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Home - Travel Destinations - Top 5 – Best Things To Do In Stellenbosch (Cape Winelands)
If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
We link to affiliated partners at no extra cost to you.Â
Stellenbosch, set in the Winelands of the beautiful Western Cape in South Africa, is a well-known university town with a relaxed, welcoming feel. Surrounded by vineyards and mountain views, it sits close to Cape Town and works perfectly as an easy and rewarding day trip.
Known for some of the Winelands’ best vineyards, Stellenbosch is an ideal place for wine tasting and carefully curated food and wine pairings, all set against beautiful countryside scenery.
Besides being a university town surrounded by beautiful wine estate scenery, Stellenbosch also offers spots loved by locals and visitors alike. These are the kinds of highlights that add interest, variety, and plenty of enjoyment to a visit.
Explore the Winelands on a bicycle. The e-bikes (‘electronic bikes’) make this experience so much fun and it is definitely something different to experience the Winelands by bike. Vinebikes guided and self-guided e-bike wine farm tours.  You can decide to explore with a guide or on your own. Visit their webpage for more information. (Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Banhoek Valley.)
This is a family-friendly activity. There are kiddy seats and half-wheelers and the e-bike is battery operated making it easier to paddle. The bikes do have saddlebags but on any wine tour in the Cape, it would be a good idea to have a backpack to keep your hands free.
A visit to Oom Samie’s Winkel feels like stepping into an old-fashioned general store where time moves a little slower. Shelves are packed from floor to ceiling with local treats, vintage tins, koeksisters, spices, tea, and curious finds you didn’t know you needed.
What makes it special is how the shop stays true to its nostalgic character, even as everything around it moves toward the modern and trendy. The atmosphere feels genuine and unchanged, which makes browsing more interesting and far more memorable. Take your time, look closely, and you’ll likely walk out with something unexpected that you instantly love.
The shelves are filled with sweets like in the olden days, bokkoms (dried fish), a fine selection of wines, traditional preserves, and quirky little souvenirs—each item adding to the charm and character of the store.
Review and Travel Tip from a local: “I loved Oom Samie’s Winkel—stepping inside felt like visiting the shops my grandparents used to tell me about. The nostalgia, charm, and unique finds make it a delightful stop in Stellenbosch.” – Elmari
Many vineyards in Stellenbosch go beyond traditional tastings, offering wine pairings with cupcakes, biltong, and even ice cream—turning a simple visit into a playful and delicious experience.
Delheim – Wine and Cupcake Pairing
Address:Â Knorhoek Road (off the R44), Stellenbosch
Clos Malverne – Wine pairing with Ice-Cream
Address:Â Devon Valley Road, Stellenbosch
Marianne Wine Estate – Wine & Biltong Pairing (A true South African taste)
Address: Valley Road – Off R44, Stellenbosch
And then there’s JC Le Roux, famous for its sparkling wines and bubbly experiences.
JC Le Roux – The Grand Queen of Bubbles
JC Le Roux reigns as Stellenbosch’s ultimate destination for sparkling wine lovers. Their elegant MCCs (Méthode Cap Classique) can be savoured in stylish tasting rooms, often paired with small bites, offering a truly regal experience in the heart of the Winelands.
Address: Devon Valley Road, Stellenbosch
Yes, the Botanical Garden is absolutely worth a visit. As the oldest university botanical garden in South Africa, it showcases a wide variety of indigenous and exotic plants. Stroll along shaded paths, explore themed sections like the Japanese and herb gardens, and enjoy the koi ponds and lotus flowers—a serene retreat right in the heart of town.
The garden’s charm comes from its natural, slightly untamed feel rather than highly polished displays. It’s designed more for education, conservation, and showcasing plant diversity than for perfectly curated aesthetics, giving visitors a relaxed, authentic connection with nature.
For a sweet and hands-on experience, Mooiberge Strawberry Farm is a treat. Visitors can pick their own fresh strawberries, wander among the lush fields, and enjoy the simple pleasure of tasting fruit straight from the plant—a fun stop for all ages.  Read more…
TRAVEL TIP form a local: …and don’t miss out on their delicious Peanut Butter Milkshakes…. (perfect for hot summer days).
In summary, the streets of Stellenbosch are lined with majestic oak trees, creating a picture-perfect setting that adds charm and elegance to every stroll through this historic university town.
The closest international airport is Cape Town International Airport (CPT).
Normally the hotel will have airport transfer available, but if you are not staying in a hotel, then do book your transfer here, or book your car rental for the duration of your stay.
Also check out our article on Instagram spots around Cape Town.
