Stellenbosch sits on South Africa's oldest wine route, and its historic centre is small enough to explore on foot. Governor Simon van der Stel founded the town in 1679, which makes it the second-oldest town in the country after Cape Town.
It's known as the Eikestad, the "city of oaks", for the old trees that shade its streets. Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian buildings line the roads, many of them whitewashed and beautifully kept.
Between tastings there's a strong arts scene to poke around in, with contemporary galleries, sculpture gardens and regular exhibitions. The café and restaurant culture is lively too, helped along by the university, whose students give the town a youthful buzz in term time.
From Strand it's easy to make this a half day or a full one. Book a few tastings and a long lunch, or skip the plan and just wander the old town.
Getting there from Green Gables
Take the R44 north from Strand through Somerset West. Stellenbosch is about 30 km away, roughly 30 minutes in normal traffic.
The old town is compact, so park once near the centre and explore on foot. There is public parking throughout the town centre, though weekends are busier.
What to see in the old town
Start on Dorp Street, where a long run of historic buildings sits under the oaks. Halfway along is Oom Samie se Winkel, one of the oldest trading businesses in the Cape. It's a wonderfully cluttered general dealer, and good for a browse and a gift or two.
Walk up to the Braak, the old village green, with its surrounding historic buildings and churches. The streets around it and Church Street are where you'll find most of the galleries, cafés and small shops.
For history, visit the Stellenbosch Village Museum on Ryneveld Street. It isn't a single building but four restored houses, furnished to show how home life in the town changed from the early 1700s through the 19th century.
Close by is the Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, the oldest university botanical garden in South Africa. It isn't large, but its mature trees and shaded paths make it a lovely place to slow down before lunch.
Opening hours to know
The Village Museum is open Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 17:00, with shorter hours on Sundays. The Botanical Garden is open every day, from 08:00 to 17:00 between September and May, and from 09:00 in winter. Oom Samie se Winkel opens daily, closing a little earlier on Sundays. Check before you go, especially on public holidays.
Beyond the town centre
Stellenbosch quickly gives way to the mountains. A short drive from town, Jonkershoek Nature Reserve has trails through fynbos and mountain scenery, from gentle walks to harder routes with waterfalls. There is a conservation fee for day visitors.
If art is more your thing, the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden sets large-scale sculpture among indigenous gardens. On weekends, look out for the farm markets on the R44, such as the Blaauwklippen Family Market and Root44, where locals stock up on produce and lunch.
Wine tasting nearby
Dozens of cellar doors are within a short drive of the centre, along the Helshoogte Pass towards Franschhoek and on the R44 back towards Somerset West.
In summer, book tastings ahead, and choose a designated driver or a guided tour if you plan to visit several estates. Leaving the tasting until the end of the day is a good way to see the town first.
Best time to visit
Stellenbosch works all year round. Spring (August to October) brings mild weather and flowering gardens, and is ideal for walking. Summer means long days for outdoor lunches. Autumn is harvest time, when the vineyards turn gold and red, and winter is green, quiet and good for unhurried museum visits.
If you can, go on a weekday. The town is quieter, parking is easier, and you'll have the museums and gardens more to yourself.
Make a day of it
Stay on for dinner at Veld at Spier, or carry on over the Helshoogte Pass to Franschhoek or Babylonstoren.
