Stellenbosch, a charming town about an hour from Cape Town, is nestled amidst the Stellenbosch Mountains and Jonkershoek River Valley, offering some of the Cape's most stunning scenery. South Africa's second oldest town, affectionately known as "Eikestad" (City of Oaks), boasts beautifully preserved Cape Dutch, Georgian, and Victorian architecture along its streets. Dorp Street, a national monument, invites leisurely strolls through its historic heart, with hidden lanes, water furrows, vibrant restaurants, and coffee shops, all framed by breathtaking mountain, vineyard, and orchard views. Renowned for its wine industry, Stellenbosch features South Africa's oldest and most famous wine route, a cutting-edge experimental winery, and the country's only viticulture and oenology department at its university. The town is also a significant cultural hub, home to South Africa's oldest music school, the Stellenbosch Conservatoire, and a collection of galleries and museums showcasing national and international art. Nature enthusiasts can explore the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve's hiking trails, including the scenic 24-kilometre Vineyard Hiking Trail, which traverses vineyards, forests, olive groves, and coastal renosterveld. Visitors can begin their exploration at the Stellenbosch Tourist Information Office and the Stellenbosch Wine Route Office on Market Street, near many historical landmarks. The Toy & Miniature Museum, South Africa's only such museum, is located behind the information bureau. Die Braak, the town square, features notable buildings like the VOC Kruithuis (Powder House), the Old Rhenish Mission, the Church of St Mary, the Coachman's Cottage, and the old Burgerhuis. A visit to Spier estate offers a comprehensive winelands experience, with diverse dining options, a wine centre showcasing South African wines, and the Cape Wine Academy, which provides educational courses on local and international wines.
