Cape Town Winelands Tour – Full Day

Couples, Friends

Recommended for

+18

Age

Embark on a captivating journey through the stunning Winelands of Cape Town, where breathtaking landscapes and world-class wines intertwine to create an unforgettable experience. This full-day tour invites you to explore the prestigious wine regions of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl, each offering its own unique charm and rich history.

Your adventure begins in Stellenbosch, a vibrant town just 20 minutes from Cape Town, known for its majestic scenery and energetic atmosphere. Here, you’ll discover an array of grape varieties including the renowned Chenin Blanc, robust Shiraz, and the uniquely South African Pinotage. As you stroll through the town, you’ll learn about the Méthode Cap Classique, a sparkling wine that echoes the finest French champagnes. Stellenbosch is not just a wine hub; it’s a cultural haven, boasting museums, galleries, and even strawberry picking during the right season. After savoring the delightful local wines, you’ll have the chance to purchase a few bottles to take home, capturing the essence of the region in every sip.

Next, the journey transports you to Franschhoek, often described as a wine lover’s paradise and affectionately known as “the French Corner.” This historic village, with its roots in Huguenot heritage, enchants visitors with its quaint streets and picturesque estates, each bearing charming French names. As you roam the peaceful environment, indulge in the region’s exquisite delicacies and artisanal cheeses paired with some of the best wines South Africa has to offer. One of the highlights of your visit will be a unique ride on the Franschhoek Tram, allowing you to soak in the breathtaking views of lush vineyards and stunning landscapes. This vintage-style tram ride offers a relaxing perspective on the beauty that surrounds you, while our knowledgeable guides—fluent in English and French—share fascinating stories about the region’s winemaking traditions.

As the day unfolds, you’ll visit Drakenstein Prison, formerly known as Victor Verster Prison, a significant site in South Africa’s history. Here, Nelson Mandela spent his final months of imprisonment before his release in February 1990. At this poignant location, you’ll see a striking life-size statue of Mandela, raising his fist, a symbol of hope and defiance, accompanied by the powerful slogan, “Amandla awethu” or “power to the people.” This stop is a moment for reflection on the profound changes in South Africa’s landscape and society.

The tour continues as you take a scenic drive through Paarl, where the beauty of the iconic Paarl Mountain will captivate your senses. As you explore this historic town, your guide will share rich anecdotes about its early Dutch settlements and its role in the apartheid resistance, deepening your understanding of the area’s significance. Known as one of the oldest towns in South Africa, Paarl’s name, which means “pearl” in Dutch, is inspired by the glistening granite rock formations that dominate the skyline. You will also have a chance to capture stunning photographs along the way, including a memorable stop at Victor Verster Prison.

This full-day tour of the Winelands is not just an exploration of wine; it’s an immersive experience that combines the art of winemaking, cultural insights, and a glimpse into the history that has shaped South Africa. As you return to your hotel, you’ll carry with you cherished memories and a newfound appreciation for the rich tapestry of flavors and stories that define this exceptional region.

HIGHLIGHTS
Stellenbosch

City Orientation
Dorp Street
De Braak
Free walk around historical town
Wine tasting at a Stellenbosch Wine Estate
Cellar Tours
Cheese Tasting

Franschhoek

Historical village
Huguenot Memorial (Optional)
Wine tasting at a Franschhoekwine Estate
Helshoogte Pass
Opportunity to purchase wine
View Nelson Mandela’s Former Prison (Victor Verster)

Paarl

Drive through Paarl
Wine tasting at a Paarlwine Estate
Biltong Tasting

FULL DAY DEPARTURE

At your accommodation in Cape Town (hotel, guesthouse, …)

DEPARTURE TIME

MORNING: Between 8:00 and 9:00

RETURN TIME

AFTERNOON: Approximately 17:30

INCLUDED

Cellar Tour

Three Wine Tastings

One Cheese Tasting

NOT INCLUDED

Lunch

Optional visits

Stellenbosch

Located inland, Stellenbosch is a charming historical town which is also well-known for its University. Go exploring in the streets, walking under centenarian trees and discovering the surprising Cape-Dutch architecture. It will offer you a great overview of the heart of the South African wine-growing because it hosts the biggest vineyards. The climate is temperate, which allows the production of red wine and dry white wine.

Zevenwacht Wine Tasting

This is the time of the first wine tasting! Having a first glass of wine at about 10am is a challenge, but the wine is so good that you won’t even mind. The hospitality of the wine-grower and a piece of cheese will make you feel at home. Before letting you go, they’ll even show you their cellar and its impressive barrels made from French and American oak. Don’t hesitate to take a lot of pictures!

Marianne Wine Tasting

If the weather is nice, you will be lucky to do the tasting on the amazing terrace overlooking the Marianne Wine Estate landscape… what’s better than a glass of good wine in the heart of the Winelands and the foot of the mountains? This is an experience that you can’t have anywhere else! This wine will be accompanied with Springbock, Kudu and Beef Biltong, a typical Afrikaans recipe made of dried, cured meat. It’s delicious!

Franschhoek

Franschhoek is the old French Huguenots village also called the “French Corner”. It will show you the legacy, through the names of the streets and farms, left by those French people exiled from their country and who came to South Africa to make a fresh start. French tourists will find pieces of their homeland everywhere, especially in excellent restaurants. Like at Stellenbosch, the climate is favourable for red wine and dry white wine.

Drakenstein Prison

The Darkenstein Prison is situated between Franshhoek and Paarl. It is known as the prison where Nelson Mandela spent the last part of his sentence, while he was fighting against Apartheid. Even if the stop is short, it is haunting to think about his long walk for freedom.

Paarl

The valley of Paarl, the biggest city of the Winelands, is known to be the rival of Stellenbosch. It is a town with a hot climate, perfect to produce dessert red wine, with a taste more sumptuous and stronger. Red wine overrides the production of white wine in South Africa.
The area is also well-known thanks to the mountain range “Paarl Rock” and its three recognisable granite outcrops. It is said that they gleam like pearls when the sun follows the rain, hence the name of the place.

Laborie wine tasting

This will bring you to the wine tasting! The Laborie Wine Estate is huge with a nice garden where you can see squirrels innocently playing in the grass. There, you will not only try traditional wines, but also a sparkling wine, a Pinot and even a Brandy which will intoxicate the most hardened of you. At sunset, take time to see the vineyards on the mountains, bathed in sunset light, an uncommon view!

Price policy

Tour Reviews

5.00 based on 1 review

Athini

28th December 2016

You cant come to Cape Town without doing a wine tour?, not only is the wine great but it’s also one of the most scenic parts of the country. 10/10 for overall experience

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