Winding down in the Winelands
Choose from over 200 wine estates to visit in the surrounding area of Stellenbosch. With limitless excursions available, you can spend quality family time getting active with a number of sporting and outdoor activities or enjoy a market or festival.
With so much on offer, we have provided a list of a few activities that are just out of town.
Wine estates
Stellenbosch’s world-famous wine growing region has wine experiences of every kind. From farms with restored Cape Dutch homesteads, tastings and wine-paired dining to outdoor wine-drive safaris, picnics and much more. Tour a range of selected estates on the Vine Hopper shuttle, or stroll up Church Street to Stellenbosch American Express® Wine Routes to arrange your own unique Winelands experience.
Sporting & outdoor
Aside from the established walking, running and road-cycling routes in and out of town, one can also enjoy hiking, horse riding and mountain biking adventures through vineyards and nearby mountain reserves like Jonkershoek. There are also three stunning golf courses near town. Visit the Stellenbosch 360 Tourism Centre in Market Street for more options.
Family experiences
The Winelands also caters for young visitors and, estates such as Warwick, offer special child facilities and menus. Enjoy the floating wonders of Butterfly World, meet creatures up close at Spier’s Eagle Encounter, the Crocodile farm at Le Bonheur and Giraffe House Animal Awareness Centre. Don’t miss the delightful Toy & Miniature Museum near the hotel. Find more information at the Stellenbosch 360 Tourism Centre.
Markets & festivals
Markets and seasonal festivals are staged throughout the year. The markets of Blaauwklippen, Spier and Oude Libertas are somewhere one can sample country delights like cheese, olives, art, craft and more. Centered on the Braak town square, the Stellenbosch Wine Festival in March is a must, as is the annual Oesfees at Solms Delta near Franschoek where you can discover indigenous music and unique Cape ‘Riel’ dancing.
Adventures & extreme sports
For adrenalin junkies and explorers the Cape Winelands offers 4×4 drives, quad biking, mountaineering, ballooning, paragliding, river rafting, diving and other challenging outdoor activities. Try the Adventure Shop at the corner of Dorp/Mark Streets (www.adventureshop.co.za) or enquire at Stellenbosch 360 Tourism Centre to see what’s available.