Last Updated on October 27, 2025 by Hannah Stephenson
It’s no secret that Stellenbosch is one of South Africa’s most historic wine towns. It’s situated just under an hour’s drive from Cape Town, and it not only boasts beautiful vineyards and wineries, but charming streets and an exciting food scene to boot.
I’ve visited Stellenbosch five times since moving to Cape Town, sometimes for wine tasting and other times just for general exploration. So now, I’ve written this Stellenbosch travel guide which contains everything you need to plan your trip, whether you’re visiting just for a day or spending a few nights here. This guide will help you make the most of your time in the Cape Winelands, so let’s get into it!
Quick Facts:
Drive time from Cape Town: 45 minutes
Stay for: 1-3 nights (or visit as a day trip)
Best time to visit: October – April
Getting around: Uber within town or book a wine tour
Top wineries: Bartinney, Rainbow’s End, Spier, Alto, and Waterford
About Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is a charming winelands town filled with pretty, Cape Dutch architecture. I first heard of Stellenbosch because several of my South African friends went to university here! It was only when I moved here myself that I realised this is also the country’s most famous wine town.
The town of Stellenbosch sits at the heart of the Stellenbosch Winelands, which are home to gorgeous rolling vineyards and mountains. It’s easy to take a day trip here from Cape Town but there’s enough to explore here to make it worth staying for a night or two.
Stellenbosch was founded in 1679, which means it’s South Africa’s second oldest town. Dutch settlers planted the first vineyards here and now the region is home to over 150 wineries. I’ll talk more about the best ones in a moment!
Getting to Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is roughly a 45-minute drive from Cape Town. However, it will take a lot longer if you hit rush hour traffic out of the city so try to avoid heading off between 4:30 and 6:30 pm on weekdays!
If you’re staying overnight in Stellenbosch, I recommend renting a car and driving yourself. I use Discover Cars to find reputable and affordable rentals as it lets you compare prices and supplier ratings easily. Plus, they don’t sneak in hidden fees!
You can also use Uber to get between the two but a rental car will probably work out cheaper, and I like the freedom of having my own wheels. And once you get there, you can use Uber to go winery-hopping but it can be a bit tiresome, with long wait times and patchy phone signal! I always opt for an organised, hop-on hop-off experience or a private tour as it makes life so much easier.
And if you don’t want to stay overnight in Stellenbosch, no worries because a day trip can still be a ton of fun. If you don’t plan on visiting wineries, you can drive yourself but if you do, then there are plenty of wine tours available from Cape Town. I’ll get more into that in a moment!
How Long to Stay in Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is actually one of the most popular day trips from Cape Town, since it’s under an hour’s drive away.
However, if you want to experience Stellies to the fullest and get to know both the town and the wineries, then I recommend staying for 1-3 nights. There’s a wide range of accommodation here to choose from, both in town and on the wine estates. You’ve certainly got more budget friendly options here than in Franschhoek, but there are also luxury hotels and boutique stays to choose from as well – more on that later!
Best Wineries in Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is home to over 150 different wineries. I don’t think that anyone out there has visited them all, but below are my personal favourites as well as some of the most famous options.
- Bartinney – This is my all-time favourite winery thanks to its amazing cheese and charcuterie boards, and stunning views. I actually visited this on the Franschhoek wine tram, but it is part of Stellenbosch!
- Alto – If you love red wine and Italian food, make a beeline for Alto. I went on the Stellenbosch wine tractor and it was my favourite stop of the day.
- Peter Falke – This winery is another wine tractor fave of mine because of its beautiful tasting garden, where you can relax on a beanbag as you sip your wine.
- Waterford – I loved doing a wine and chocolate tasting session at this gorgeous Italian-style winery, and the staff couldn’t have been nicer.
- Spier – This is a big-name wine brand but what actually excites me about this estate is that it’s also home to the Vadas Bakery, which makes the best Portuguese custard tarts in the world. (No, I’m not kidding).
- Rainbow’s End – I’m sadly yet to visit Rainbow’s End for myself but it’s famously beautiful. It’s a boutique, family-owned winery and the tasting room and terrace offer incredible views over the valley below.
- Simonsig – This winery is famous for its cap classique wines, and I even got to see a sabrage demonstration when I came here!
- Eikdendal – A relaxed and elegant winery overlooking a lake. It’s also where the wine tractor starts!
- Dornier – A quirky, modern winery perched on the edge of a reservoir. I had a fantastic tasting session out on the terrace here and the mountain views were just lovely.
- L’Avenir – This award-winning wine estate is probably best known for its pinotage, but it’s also popular thanks to its vast garden where you can relax, stroll by the lake, and even play boules!
How to Go Wine Tasting in Stellenbosch
Now, the main rule of wine tasting is that no-one wants to be the designated driver. So even if you’ve got a rental car in Stellenbosch, I’d definitely recommend joining some kind of wine tour so that no-one has to miss out on the fun.
As mentioned, Ubering from winery to winery can take a while and the costs do add up as well. But since Stellenbosch is the wine capital of the entire country, there are plenty of tours available for every budget and style.
Personally, I’m partial to a hop-on hop-off wine tour. This way, you get to do your own thing but you have transport arranged and a guide to help you with timings and information. However, for true wine lovers, a small group or private tour allows you to do a real deep-dive into Stellenbosch’s wine culture and learn as much as you can.
You can get tours that pick you up from Cape Town and include return transport to Stellenbosch, but if you’re staying overnight there are plenty of options that start right here. I’ve rounded up the best options below so that you can find one to suit your needs!
Wine Tractor
Duration: 3 – 10 hours
Starts in: Stellenbosch (Cape Town pickup can be arranged)
Inclusions: Welcome taster, tractor transport
Free cancellation? Yes
Rating: 4.8 stars (check 75+ reviews here)
Price: Check price here!
The wine tractor is a pretty new experience, but I reckon it rivals the Franschhoek wine tram! It’s not as iconic (yet) but it involves less travel time and I found the pace to be a bit more relaxed.
It starts at Eikendal wine estate in Stellenbosch, but you can message the tour operator after booking to organise pickup from Cape Town. If you’re staying in Stellenbosch, you can either ask your hotel to arrange you a taxi or hop in an Uber out to Eikendal. Start times are flexible, so you can begin between 9:30 am and 12:30 pm.
Either way, you’ll be welcomed at the lodge with a tasting glass of crisp rose which you can enjoy in the garden while you chat to the staff about where you’d like to go. Then, they’ll tell you which tractors to hop on, away you go!
I’ve got a full review of the wine tractor here but basically, we joined the wine tractor at 10:30 am and made it to four wine farms, then caught the last tractor of the day back to Eikendal at 6:35 pm. You can always head back earlier if you wish, though!
The tractor rides themselves are fun and it generally doesn’t take too long to get between wineries. I definitely recommend visiting Alto, which was my favourite winery of the day. I usually much prefer white wine over red, but the reds here were just divine and the views didn’t exactly hurt. Peter Falke is also beautiful, with a lovely garden.
The only potential downside of the tractor is that it can be a bit rowdy. Perhaps it was just the people on the day we went, but if you’re looking for a more refined experience I’d suggest a private or small group tour instead. Still, if you want a lively day of wine tasting then the tractor tour fits the bill nicely.
You can book your wine tractor tickets here with free cancellation and flexible start times!
The Vine Hopper
Photo credit: Bernd M. Schell
Duration: 4 – 8 hours
Starts in: Stellenbosch
Inclusions: Hotel pickup in Stellenbosch, hop-on hop-off transport
Free cancellation? Yes
Rating: 4.7 stars (check 65+ reviews here)
Price: Check price here!
Before there was the wine tractor, there was the vine hopper! This tour is another fun and convenient way to explore Stellenbosch, only rather than being on a tractor you’ll be on a safari-type vehicle.
Much like the wine tram, this tour has multiple start times and you can be flexible. Depending on how early you start, you can visit up to six wineries, although that’s quite an undertaking! Four is the recommended amount (both by the tour operator and by me personally).
The vine hopper tour offers hotel pickup in Stellenbosch, so it’s super convenient if you’re staying here. There are different routes available and the Southern Route is the most popular. This is the one I would choose myself because it visits Alto and Peter Falke – my faves! It’s available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
However, if those days don’t work for you you can choose the Eastern Route, which runs from Monday to Friday. Wineries on this route include Le Pommier, which is a small but beautiful winery, and Boshendal which is one of South Africa’s most famous estates.
Check the latest prices for the vine hopper experience here!
Small Group Wine Tour from Cape Town
Duration: 8.5 hours
Starts in: Cape Town
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, transport, expert guide, wine tastings, cheese and chocolate pairings, restaurant lunch, cellar tour
Free cancellation? Yes
Rating: 4.9 stars (check 900+ reviews here)
Price: Check price here!
I think that this small group wine tour is perfect if you want to experience the winelands in a more refined way. It’s an all-inclusive tour with pickup from Cape Town which makes life super easy, and you also get to enjoy some cheese and chocolate pairings along the way, plus a cellar tour.
Basically, if you’re short on time in Cape Town and want to do a deep dive into the winelands, this is it! I like the fact that you get free time in the town of Stellenbosch itself, as this is something that day trippers actually miss out on. Head to La Coco C for an iced coffee if you need a pick-me-up between tastings!
I think that this tour would also be a great experience for solo travelers to join. It’s capped at a maximum of 8 people so you’ll get to know each other over the course of the day. The hop-on hop-off tours can feel a bit impersonal if you’re not with a group, so this is a great way to get talking to some new people.
This is actually one of Cape Town’s top-rated wine tours. You can read the hundreds of 5-star reviews here!
Book your spot on this top-rated wine tour here!
Small Group Wine Tour from Stellenbosch
Duration: 7-8 hours
Starts in: Stellenbosch
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, transport, local guide, wine tastings, cheese pairing, restaurant lunch, cellar tour
Free cancellation? Yes
Rating: 4.9 stars (check 200+ reviews here)
Price: Check price here!
If you want a small group wine tour from Stellenbosch rather than Cape Town, this one is my top pick! It’s an awesome local-led tour that takes you to four different Stellenbosch wineries.
You get hotel pickup and all of your food and tastings are included, so this tour is great value for money in my book. It’s a friendly, close-knit experience so it feels personal and relaxed. You’ll get to learn about Stellenbosch’s history and hear some lesser known local stories as well as having plenty of time to ask all of your burning questions about the winemaking process.
Your guide will drive you between a selection of renowned wine estates. Usually, this means Kanonkop, Muratie, Rustenberg, and L’Avenir but if one of those is closed, your guide will arrange an alternative. All you need to do is show up and enjoy!
This tour also includes a cellar tour at one of the wineries, which is not something that you get with the hop-on hop-off options. This is the perfect choice for big wine enthusiasts staying in Stellenbosch!
Read 200+ glowing reviews and book this small group wine tour here!
Historical Bike Tour and Wine Tasting
Duration: 4-5 hours
Starts in: Stellenbosch
Inclusions: Bike and helmet rental, wine tastings, chocolate pairing, local guide, cellar tour
Free cancellation? Yes
Rating: 4.9 stars (check 200+ reviews here)
Price: Check price here!
I’ll be real with you, I’m not much of a cyclist. But even I enjoyed exploring Stellenbosch on two wheels, so that really must say something!
For one, one thing that sets this tour apart from the other options is that it’s a great chance to learn about Stellenbosch’s history. You’ll begin with a tour of the town and stop at key historical sites before pedalling out to the stunning Jonkershoek Valley.
Then, it’s onto your first winery of the day for a relaxed tasting session. This is usually at Stark-Condé winery, which is known for its postcard-perfect views!
The second winery, Lanzerac, is a gorgeous heritage winery where you’ll get a guided cellar tour, followed by a wine and chocolate pairing. I always think that having wine and chocolate together is weird, but these carefully curated pairings complement each other really well.
And if you find a wine you’d like to purchase at either winery, the guide will have saddle panniers to get it safely back to base for you!
The tour provides mountain bikes as standard, and there are a few hills along the way so you’ll need to pedal quite hard at times! However, for an additional R250 per person you can reserve an e-bike to spare your legs – just message the tour company after booking.
All in all, I think that this tour is a fantastic all-rounder because you get to explore both the town and the wine valley, and learn some local history as you go. No wonder it has so many glowing reviews!
You can find out more about this bike tour and book your spot here!
Other Things to Do in Stellenbosch
Check Out the World Class Restaurants
Stellenbosch is home to some truly incredible restaurants, so make the most of this when you’re in town! I had one of the best meals ever at Post & Pepper, which is housed in the Old Post Office building in the center of town. I love this place because it’s a fine dining restaurant but it doesn’t take itself too seriously, and there’s a female head chef – girl power!
The menu blends fine Asian cuisine with seasonal South African ingredients, and everything is beautifully plated. You can have small plates at lunch or do what we did and go for the 3-course set menu at dinner.
For something more casual, I can’t recommend De Vrije Burger enough! My friend and I once drove out to Stellenbosch just for the burgers here, although fortunately we don’t have to do that anymore since they have a stall at the Time Out Market in Cape Town now.
Lastly, the Fat Butcher is a famous steakhouse that’s easily recognisable by its cute red-and-white awning out front. You’ll definitely need a reservation to eat here, though, and you’d better do it well in advance because this is one of the hottest tables in town.
Enjoy a Horseback Safari
Stellenbosch is a beautiful place to go horse riding but this tour doesn’t just offer any old ride – it’s actually a horseback safari! That means you’ll be trotting around a nature reserve and spotting amazing South African animals like zebra, antelopes, giraffes, and wildebeest. How cool is that?
This is a 1.5 hour ride and kids as young as 8 are welcome to join. The horses are very well-trained and the guides will match you with a horse that suits your ability. So if, like me, you’re a total novice, there’s really no need to worry!
Check prices and book this horseback safari here!
Learn about Stellies’ History on a Walking Tour
Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa, so if you’d like to dive deeper into its history you can book this top-rated walking tour! It’s 90 minutes long so it should be easy to fit in, especially if you’re staying here overnight.
On this tour you’ll hear stories about Simon van der Stel, the founder of Stellenbosch, and see where he first set up camp here! You’ll also visit the town’s oldest church, check out the village green, and learn about Stellenbosch University’s most famous graduates.
I think that this tour is a cool way to gain a local insight into Stellenbosch. It has hundreds of 5-star reviews, so I’m clearly not the only one who thinks so!
You can book this walking tour here with free cancellation!
Check Out All the Cute Cafes
In a cute, Cape Dutch town like Stellenbosch, you’d expect a lot of cute cafes… and you’d be absolutely right! I think my favourite is La Coco C because their iced coffee is the ultimate caffeinated treat. If you don’t mind venturing out of town, the Postcard Cafe at Stark-Conde is a beautiful spot (and it’s actually a stop on the bike tour I talked about earlier!)
Plato Coffee is a super cool, minimalist spot for those who are serious about coffee, and Republique is a perfect brunch spot. Or for something a little different, be sure to go and check out Turkspirit, a beautifully decorated cafe that serves authentic Turkish delight and super strong coffee.
Try Horse Yoga
Ever tried horse yoga? Yeah, me neither, but I do think that this equine yoga, breath and meditation session is a fun way to dive into the more woo woo side of South Africa. It takes place on a farm where you can gaze out at the surrounding countryside and mountains as you enjoy your session.
Doing yoga with horses is said to help you connect with their calm energy and become more mindful in your movements. The horses roam around freely during the session, and apparently, they often mirror your breathing and posture, which even a cynic like me has to admit does sound kind of magical.
This yoga session lasts for an hour and it only costs R250 per person. That’s pretty standard for a yoga class without horses in and around Cape Town, so I think this is a really good deal. In fact, I might have just convinced myself to try this next time I’m in Stellenbosch – watch this space!
You can reserve this unique yoga experience here!
Go Biking and Hiking in the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
If you want to experience the wilder side of Stellenbosch, then I highly recommend this guided e-bike adventure in the Jonkershoek Reserve! You’ll have an e-bike, so you won’t get too sweaty as you cruise through the valley and admire all of the surrounding peaks and lush fynbos!
The route follows the Eerste River, on a hot day you’ll even have the chance to stop and swim in a waterfall. I warn you, the water is pretty cold but Stellies gets pretty toasty during the summer so you might be glad of a refreshing dip! There’s a mini picnic later on, too.
It’s a small-group tour, so it feels really personal, and the guides are super friendly and knowledgeable about the local plants and birdlife. You might even spot a sugarbird or two! The whole experience lasts about four hours and your e-bike, gear, snacks, and water are all included. I think it’s perfect if you want to balance out all that wine tasting with a bit of adventure.
You can book this fun e-bike and hike tour here!
Visit the Wine Bars in Town
Visiting sprawling country wine estates is a major part of visiting Stellenbosch but if you’re staying overnight, I also think it’s worth taking the time to check out some of the cute wine bars in town. Here, you’ll be able to enjoy some of Stellies’ finest bottles but then you can walk back to your hotel afterwards!
I recommend checking out the Bartinney Wine and Champagne Bar. It’s got what I think of as that classic wine bar vibe but there are some creative touches too, like a quirky chandelier made of old vine cuttings – how cool is that? Bartinney is one of my favourite wine estates and while the bar doesn’t have the sprawling views, it’s cozy and classy so it’s the perfect spot to grab a drink in town.
Brampton Wine Studio is another nice spot with a bit more of a contemporary feel. They specialise in local vintages here and the flatbread pizzas are seriously good.
I also like Balboa Balcony Bar. Well, this one isn’t really a wine bar, it’s more of a cocktail bar crossed with a pub but you can still enjoy some local varieties here. They also have live music every weekend, so it’s a fun spot to visit!
The Best Time to Visit Stellenbosch
Honestly, you’re going to have fun in Stellies at any time of year. I would say that October and November or March and April are probably my favourite times when the weather is a bit cooler but there’s still plenty of sunshine.
The summer months are amazing if you love hot weather and sunshine. As a redhead, the heat does get a little intense for me at times but I’ve always had a blast whenever I’ve visited Stellies in the summer. I mean, that’s what crisp white wine is for, am I right?
And visiting Stellensbosch can be a really nice and cosy place to visit in the winter. If the weather doesn’t play ball, you can just relax by the fireplace inside the tasting rooms rather than sipping outside, and make the most of all the cab sav and pinotage!
Where to Stay
If you want to stay in Stellenbosch, the town centre is generally the most convenient place to choose. However, you can also stay on a wine estate which is a more luxurious way to soak in the region’s beautiful scenery. I’ve listed my favourite hotel options in town first, and then beneath that I’ve shared a few top wine estate stays.
Where to Stay in Stellenbosch Town
Oude Werf Hotel – $$$
Oude Werf Hotel is a beautiful 4-star hotel housed in a historic mansion right in the heart of town. It’s decorated in modern farmhouse style and there’s a lovely little pool which will certainly come in handy during those warm summer months!
This hotel is just around the corner from the famous Dorp Street, which is the town’s main hub. You’ll also be less than 5 minutes walk from most of the cafes, restaurants, and bars I’ve talked about in this blog post!
Rooms typically range between R4,000 and R6,500 per night, which includes an amazing hotel breakfast! Read the glowing reviews and book your stay here!
Batavia Boutique Hotel – $$
Batavia Boutique Hotel is a top-rated guesthouse in the center of town. It’s just off of Dorp Street and it’s decorated in a slightly eclectic blend of modern and classical styles. The rooms have big beds and spacious bathrooms with standalone tubs, as well as his ‘n’ hers sinks which I always appreciate!
There’s a cute garden area with a small pool where you can take a dip or enjoy a G&T, and a hearty breakfast is served in the elegant dining room each morning. This place is also super clean and has really friendly staff, so you couldn’t really ask for a better base.
The price is great too, starting at R3,600 per night for a double room. See all the options and check availability here!
The Stellenbosch Hotel – $
The Stellenbosch Hotel is one of the most affordable hotels you can find in the centre of Stellenbosch. It’s wallet-friendly but it still offers a distinctly “Stellenbosch” stay, as it’s set in a heritage building with plenty of nods to colonial décor. The rooms aren’t huge but they’re really comfortable with big beds and lots of natural light, and since you’re smack dab in the middle of town (on the corner of Dorp Street itself, no less) you’ll probably be out exploring most of the time anyway!
The on-site restaurant is a real highlight of this hotel, too. It has a home-style feel and it focuses on seasonal ingredients. They even have a charcoal oven to add even more of that classic South African flare.
Rooms typically start at R2,300 during peak season, and full two-bed apartments are available for groups and families for around R4,500 per night. Find the best prices and book your stay here!
Best Stellenbosch Wineries to Stay At
ASARA – $$$
ASARA is your quintessential winery stay. The hotel is set on a working wine farm that’s surrounded by rolling hills. The rooms and suites feel understated in a very chic way, and each one has its own balcony or terrace where you can unwind with a glass of Asara’s award-winning wine.
The pool here is beautiful and there’s plenty to eat and drink on site, from coffee and pastries at the Courtyard Café or sunset cocktails at Sansibar. There’s also a spa and plenty of walking trails to explore which take you right through the vineyards. I think that this place would make a great base for a relaxed (and romantic) Winelands escape.
Rooms start from around R8,000 per night and can go upwards of R30,000 for the most luxurious options. Find out more and see availability here!
Spier – $$$
I’ll be real with you. I would stay at Spier purely because the estate is home to the Vadas Bakery, which makes the most incredible pasteis de nata in the world. However, the gorgeous modern farmhouse decor, art deco pool, and lush gardens would certainly be pretty great bonuses!
Spier is well known as one of the most family-friendly wine estates in Stellenbosch because there’s a ton for little ones to do here. You’ve got a kids’ club, lots of play areas, and even a bird of prey sanctuary! The staff even give the kids grape juice during tasting sessions – how cute is that?
Rooms at Spier start at around R9,000 per night during peak season but the most sumptuous suites go to R15,000 and up. I could talk about how amazing this wine estate is all day, but you can find out more here!
Eikendal Lodge – $$
Eikendal Lodge offers a slightly more affordable winery stay. That doesn’t mean cheap, but I do think this place delivers a lot of bang for your buck. It offers spacious, homey rooms, a swimming pool, and lovely gardens. They even let you drink wine in the pool!
But perhaps the best part of staying at Eikendal is that it’s the base for the wine tractor experience that I talked about earlier! It really couldn’t be easier to go vineyard hopping from here.
Prices start at R5,700 per night during peak season and range up to R7,500, with a two-night minimum stay rule in place. This is one of the most wallet-friendly winery stays I’ve seen but it still has STELLAR reviews, which you can read here.
Stellenbosch or Franschhoek?
Now, I would recommend visiting both Stellenbosch and Franschhoek if you can, and the latter’s wine tram definitely tops the list of my favourite things to do in Cape Town. To be honest, if I only had time for one wine tasting experience in Cape Town, I would choose the wine tram.
Still, you can explore both areas on day trips from Cape Town, or opt to stay overnight in one or both of them. The two towns are just a 30-minute drive from one another, so this can be a good way to maximise your time.
If you have to pick just one town to stay overnight in, then my answer heavily depends on your preferences.
If you’re looking for more of a bustling and down-to-earth vibe then Stellenbosch is the clear choice. It’s a bigger town with lots of sophisticated wine bars, while the student population means that there are quite a few lively late night spots here. Accommodation in Stellenbosch tends to be more affordable than in Franschhoek!
As a whole, Franschhoek is fancier than Stellenbosch. Most of the hotels here are boutique or luxury options, and the town is smaller and quieter. If you’re a foodie, then I would recommend making Franschhoek your priority because it’s truly the fine dining capital of South Africa.
Is Stellenbosch Worth It?
Yes! If you love wine, visiting Stellenbosch is definitely worth it. It’s South Africa’s wine capital, after all. The wine region is so beautiful and many of the country’s most celebrated wines are made right here.
I do also enjoy spending time in the cute little town itself, so it’s nice to do an overnight stay if you can. I wouldn’t say that staying overnight is a must, though, as it’s so easy to do a day trip from Cape Town.
Thanks so much for reading this blog post! I hope it helped you to plan the perfect trip to Stellenbosch. For more resources on exploring the Western Cape, check out the following:
- 1 Day Road Trip in Cape Town: Ultimate Cape Peninsula Itinerary
- The 7 BEST Things to Do in Hermanus, Western Cape
- The Best Wine Farms in Constantia
- Franschhoek Wine Tram Review and Guide!
- Cape Point + Cape of Good Hope tour review (with Penguins!)
- How to Visit the Penguins at Boulders Beach in Cape Town