South Africa's second-oldest town and the heart of the wine country. Oak-lined streets and Cape Dutch facades, a lively university quarter, and the country's oldest wine route fanning out into the hills.
Stellenbosch is the heart of South Africa’s wine country and the easiest piece of it to reach, about 45 minutes east of Cape Town. It’s the country’s second-oldest town, founded in 1679, and it wears its age well: oak-lined streets, whitewashed Cape Dutch facades and a student population that keeps the cafés and bars busy.
The old town is a pleasure on foot. Dorp Street is one of the best-preserved historic streets in the country, lined with gabled houses, and the Village Museum, the Braak green and the old corner shop of Oom Samie se Winkel are all within a short walk. The university gives the centre its energy, and the food here is the best value in the Winelands.
Then there’s the wine. Stellenbosch sits at the centre of the oldest wine route in South Africa, with more than 200 estates fanning out into the surrounding hills, from grand old names to glossy modern cellars with art and restaurants. Taste at a handful rather than chasing them all, build in a farm lunch, and go by guided tour, bike tour or hired driver, because the one rule in the Winelands is never to drink and drive. Just east of town, the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve offers a morning of mountains and waterfalls for anyone who needs a break from the cellars.
The old town on foot, then the estates by tour, bike or driver.
Walk Dorp Street, one of the best-preserved historic streets in the country, under the oaks and past whitewashed Cape Dutch facades. The Village Museum, the Braak green and the old Oom Samie se Winkel shop fill an easy morning, with the university quarter and its cafés alongside.
Stellenbosch sits at the centre of South Africa's oldest wine route, with more than 200 estates around it. Taste at a few, from grand names like Kanonkop and Tokara to the design and art of Delaire Graff and Spier, and book a farm lunch. Go by guided tour, bike tour or driver.
The oak-lined street is the best-preserved stretch of Cape Dutch architecture in the country, and the easy way to feel the old town before the wine.
The one rule in the Winelands. Take a guided wine tour, a bike-and-tasting tour, or a hired driver so no one has to stay sober at the wheel.
There are over 200, so don't try to do them all. Two or three tastings with a farm lunch in between is a full, relaxed day.
Many estates have excellent restaurants, and they fill up. Reserve a table at one of them to build the day around.
For a morning off the wine, the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve just east of town has mountain trails and waterfalls.
Stellenbosch is the closest town to Cape Town, the liveliest, and the best value for food. A natural base for the whole region.
Book the wine and the old town through our trusted partners, at the same price as booking direct.
A guided day through five Stellenbosch estates, with tastings and the stories behind the wines, the driving handled for you.
Book on GetYourGuide →A guided walk through the old town, from Dorp Street and the Cape Dutch facades to the university and the village green.
See walking tours →A relaxed bike tour of the town and the nearby estates, with a tasting along the way. An easy way to mix history and wine.
See bike tours →Boutique hotels and guesthouses in the old town and on the wine estates, the best Winelands base.
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Stellenbosch is the gateway to the Winelands. See the rest of what the wine country holds.
