Stellenbosch Wine Region
Stellenbosch is located within the Coastal Region in South Africa’s Western Cape province. With over two hundred wine farms and high quality estates, it is perhaps the most prestigious of the country’s wine regions.
Established in 1679 by the Dutch governor of the Cape Colony of the Dutch East India Company, Simon van der Stel, the town of Stellenbosch is the second oldest in the country. Surrounded by mountains and vineyard lined hills, coupled with it’s Cape Dutch architecture, it is considered to be one of the most picturesque and historically preserved towns in the country.
The winning combination of its Mediterranean climate, a warm, dry growing season and a rich variety of soils and locations – the essential ingredients for high quality grape varietals to flourish – make Stellenbosch an ideal wine growing region, demonstrated by the quality wines that are produced there and the worldwide recognition they receive.
Some of the most popular white varietals in the Stellenbosch region are Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Semillon. Cabernet Sauvignon is the favorite red grape, along with Shiraz, Merlot and Pinotage, the national grape.