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Stellenbosch wine growing area

11th-14th May 2012

Stellenbosh is the oldest town in South Africa with a rich history and heritage that was founded in 1679  when the area was settled by Europeans following the first exploratory forays from the  Cape bays.

This oil painting catches the light on the mountainside around this fertile valley so much better than a photo!

The fertility of the soil, access  to fresh water and abundance of wildlife were the priary reasons for settlement, and vines were amongst the first crops planted.  Grapes and wines are now the biggest export product of the region.

This map dates back to 1684, used by the Huguenots when they first arrived.

There are over 200 wine farms in this region, and we visited several which were recommended to us for their beautiful wines and great winery locations.

Tokara’s vineyards and deli shop below, where we bought a few goodies for our self-catering lodge we stayed at called Cape Links Guesthouse in West Somerset, close to Stellenbosch.

Wooden sculpture is almost life like in the entrance hall to Tokara’s winery and restaurant.