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Still the South African front runner as far as name and reputation goes, Stellenbosch also has the highest concentration of wineries. Vineyards are squashed together, taking up all the available space on the valley floors and beginning to push higher and higher up the slopes.

Originally Stellenbosch was famed for it’s red grapes, but now the whites, especially Chardonnays, Chenin Blancs and Sauvignon Blancs are also considered world class. The best reds come from the vineyards huddled on the east of the valley where the soil contains more granite while the best whites come from the western sandstone heavy soils, but the variety of different minerals appearing in pockets of the soil thoughout the valley is the reason the region produces so many different flavours in it’s wines. Some of the best producers from the region are De Trafford, Mulderbosch, Vergelegen and Grangehurst, but there are many other large and small premium producers with cellar door wineries in Stellenbosch, so you’ll be spoilt for choice. Don’t miss tasting at the Hartenberg Estate, founded in 1692 and in a prime red grape position.

As well as Stellenbosch's location close to Cape Town and the other South African wine destinations, the beautiful views and relaxed atmosphere, it is also South Africa‘s second oldest town and the Dutch influenced buildings and oak tree lined streets are well preserved. It’s also somewhat ironically a university town.

Written by  Kat Mackintosh.

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Cultural outings in Stellenbosch

The Sasol Art Museum, housed in a vibrant Dutch Neo-Classical building at the University of Stellenbosch is not to be missed.

http://admin.sun.ac.za/usmuseum/English/Sasol/GeneralInformation.htm

Review posted 6th September 2008 by Yasmine Beverly Rana. Comment on review.

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