ABSA Cape Epic - Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch is hosting the end of stage 5 and beginning of Stage 6 of the ABSA Cape Epic.

Situated in a magnificent mountain valley lies Stellenbosch, the heart of the South African wine industry and gateway to the Winelands region. Stellenbosch is a quaint town full of history, containing finely preserved examples of one of the most serene forms of domestic architecture in the world – the Cape-Dutch style. The town continues to pay homage to its culture and heritage as each new generation of architects, buildings and town planners ensure the aesthetic value of the town remains intact.   

Named after its founder, Simon van der Stel in 1679, “Stel’s Bush” or Stellenbosch, was the first European settlement in Cape Town and became fondly known as Eikestad or “Village of Oaks” due to the trees planted by its founder. Stellenbosch become a centre for education in the early 19th century, and has stood firm to its roots as home to the world class Stellenbosch University.

This visual effect of Stellenbosch is of course enhanced by the fact that the town is surrounded by spectacular mountains and some of the world’s most famous vineyards, adding to the town and region’s attractiveness to local and international tourists.