beautiful views of the False Bay, Stellenbosch and the Cape Peninsula. Free entry to farm animals and playground. Routes vary from a 1,8 km, 50 minute walk to an 11 km route. Granny’s Forest offers easy walks for people of all ages. An overnight hut provides accommodation.

Jonkershoek Nature Reserve Trails

The reserve offers a number of trails. The Panorama Day Walk is a 17 km / 1 day circular route, offering beautiful views. The Swartboskloof Day Walk is the longest at 19 km / 1 day, campsite. The Swartboskloof – Sodydkloof Route offers a 5,3 km and 6,9 km circular routes – easy walks with a waterfall in winter and relic forest patches. The Second Waterfall Route is 6,4 km in length (in and back). It is a fairly easy walk offering beautiful views.

The Trail Day Walk

Various options ranging from 7 km to 24 km, circular route, average grading, overnight facilities.

The Vineyard Hiking Trail

(12 km, 16 km or 24 km) starts at the Oude Libertas Amphitheatre and passes the cementery en route to the crest of Papegaaiberg after which it meanders through the vineyards of several well known farms, permits available from the Stellenbosch Tourism & Information Bureau.

Horse Trails

Hot Air Ballooning

Winelands Ballooning offers hot air balloon flights over the beautiful Berg River Valley and Paarl. November to April only.

Mountain Biking / Cycling

Cycle around town and in the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. Cycles can be hired through the Stellenbosch Tourism & Information Bureau.

Helderberg Farm Trail

Various short trails totaling 11 km, moderate grading

Jonkershoek Valley Mountain Bike Trail

Various options, plantation roads, easy to moderate grading.