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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