Passionate about wine!  

The circular route of our wine tour, follows the focal point of the great Simonsberg Mountain and includes various mountain passes, including the route back into Stellenbosch, over the Helshoogte mountain pass with stunning vistas over the valley. We aim to visit between four and five estates on a wine tour.

The Cape Winelands

Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa. In the late 1600 hundreds Simon van der Stel, the Governor of the Cape, discovered a river running through a fertile valley not far from Cape Town. He called this the Eerste (first) River. He established a settlement there and called it after himself - Stellenbosch. The settlers planted grapes in the fertile valley and soon it became the centre of the wine industry. The meticulously restored buildings, particularly in oak-lined Dorp Street, bear witness to a proud past with fine examples of Cape Dutch, Victorian and Georgian architecture. It is here where one can visit many outstanding wine estates and taste Pinotage - South Africa's indigenous wine varietal, born just over 80 years ago in 1925.

A place where man has a chance to live in a more relaxed atmosphere, to take stock of good things around him, conserve and beautify, and learn that it is more pleasant by far, to live in the shade of a tree rather than that of a lamp post. T.V.Bulpin.

Franschhoek is not to be missed, the food and wine capital of South Africa. There are antique and art shops, and nearby is the Huguenot Monument, a tribute to the families who originally settled here. When the Protestant religion was outlawed in France in 1685, 300 Huguenots arrived at the Cape of Good Hope. They brought with them vines from France and planted them in the Franschhoek valley. This is South Africa's very own French Corner.

Photos from around the Cape Winelands:

Example Wine Tour Itinerary

First Estate

We introduce you to the wine making methods used in this region, including a cellar tour, and talk about the history of the area while savouring the view from this old wine estate. This estate is responsible for South Africa's first Methode Cap Classique (SA's answer to champagne) as well as the first SA Riesling and wooden white wines. We highly recommend the Pinotage here - which ergularly appears in the ABSA Top 10 Pinotage for SA. Of course, we sample some of the fine wines produced by this estate.

2nd Estate

For Red Wine Lovers, we visit an estate where the Winemaker was awarded "Winemaker of the World 2008", and winner of the "Wine of the Year South Africa", in 2008.

Alternative estates also include, the estate with the First Lady Winemaker in South Africa and famous for their Wedding Cup - something different to do a tasting from and great for couples...

 

 

 

 

Afternoon

Time permitting, we spend some time exploring the stunning village of Franschhoek. Take in the shops, sample Belgium Chocolate or grab a Italian Gelato to savour whilst walking the main street and admiring the buildings and relaxed atmosphere.

Stop 5

Afternoon estates: The wine tour will continue with a high standard of wine tasting at estates known for their spectacular scenery and chances to take the classic Cape Winelands photographs. Estates can include estates nestled in the Franschhoek valley and / or perched on the Helshoogte Pass.