The district of Stellenbosch is one of the oldest and most important wine producing regions in South Africa. It is located just east of Cape Town within the Western Cape and along with Paarl and Franschhoek helps to form the Cape Winelands. Simon van der Stel is credited with founding the town of Stellenbosch back in 1679 and the first vines were planted in 1690 according to our Stellenbosch Wine Guide. Stellenbosch is composed of mostly hilly terrain and a Mediterranean climate with warm and dry growing seasons. The variety of soils in the region in combination with its location at the foot of the Cape Fold mountain range gives Stellenbosch a favorable terroir for viticulture. Our Stellenbosch Wine Ratings would indicate that Cabernet Sauvignon helps to produce the best wines in this region. However Merlot, Pinotage, Shiraz, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are also all grown throughout Stellenbosch. For more information on this region check out our Stellenbosch Wine Guide below.