Exploring Stellenbosch and the Winelands

The wonderful town of Stellenbosch and the surrounding Winelands are definitely worth spending time exploring. There is so much to see and do and over 150 wine estates! I was recently treated to a very special two days in glorious Stellenbosch and the Winelands. Here are some tips for exploring the different things on offer in this beautiful, historic town and surrounds:

Exploring Historic Stellenbosch

Take a walk through historic Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in the province. Walk up historic Dorp Street and admire some beautiful Cape Dutch architecture with buildings dating back to the 18th century and 300-year-old historical oak trees, with some being a national monument. Walk down Church Street with a lively café culture and visit some art galleries and the iconic The Red Teapot Gallery with Portchie’s colourful artworks. If you interested in history stop in at the Oude Werf Hotel, it is built on the site of the towns first church and the original foundations can be seen below the restaurant’s kitchen.

For more information visit www.stelmus.co.za

On the Last Thursday evening of every month explore the art world in Stellenbosch by visiting eight local Galleries in town between 5pm – 8pm. Visit their Facebook Page for updated information.

Museums

The Stellenbosch Village Museum currently comprises of four houses of historical interest and their gardens. Each of these beautiful homes represents a different period in the architectural development of Stellenbosch.

The University Museum housed in the Old Bloemhof School, incorporating the Sasol Art Museum.

Visit the Rupert Museum for the finest contemporary art collection, you are in for a treat! The museum showcases the unique private art collection of Anton and Huberte Rupert and the best South African artists.

Coffee Shops

Schoon De Companje in Stellenbosch, on the corner of Church street, is a collaboration of artists and artisans, under one roof, all part of one family. They serve the best coffee this side of Cape Town and they freshly bake the most heavenly artisanal breads in wood-fired ovens. The menu is simple but delicious and make sure you try their most heavenly artisan ice cream.

The Blue Crane and the Butterfly is a charming coffee shop on Dorp Street, bustling with energy, delicious coffee and scrumptious food with daily specials. This is a little gem to discover.

De Warenmarkt is home to a collective of diverse merchants, each passionate about their craft, situated in a cherished 18th century historical building at the heart of Stellenbosch’s vibrant cultural district. De Warenmarkt brings you a range of delectable speciality meats, cheeses, baked goods, craft beer, coffee and fresh produce. For delicious coffee head to the Deluxe Coffeeworks counter.

The Stellenbosch Winelands

Stellenbosch is the largest wine region in the Cape with over 150 wine farms. Renowned for its beautiful Cape Dutch architecture, magnificent mountain ranges and picturesque vineyards make this a fantastic region to explore. There are five sub-routes in the Stellebosch Winelands divided according to the wine style, climate and location. They are Stellenbosch Valley, Stellenbosch Berg, Greater Simonsberg, Bottlerary Hills and Helderberg. One of my favourite areas in this region, known as the Golden Triangle is down Annandale Road. Here you will find:

The unique and spectacular boutique winery Uva Mira Mountain Vineyards at the top of Annandale Road. Savour majestic views across False Bay and Table Bay from the balcony as you sample their outstanding range of wines.

 

Guardian Peak is a superb restaurant that excels in all areas from breath taking beauty, delicious food of the finest quality, outstanding wines, excellent service and relaxed ambience. The menu is a la-carte serving bistro style food and you can wine taste at the table while waiting for your meal. I would highly recommend dining here, it is one of my favourites, click here to read more.

 

For Sundowners head to…
The exquisite and stylish boutique winery Peter Falke Wines, a picturesque estate nestled against the majestic slopes of the Helderberg Mountains, is the perfect place for Sundowners and they are open till 7pm in the summer months. Relax on beanbags on the expansive lawns and enjoy a glass of their outstanding range of wines or wine taste in the outdoor seating area. Be sure to visit the Little Shop located in a renovated cottage next to the Tasting Room with an exclusive selection of local and imported crafts. Click here to read more.

Dornier Wine Estate (Child Friendly)

Dornier Wine Estate is family run boutique winery producing premium quality wines for the most discerned wine lover. Following traditional principals and inspired to perfection you can expect only the best from Dornier Wines. They produce contemporary wines pleasing to the modern day wine lover which clearly defines the region. The winery offers three ranges of wines which can be tasted in the Dornier Wine Tasting Lounge. Bodega Restaurant, is a fine-dining restaurant serving gourmet food to perfection in a relaxed ambiance and it is child friendly. The restaurant has a lovely veranda where you can savour the picturesque views and enjoy a relaxed lunch at this stunning location. There is a play area for the little ones, next to the veranda, which you can see from the table or on a hot summer’s day they can play in the fountain in front of the restaurant.

Tips…

• Enjoy some fine dining excellence at Terroir on the Kleine Zalze Wine Estate. Click here to more.
• Enjoy Chocolate and Wine Pairing at Waterford or Lanzerac Wine Estate. Click here to read more on Lanzerac.
• Spier has plenty to offer families with Grape Juice Tasting for kids, Gourmet Picnic’s and Eagle Encounters. Click here to read more.
• Marianne Wine Estate is a hidden gem. Click here to read more.
• For the ultimate Gourmet Picnic experience in the Winelands visit Warwick.
• The spectacular Waterkloof Wines is a truly special experience. Click here to read more.
• Delaire Graff provides the ultimate luxury and is sure to impress from the moment you arrive at its grand entrance.
• The stunning Tokara Wine Estate has a charming child friendy Delicatessen and a fine dining restaurant.
• For delicious bubbly head to Simonsig and Villiera Wines and enjoy a Bubbly and Nougat pairing at Villiera
• Morgenster Wine and Olive Estate is renowned for producing award-winning Bordeaux-styled red wines, Italian varietal wines and the BEST extra virgin olive oil in the world. Click here to read more.

Visit my website www.lovemycapetown.com for more information or contact the Stellenbosch Wine Route email: info@wineroute.co.za

If you are looking for a country retreat in the Stellenbosch Winelands click here to read my article on the WedgeView Country House.