The Stellenbosch Wine Region

Just a short distance east of Cape Town, this is the country's leading wine area, and is home to many of the country's leading estates. One of the most familiar regional names, the granite-based soils in the east are especially suited to the production of fine red wines, whereas the sandstone soils in the west are best for whites.

Although best known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz and Pinotage, Stellenbosch produces a variety of wines including port-style from Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

There is a concentration of quality individual wine estates in Stellenbosch, amongst the best and longest-established are Blaauwklippen, Thelema,Meerlust, Warwick, Kanonkop and Rustenberg.