Stellenbosch Wines

Probably the best known of all South Africa's Coastal Region wine districts is Stellenbosch, celebrated for the quality of its wines, both white and reds (especially Cab Sauv). It is the business and educational hub of South African wine, with Stellenbosch University offering the country's only oenology degree.

Its wine making history dates back to the 17th century, and it is home to some of the best known estates including Rustenberg and Kanonkop. Cool mountain slopes, varied soils and breezes off False Bay contribute to a thriving wine region. Rising, from the valley floor near False Bay are sandy and alluvial soils, to the granite and shale soils on the slopes of Simonsberg, the Bottelary Hills, Stellenbosch Mountain and Helderberg. You'll find many key grapes including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinotage, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay. Look out for wines from the ward of Simonsberg-Stellenbosch, on the south-west side of the Simonsberg. This is a premium area for Cabernet-Sauvignon blends and Pinotage.