The recorded history of Stellenbosch goes back to 1679, when it was discovered by the Cape’s first governor, Simon van der Stel, who earmarked it as a fertile valley ideal for agriculture and coined its name (a Dutch derivative of ‘van der Stel’s bush’). Along with Constantia, Stellenbosch was one of the earliest wine regions in the country, and to this day, continues to produce a kaleidoscopic range of fine wines. Historical tours of the town take in it many well-preserved old buildings, some constructed as early as the 18th century.