Bustling with vineyards, heritage architecture, art and plenty of opportunities for outdoor dining, Angela Lloyd gives the low-down on why this region really is a destination for all seasons. Read her Stellenbosch travel guide.
Stellenbosch: Where to stay, eat, shop and relax
Hotels
Coopmanhuijs Boutique Hotel & Spa
The beautifully restored Coopmanhuijs, a national monument, dates from the early 18th century with further additions in the late 19th century. The ambience takes you back in time – even the lift travels at a genteel pace– while the rooms with their modern comforts have a Victorian feel. Although situated in the middle of town, surrounded by shops and cafes, a central courtyard with swimming pool provides a quiet retreat. coopmanhuijs.co.za
L’Avenir Country Lodge
Surrounded by vineyards, this well-appointed, 11-room B&B is located on a working wine farm in the foothills of the Simonsberg, 5km from Stellenbosch. Guests may wander through the vineyards, play boules, take a cellar tour and a wine tasting or laze by the outdoor swimming pool. lavenir-lodge.com
Delaire Graff Estate
No expense is spared at this hilltop winery with its 10 luxury lodges, all enjoying sweeping views across Stellenbosch to Table Mountain. Contemporary art, sculpture, a Laurence Graff Diamond store and a boutique impress, as do chef Christiaan Campbell’s dishes at both the farm’s restaurants. delaire.co.za
Majeka House
A stylish, owner-managed small hotel in an off-the-main road position just outside Stellenbosch. Coolly modern with touches of the traditional and the ubiquitous view of vineyards and mountains, it offers a spa, swimming pool and 16-seater boardroom for guests’ meetings. Chef Tanja Kruger brings visual as well as flavour appeal to her French-influenced dishes; the comprehensive wine list is overseen by a trained sommelier. majekahouse.co.za
Restaurants
Camphors
Named for the majestic 300 -year-old camphor trees in the spacious gardens of Vergelegen’s winery, the restaurant is modern yet relaxing in its black and white theme. Both chef PJ Vadas’ dishes and winemaker André van Rensburg’s wines offer a much-acclaimed modern take on the classics. vergelegen.co.za
The Restaurant at Waterkloof
Difficult to decide which is the more spectacular here – the vistas of sea and mountains from the glass promontory, or French chef Grégory Czarnecki’s seasonal menu, focusing on local ingredients. His eco-conscious approach echoes the farm’s biodynamic viticultural practices. waterkloofwines.co.za
Joostenberg Bistro
Family-owned, in a casual and child-friendly setting. Enjoy the terrace and green lawns in summer, a blazing fire inside in winter. French chef and family member Christophe de Hosse prepares traditional bistro-style dishes, with pork a speciality from the family piggery. Explore the deli for a wide selection of other, home-made produce as well as Joostenberg wines. joostenberg.co.za
Shops
Vineyard Connection
Great service and selection of more than 200 wines at this shop in the DelVera complex on the R44, about 15 minutes’ drive outside Stellenbosch. Delivery to destinations worldwide is also offered. vineyardconnection.co.za
Oom Samie se Winkel
Modelled on an old rural trading post, Uncle Samie’s store is a must-visit dip into yesteryear. Browse traditional handicrafts and fresh produce or sit on the veranda and watch the world go by. 88 Dorp St, Stellenbosch, +27 (0)21 887 0797
