Wine Tours

Our famous wine tour visits some of South Africa’s premier estates in what is known to be one of the most beautiful regions of the world. In addition to the variety of superb wines and breathtaking scenery, this full day tour of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl also tantalises the taste buds with local delicacies including a cheese tasting and a delicious a-la-carte lunch. You may also find other seasonal treats along the way such as chocolate or olives. It’s all part of the adventure.

Stellenbosch, is second oldest town in South Africa (established in 1679), was featured in the New York Times as one of the” must see” wine routes of the world and is home to more than 200 wineries. This student town was named after the governor Simon van der Stel and the region has the perfect terroir for grape varieties such as cabernet sauvignon, Shiraz and merlot. Pinotage, the South African clone of pinot noir and hermitage was born here and this region continues to produce world winners in many varieties of wine.

Franschhoek is known as the culinary capital of the Cape and is ringed by the majestic Groot Drakenstein Mountains. It was originally known as Oshoek by the Dutch (established in 1687) when herds of elephants used to roam the valley. When joined by the French Huguenots in 1688, fleeing religious persecution, the name Franschhoek (French corner) was derived. The elephants, long gone, now add to Franschhoeks rich and often sad history of slavery and apartheid, with many fascinating stories. One of the oldest Voignier traditions dating back to the 16th century originated in this area and Grand old Cape Dutch farmhouses and wine stores have proudly watched over the land for centuries on farms that produce some of our countries top wines today.

Paarl is the third oldest town in South Africa and was named after a giant granite rock, seen glistening in the sun after some rainfall, was named “Diamond and Pearl” mountain. The Mediterranean-like climate of this region and fertile soil is perfect for the vine, giving it ideal conditions in which to produce some of the best red wines in the world and Paarl is particularly well known for its Shiraz.

The tour includes all wine tastings and cheese tasting, as well as lunch.