Wining, dining and farm stalling in Stellenbosch

Stellies is only just down the road from Cape Town, yet in the two years I have lived here, I have only visited it once. I’m guessing it’s because I grew up in the small university town of Grahamstown and had heard from fellow students that it was just another place where students get totally hammered on cheap alcohol- been there done that.

What I hadn’t been told is how unique the town actually is. The architecture is dominated by old white Cape Dutch styled buildings and the roads are lined with leafy trees. In the centre of Stellenbosch there are small lanes complete with quaint little cafés and bistros, wine and antique stores. You can’t help feel like you are in a small European village somewhere. After a reasonably long walk around the town, my partner and I were only too happy to settle down with some ice-cold water, and a platter of Lebanese food (complete with huge pita breads, hummus, olives, and interesting pates) at Manoushe- highly recommended. Another must visit in Stellies, is the Stellenbosch fresh goods market on the outskirts of town (open every Saturday 9am to 2pm). With our lack of knowledge of the general Stellies area, we couldn’t find it and had to push onto our appointment at Webersburg wine farm. However I have heard that the market is an absolute must – also a nice change if you have been to the Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill and feel like a change. Fellow designer Marisa Steyn recommends the ‘Wow’ juice, which sounds just like I’m sure it tastes.


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