Only 30 minutes' drive from Cape Town lies the town of Stellenbosch,
the second oldest town in South Africa. The settlement was established
in 1679.
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Stellenbosch travel info
Stellenbosch is wine country, rich, lush and beautiful. Founded in
1769 an is the second oldest town in South Africa. It was established
by a colony of settlers to whom land had been given on the banks of
the Eerste River. The Dutch East India Company used it as a supply
point for fruit and vegetables. The early settlers were encouraged to
plant oak trees. Still today the street, pavement cafes and wine
estates are shaded by beautiful oak trees hence the town is also
affectionately known as 'Eikestad.' (Town of Oaks).
Following the Stellenbosch Wine Route is one of the most enjoyable
ways of seeing the southwestern Cape. Since the founding of
Stellenbosch in 1679, the regions cool climate and fertile soils
combined with the planting of the correct varieties of grapes have
produced knowledge of winemaking, which spans three centuries. The
Stellenbosch Wine Region is today synonymous with high quality award
winning wines.
The architecture of Stellenbosch enhances the character of the town.
It is a mix of Cape Dutch Revival, Regency, Victorian and Georgian.
Take a walk down Dorp Street, which is the longest road of historical
buildings in South Africa. Maties University is situated in
Stellenbosch, which had its inception as the Stellenbosch Gymnasium in
1866. Stelllenbosch College was renamed in 1880 in the honour on Queen
Victorian, Victoira College.
Spier Cellars is situated in Stellenbosch it has a new
state-of-the-art wine cellar where the Four Spears range is made. in
1996 the Four Spears Sauvignon Blanc received a covetous Silver
Veritas Award. The 1996 Four Spears Noble Late Harvest was given a
prestigious Double Gold Veritas Award in 1997. At the 1998
Michelangelo Awards, the 1996 Noble Late Haverst was one of he three
wines to be awarded in double gold. Spier Cellars offers tours on
weekdays and only by appointment on weekends.
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