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Experience The Beauty Of The Stellenbosch Winelands
tellenbosch is home to the
oldest and most acclaimed Stellenbosch Today
wineland regions in South Stellenbosch, affectionately
Africa. Conveniently located 40km known as "Eikestad" (town of
east of Cape Town it is the oaks), is the second oldest town
perfect destination for a day in South Africa and boasts a
trip, a weekend break or a reputation as a melting pot of
holiday getaway. culture, history and of course...
wine. Apart from being a rich
A Brief History agricultural area Stellenbosch is
In the Seventeenth Century Simon also home to South Africas second
van der Stel, the second governor oldest university. The University
of the Cape of Good Hope, set out of Stellenbosch was founded in
to explore the uncharted land in 1866 and is now educating
the peninsula. On 6 November 1679 approximately 22,000 students a
he happened across a river year.
running through a magnificent
valley. He named the river Eerste What to See and Do
Rivier and the area surrounding Whether you are planning a short
it Van der Stel Bosch. Families or long stay in Stellenbosch
began to settle there not long there is plenty to keep you
after the area was discovered due occupied. The main tourist
to the rich and fertile nature of attractions in the area are the
the soil. This small settlement wine farms but you don't have to
later became known as be a wine connoisseur to enjoy
Stellenbosch, and is the second yourself in this novel town. The
oldest city in South Africa. Many mountainous escarpment lends
years later in 1971 Stellenbosch itself to magnificent nature
became home to the first official walks, hikes and downhill
South African Wine Route. mountain biking.
Stellenbosch has earned
There is an abundance of scenic international acclaim as being
venues for picnicking, hot air one of the best wine producing
ballooning, horse riding and districts in the world. Wines
watching the sun set, preferably produced in this area are
with an award winning pinotage in exported all over the world and
hand. can be bought online by
international wine connoisseurs.
The town itself is a bustling The Stellenbosch Winelands is
hive of activity with it's many home to a multitude of estates
museums, restaurants, pubs and and spending some time exploring
rustic gift shops (such as the the wine routes will afford you
renowned "Oom Samie se winkel" the opportunity to sample a bit
(directly translated "Uncle Sam's of each one.
Shop"), a traditional trading
store with unique gifts from past The Wine Route comprises 23
era's). private cellars and 5
co-operative wineries, which
One of Stellenboschs' most produce between them a large
charming offerings is strawberry variety of red and white wines.
picking where for a set fee you Set in the spectacular scenery
can spend the day picking the that the mountains, rivers and
freshest, most succulent vineyards paint, spending time on
strawberries the Western Cape has any of these wine farms is a
to offer. The Stellenbosch health pleasure.
hydro is also one of the town's
main attractions and comes highly Wine Estates
recommended by its guests. The farms are so exquisite that
many couples hold their weddings
Wine Routes on the wine estates themselves
and as most are equipped with as to increase awareness of the
full restaurant and conference diminishing numbers of cheetahs
facilities this is the perfect and to raise funds in order to
location for such a special day. enhance their efforts.
There are many prearranged day
tours that take visitors to a A visit to the cheetahs is a must
limited number of estates for especially for the little ones.
wine tasting, exploring and This wine estate is also home to
lunch. If you prefer to drive the the Spier golf club, an
route yourself you have the internationally acclaimed
opportunity to stop at any estate championship golf course, this
that tickles your fancy. estate is a must for all golfing
enthusiasts. Another one of the
The wine estates are impressive bigger estates definitely worth
expanses of vineyards, Cape Dutch the visit is Fairview, not only
style farm houses and can you sample South Africa's
overwhelming beauty. Some estates fine wines in a glorious setting
are larger and offer more but you can sample their award
activities than others but they winning cheeses!
are all unique and worth
visiting. Spier wine estate is a Other estates definitely worth a
great example of one of the visit are Delheim, Morganhof, Rus
bigger estates housing its own & Vrede, Boschendal and Lanzarac
open air theatre, accommodation, to name a few. Most of the wine
picnicking venues and many estates offer their own
popular restaurants. Spier is accommodation and there are many
also home to the Cheetah Outreach guest houses, lodges and hotels
Programme which set out to in the town itself.
introduce the cheetah to the
South African community as well Experience it for Yourself
Whether you are a wine The Stellenbosch winelands, the
enthusiast, a keen explorer or in vibrant town life and the
need of a well earned break picturesque scenery are what have
Stellenbosch's quaint charm will earned the regions its local and
have you feeling at home in no international praise. Why not
time. experience it for yourself?
About the Author:
Essential Travel Info http//www.essentialtravelinfo.com is the largest online travel database in South Africa. The Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) provides users with detailed information for the purpose of finding quality accommodation as well as a range of comprehensive online travel guides.
Source: www.isnare.com
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