With its glorious scenery, close proximity to Cape Town and array of award-winning wineries, Stellenbosch is one of South Africa's and The New Wine World's most popular destinations for lovers of wine and food. The historic town of Stellenbosch, the second oldest in South Africa, was developed from a colony of settlers to whom land had been granted on the bank of the Eerste River.
The name Stellenbosch was given by Governor Simon van der Stel who in 1697 encamped there with his entourage. The avenues of Oaks are lined with Cape Dutch, Georgian and modern Victorian architecture of which many are now national monuments.
Over the years Stellenbosch has grown into a vast academic and cultural centre. Its internationally acclaimed university draws thousands of students annually and the flourishing wine industry takes visitors along the wine route to the many celebrated cellars of the Cape. One of these cellars is undoubtedly the Rustenberg winery with its classic Cape Dutch buildings and a tradition of winemaking that spans 3 centuries.
How to Get There:
Directions from Cape Town or Cape Town International Airport
From Cape Town or Cape Town International Airport, take the N2 Highway in the direction of Stellenbosch/Somerset West. Continue on the N2 until EXIT 33 (Baden Powell Drive Turn-off). Turn left towards Stellenbosch and continue on the R310 until the T-junction.
At the T-junction turn right. After approximately 2.5 kilometres you will pass straight through a set of traffic lights with the headquarters of Distell on the right. At the next set of traffic lights turn right into Dorp Street. A Shell Garage and Volvo showroom is on the corner. Continue up Dorp Street, through a set of traffic lights and at the first 'Pancake' (small, flat circle in the road), turn left into Meul Street (Mill Street). A dress shop called 'Avante' is on the corner.
At the next traffic circle turn right into Plein Street. Continue along Plein Street into Van Riebeeck Street passing through two 4-way stops. Pass the University grounds on your left and the Stellenbosch College on your right. At the fork in the road (a Willow tree and telephone box stand in the fork) take the left fork into Jonkershoek Road.
Summerwood is 200 metres further on the right hand side – number 28. Just ring at the gates. You have arrived at a very special guest house.
Please Note:
The street names in Stellenbosch will be found on the edge of the pavements.
