Located around 30 miles (50 kilometers) from Cape Town, Stellenbosch is at the heart of the Cape Winelands. Here, lush green vineyards set off the white walls of the town's Cape Dutch homes, and the rugged mountains of the Cape Fold Belt protect the valley. The best things to do in Stellenbosch are simple—taste your way through the cellars of award-winning wineries, enjoy leisurely meals at farm-to-table restaurants, take a horseback ride through a vineyard, or hike the trails of the nearby Jonkershoek Nature Reserve.
Stellenbosch is full of visitors during the high summer months: From October through April, folks flock to enjoy the warm, dry weather and the outdoor tasting tables. However, winter (May to August) on the Western Cape is a lesser-known delight. The temperatures drop and the rain comes, but you’ll get to enjoy a more personalized experience as the wineries empty out for the season. It’s also the best time to curl up by a roaring fire with a charcuterie board and a glass of good wine.
Due to Stellenbosch's popularity as a wine-tasting destination, tours here are easy to find. Many depart from Cape Town and offer visitors the choice between visiting a selection of the most well-known wineries or checking out some smaller spots off the beaten path. The town of Stellenbosch is small and walkable, but if you’re looking to visit wineries further away or check out the nature reserves, renting a car is a good option.
You’d be forgiven for mistaking the Rupert Museum for a farmhouse (albeit a quietly luxurious one)—its whitewashed walls and unpretentious style fit the environment seamlessly. Founded by art lovers Dr. Anton Rupert and his wife Huberte, the museum began as an extension of the couple’s private collection but has expanded into a carefully curated home for South African artwork. In addition to exhibitions, the gallery hosts events, including morning yoga classes, wine tastings, and children’s art classes.
Attractions 7 | Tours 64 |
Stellenbosch is known for its wineries and university. One of the most popular areas in the Western Cape Winelands, Stellenbosch is home to many of South Africa’s oldest and most popular wineries, which are known for their cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and Bordeaux blends.
...MoreThanks to its proximity to Cape Town, Stellenbosch is an ideal day trip. If you have more time, you could spend anywhere from two days to two weeks in the region. The town is a great place to relax, whether you want to spend your days wine tasting or hiking.
...MoreVisit the Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden to learn about native plants, get a sense of life during the Dutch colonial era at the Burgerhuis Museum, explore the anthropological exhibits at the Stellenbosch University Museum, and wander the grounds of the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden.
...MoreYes, as a university town, Stellenbosch is well set up for pedestrians. You’ll find plenty of restaurants, cafés, and shops around the university, and there are lots of accommodation options in the central town.
...MoreNo, the 1940s Atlantic Rail steam train once ran from Cape Town to Stellenbosch on certain Sundays, but it has since shut down operations. If you’re looking to ride a heritage train, check out the Southern Cape Railway, which runs scenic steam train journeys along South Africa’s Garden Route coastline.
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