Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is South Africa's most important wine district and the intellectual heart of the Cape, famous for structured Cabernet and Bordeaux-style blends and an ever-better Chenin Blanc revival.
Fast facts
At a glance
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Climate | Mediterranean, warm, dry summers with cool ocean breezes |
| Geography | Hills and valleys east of Cape Town, sandstone and granite mountains |
| Key appellations | Stellenbosch WO · Simonsberg · Jonkershoek · Polkadraai · Bottelary |
| Main grapes | Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Pinotage |
| Famous for | Cabernet blends, Chenin Blanc, Cape Winelands, Historic wine farms |
Grapes
Signature grapes of Stellenbosch
The varieties that define this region's wines.
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc is the great white grape of the Loire Valley and South Africa, capable of an extraordinary range …
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is the world's most famous red grape, the backbone of Bordeaux's great blended wines and th…
Syrah / Shiraz
Syrah (known as Shiraz in Australia) is one of the world's great black grapes, capable of extraordinary power …
Merlot
Merlot is France's most planted red grape and the plush partner to Cabernet in Bordeaux blends, especially on …
Pinotage
Pinotage is South Africa's signature crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsault. It produces distinctive, robust reds…
Nearby
Related regions
Explore neighbouring wine areas.
Wine travel
Visiting Stellenbosch
Grand wine estates, gabled Cape Dutch architecture and the university town of Stellenbosch make this the country's premier wine destination, a short drive from Cape Town.
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