The town of Stellenbosch is situated about 50 km from Cape Town in The Western Cape Province of South Africa. Stellenbosch is undeniably one of the most beautiful towns in South Africa, with a varied style of architecture set in oak-lined streets. You will find old Cape Dutch cottages with thatched roofs, fabulous Victorian houses, and elaborate Victorian homes.
Stellenbosch, set on the banks of the Eerste River in a beautifully sheltered valley surrounded by the mountain ranges of Jonkershoek and Great Drakenstein in the Cape Province of South Africa, is the capital of the Cape Winelands. Visitors flock to the area to sample the wonderful wines produced by the more than 200 estates in the area that offer tours and wine tasting.
The town of Stellenbosch was founded in the second half of the 17th Century by Simon Van Der Stel, the governor of the Cape Colony. He had first seen the area when sent by Jan Van Riebeek inland on an exploratory expedition. He named the Eerste River ( First River) because it was the first river he came upon during his journey.
After the first settlers arrived in the area and, in particular, the French Huguenots, they soon realized that the location and the climate would be ideal for growing grapes and producing wine.
Today Stellenbosch is part of the greater Cape Town Metropolitan area. Aside from the many wine estates, Stellenbosch is well known as a University town and is home to Stellenbosch University.
Sports play a huge part in life in Stellenbosch. It has always been a center of a variety of sports, particularly Rugby, as it is home to one of the largest and oldest Rugby clubs in the world. There are also facilities for many other sports, including Soccer. In addition, Stellenbosch hosted the ICC Women’s world cup qualifier in Cricket, which the South African Women’s Cricket team won.
Accommodation is plentiful with a choice of Guest Houses, Boutique Hotels, and luxury cottages to stay at while you explore the beautiful scenery and surrounding Winelands of Stellenbosch in South Africa.
