1. Very easy to reach from Cape Town – just 30 miles
2. Go on an architectural tour to learn more about Cape Dutch design
3. Have some wine.
4. Learn some Afrikaans – but be careful of the pronunciation
5. Go for a wine and chocolate pairing at Waterford Estate
6. Visit the Village Museum in Ryneveld Street
7. For a true fine dining experience eat at Waterkloof Winery, the winery in the clouds.
8. Learn about the history of wine here, it dates to before Bordeaux
9. If you love wildlife head to the Cheetah Outreach center to learn more about their amazing work
10. Lunch overlooking the vines at Tokara Restaurant
11. Discover the beauty of nature around you at Jonkershoek Nature Preserve
12. Wander around nearby campus to get to know the vibrant university community
13. Get out on the road and drive around the region, discovering small wineries and farms along the way.
14. Breakfast at the amazing Schoon de Companje
15. Soar above the region on a sightseeing flight onboard a 4-seater Cessna
16. Head back to Spier Wine Farm for dinner, one of the best restaurants in the area.
17. Visit nearby Overberg for some stunning views of the ocean
18. Wander around the town of town Stellenbosch and make your own discoveries; it’s a fun place to explore.
19. Don’t forget to look up – Stellenbosch has some simply stunning sunsets
20. Have some more wine.
21. Relax at the Wedgeview Country House & Spa set amongst the vines
22. Make new friends – folks in the area are intensely warm and welcoming.
23. Stop off at ‘Oom Samie se Winkel’ in Dorp Street – the oldest general dealer in South Africa.
24. Walk around the historic downtown one afternoon to learn more about the town’s history
25. For a night on the town stop by the AmaZink Live show Friday nights in Kayamandi Township – you won’t regret it
26. Bike through the vineyards on the Wine Route, stopping off for a sample along the way of course
27. Probably a good time for more wine.
28. Learn how to cook and then gobble down an amazing Cape Malay meal
29. Plan on spending time at Dornier Wine Estate where you can also stay the night in their historic Homestead house.
30. For even more wildlife experiences check out the giraffe or crocodile reserves
31. For something different try the salt and wine pairing at Fleur du Cap Winery
32. Check out the local art museums and galleries in Stellenbosch for a more cultural experience
33. Go on a Bites & Sites food tour of Kayamandi Township to really start to understand the region and her people
34. Majeka House for breakfast. Trust me and yes, it’s that good.
35. Join Warwick Wine Estate for their Big 5 Wine Safari for great wines and amazing views of the surrounding region
36. Spend an afternoon golfing at any one of the area’s great courses
37. Did I mention there’s wine?
38. Take a break from the wine and head to nearby Grotbos where you can see whales and dive with the great white sharks
39. Spend a day mountaineering or mountain biking in the nearby hills
40. Just one night skip the fine dining and grab a Gatsby and a picnic blanket along with your favorite bottle of vino
41. Spend the day at Spier Wine Farm, tasting, eating and even Segway riding
42. Just being there, it truly is one of the most beautiful places in the world.
This campaign was created and sponsored by the Stellenbosch Wine Routes and Destinate in partnership with iambassador. LandLopers retains all editorial control of what is published and as you know, I never shy away from honest commentary.
Thanks for a lovely ode to the winelands not far from my home. You’ve got its mix of food, landscapes, history, culture and adventure just right, but I think you forgot a very important No. 43: have even more wine!
Love the post. I visited Stellenbosch and Franschhoek recently and can’t wait to go back. Amazing wine, world class food, stunning scenery and the list goes on.
thanks, Matt: great list. want to go back to stellenbosch right away ! best regards from Germany, O.J.
Nostalgic photos and Amazing list! It makes me wanting to travel to South Africa right ahead! :D
Stellenbosch sounds and looks amazing! Thanks for sharing, we are heading to South Africa in September and will definitely be following some of your tips and advice :)
We were there in March. Absolutely loved it and can’t wait to go back which, we hope, may be early next year. Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are well worth visiting and not only for the excellent wine and very good food!
I will always love Stellenbosch. The gourmet food and wines are just phenomenal. I am planning to study there a few years from now – God willing. I think it would be perfect for me as a postgraduate student.