Area Information Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch lies near the head of the Eerste River Valley and is the most beautiful town in South Africa, just ask any local or better yet - come see for yourself!

The valley produces the grapes for some of the world's finest wines. Stellenbosch is in the heart of this fertile farming area which produces some of the best wines in the world. Stellenbosch is also the home of the world renowned University of Stellenbosch, one of the oldest educational institutions in the country. Our charming, unique little town has a rich history and many interesting things to see and do.

Stellenbosch was founded by Simon Van der Stel in 1679, when he was appointed Governor of the Cape and travelled to South Africa with his children from the Netherlands. After arriving in Cape Town, he and his party journeyed towards the Mountains of Africa, where eventually they came across a lush valley, which Simon Van der Stel described as a level valley, very suitable for agriculture, provided with water from the passing river and adorned with may wooded areas suitable for firewood and gardens. Van der Stel’s party pitched tents on an island and named the area Stellenbosch or “Van der Stel's bush”.

Within a few years the valley was dotted with thatched houses and the ground was being used for agriculture. After a pleasant stay in Stellenbosch, the Van der Stel family returned to Cape Town leaving the town to grow, but kept a special interest in  Stellenbosch, often having to return to sort out quarrels about land rights. On one of these trips Van der Stel created a County Court to settle any further disputes, in which members were elected and changed each year by an election. All matters had to be approved by Van der Stel regarding the growth of his town.

By 1683 there were about 30 families in Stellenbosch in which year the first school was built and the magistrate was appointed. In 1686 the church was built and an annual gathering was held there to celebrate the town's founder, Simon Van der Stel's birthday on the 14th of October, which he always attended. His birthday is still celebrated in Stellenbosch today.

So Stellenbosch was formed and to this day, is as charming as always. Ancient Oak trees line the streets around the new church, and the white buildings are well maintained to give a feel of the historic roots of this town.