The Story of Stellenbosch
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Stellenbosch was founded in 1679 by Governor Simon van der Stel, who named it after himself: the name means Stel's bush. It is the second-oldest town in South Africa, after Cape Town.
Van der Stel's settlers planted oak trees along the streets, and Stellenbosch is still nicknamed the Eikestad, or City of Oaks. Today it is a university town, with Stellenbosch University at its centre, so the streets are lively and full of cafes.
A wine route before wine routes
Farmers in the valley were making wine for centuries. In 1971 a few of them joined forces to launch the Stellenbosch Wine Route, the first of its kind in South Africa. Wine tourism across the country grew from that idea.
🇿🇦 Cape spotlight
The Cape Dutch farmhouses you will see on many estates, with their curved white gables, are some of the oldest buildings in the country that you can walk into and have lunch in.
Founded 1679
Second-oldest town in South Africa.
City of Oaks
Oak-lined streets planted by early settlers.
University town
Young, lively and full of good food.
🧠 Quick check: tap to reveal
🤔 Who named Stellenbosch?
Governor Simon van der Stel, in 1679.
🤔 What does the town's nickname Eikestad mean?
City of Oaks.
Lesson 2: Fun facts about Stellenbosch