Stellenbosch isn’t just a place; it’s a sensory experience. A land where vine-covered hills meet world-class cuisine, where the artistry of winemaking and the brilliance of culinary craftsmanship come together to create an unparalleled destination for food and wine lovers. With a collection of prestigious awards under its belt, Stellenbosch continues to cement its status as South Africa’s ultimate wine and food capital.
A Wine Region That Commands Global Recognition
Stellenbosch’s reputation as a world-class wine region has been reaffirmed yet again, with its winemakers dominating international and local competitions. The prestigious Master Winemaker 100 – Paris included two standout Stellenbosch winemakers: Johan Jordaan of Spier Family Wine, who claimed the title of Best Chenin Blanc for the Good Natured Chenin Blanc 2023 and the 21 Gables Chenin Blanc 2022, and Nicholas Husselman of Koelenhof, whose Stellenbosch 1679 Bush Vine Chenin Blanc 2022 not only earned a Master Medal but also a Top 100 Global Winemaker Award.
Closer to home, Flagstone Wines emerged as Winery of the Year at the Prescient Best Wines South Africa 2024 (Winemag), with its Paradigm Chenin Blanc 2023 crowned the country’s best. Additional stellar performances came from wines like Le Riche Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2021, Kanonkop Paul Sauer 2021, and Uva Mira Chardonnay The Single Tree 2021, all scoring an impressive 95 points in the James Suckling Top 100 Wines of South Africa.
Simply put, Stellenbosch isn’t just making wine—it’s making history.
A Culinary Scene Worthy of Applause
Stellenbosch isn’t just about what’s in your glass; it’s about what’s on your plate. The town’s culinary scene has reached dazzling new heights, with its restaurants sweeping up accolades across multiple prestigious awards.
At the 2025 Luxe Restaurant Awards, Mill St Bistro was named Bistro of the Year, while Dusk Restaurant claimed an enviable Three-Star Award. Other top-performing establishments include:
- Rust en Vrede Restaurant – Two Stars
- Hōseki, Delaire Graff – One Star
- Post & Pepper – One Star
- The Jordan Restaurant with Marthinus Ferreira – One Star
Further solidifying Stellenbosch’s culinary prestige, the region dominates this year’s Eat Out Restaurant Awards nominations, featuring beloved establishments: Cavalli Restaurant, Chorus, Clara’s Barn. Dusk, Eike, Hōseki, Mertia, Post & Pepper, Rust en Vrede, Rykaart’s Restaurant at Longridge Wine Estate, Spek & Bone, The Jordan Restaurant with Marthinus Ferreira, The Table at De Meye, and Vuur Goose Island.
The Culinary Capital of South Africa
Wine and food are more than just sustenance in Stellenbosch—they are a way of life. This is a place where winemakers and chefs share an unspoken synergy, where terroir-driven wines elevate locally inspired cuisine, and where each meal becomes an unforgettable journey of taste.
From sipping a glass of award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon overlooking the rolling vineyards to indulging in a meticulously plated dish crafted by some of South Africa’s top chefs, Stellenbosch is a playground for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
So, whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a fine-dining aficionado, or simply someone in search of an unforgettable experience, Stellenbosch is ready to welcome you. Because here, every sip tells a story, and every plate is a masterpiece.
Also read:
A toast to excellence: Celebrating two Kanonkop luminaries (https://wineroute.co.za/a-toast-to-excellence-celebrating-two-kanonkop-luminaries/)
Groundbreaking Chef network to spur culinary creativity and excellence in Stellenbosch (https://wineroute.co.za/ground-breaking-chef-network-to-spur-culinary-creativity-and-excellence-in-stellenbosch/)
