If you happen to be in Stellenbosch and wish to taste some of the excellent wines for sale, look no further than the ‘home’ of the Simon Wine Emporium in the historic De Warenmarkt complex on the corner of Van Ryneveld and Van Riebeeck streets.
Visiting the emporium and De Warenmarkt – the town’s favourite eatery and oyster bar – is an experience in itself. Situated in a beautifully preserved 18th-century building steeped in history at the heart of Stellenbosch’s vibrant cultural district, the various offerings in the complex were inspired by the Cape of Good Hope’s legacy as a trading post along the maritime route that led to the alluring Spice Isles. Both the emporium and the town were named after Simon van der Stel, then governor of the Cape, who in 1679 gave the name ‘Stellenbosch’ to a small island on the Eerste River.
At the Simon Wine Emporium, you can enjoy specially curated tastings according to cultivars or themes, with experienced sommeliers on hand to provide information and digital tasting notes. So you can compare the Chenin Blancs, for example, of the various sub-routes of the Stellenbosch Winelands – which may each have a completely different soil type.
Alternatively, you can put together your own list for tasting from the Simon Wine Emporium portfolio or sample a selection of old vine wines or iconic wines from the region. Once you’ve made your choices, we’ll help you order your wine online right away, again at cellar door prices.
The Simon Wine Emporium also features regular tastings hosted by the winemakers of the region and the food-and-wine pairings which have become so popular among foodies and wine aficionados at De Warenmarkt.
