The town of Stellenbosch is situated about 50 km from Cape Town in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Stellenbosch is undeniably one of the most beautiful towns in South Africa with a varied style of architecture set in oak lined streets where you will find old Cape Dutch cottages with thatched roofs, fabulous Victorian houses and elaborate Victorian homes.
Stellenbosch, set on the banks of the Eerste River in a beautifully sheltered valley surrounded by the mountain ranges of Jonkershoek and Great Drakenstein in the Cape Province of South Africa is the Capital of the Cape Winelands. Visitors flock to the area to sample the wonderful wines produced by the more than 200 estates in the area that offer tours and wine tasting.
The town of Stellenbosch was founded in the second half of the 17th Century by Simon Van Der Stel who was at that time Governor of the Cape Colony. He had first seen the area when sent by Jan Van Riebeek inland on an exploratory expedition. He named the Eerste River ( First River) due to the fact that it was the first river he came upon during his expedition.
After the first settlers arrived in the area and in particular the French Huguenots, it was soon realized that the area and the climate would be ideal for the growing of grapes and the production of wine.
Today Stellenbosch is part of the greater Cape Town Metropolitan area. Aside from the many wine estates, Stellenbosch is well known as a University town and is home to Stellenbosch University.
Sports play a very big part of life in Stellenbosch. It has always been a center of a variety of sports, particularly Rugby. as it is home to one of the largest and oldest Rugby clubs in the world. There are also facilities for many other sports, including Soccer. Stellenbosch hosted the ICC Women’s world cup qualifier in Cricket which was won by the South African Women’s Cricket team.
Accommodation is plentiful with a choice of Guest Houses, Boutique Hotels and luxury cottages to stay at,while you explore the beautiful scenery and surrounding winelands of Stellenbosch in South Africa.
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