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Stellenbosch & Winelands tour:
We leave Cape Town heading north to the historical town of Paarl, visit and do a cellar tour of the KWV Co-Operative and the Afrikaans Taal Monument. Learn about the Afrikaans language and role it played in the composition of South Africa. En route to the beautiful valley of Franchoek, we visit Butterfly World, the Drakenstein Lion Park, and the L’Ormarins Wine Estate. The Museum and the French Huguenot Monument clarifies the influence the French revolution had on Cape Town and its cuisine. Our route back to the hotel takes us through the town of Stellenbosch, also known as Eikestad, this town’s population is mostly comprised of University students. We stop at the Boschendal Wine Estate and the Spier where we learn about the Cheetah Outreach Project and meet the fastest land animal.
Stellenbosch was named by Simon van der Stel in 1679 and is 43kms from Cape Town International Airport. This fertile valley was particularly suited for agriculture with its riverbanks and surrounding areas well wooded by beautiful trees. This beautiful oak tree heaven became affectionately known as ‘Eikestad’, town of oaks, is the second oldest town (after Cape Town). The historic town of Stellenbosch and its outstanding winelands with its photo scenic views is a must for all to enjoy.
The Winelands are a haven of gracious, white-gabled farmsteads evoking a rich, elegant heritage. The legacies of the early winemakers are evident in the Winelands’ leafy towns and more especially, the graceful homesteads of the are, where gables bear testimony 18th century origin. Enjoy a hot-air baloon ride over Paarl’s imposing granite outcrops; take long relaxing fresh air walks in the magnificent oak tree environment.
Annual events are:
a) Food and Wine Festival (last week in October)
b) The Stellenbosch Festival (in September)
c) The Simon van der Stel festival (Saturday nearest 14 October).
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