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WINE AND DINE
Where top academics, international business-men, wine and brandy experts, restauranteurs par excellence, conservationists, and people with a sense of history rub shoulders, 'excellence' is bound to be the watchword.
That is probably the term that best describes Stellenbosch, with the unswerving pursuit of excellence evident in every sphere of endeavor. This is why you will find a culture where food and wine form an integral part in creating the magical ambiance that is Stellenbosch.
Stellenbosch is wine and food country, and this truly is a paradise for any gastronomy-lover, as well as those interested in learning more about the culinary arts. Other than traditional cuisine, an array of seafood and other delights, to suit all culinary preferences, special picnics are also available where one can eat at leisure and enjoy the tranquil surrounds with a glass of wine in the Heart of the Winelands.
A variety of restaurants are available and live music is a feature in many. Street cafes form an important part of the culinary experience of Stellenbosch. Although most of the restaurants in town are within walking distance from your town guest house or hotel, lovely restaurants can be found on the outskirts and on wine farms. Stellenbosch boasts 3 of the top 10 restaurants in South Africa.
Stellenbosch is synonymous with the oldest Wine Route in the country, which draws wine-lovers and tourists from around the world.
The Stellenbosch Wine Route now comprises more than 150 cellars, of whom most are open to the public, and where some of the world's finest, award-winning wines can be sampled. Wines of the region are of a very high standard and regularly win international awards.
Wine tours are a must for any visitor and here you have a choice of the old world charm of boutique wineries or modern large estates where the focus is on drawing large numbers of visitors. Farms are surrounded by spectacular natural beauty leading to endless possibilities for scenic and site-seeing trips, with vineyards as backdrop and the ever-changing color of the leaves constantly transforming the landscape.
Harvest time is normally in late January - early February when the smell of fermenting grapes hangs in the air and creates an air of excitement.
