1 Day Wine Lover Wander Escape - 1day Connoisseur Private Tour | Hotspots2c
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Type
Join Group
Private Transfer
Tailored

Transport
4x4 Jeep & Van
Mini-coach / Van

Tempo
Medium pace
Packed pace

Wine Lover Wander

wishlist it

from

$245

per person if 2 book (rate varies per group size)
Duration of tour
1 day
Private Transfer

Transfer Type

Mini-coach / Van
Departs when minimum requirements met

Overview

As Robert Louis Stevenson once said, “wine is bottled poetry.” Poetry aside, the beauty of the Wine Lovers Wander lies not in the wine itself, but in the fact that connoisseurs and novices can join together to appreciate the art of fine winemaking and to share great conversation over some of South Africa’s finest drops. Each palate, as individual as its owner, will detect subtle nuances in the flavours, and other senses will inhale the heady aromas or feast on the colour, body and quality of the wine… but each is open to individual interpretation and that’s just fine with us.

On this full-bodied day out, no question is out-of-bounds and the wine experts will steer you to the answer that’s best for you. Should red wine be served at room temperature? Are screw-capped wines inferior? Does an expensive bottle ensure good quality?

Explore some of the back roads in and around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, wander the wine route and while away hours in some the region’s best wine farms. It’s a tour for all tastes and palates and, for those that aren’t wine-mad, it’s a sneak peek into South African wine country - the produce, the people, the heritage, the wine dogs and the passion infused in their produce.

Exotic names like Kanonkop, Eikehof, Haute Cabriere and Rust en Vrede will roll off the tongue as you visit four of the country’s premium estates and sample some of South African’s finest varietals. Estate staff members are on hand to give as much or as little knowledge as you want and, when the wine starts flowing, it’s easy to relax into the day and just immerse yourself in the sheer beauty of the experience.

This tour is perfect for wine lovers and those that savour the mastery of the vintners. If you think wine appreciation just isn’t for you, allow us the opportunity to change your mind as we share how this fruity elixir has shaped the heritage and heart of our wine industry. It’s also a great opportunity to stock up on a bottle or two of award-winning wines during your stay.

And, when you feel like you’ve consumed your weight in wine, you turn tail and head back to catch another of Cape Town’s glorious sunsets.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Start

Cape Town / Stellenbosch
End

Cape Town / Stellenbosch
 

Why You'll Love It

  • Sample some of the best reds in the World at Kanonkop

  • Indulge in a little Vitamin Me at Eikehof Wine Estate.

  • Wine tasting with a touch of theatre at Haute Cabriere.

  • Taste one of the world's best red blends at Rust en Vrede.

  • Admire some of the classics in motor history at the Franschhoek Motor Museum.

Itinerary guideline

This private tour itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to spend more time at the tour's highlights that interest you the most. Private tours offer your own exclusive private tour guide and vehicle during the transfer sections of the tour, but any included activities or attractions visited may join others already booked.
Day 1
Stellenbosch Winelands > Franschhoek Valley
±200km

Start with a morning pick-up from your accommodation in Cape Town.

Today’s forecast: 100% chance of wine! The decadence of a private guide perfectly complements your hedonistic day out in the Cape Winelands and allows you the freedom to relax into the day’s tasting adventure. You’ll sample Franschhoek and Stellenbosch’s viticultural hotspots and sample South African wines from four premium wine farms. And best of all, it’s set against an exquisite backdrop of fruits on the vine and moody mountain ranges.

The view of the ever-imposing Table Mountain will keep you company as you leave the early morning bustle of Cape Town behind and head towards the Simonsberg Mountain range and the historic Stellenbosch wine region. Here, on the lower slopes, you’ll find Kanonkop, a fourth-generation wine estate, and the first stop on your wine lovers tour.

South Africa’s signature variety, the Pinotage, is just one of their premium red wines that will warm the soul and is the hero of this wine farm. Kanonkop is one of, if not THE premier Pinotage producer in South Africa, so expect outstanding reds, even and easy drinking Pinotage Rosé with luscious berry aromas! If you tasted this blind, you’d never realize that it was Pinotage as it doesn't fit the stereotypical smoky profile. 

But this whistle-stop is not just about the wines, get a chance to soak up the history in the estate’s oak-maturation-cellar-cum-art-gallery where modern and classic masterpieces combine. From the cellars of Kanonkop take your taste buds to Eikehof Estate. Like all in the region, the team at Eikehof is incredibly passionate about what they create, and are generous with their knowledge about viticulture, the wines you taste and others in their cellar and about the estate in general.

If Stellenbosch and surrounds set the scene for your wine lovers’ tour, then Franschhoek is the perfect accompaniment. The self-proclaimed gourmet capital of South Africa, Franschhoek draws on the fertile fruit bowl landscape to inspire innovative wines and menus and blends both with a little French Joie de vivre… making it the perfect lunch stop.

Incredibly, Haute Cabriere Estate is built into the side of Franschhoek Mountain and boasts exquisite views across the Franschhoek valley and historic town. Drawing from the style of the Champagne region, you’ll taste wines capped off with a little dramatic flair as their wine master uses his French cavalry sabre to open bottle after bottle.

As the afternoon draws on, save the best for last with a stop at Rust en Vrede, a 321-year-old estate that has, for the past two decades, specialised in producing robust reds. Here you’ll enjoy a master tasting of the estate’s finest, including a flagship wine. 

Like a good wine that is savoured, but gone before you know it, so to your day ends with lazy camaraderie and a leisurely drive back to Cape Town just in time to see the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

End with an evening drop-off at your Cape Town accommodation.

 

Included

Private

This trip will run exclusively for you. This trip will run exclusively for you. This private tour itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to spend more time at the tour's highlights that interest you the most. Private tours offer your own exclusive private tour guide and vehicle during the transfer sections of the tour, but any included activities or attractions visited may join a group already booked.

Local Guide

Led by a local English-speaking professional tour guide.

Transport

Private transfers to included tour highlights. 

Pick-up + Drop-off

There is no central meeting point for this tour. A transfer service will collect you from your Cape Town accommodation.

Included Activities & Entry fees
  • Kanonkop Wine Tasting
  • Eikehof Wine Tasting
  • Haute Cabriere Wine or MCC Tasting
  • Rust en Vrede Wine Tasting

Excluded

Flights

Local and international flights are excluded.

Travel Insurance

You are responsible for your own personal travel insurance. 

Meals + Drinks

You can purchase meals + drinks on tour.

Optional Activities

Optional activities can be booked and paid on tour as per price listed in the itinerary.

  • Franschhoek Motor Museum 
Subject to availability

If some wine, farms or wine pairing options are unavailable during certain times of the week or season, we reserve the right to offer a similar type or value alternative.

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Terms & Conditions

Click on the terms for more details.

Payment Policy: 10% deposit to reserve. Full payment 14 days prior.
*Buy Refund Protector policy for full refund

10% deposit or part payment is allowed up to 14 days before the departure date. Full payment is required to confirm a booking if made lass than 14 days before.

Buy the 10% non-refundable Refund Protector on the day of initial deposit to be eligible for a 100% refund up to 2+ day cancellation notice.

Cancellation / Refund Policy:
14+ days notice: 100% refund
13 to 8 days notice: 50%*
7 days or less notice: 0%*
 

Full payment is due at least 14 days before the tour departure.

If there’s no other option than to cancel or change your booking, fees may be involved depending on how far ahead of the departure date you cancel.

  • 14+ days notice before departure = free cancellation 100% refund 
  • 13 to 8 days notice before departure = 50% refund*
  • Up to 7 days notice prior, no shows or early checkout = no refund*  

*Exception:  Buy the 10% non-refundable Refund Protector on the day of initial deposit to be eligible for a 100% refund up to 2+ day cancellation notice.

 

Read the full terms online at https://hotspots2c.co.za/agent#terms  

Travel insurance is not included in tour fees, invest in good travel insurance to cover you if you need to cancel or change a tour date due to any reason.  

Cancellation fees are calculated on the total value of the booking. Booking changes; including date changes within 7 days of the booking date is seen as a cancellation and standard cancellation terms will apply. 

Transfer fees and forex conversion costs charged by the banks will be billed to the customer.

Child Policy: Child Friendly

Children are welcome on private tours. Some activities will have age limits and alcohol may only be served to adults over 18 years of age. 

FAQ



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How can we help you plan your dream tour package?
Hotspots2c is a tour operator based in the Cape Town region.  We offer tour packages that include guided transport + accommodation + day activities. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or to turn your trip wishlist into the tour package of your dreams.
Benita Stroebel
Custom Journeys

When I started my profession in hospitality; working as a guesthouse manager for many years - I've always been involved in creating personalised experiences for guests to make the stay extra special. This has grown into my work passion and as a journey designer I love being able to create customer specific tailored trips that will be remember for the rest of their lives. In between my day job, I also create my own memories and test out experiences by spending time with my family (usually on the beach) and as a novice photographer; love to capturing it all on camera.

contact me

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country info

 what to expect

 

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.

The 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. 

The Garden Route enjoys a Mediterranean Oceanic climate, which is intrinsically temperate and mild almost all year round. Summers are warm to hot, and winters are cool. Second only to Hawaii, the Garden Route is acclaimed for having one of the mildest climates in the world.

However, the winter rain season can cause some delays for outdoor activities but the mild sunny days and the appeal of seeing the Southern Right Whale migration makes the Cape Whale Coast & Garden Route an ideal destination during the European summer holidays. You can expect cool mornings and evenings, but usually the climate remain bright and sunny during the day.

 

Best time to go where?

Jun-Jul ( mid winter) = Safari in Kruger region

Jan-Feb ( mid summer) = Cape Town city or beach destinations along the Cape Coast

Year-Round = Moderate weather in the Garden Route region

 

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:

  • For the summers, bring clothes that are cool and comfortable, along with an umbrella or rain jacket, as this is when most of the country gets rain. A light jacket or wrap is a good precaution. Don't forget a swimming costume.
  • The winters are generally mild, comparing favourably with European summers. But we do get some days when temperatures plummet, especially in high-lying areas such as the Drakensberg (some nights go below 0ºC), so be prepared with jerseys and jackets. If you are going to the Cape, rain gear will be needed in this season (your average here will be between 10-20ºC).
  • Always bring a hat - the sun can be strong even in the winter months. Make sunglasses, a hat and sunblock a firm part of your skin care kit.
  • Walking shoes are a good idea all year-round, with warm socks in the winter.
  • For game viewing, a couple of neutral-toned items will be useful, but there's no need to go overboard and kit yourself out like David Livingstone, out to explore Africa for the first time.
  • For the evening, if you are dining at an upmarket restaurant or seeing a show, go the smart-casual route. If you are simply going out to get a bite to eat, a general “no shirt, no shoes - no service” rule applies, so as long as you are fully clad, your attire should not be an issue.
  • When travelling with Hotspots2c we encourage reasonably sized bags for multi-day tours and we are able to accommodate bags that are on average under 20kgs. For one and two day tours, a light backpack is encouraged. 

  

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 doctor or a local travel clinic on what is recommended for your country to visit South Africa.

 

For more info about the safety regulations on tour - please see https://hotspots2c.co.za/ideas/safetravels

 

South Africa may have high crime statistics, but if you conduct yourself wisely, most tourists enjoy the country without any incident at all. Here are some tips: ensure that you lock away your passports and travel documents in a safe, which is usually provided by your accommodation or keep valuables at a safe place. 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

  • Tour Guides and Drivers – Tipping on tour is neither expected nor compulsory, however, should you wish to tip the team on the road you are welcome to decide on a value that match the level of service received. A recommendation usually range from R50 to R200 per person per day.
  • Restaurants and Bars - Tipping in restaurants is the norm and is customarily kept at 10% of the total shown on the bill. Many restaurants will add a 10% service charge to a bill if the number of guests exceeds six or ten.
  • Hotels - At hotels you may also leave money to housekeeping at the end of your stay. Porter fees may already be included in your quote, and will be listed under your tour package inclusions.
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