The focal point of the mountainous Winelands immediately inland of Cape Town, Stellenbosch is named after Simon van der Stel, who established it on the Eersterivier (First River) in 1679, making it South Africa’s second oldest town. Only 25 km (15 miles) to its east, the hamlet of Franschhoek (“French Corner”) is named for the many Protestant Huguenot refugees who settled there in the 1680s. These French settlers contributed to the development of agriculture in the verdant valleys around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, and several of the country’s best-known wine estates – the likes of Boschendal, Muratie and La Motte – date to 1680–95. The University of Stellenbosch, established in 1864 and accorded full academic recognition in 1918, is the country’s joint-oldest; alumni include four former South African presidents as well as anti-apartheid activists such as Beyers Naudé. Today, the region’s history is reflected in its wealth of gracious Cape Dutch buildings and the fine wine produced by its centuries-old vineyards.