Drakenstein

Drakenstein is a name used for several related geographic and administrative entities in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The most prominent is the Drakenstein Local Municipality, a municipality within the Cape Winelands District that includes the towns of Paarl and Wellington and surrounding rural areas. The name is derived from the Drakenstein Mountains that rise to the east of the town.

The municipality sits in the Boland wine region, and its economy is driven by viticulture, fruit farming, tourism, and light industry. Wine estates, fruit orchards, and historic sites attract visitors; key transport links include the N1 freeway and regional roads connecting the towns to Cape Town and the coast. The Berg River flows through the region, contributing to agriculture.

Drakenstein also refers to Drakenstein Prison, officially the Drakenstein Correctional Centre, located near Paarl. The facility is notable for its long history and for its association with Nelson Mandela, who was imprisoned there before his 1990 release. The name is also used for the Drakenstein Mountain range, a prominent feature in the area.

In addition to these uses, Drakenstein appears in various historical and cultural contexts related to the Boland and Cape Winelands regions.