Stellenbosch Wine Region Guide

Where Ancient Terroir Shapes Exceptional Flavors

EXPLORE ALL OUR GUIDES TO SOUTH AFRICA'S WINE REGIONS

Last updated: January 21, 2024

Introduction

If one region represents the enormous progress achieved in South Africa over the past few decades, then it is undoubtedly Stellenbosch. Despite stiff competition, it remains the center of premium wine production in South Africa. It is also the first place tourists head to, and with good reason. The region is one of the most attractive to visit anywhere in the world, with towering mountains rising seemingly out of the ocean and gorgeous white-washed Dutch homesteads filling the landscape.

By the 20th century, Stellenbosch was celebrated as a center of agriculture and learning. The region’s first university was inaugurated in 1918, and to this day, it remains an internationally recognized education center and one of the leading universities in Africa. Today, over 150 wineries in the Stellenbosch zone are led by a new generation of young talent who have traveled the world and done a few vintages abroad. Considerable amounts of money continue to be invested, and the standards of the region’s best wines now rival any in the world.

Stellenbosch is home not only to some of the largest wine companies in the country but also to some of its most impressive. De Morgenzon, Mulderbosch, Meerlust, and Ken Forrester are all globally recognized and revered names. However, although some of these brands don’t boast a long history of quality winemaking, the Western Cape has been planted with vines for centuries. Its official history begins in 1697, when the then-governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel, discovered a small island on the Eerste River and named it Stellenbosch. The first Dutch settlers, marveling at the benign climate of the region and rich fertile soils, soon planted crops, including, of course, the first vines.

Winemaking and regional classifications

South Africa was formerly only known for its Pinotage and Chenin Blanc; today, a colorful mosaic of wine styles is up for grabs. Once ignored by connoisseurs, Chenin Blanc is now ready to be recognized as the country’s leading white grape variety – oaked examples offer great depth and complexity and can age for several years. Indeed, old vine Chenin is arguably the Cape’s most significant offering to the wine world, although sadly, much has been replanted in favor of other varieties over the past two decades. So look out for the Reserve Chenin from De Morgenzon and Ken Forrester’s FMC. In the coolest areas of Stellenbosch, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are both highly successful; Hamilton Russel’s Chardonnay is noted for its almost Burgundian qualities.

In recent years, Stellenbosch has embraced the lesser known, including Viognier and white Rhone varieties like Marsanne and Semillon. De Morgenzon’s white Rhone blend, Maestro, is noted for its potent aromas and powerful tropical fruit palate. Cap Classique, the nation’s traditional method of fizz, is fantastic, too.

Nonetheless, the red wines truly succeed in Stellenbosch, both in terms of consumer recognition and commanding the highest prices. Bordeaux blends based on Cabernet Sauvignon are massively popular – Vergelegen’s flagship wine, V, and Meerlust’s Rubicon are considered top of the class and wines to rival Cru Classe Bordeaux even. Red Rhone varieties, particularly Syrah, also work well in Stellenbosch, as does Pinot Noir in the cooler sites of Walker Bay. Pinotage is the country’s unique offering, although it continues to divide opinion, even among winemakers.

A land of diversity indeed!

Geography and terroir

As you might expect, Stellenbosch is no ‘one trick pony’ regarding the growing conditions and terroir found across this expansive viticultural area. But in general terms, most vineyards thrive in an almost faultless Mediterranean climate, with rain concentrated in the winter months. Yet there is a wide variation of microclimates within the region; maritime breezes help to temper the summer heat, as does the influence of the Simonsberg and Helderberg mountains. North, further from the sea, temperatures tend to be higher, but the climate is generally benign and ideal for ripening fruit of the highest quality.

Stellenbosch also boasts the oldest geology in the world, a key factor that undoubtedly contributes to the excellent quality of its wines. Vines are planted on ancient, weathered soils with a typical granite, sandstone, or shale composition. They tend to be light and sandy on the western valley floor and heavier on the slopes of the Simonsberg and Stellenbosch mountains.

It is still common for estates to vinify fruit from a wide range of locations, although increasingly single-estate wines are becoming more widespread. As with all regions, there is a variance in quality across producers, but the best wines are remarkable for their concentration and structure. Ultimately, our favorite spot is the vineyards around Stellenbosch, which benefit from the southerly ocean breezes from False Bay. Like those of the famous estate De Morgenzon, mountain vineyards also produce fantastic fruit and are particularly suited for white varieties.

Author

Avatar photo

James lawrence

More information

If you would like us to customize an exclusive luxury tour, contact us and let us know your travel plans. We offer luxury food and wine tours for private groups of a mininium two guests. In addition, all of our private, chauffeured tours are available year-round upon request.

Cellar Tours Private Luxury Food & Wine Tours

Cellar Tours

Welcome to Cellar Tours, the premier Luxury Travel Specialist since 2003. Our goal is to provide you with the ultimate food and wine vacation experience, with exclusive Mercedes chauffeured tours that showcase the best of local cuisine and wines.

Our team specializes in crafting bespoke, custom-designed vacations, events, and incentives tailored to your unique tastes and preferences. Travel is not just about seeing new places - it's about creating unforgettable memories and indulging in the finer things in life.

As members of Slow Food, OTAVA (Travel Agency Association in Spain), and the IACP (International Association of Culinary Professionals), we promote sustainable tourism and support local communities. We work closely with top-rated hotels, restaurants, and wineries to provide you with the highest level of service and attention to detail.

Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a corporate retreat, let Cellar Tours be your guide. With our passion for food and wine, extensive knowledge of local culture, and dedication to exceptional customer service, we're confident we can exceed your expectations.

Contact us today to start planning your dream vacation – we can't wait to hear from you!

Recommended by