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Savour the Winelands: There’s something inherently romantic about quaffing a glass just metres from where the farmers produce their crops, press their grapes and cellar their wine… so this tour bottles it up and serves the ultimate winelands day tour on a platter.
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just a lover of natural beauty, you’ll be swept up in the splendour of the Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek countryside with their tell-tale Cape Dutch architecture and rolling vineyards as we showcase a few different wining and dining experiences.
Set a leisurely pace as you leave the coast behind and head north towards wine country and the first of the handpicked wineries on the outskirts of the Cape Winelands. Today’s journey is undoubtedly a visual feast, but your taste buds are the real hero. After all, not all wines are created equal and Pinotage stands head and shoulders above the rest.
The paddock-to-plate partnership between winemakers, chefs, artisans and local producers rounds out today’s sensory journey. Here, in arguably South Africa’s most picturesque wine growing area, vintners pair their smooth reds and crisp whites with local produce – cheese, olive oil, biltong (cured meat) and artisan chocolate – in a delicate-yet-innovative partnership that enhances the wines' flavours.
Your guide will uncover the mysteries, separate your Cabernets from your Cape Ruby and help you navigate the flavour profiles with ease. Wander your way past grapes on the vine and green valleys, to top-tier wine farms – Fairview, Babylonstoren, La Bri and Hidden Valley.
South Africa’s wine industry is like a well-cellared red. It is robust; its flavour profiles have harmonised and, with the passing of time, the product improves with age.
Let the tasting begin...
Unwind with edgy wine in hand amid Babylonstoren's Cape Dutch farm-to-plate philosophy gardens.
Tease your tastebuds along Franschhoek's charming streets in the gourmet capital of South Africa.
Fairview's Master Tasting treats you to taste a selection of fine wines paired to perfection cheese, olive oil and fresh bread.
Delight in three fine wines paired with traditional local cured meats called biltong and droëwors.
Sample sensational wines paired with curated artisanal chocolates at Hidden Valley.
Start with a morning pick-up from your accommodation in Cape Town.
Our wine experts custom-designed this tour to give you a real taste of the Winelands region. Sample local produce, learn about flavour profiles and vintages and savour time sitting back and sampling some of South Africa’s finest among rows of vineyard views.
Your day starts on the south-western slopes of the Paarl Mountain Range where incredible views and an intimate master tasting experience await at the world renowned - Fairview Estate. You'll pair artisanal cheese, produced at the onsite cheesery, and olive oils with fine reds and whites, giving you an out-of-this-world pairing experience coupled with the in-depth knowledge of the wines you are tasting. Next up, the rustic fruit orchards and country gardens of Babylonstoren Estate are calling; where heady, herby smells are carried on the breeze and plump fruits hang ripe on trees. Groups of fatted ducks quack their way underfoot as guests tentatively explore the modest bakery and handicraft store. In stark contrast to the water-colour-picture setting, the tasting room is a thoroughly modern affair and the wines add to the whimsical feel. You'll have the choice to continue to wander the intriguing gardens, or opt for a tasting of three of Babylonstoren’s wines.
When the wine is flowing, it’s easy to work up a big appetite, so it’s off down country laneways lined with leafy vineyards to the foothills of the Franschhoek Valley for a well-earned lunch stop. Whether it’s a wine farm restaurant or a sunny roadside cafe in Franschhoek's old town, we’ll go with the flow and your guide is happy to work with you to find the perfect fit.
Make sure you leave space to savour the next tasty delight at La Bri Wine Estate. Here, the business of wine is a serious affair but the staff are warm and inviting. The breath-taking vineyard views are enough to woo any wine lover, and the characteristic spicy flavours of local biltong pair perfectly with the Estate's award-winning wines.
As the afternoon approaches, you’ll meander through farmlands dotted with olives and grapes en-route to the Helderberg Mountains, which perfectly frame the verdant landscape. Tucked away yet perfectly positioned for some seriously impressive views, a secret gem awaits you at the tasting deck of the Hidden Valley Wine Estate, some 269m above sea level. For the final wow of your day, you'll pair carefully curated chocolates with crisp wines while drinking in the expansive views.
On that sweet note, you'll follow the sun and turn back to Cape Town.
End with an evening drop-off at your Cape Town accommodation.
Maximum 13 guests per vehicle or guide.
This scheduled group tour requires a minimum number of travellers to operate.
Led by a local English-speaking professional tour guide.
Transfers to included tour highlights.
There is no central meeting point for this tour. A transfer service will collect you from your Cape Town accommodation.
Local and international flights are excluded.
You are responsible for your own personal travel insurance.
You can purchase meals + drinks on tour.
*Pairings may differ from suggested guideline above, and the itinerary guideline can on occasion be in a different order with different styles of tasting or pairings.
Having left the corporate world of banking, I’m up for any challenge the fast paced tourism industry has to throw at me! As the friendly voice behind the Hotspots2c hotline, it’s my joy to help our travellers have an awesome South African experience. When I’m not manning the reservations lines, I can definitely be found snuggling up to my pup Luna, or indulging in a little Harry Potter fandom.
Click terms for more details.
Full amount required to confirm a booking. Partial payment is allowed, but 100% payment is required at least 8 days before the tour's departure date.
Read the full terms online at https://hotspots2c.co.za/agent#terms
Children under 8 years are not allowed.
Children between 8 and 17 years must be accompanied by an adult.
Children under 18 years are not allowed to consume alcohol and will require adult consent to partake in some optional activities.
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South Africa
11 official Languages Spoken
Afrikaans – English – isiNdebele – Sepedi.– Sesotho – Siswati – Xitsonga – Setswana – Tshivenda – isiXhosa
How to say hello?
Molo – Xhosa
Sawubona - Zulu
Hallo - Afrikaans
Dumela - SeSotho
Electricity – Volt & plug
The South African electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ. Most plugs are 15 amp 3-prong or 5 amp 2-prong, with round pins.
Measurements
Metric System
WiFi/Internet Access on tour
WiFi can be found at most accommodations, restaurants and airports, however, the download speed is often slow and many connections limit your data usage. In short, you’ll be able to stay connected with home, but don't expect to watch HD movies in your spare time.
When to go
South Africa is blessed with a mostly mild climate, but different areas will yield different temperatures throughout the year. Summer in South Africa is usually peak season, lasting between November – February, however Easter time (March) is often still considered peak season too. Temperatures range from 25ºC in coastal areas to high 30ºs in inland areas. Cape Town has ideal weather during this time and Durban sports warm beaches and humid air, Johannesburg experiences hot clear days and often an afternoon thunderstorm.
Shoulder season is April and May, as well as September and October. Surprisingly, the weather in Durban is often at its best during this time, and other areas simmer down from their scorching highs. Prices are lower and crowds are smaller. September and October see eruptions of flowers and blooms all around the country.
Winter is beautiful in most parts of the country. Cape Town experiences winter rain and is often a little cold and miserable, but still crisp and beautiful. Because of the warm Indian Ocean, Durban has spectacular weather in winter, often hovering around 20-25ºC with clear blue skies. Inland areas get quite chilly and the odd snowfall is not uncommon (it only lasts for a day though!). Prices are at an all time low and it is an ideal time for game viewing, as the animals are more active in the cooler weather.
Best time to go
Jun-Jul = Safari
Jan-Feb = Beach
Public Holidays
With the possible exception of Christmas Day and New Year's Day, most tourist services and attractions are open on South African public holidays. In addition most city shopping centres, restaurants and entertainment venues remain open.
1 Jan | New Year's Day | |
21 Mar | Human Rights Day | |
30 Mar | Good Friday | |
2 Apr | Family Day | |
27 Apr | Freedom Day | |
1 May | Workers' Day | |
16 Jun | Youth Day | |
9 Aug | National Women's Day | |
24 Sep | Heritage Day | |
16 Dec | Day of Reconciliation | |
17 Dec | Day of Reconciliation Holiday | |
25 Dec | Christmas Day | |
26 Dec | Day of Goodwill |
Visa & Travel docs
Travellers from most Commonwealth countries (excluding New Zealand), most Western European nations, Japan and the USA receive a free, 90-day visitor's permit on arrival. These travellers do not need a visa to enter South Africa. A valid passport is essential with at least two empty pages. You generally will need to show return or onward travel arrangements. Children aged under 18 must show an unabridged birth certificate (showing both parents details).
Some countries do, however, need a visa. Visas are not issued upon entry, they must be attained beforehand. It is advised that you clarify this before you leave, the Department of Home Affairs office has a comprehensive list of countries that do not require visas. http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/exempt-countries
What to pack
We're generally laid back in South Africa, so no need to haul out your best silks and diamonds when you head to our shores. Here's some clothing advice when in South Africa:
Health & Safety
There are no compulsory vaccinations required to enter South Africa with exception of a yellow fever vaccination if you have been in a yellow fever area within the last 12 months.
The only major health risk you might face in South Africa is malaria, which is confined to small areas in the north-eastern parts of the country. Small pockets of the northern parts of the Kruger National Park fall under this area but the risk here is considered extremely low and it is not always necessary to take anti-malaria tablets. Remember as a precautionary measure to check with your accommodation what is recommended.
South Africa may have high crime statistics, but if you conduct yourself wisely, most tourists enjoy the country without any incident at all. Ensure that you lock away your passports and travel documents in a safe, which is usually provided by your accommodation. Don't flash around valuables and keep an eye on your belongings at all time. Majority of South Africa’s crime is opportunistic petty crime, so if you are vigilant about your belongings you should not have any problem.
Getting Around
South Africa has 3 world-class airports that receive international flights every day; Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. Most international airlines will have flights into one or all of these airports daily.
There are numerous budget carriers that offer domestic flights between the major cities for very reasonable rates; this is the fastest and safest way to span large distances, especially between Johannesburg and Cape Town, which is a 2-hour flight.
From the airports there are numerous shuttles and taxis that you can pick up upon arrival, there are also many different car hire options at each airport and in all major cities. Uber is another reliable and affordable option.
Money
Our currency in South Africa is the South African Rand. You can easily convert your currency to rand at a bank or Forex Bureau, the airports and larger towns often have many different Forex options. You can also withdraw from an ATM, banks are available throughout South Africa. Be sure to check what international bank charges you will incur for withdrawals before you arrive. Major credit cards are usually accepted in hotels or restaurants, however, there may be a surcharge. It is advisable to have small amounts of cash for curios and tipping.
Tipping