Stellenbosch

Hi! I am finally getting around to posting our Cape Town photos. If these photos don’t convince you to come to South Africa, I’m not sure what will. I’ll be doing a series of posts to cover the entire trip because we took about a thousand photos.

First up, Stellenbosch!!!!!

We started off our Western Cape vacation in the winelands area, in a charming town called Stellenbosch. It is about 30 miles east of Cape Town. It is absolutely beautiful and full of history. Stellenbosch is the 2^nd oldest town in the province, founded in 1679. I kept telling Mat and Mom that it had to be haunted!

Grapes were planted in 1690 and it quickly became the center of the South African wine industry due to its climate and soil. Stellenbosch is still the primary location for viticulture research in South Africa, even though there are other popular valleys nearby.

{young grapes}

Stellenbosch is a foodie paradise! Many of the country’s best restaurants are located there. We ate at several fantastic restaurants and surely gained 5kg’s by the time we left!

We had the opportunity to visit 5 boutique wineries during our trip. Each was vastly different from the others and we learned a lot about the growing and harvesting process. Unlike Napa Valley, the tastings are inexpensive so you can add pairings like chocolate or cheese and not put a big dent in your wallet. The lower prices per bottle also made it enticing to buy your favorites, which we did!

We stayed on a vineyard, called Beau Belle, for the 3 days we were in Stellenbosch. If you are ever in the area, I highly recommend the Beau Belle Guest Cottage. All of us (including Mat) loved it and did not want to leave. Beau Belle produces Shiraz grapes and also olive oil. Yum.

Without further ado, here are photos from our trip. Enjoy!!!

{outside of Beau Belle Cottage}

{living room area at Beau Belle}

{master bedroom at Beau Belle}

{view from Beau Belle Chateau}

{creepy lady who greets you when you drive into Stellenbosch}

{Tom Petty cover band at Somerbosch}

{Ernie Els vineyard. Yes! The golfer Ernie Els. He is a South African native}

{fields of lavender}

{gorgeous iridescent tiny bird}

{Mom & Jess at Hidden Valley}

{Hidden Valley Wines}

{DOUBLE rainbow into the vineyard}

{this photo is not enhanced - it really was this vivid}

{Mat & Jess - once in a lifetime photo opp}

{Mat & Mom looking like bodybuilders}