In 1971, Stellenbosch became the first wine appellation in South Africa to establish a wine route. Stellenbosch has become synonymous with quality as an organised network of wineries at which tourists can experience the product of the vine and tune into the soul of the Cape winelands. With the sponsorship of American Express®, the Stellenbosch American Express® Wine Routes provides a co-ordinated network of more than 145 wineries, each offering a unique cellar-door experience for the wine lover and tourist.