Stellenbosch - Heart of the South African Winelands

  • Di Burger

  • 2b Publications

    • My first thought when I picked this book up was "Please, not another coffee table book on Stellenbosch!" As beautiful as the scenery is, how many ways can it be packaged?

    So it was a pleasant surprise to discover that rather than page after page of pictures of the valley and Helderberg Mountains in various lights - as beautiful as they may be - this book is extremely useful.

    Founded by Simon van der Stel in 1679, Stellenbosch has a history and heritage second only to Cape Town and the size of the town belies what it holds in store.

    It may be driven predominantly by the wine industry but the creative flair required to blend award-winning wines has seeped into many other areas and as a result Stellenbosch is a buzzing creative hub for musicians and artists of all disciplines who gain their inspiration from the lifestyle and sense of history. In addition it has much to offer in the way of weekly markets and annual festivals.

    Its varied heritage is apparent in its architecture: Cape Dutch, Georgian, Regency and Victorian. Stellenbosch - Heart of the South African Winelands brings the personalities behind what's popular about the town to light: the faces of local artists and the stories behind well-known and successful brands and ventures, so that on your next trip you'll know exactly where to go.

    The book is worth paging through for the pictures alone. The wine estates, guest houses, galleries, restaurants and spas and snapshots of everyday life and surrounding scenery have been brilliantly captured by photographer Jeremy Browne.

    Contact details for all the establishments listed are provided in the index at the back of the book.