If you are a lover of the finer things in life, namely luxury hotels, exquisite food, and magnificent wines, then I can highly recommend you pack your taste buds and your “tastevin”, and head on down to Stellenbosch and the Winelands of South Africa.
A pretty university town sitting approximately 50 kilometres from Cape Town, Stellenbosch was recently declared as the “Gourmet Capital of South Africa”, and with some 200 wine and grape producers in the region, it is easy to understand why sommeliers and connoisseurs from around the world flock to the ‘City of Oaks’ every year to taste its latest offerings.
A town for all seasons, Stellenbosch is sunny and inviting in the summer months (December to March), cool and refined in autumn and spring, and warm and cosy during South Africa’s winter months when you get to enjoy a glass of Thelema’s Mint Cabernet Sauvignon in front of a roaring open fire (heaven!).
Many wineries in and around Stellenbosch have their own restaurants onsite, and by using locally produced ingredients, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and South Africa’s diverse selection of venison, game, fish and seafood, they create some of the most mouth-watering meals that work perfectly with the wine pairings on offer.
When it comes to hotel accommodations, Stellenbosch has something to suit every budget and every taste, but there is a real emphasis on luxury in this region, and if you are looking for something extra special, you are sure to find it here.
If you want to get away from it all and spoil yourself, the luxurious Delair Graff Estate will take care of your every need. With magnificent views, indulgent accommodations, and both Thelema and Tokara vineyards within walking distance – this is possibly the most opulent resort in Stellenbosch.
If you like to be a little more central, the equally magnificent 5-star Coopmanhuijs Boutique & Spa in the heart of town will tick all the right boxes. Built in 1713, the Coopmanhuijs was one of the first grand residences built in the Stellenbosch region, and while it has been updated over the years to include the latest modern conveniences, it retains its classic charm.
We might have 12-weeks to go until our next visit to Stellenbosch, but winter will be whole lot easier to bear knowing that a there is a bottle (or two!) of Kleine Zalze’s crisp Sauvignon Blanc waiting for our arrival!
Equatours Travel News 
A little remark from a small village, 1.5 hrs drive from Stellenbosch, is in place. I just found out in the latest Platter Wine Guide that the areas with proportional/relative most 4 star wines are not the the Stellenbosch/Franschhoek/Paarl regions. These can be found in the Hemel en Aarde Valley (Hermanus) and next to it Walker Bay with as ‘epicenter’ Stanford (where I live). And what’s more: South Africa’s first Michelin star rated restaurant is in Stanford (Springfontein) with, next year, another Michelin star (a chef from Denmark) in the Hemel en Aarde Valley. OK, from a (mass) touristic point of view Stellenbosch etc. remains interesting and worthwhile visiting (we do as well) but the real ‘Epicurean’ gems are somewhere else. Hope you don’t mind.. 😀 😀 😀
Herman
P.S. Top chefs from Germany, Switzerland and Scotland already discovered this region….
We don’t mind at all Herman – everyone is entitled to their opinion!
We have stayed in the Stanford / Walker Bay region many times (Grootbos and Mosaic etc), and have to agree that there are some wonderful wines on offer – still love Stellenbosch though! 😉
We will be down in March – maybe we can meet up for a bottle – or two! 🙂
You are Welcome. You might also try Stanford River Lodge (nr river with stunning vegetation and and game), Blue Gum Guesthouse, Villa Baia etc. Maybe less known but certainly value for money! 😀
Herman
P.S. To avoid misunderstandings; it’s not that I don’t like Stellenbosch/Franschhoek/etc. but I always find it a pity that some gems are overlooked. Co-incidentally I live in one but there are many others. I always try to convince people (visitors) that the real South African journey begins >100 km beyond Cape Town… 😉
Thanks for tips Herman!
I completely understand what you mean, the problem for us visitors, is that there is so many breathtaking places in South Africa it’s hard to know where to start! Tips from locals like yourself help us make much better choices, so thank you – and cheers! 🙂
😀 Cape Town and surrounds is a good start …. for 3 or 4 days … 😀 😀 😀
this place is truly splendid…..can anyone who have heard about Africa or not travelled can ever imagine there exist some place in Africa…so very beautiful!!!!
It is a truly wonderful country Raastha! 🙂
A cloth recliner set in the shade of these lovely trees overlooking this vista and wine with something cheesy to eat. Divine.
Make that 2 cloth recliners – I’m coming with you!! 😉
Reblogged this on Ecuador Galore and commented:
These folks are exemplary world travelers with magnificent photos. Plus – they seem to be kin to Ecuador Galore’s theme with the combo name of Equatours
Why thank you Ecuador Galore! 🙂