Though there are countless points of interest in the Western Cape, the Winelands are among the biggest. And if discussing the Winelands, it’s impossible not to involve Stellenbosch, writes Joshua Kearney.
Vineyards in Stellenbosch/Wikimedia Commons
The Main Export
Panorama of Simonsberg, Stellenbosch/Wikimedia Commons
Panoramic view of Stellenbosch/Wikimedia Commons
Stellenbosch famously represents 14% of South Africa’s winemaking industry. Naturally, this makes its wineries its most obvious feature. But how do you go about exploring them?
Vine Hopper, fittingly, presents three hop-on-hop-off tours to see what’s on offer. Between safety and expediency, their routes are an excellent way to experience the wines of the region.
The Northern Route operates on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The Southern Route operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Lastly, the Eastern Route operates from Monday to Friday.
Beyond the Wine
Oom Sammie se Winkel, Stellenbosch/Wikimedia Commons
Hofmeyr Hall, Stellenbosch/Wikimedia Commons
Eerste River after heavy rainfall, Stellenbosch/Wikimedia Commons
There is, of course, more to the town than its wine. There are hundreds of kilometres of landscape to hike, and countless trails to follow. From Tweede Kruis to Simonsberg Nature Preserve, there’s plenty of space to explore.
If you’re less interested in nature than the town itself, you can find the Rupert Art Museum a short walk from Stellenbosch Station. Oude Libertas amphitheatre is not much further away, too, though it is across the railway tracks.
Eikestad Mall, found near the town centre, is another attraction for those who are more avid shoppers. Perhaps follow up by visiting one of the many restaurants for a fine meal at a good price – Hudsons for a burger, Gino’s for Italian, and if you’re still wining then you can dine as well at Glenelly Estate’s Vine Bistro.
Upcoming Events
Stellenbosch University/Wikimedia Commons
Theology building, Stellenbosch University/Wikimedia Commons
For those thinking of visiting Stellenbosch this month, you’re in luck: several events are lined up and waiting for you to join.
First up is the next Wednesday Walkabout. Once a month, Stellenbosch University Museum opens its doors for free to any visitors. The next one up falls on the 15th of April, between 13:00 and 14:00. Take advantage of this opportunity to both save money and explore the past.
On the Friday afterwards, Stellenbosch Wine Routes is hosting a celebration of the end of harvest. Join the Oes-Af Sokkiejol on the 17th of April between 18:00 and 23:30 for wine, music, and dancing. If you’re in town and have R200 to spare for a ticket, it may be just how you want to spend your Friday evening.
If that doesn’t interest you, then the Winemaker’s Evening being held by the restaurant Bloom might be more your style. R850 will buy you entrance to the choice menu curated by Boschendal Wine Farm’s Danielle Coetsee and Bloom’s Chef Sebastian. Join them from 20:30 to 22:00 on the 18th for an unforgettable evening.
Tying it Off
Altogether, Stellenbosch is a wonderful town with a lot to offer to its visitors. Whether you come for the wine or for the food, for the history or for the environment, it has something of interest for everybody.
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