The wineries of South Africa’s ‘City of Oaks’ have embarked on a tree-planting campaign in the wake of a devastating storm earlier in April.
Under the leadership of Stellenbosch Wine Routes, a commitment has been made to plant over 1 000 trees this year to restore the dramatically affected landscape for future generations. Preference is being given to Turkish, Pin, and Water Oak trees.
The storm not only swept across the town and farmlands, but also led to a fire that razed the historic Manor House and Jonkershuis at Blaauwklippen, notable for its cultural heritage and architectural significance.
The storm destroyed Stellenbosch’s oldest tree, a landmark on the corner of Dorp and Ryneveld Streets, planted more than 200 years ago, along with more than 200 trees throughout the town and on farms.
“Oak trees are synonymous with the Stellenbosch landscape,” says Chairman Michael Ratcliffe on behalf the Stellenbosch Wine Routes board. “Not only do they line the streets…
