Today we head into the Winelands to South Africa's 2nd oldest town, Stellenbosch. It was Simon van der Stel who was the first settler to spot the opportunities offered by the lush area between the two branches of the Eerste Rivier for the Cape colony, setting up camp here while on a tour of inspection in 1679. The fertile valley was soon settled on by farmers who planted the region's first vines a few short years later.
Three hundred odd years on, the valley boasts more private cellars than any other Western Cape region (with over 100 open to the public) and the country's oldest wine route. But there's more to Stellenbosch than wineries. This leafy student town is home to some of the country's top restaurants and award-winning producers.
Here you will join your culinary guide as she leads you through the historic heart of Stellenbosch. You'll have a chance to sample some traditional cape food and wine (like biltong, Bobotie, koeksisters and melktert) while meeting a host of colourful characters en-route! You'll enjoy a heritage lunch platter at the oldest hotel in the country and visit the oldest shop in town.
We then continue onward over the scenic Helshoogte Pass, to Franschhoek, founded by French Huguenots over 350 years ago, and widely regarded as the culinary capital of South Africa. Its beautiful setting and café lined streets will charm you. We stop at several renowned wine estates to sample some of their award winning wines before heading back to Cape Town.
