stellenbosch and franschhoek wine tours

THE 10 BEST Stellenbosch Wine Tasting Tours

Wine tasting tours in stellenbosch.

• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Ports of Call Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Wine Tour: Paarl, Franschhoek & Stellenbosch incl 3 wineries

2. Private Full-Day Stellenbosch Wine Tour

3. Stellenbosch & Franschhoek 20 Wine Tasting + Lunch Shared Tour

4. Private Wine Tour with Wine Expert to Stellenbosch-Franschhoek Wine Regions

5. Half-Day Stellenbosch Winelands Tour from Cape Town

6. Private Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl Wine Tour

7. Full Day Wine Tasting Tour in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl

8. Full Day Small Group Wine Tour Cape Town and Stellenbosch

9. Franschhoek wine Tram & Stellenbosch Town Full day tour

10. Stellenbosch Half Day Winelands Cycle Tour

11. Private Tour of Top 5 Stellenbosch Wineries From Cape Town

12. Full-Day Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl Wine Tasting Tour from Cape Town

13. E-Bike Wine Tour Stellenbosch (Half Day)

14. Stellenbosch Private E-Bike & Wine Tour

15. 1 day Taste +Tram the Winelands: Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, Paarl

16. Daily Different small group WINE tour - STELLENBOSCH PICKUP only

17. Stellenbosch and Franschhoek Private Full Day Wine Tour

18. Small Group Daily Wine Tour

19. Top 3 Cape Town Wineries Half Day Private Tour

20. Cape Winelands and Wine Tasting Full Day Tour

21. Experience 16 Wine Tasting & 6 Cheese Pairing across 3 Vineyards

22. Private Stellenbosch, Franschhoek Paarl Wine Tour from Cape Town

23. 1 day Winelands Explore of Stellenbosch Franschhoek Paarl Regions

24. Full Day Afrivista Wine Tours from Stellenbosch

25. Best of the Winelands Private Tour

26. Stellenbosch & Franschhoek Wine Tasting Tour From Cape Town

27. Vine Hopper: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tour - Eastern Route

28. Full-Day Chocolate, Cheese, Olive and Wine Tour from Stellenbosch

29. Cheetah Outreach and Award-Winning Winelands Full Day Tour

30. Stellenbosch Winelands Luxury EBike Tour ©

What travelers are saying.

• Wine Tour: Paarl, Franschhoek & Stellenbosch incl 3 wineries
• Wine tour to Stellenbosch & Franschhoek • incl tastings & lunch
• Stellenbosch Half Day Wine Tour
• Half-Day Stellenbosch Winelands Tour from Cape Town
• Private Full-Day Stellenbosch Wine Tour
• Winelands Guide
• African King Tours
• Camino Wine Tours
• Afrivista Wine Tours
• Tsiba Tsiba Wine Tours
• Warwick Wine Estate
• Ride In Bike Hire
• Hazendal Wine Estate
• Easy Rider Wine Tours
• Segway Vineyard Tours
• Vine Hopper

• Hop-on Hop-off Experience
• Curated Wine Experience
• Exceptional Wine & Cuisine Experience
• Group Experience
• Festival of Lights
• Orange Line
• Wine Estates
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THE BEST WAY TO DISCOVER THE FRANSCHHOEK VALLEY

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• Take the N1 to Paarl.
• Take EXIT 47, the Klapmuts exit, from the highway then turn right onto the R44.
• Continue straight to the second set of traffic lights and turn left onto the Klapmuts – Simondium road.
• Travel until you meet a T-junction at Vrede and Lust wine estate, then turn right onto the R45 towards Franschhoek.
• Continue on the R45 until arriving in Franschhoek Village.
• The ticket office is located on the corner of Main Road & Cabriere Street.
• Follow the signs for N2 Somerset West.
• Take N2 highway towards Somerset West.
• Take highway exit for Baden Powell Road (R310 towards Stellenbosch), turn left on to Baden Powell Road.
• Follow this road to a three way intersection (traffic light) and turn right onto Adam Tas Road towards Stellenbosch (an extension of the R310).
• At a T-junction turn left onto Adam Tas Road.
• Go through three sets of traffic lights and at the fourth traffic light turn right into Helshoogte Road.
• Follow Helshoogte Road all the way to a T-junction at Allee Bleue farm, turn right onto the R45 towards Franschhoek.
• The ticket office is located on the corner of Main Road & Cabriere Street
• Continue on the R45 until arriving at the T-junction at Helshoogte, turn right onto Helshoogte.
• Drive accross the railway and the enterance is located on your right.
• Continue on short gravel road until reaching the Drakenstein Ticket Office on your left.
• Follow Helshoogte Road towards the T-junction, turn left onto the short gravel road just before the railway.
• Continue on the short gravel road, until you see the DRakenstein Ticket Office on your left.

+27 82 229 8865   |  [email protected]

+27 82 229 8865 | [email protected]

Our wine tours are entertaining, educational & a great way to celebrate the special moments in life. We pick you up from your accommodation in central Cape Town & Stellenbosch and return you safely after the tour. If a classic wine tour is on your bucket list, come along & replenish your spirit.

“One life. live it”

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Full day wine tour

small group | 10am | R1590 pp

includes chocolate • cheese • restaurant lunch • cellar tour

discounts for online bookings

visit Stellenbosch • Franschhoek • Paarl

Scheduled private tour

professional wine guide

luxury pairings & experiences

a luxury private wine tour with a preset itinerary

visit Stellenbosch & Franschhoek

Wine shuttle

Professional & knowledgeable chauffeur

your itinerary | visit any region/s

full day vehicle & driver hire

CONTACT  US

Advance bookings essential, last minute enquiries welcome. If there is no calendar availability on your preferred day, kindly contact us.

+27 82 229 8865

[email protected]

Your health & safety is our first priority, good times too. We subscribe to SA Tourism safety guidelines.

African Story Wine Tours

Our fun-filled and informative Cape Town Wine Tours visit some of South Africa’s premier wine 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 tantalize the taste buds with local delicacies including a cheese and wine tasting and a delicious a-la-carte lunch. You may also find other seasonal treats along the way such as chocolate or olives with some wine, it’s all part of the adventure.

THE UNPRETENTIOUS WINE ENTHUSIAST

So you’d like to learn more about wine, but don’t want to sit in a stuffy tasting room being preached at by ‘Mr-Know-it-all’?  Then this is the tour for you! We will show you how to make wine and at the same time how to appreciate wine, you will learn and explore while having a good laugh with a great winelands guide on a well-planned trip, and we won’t make you spit!

Bruce Storey is the Unpretentious Wine Enthusiast and has been a professional tour guide for many years. He has a reputation for literally going the extra mile in making sure his guests have an amazing adventure in wine. His philosophy is supported by his knowledgeable guides who are all just as committed to ensuring you enjoy your day.

“At African Story Wine Tours we offer an entertaining, friendly and most of all, memorable day in and around Cape Town’s beautiful winelands; it is all about tasting, enjoying, relaxing and exploring, whether you want to learn about wine or kick back and have some fun.”

STELLENBOSCH | WINE TOURS

Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in South Africa (1679), was featured in the New York Times as one of the” must see” wine routes of the world. Not only is it the most established, it is also the wine region with the most wine farms in South Africa, with more than 200 wineries. Grapes are not all that is grown here, many future wine makers are studying at the “University of Stellenbosch” or “Elsenburg College” making it quite the student town.

Named after the governor Simon van der Stel, 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 varietals of wine.

The tour of Stellenbosch is important as it is the second oldest town in South Africa.

FRANSCHHOEK | WINE TOURS

Franschhoek is known as the culinary capital of the Cape and is ringed by the majestic Groot Drakenstein Mountains making it the most beautiful of towns.  It was originally known as Oshoek by the Dutch (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. The tour of Franschhoek wine region is absolutely stunning, it is just naturally beautiful.

PAARL | WINE TOURS

Paarl is the third oldest town (1657) in South Africa; it was named after a giant granite rock that seen glistening in the sun after some rainfall was named “Diamond and Pearl” mountain, from which the name Paarl was derived.

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.

Experience wine as you have never before:

• We will taste many varietals of wines (white / red/ rose), blends, cape ports (fortified wine), brandy, method cap Classique and dessert wines etc. . (Subject to availability)
• We will compare new wines with older ones, so you can taste the difference.
• We will taste heavy wooded as well as the light wooded wines.
• We will try to get to know South African wines.
• We will give ideas on how to enjoy your wines more like food and wine pairing, right temperature, glasses etc
• We will try, taste and enjoy it all!

THE CELLAR TOUR

For a unique perspective on wine, experience the wine-making process from the wine cellar:

• We will explore the history of South African wine.
• We will look at different wine making styles.
• We will talk about viticulture and vinification.
• We will demonstrate the wine making process (oenology).
• We will explain the making of cape Port, Method Cap Classique / sparkling wine (Champagne), brandy etc.

THE TASTING ROOM

This is where the action happens:

• We will taste many South African wines, port styles, MCC’s (Champagne).
• We will learn more about how to taste and drink wines.
• We will talk about food and wine pairing and the influence of flavours.
• We will cover wine and health.
• We will identify whether and how to store wine
• We will cover a wide variety of wines and wine derivatives.
• Spitting is entirely optional!

THE VINEYARDS

The Story of Wine takes you on a journey of wine that covers the three most important wine regions in the Western Cape: Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl.

On our wine farm tour we visit four of the best vineyards each day, which may vary depending on the day of the week, or time of year.

Fairview is included most days and the emphasis is on spending time at the farms and not in the vehicle.

We are proud to support farms that are not only producing award winning wine, but are also pesticide free, environment friendly, carbon neutral, animal friendly, have education trusts, have staff programs, social programs or empowerment deals. Ask us about the projects you might be interested in. 

Tasting wine can be hungry business and a delicious a la carte lunch is included in your tour to help further the day, giving you pause to refuel and recharge, ready for the last leg of our wine-inspired wandering.

We visit  a awesome restaurant to make the most of the beautiful setting, and over a glass of wine ( There’s also soda or juice) you will have a choice of menu that caters for all tastes, including vegetarians and those with special dietary requirements.

You might like to tuck in to a tasty Malay curry, awesome fish or burger, but why not try one of the traditional South African dishes such as bobotie. Salads are available for those who are watching the figure. For the vegetarians we have great menu for you to like Vegetable lasagna etc. (The menu may change from time to time)

Don’t forget that in addition to lunch we will also taste lots of goats and cow cheeses, from the creamy, spicy and fruity to the stronger blue cheeses, and depending on the day, often we have chocolate and olives  and other culinary treats with wine.

Prove its your birthday and I have a special gift for you!

TOURS & PRICING

The tours & pricing.

Scheduled Tour – R1500 per person Private Tour – Please enquire for pricing

The Story of Wine Tour of the winelands operates most days (including Sundays), departing  between 08h30  and 09h00 and returning at approximately 17h30. We take bookings for as many people as you like whether you are a single traveller or part of a group.

The cost is R1500pp and includes all wine tastings, cheese tastings, a fabulous a la carte lunch, a cellar tour, and of course your entertaining wine guide.  It also includes collection from anywhere in Cape Town city central, or nearby, and shuttles can be arranged for longer distances.

* Pricing is subject to change on a yearly basis, Seasonal rates apply.

• Customised private tours
• Corporate tours
• Team building adventures
• Winetours with a difference

CONTACT DETAILS

To find out more, please fill out our enquiry form, or alternatively, you can give us a call or send us an email.

Contact numbers: +27 (0) 73 755 0444 or +27(0) 79 694 7915 Email: [email protected] Physical Address: Son Vida Flats, 79 Somerset Road, Greenpoint

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Wine Tours and Winelands Day Tours Departing Cape Town and Stellenbosch Daily

Compare wine tours, read feedback , enquire or book your wine tasting tour below.

Daily Wine Tours from Cape Town

from Cape Town to Stellenbosch | R 1050 from Stellenbosch All Included With Lunch. 7 Days a week.

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Private Wine Tour from Cape Town

Group Size: Min 2

Custom Wine Tour

Chauffeur Drive / Minibus Chauffeur

Chauffeur-drive, sedan: R2950

Chauffeur-drive, minibus. 7-seater: R3850

Chauffeur-drive, minibus. 13-seater: R4950

Chauffeur-drive, minibus. 17-seater: R7200

Welcome to the CAPE WINELANDS!

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• Our Self-Guided Wine Tour in Stellenbosch & Franschhoek 

by Nichole | Last updated Apr 4, 2024 | Best Wine Africa , South Africa

South Africa is known for some exceptional wines, particularly their Pinotage. One of the best ways to experience these top wines is to visit the wineries that make them! My husband and I have done quite a few winecations and love crafting wine tour itineraries. We’ll walk you through our personal Self-Guided Wine Tour in Stellenbosch & Franschhoek, two of the most famous wine regions in South Africa. And we used Uber to make this itinerary happen!

* Some of the links in this post contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. All recommendations are from first-hand experience that I feel will deliver value to you! Thank you for your continued support.

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How to Design Your Self-Guided Wine Tour 

01- ideal wine tour day, 02- pick your wine regions + wineries, 03- how to use uber for a wine tour, 04- pick your lunch spot, our self-guided wine tour overview, self-guided cape winelands itinerary, 9 am: pick-up time, 10:30 am: kanonkop wine estate, 12:30 pm: lunch + wine at the table at de meye, 4 pm: moreson wine farm, 7:30 pm: chefs warehouse at maison estate, final thoughts, related content.

First, realize there are 4 ways you can do a Cape Town Wine Tour .

All have their pros and cons.

We did two full days of wine tasting in South Africa, one with a private wine tour company and one self-guided.   It was fun to experience both for different reasons.

Vineyards outside Cape Vue Country House in Franschhoek, South Africa

After doing quite a few wine tours over the years, we have a bit of practice with what an ideal wine tour day looks like.  

I believe the best wine tasting itinerary looks something like this:

→     Winery #1

→     Leisurely lunch with wine pairings at Winery #2

→     Winery #3

If you do any more than 3 wineries, you may experience “wine fatigue,” where all the wine tastes the same at the end. This setup offers a relaxed pace to truly appreciate and enjoy the wine you are tasting.

Picking which wine region + wineries to visit was the toughest choice because prior to our visit I knew very little about South Africa wine.

The five most famous South Africa wine regions are Constantia, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, and Walker Bay. Each wine region is known for different wine varietals.

Once you select your wine region, how do you even begin to sift through all the wineries to figure out which ones to pick?

Luckily, I have done a lot of this research for you. Check out my article below that goes through the top South Africa wine regions and the top-rated wineries in each region.  

Once you select your wineries, then see how close your top choices are to each other.

When you are planning your own wine tour day using Uber, you’ll need to select wineries that are relatively close to each other.

We picked one winery in Franschhoek and two wineries in Stellenbosch.

If possible, try to select wineries that do not require advance reservations. That way if it takes a while for your Uber to pick you up, you are not stressing about making your reservation in time. 

By the way, an Uber driver can be a little difficult to find very late in the day.

My husband and I are big foodies and are guilty of planning vacations around a culinary experience .

Yes, we have done quite a few Michelin-rated/starred experiences, but our favorites are the smaller quaint establishments that really focus on high-quality ingredients local to the area.

Some of the wineries will offer a gourmet lunch along with your wine pairings.

I’ll save you the hassle of this important decision.

Pick this restaurant in my top 5 Cape Wineland restaurants (hint: it’s #4 on the list). You will thank me later. Love, love, love them!

→     WINE REGIONS WE VISITED: Stellenbosch and Franschhoek

→     TRANSPORT: Uber

→     UBER COST: $54.09 total (with tip) for 2 people or $27 pp. Wine tasting not included.

→     WINERIES WE VISITED: Kanonkop, De Meye (ate at The Table at De Meye), Morseon Wine Farm

After a full breakfast at our Franschhoek accommodation, Cape Vue Country House , we were ready for a day of wine tasting! 

Kanonkop Kadette and Estate Range Wine Tasting in Stellenbosch South Africa

Uber Cost: $18.82 USD (Cape Vue Country House to Kanonkop Wine Estate)

Kanonkop Wine Estate is home to one of the top-rated Pinotages in South Africa! This Stellenbosch winery is recognized as the country’s equivalent of a Premier Cru. 

What is Pinotage?

Created in 1925, Pinotage is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault. It obtained its notoriety when Kanonkop’s Pinotage won the Robert Mondavi Trophy for the Best Red Wine at the 1991 International Wine and Spirits Competition in London.

How did the winery’s name come about? 

During the 17th and 18th centuries, a cannon (kanon) was fired on top of the hill (kop) to let the local farmers know to load up their produce to barter with the incoming ships. This estate was first purchased by JW Sauer and has been passed down four generations in the family and is now currently operated by brothers Paul & Johann Krige. 

Kanonkop produces two ranges of wine: Kadette and the Estate Range .

The Kadette Range is softer and more fruit-forward and is meant to be consumed earlier whereas the Estate Range is more complex and made to be aged for enjoyment years later.

We tried 3 wines from the Kadette Range (2019 Pinotage Rose, 2017 Cape Blend, 2017 Pinotage) and 3 from the Estate Range (2017 Pinotage, 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2016 Paul Sauer).

One of our favorites was the Estate Range Pinotage. This elegant wine was savory with good structure and tannins and tasted of blackberries and plums.

Although we tasted the 2017 Estate Pinotage, we purchased the 2009 Estate Pinotage because we heard this vintage is widely regarded as one of the greatest vintages in the South Africa wine industry.

Of note, the Black Label Pinotage is made from one of the oldest Pinotage vineyards in South Africa. It has an aging potential of 20-25 years from the vintage.

We were celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary in South Africa, so we decided to purchase this 96-point 2017 bottle to enjoy on our 30th! I cannot wait.

Kanonkop’s Top Rated Wines

Wine dog at Kanonkop Wine Estates

One of the reasons for Kanonkop’s success is its incredibly skilled winemaker, Abrie Beeslaar.

The International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) in London, which is the world’s top wine and spirits competition, has awarded him with the title International Winemaker of the Year several times now. 

In addition to being the winemaker at Kanonkop, Abrie also has his own label called Beeslaar . His bottles are hard to find, but we were finally able to find a Beeslar 2017 Pinotage in a wine shop next to The Test Kitchen called Open Wine. 

The Table at De Meye indoor dining area

Uber Cost: $6.39 USD (Kanonkop to De Meye Wine Estate)

The next stop was lunch at The Table at De Meye .

We ate at most of the top restaurants in Cape Town and the Cape Winelands , and this was our favorite!

This is truly the ultimate South Africa wine country experience … sharing and enjoying a meal with family and friends in a beautiful idyllic setting.

We were greeted by the sweetest owner, Leigh Williamson, and seated inside due to the weather being cooler that day.  We will have to come back when it is warmer because the property has a lovely garden with dining tables shaded by trees.

Leigh had fond memories of eating at The Table as a child, so when the opportunity presented to purchase the estate, she jumped on it.

Along with her partner, Chef Brendan Thorncroft, they continue to maintain the authentic charm and delicious food.

Stuffed porchetta at The Table De Meye Restaurant in Stellenbosch, South Africa

The De Meye Wine Estate produces several red and white wines. We enjoyed a bottle of their refreshing crisp, dry Shiraz Rose to pair with our lunch.

The sharing-style lunch menu is a surprise and changes weekly. The Table is known for simple but refined comfort dishes.

Leigh went over each course as it came out. Not only did she explain what food you were eating and how it was prepared but which local farmer it came from. You cannot get more farm-to-table than that!

Two words to sum up the experience: Simple.   Delicious.

Three and a half hours later, I reluctantly peeled myself off the seat for the next stop.

Moreson Wine Farm in South Africa wine country

Uber Cost: $5.71 USD (The Table to Moreson Wine Farm)

The Moresone Wine Farm has been passed down three generations and is currently operated by the close-knit Friendman family. The two brothers (Dane and Blake) and two sisters (Nikki and Charlie) who make up the third generation have fond childhood memories of growing up on this farm and helping their dad make the wine.

Winemaker Clayton Reabow joined Moreson in 2007 and has continued to help produce the estate’s award-winning wines including Pinotage, Chardonnay, and Blanc de Blancs.

We walked through the flower-filled courtyard and into the quaint tasting room. A friendly staff member greeted us and walked us through a tasting of several notable wines.

One was the Moreson Method Cap Classique Solitaire Blanc de Blancs, which had yeasty undertones and well-balanced acidity.

Another standout was the Moreson Widow Maker Pinotage, which is a rich wine with black cherry and plum flavors.

Moreson MKM Pinotage

Moreson Wildcraft Gin

Another must-try wine is the MKM Pinotage .

This wine is Moreson’s flagship Pinotage, which is considered to be one of the top 10 Pinotages in South Africa. MKM was named after a long-time employee, Moraka Klaas Maffa, who sadly passed away in 2011. This bold, smooth, and savory wine is characterized by dark fruit, spice, and tobacco.

We were also able to try Moreson’s small-batch Wildcraft Equinox 79 Gin, which is made from triple-distilled Chardonnay and nine botanicals.

All in all, great wine tasting experience!

A quick Uber ride back to our hotel in Franschhoek cost $23.17. 

Slow cooked pork belly at Chefs Warehouse at Maison in Franschhoek South Africa

Last meal in South Africa wine country … Chefs Warehouse at Maison Estate .

Dublin-born Chef Liam Tomlin owns several restaurants in his restaurant empire. Instead of formal tasting menus, he focuses on contemporary tapas-style food that offers great value for the money.

Over the course of 2 hours, we enjoyed some delicious small plates that came out in three courses such as fennel & mustard risotto, tandoori cauliflower, slow-cooked pork belly, and karoo lamb.

Our Self-Guided Franschhoek & Stellenbosch Wine Tour using Uber allowed for a very fun, relaxed itinerary. Sipping exceptional South Africa wine is one of my top things to do in South Africa ! 

Make reservations for your lunch in the middle and then pick a winery for the morning and afternoon that does not require reservations. That way your day will truly be at leisure as you discover some of the best South Africa wine country has to offer!

I hope this guide helps you design your own wine tour itinerary.  

If you need more help planning your South Africa wine country getaway, don’t miss my article below! 

Best South African Wine Regions & Wineries to Visit

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Cape Town Wine Tours

Wine flies wine tours.

What if taking that “one” picture is just not enough? Wine Flies Tours started as an idea that believes in the importance of real experiences. We enjoy sharing a glass with a local wine maker in their old private cellar. This is a Cape Town Wine Tour like no other.

We want people to taste, smell and live what we do as locals. To understand this weird and wonderful country we have. Our tours are different, memorable, immensely fun, but mostly a real South African experience. We want people to experience our Cape Town winelands, people and country in an authentic way.

Franschhoek & Stellenbosch Wine Tour

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Stellenbosch Wine Tour

Visit 4 estates in the Stellenbosch region with a guided drive through the town itself, being one of the oldest towns in SA and famed for its Cape Dutch style architecture as well as its major role in SA’s wine industry…

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We host a super fun child-friendly wine tour that’s a blast for the whole family! We have hand-picked wine estates and venues in the winelands that are memorable, amazing and loads of fun! From “kiddies wine tasting”…

Half Day Private Wine Tour

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Private Gourmet Wine Tour

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Private Helicopter Wine Tour

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Private Meet the wine maker Tour

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Private Nature Wine Tour

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Private Romantic Wine Tour

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Private Wine Tour from Cape Town to Stellenbosch / Franschhoek

Private Cape Town Wine Tour. Meet a wine maker and having a true Cape Town winelands experience. Unique, special, experiences in Cape Town. There will be true wine culture, local food, and behind the scenes knowledge…

Cultural Tours

Don’t you want to know how it must feel to be truly South African?

From ancient human kind & world changing civil battles through to joyful Vuvuzelas & local Braai feasts. A cultural tour from where we came from to where we are today. Experience a “Back Stage Pass” to our locals & their stories, all the time whilst going on an epic journey of our culture, food & drink. Come feel & taste what we really are about!

Hermanus Whale, Wine & Wors Tour

My Big, Fat, Whale, Wine and Wors Tour Cultural Tours Cost: From R 1275 per person Departs: Seasonal July to begin December – Every Tuesday

Karoo Desert Tour – The Forgotten Route

The true story of a forgotten route , following in the footsteps of early explorers into the wild undiscovered, REAL South Africa . It’s now a journey that you can experience…

Depart from Cape Town on a two day adventure into the Karoo, traveling in our 13 seater luxury air-conditioned vehicle with fun stops along the way, visiting iconic landmarks and Anglo-Boer battle regions . Experience true SA culture and share stories with local winemakers & musicians of the Karoo plains. Taste the local produce, drive through majestic mountains and sense the weird and wonderful of THE FORGOTTEN ROUTE .

Karoo Desert Tour

Karoo Desert Tour The Forgotten Route Cost: From R2 725 per person sharing Karoo Desert Tour – The Forgotten Route The true story of a

Other Unique South African Experiences

We have partnered with companies that share our vision. We want people to experience exceptional sights and feelings, meeting real people and have the most authentic SA experience possible. It should always be value for money, quality, safe and memorable. Please have a look at some of our products and partners and let us know when we can make your SA dream adventure a reality.

Abseiling Gordon’s Bay / Paarl Rock

Looking for Adventure? This is the trip for you! Join our guides on a full day action packed outdoor adventure. The trip promises to rock your socks off as you will embark on a 65metre Waterfall Abseil, try your hand at Kloofing, jumping from 3 metres to 22 metres high. It might look a little crazy – it is!..

Cape Town Food Tours

Known as the “Rainbow Nation”, South Africa’s diverse culinary influences will be sampled as we get to know the city of Cape Town through its food. Cape Town is home to artisanal coffee roasters, responsibly-sourced cocoa chocolatiers, free-range meat, local seafood, excellent farmer’s markets, world-class restaurants, and of course, award-winning wines and bubbles.

Gangster Prison Experience

Gangster Prison Experience Unique South African Experiences Cost: R 800 per person Tour itinerary: Museum lock for 1 hour Let’s spend time and listen the

Garden Route Tour

Our 6-day group Garden Route Tour from Cape Town is a safe and affordable way to explore the Western Cape, Little Karoo, Whale Route, Addo Elephant National Park and Route 62. Tour the Garden Route while experiencing a good mix of nature, culture and adventure. This trip will give you a taste of some of the best things the spectacular Garden Route has to offer. This tour starts & ends in Cape Town and departs every Monday.

Horse Riding

There are 1 hour, 2-hour, and 4-hour rides, with special wine tasting trails. They operate 7 days a week and the trails are led by experienced and qualified guides.

Paragliding

Tandem Paraglide flight Cape Town Unique South African Experiences Cost: R 1400 per person Tandem Paraglide: Fly with an experienced instructor over the neighborhoods of

Quad Biking

For a day out at the Dunes with a difference, we can provide an unforgettable adventure for people who want to experience the excitement of Quad Tours in Cape Town. As well as promising an adventure on quad bikes…

Sand Boarding

Sandboarding Unique South African Experiences Cost: From R 860 per person Sandboarding: Come join us at the magnificent Atlantis Dunes, just 50km outside the city

Sea Kayak Penguin Tours

Meet the endangered African penguins in their natural habitat and learn all about their fascinating lifestyles from the comfort of a sea kayak!…

Shark Cage Diving

The experience puts you in their territory while the safety of the activity allows you to be an observer and learn what Great White Sharks are really like. An on board marine biologist will educate you about this amazing apex…

Tandem Skydiving Unique South African Experiences Cost: R 3150 per person Tandem Skydiving: Perfect for first time jumpers, an introductory tandem skydive is a quick

Stellenbosch E-Bike Tours

This unique E-Bike tour meanders through some of the best wine land scenery in South Africa. We E-bike from Stellenbosch to Franschhoek. Meet local people and taste some of the great cuisine this region has to offer…

Zip Lining Tours

Zip Lining Tour Unique South African Experiences Cost: From R 995 per person for max 8 Tour itinerary: Cape Canopy Tour in the Elgin Valley,

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7 Wine Tours Stellenbosch: Leave the Car at the Hotel

By: Author Amanda OBrien

Posted on Last updated: 16/02/2024

South African wine is world-renowned. The majority of its wine production and of its wine farms are near Cape Town.

There are four main wine areas in South Africa: Constantia , Paarl , Worcester , and lovely Stellenbosch . Stellenbosch is just 50km East of Cape Town. It is located at the bottom of the Stellenbosch mountains and has a Mediterranean climate – dry and warm summers and mild and wet winters.

So what could be more enjoyable than taking some wine tours Stellenbosch in that gorgeous weather?

This is a beautiful region with rolling gentle hills and big skies. The town of Stellenbosch South africa is full of character with its Dutch-style buildings and lots of cute boutiques and coffee shops/cafes.

But of course, it is all about the wine. And Stellenbosch wine is just fabulous. I am Australian so I love a big rich new world wine thus Stellenbosch wines suited me down to the ground.

However, you don’t need to have an Australian palate to enjoy the wonderful wine estates Stellenbosch has on offer and there is an extensive variety of grapes and blends on offer.

Wine Tours Stellenbosch

There are seven different types of wine tours of Stellenbosch. The different options for wine tastings are based around half or full days, one or more wine regions, adding food, private or group or method of transport.

⇒ Book Your Stellenbosch Wine Tour Now

1. The Vine Hopper Bus Stellenbosch

I loved this concept. The Stellenbosch Vine Hopper is a hop on hop off bus that takes you around the Stellenbosch wine farms.

This Stellenbosch wine tour bus picks you up and drops you back at your accommodation so you don’t need to think about driving at all. There are three different routes and each has six winery stops.

I checked the wineries on the Stellenbosch Vine Hopper route beforehand and decided where I wanted to have lunch and which Stellenbosch wineries I particularly wanted to visit. That way I was able to easily plan my day to maximize the wine varietals that I like best.

Each Vine hopper route covers a different wine area in Stellenbosch – Southern, Northern or Eastern. The tours run on different days eg the Southern Route currently runs Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

This means that there is a vine hopper bus operating in Stellenbosch pretty much every day. It also means you can use the vine hopper a couple of days in a row and visit different Stellenbosch wineries.

I thought this was a fantastic concept and it worked very well – and to me was probably one of the best wine tours Stellenbosch options.

⇒ Book the Southern Route Vine Hopper

⇒ Book the Northern Route Vine Hopper

⇒ Book the Eastern Route Vine Hopper

I took the Stellenbosch Vine Hopper Northern Route and made a full day of it visiting five of the six wineries. Simonsig was my personal favourite Stellenbosch wine farm and where I ordered wine to get sent to the UK.

I had lunch at Delheim wine estate which was lovely – sitting outside with a very tasty platter of cheese and meats.

2. Different Types of Transport Methods for visiting Stellenbosch wineries

How do you like to get between your vineyards? There are several transport options when it comes to Wine Tours Stellenbosch.

If you like a cycling wine tour there is a Half Day Stellenbosch Winelands Mountain Bike tour which includes two wine tastings or if you’re really keen a full day cycling trip from Stellenbosch to Franschhoek Valley which includes lunch and wine tastings.

Or how about wine and horses? There are lots of options in Stellenbosch here! There is a one-hour vineyard trail ride option or a two-hour vineyard trail ride .

There is a Stellenbosch half day Wine Tasting Horse Trail tour   that takes in both. Or if you really like horses there is a Full Day Wine Tasting and Horse Riding tour.

Or for a really different Stellenbosch wine tour check out this Full-Day Wine Tasting Tuk Tuk tour Stellenbosch . In addition to getting around Stellenbosch in a Tuk Tuk there are five wine tastings Stellenbosch stops and most of those also include food – from chocolate to biltong to cheese.

Expert Travel Tip: How to Get Stellenbosch Wine Home

Several of the wineries I visited work with Capreo . Capreo basically ships wine from South Africa all over the world. It is a great idea to sign up with Capreo and then make your purchases through them.

They then provide costs that include duty and taxes in your currency which is great. Also, once the wine arrives Capreo has already made all the payments so there is none of that hassle of having to organise additional payments etc.

I highly recommend using Capreo as I had a great and easy experience with them!

3. Full-Day Group Stellenbosch Wine Tasting Tours

⇒ Book Your Stellenbosch Day Trip from Cape Town Now

If you’re staying in Stellenbosch a Full Day Wine Tour is a great option. This wine tour kicks off at 930 and will take you to four wineries (with tastings of 4-6 wines per winery) and a cheese and charcuterie lunch platter wine pairing.

This full-day Stellenbosch South Africa wine tour visits Franschhoek and there is a chance to wander and it also visits a Nelson Mandela statue. The tour company will pick guests up from Cape Town for an additional fee.

If you’re staying in Cape Town and limited on time but want to see as much of South Africa’s wine country as possible then this Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl Full Day Wine Tour is for you.

This Stellenbosch Tour covers all three of the regions, cheese and biltong and three wine tastings. This one of the best options for wine route tours Cape Town.

Daily Different tours are a new offer. These are guaranteed small group wine tours (no more than 8 people) and focus on lesser-known “secret” wineries. 4-5 tastings are included as well as cheese or biltong and lunch.

Daily Different Tours can do a pick up from Stellenbosch or from Cape Town .

If you’re staying in Franschhoek try this Full-Day Cape Winelands tour which visits 5 wineries and covers Franschhoek, Paarl, and Stellenbosch. It finishes with a Diamond Cutting tour and bubbles.

Or why not experience the wine region with an actual winemaker? This full-day wine tour with a Stellenbosch Wine Maker is a small group tour with pick up and drop off in Stellenbosch.

4. Half-Day Group Tour Stellenbosch Wine Route

⇒ Hop on your bike and head off on the Half Day Stellenbosch Winelands Mountain Bike tour. 

⇒ Mix wine and horseriding on the half-day Wine Tasting Horse Trail tour .

⇒ Limited on time? Try this Half-Day Private Wine Tours Stellenbosch option .

5. Wine and More Group Tours

Combine wine with wildlife on the Full Day Wildlife Wine and Safari Tour . This tour’s first stop is a winery with wildlife. Then you’ll visit an Eagle rehabilitation centre and finish up with Crocodiles – and wine.

Or if you’re short on time and based in Cape Town this Half Day Wine Safari combines tastings at two wineries with a Big Cat Sanctuary and a Wild Bird Sanctuary.

Again, if you’re staying in Cape Town and like motors as well as wine then check out this Wine Safari with Franschhoek Motor Museum Tour . The tour focuses on Waterford Winery and also includes a chocolate tasting.

6. Food and Wine Group Tours

For a bit of everything check out this Wine, Chocolate, Cheese and Olive Oil Tasting tour . It’s a full-day tour from Stellenbosch. On the day you can choose which wine region South Africa you would like to visit.

7. Private Tours

There are quite a few private wine tour options. If you are based in Cape Town and keen to see as much of the wine country as possible this Cape Winelands tour is a good full-day wine tour option.

If you’re based in Stellenbosch and want to set your own itinerary for the day then this Stellenbosch Private Wine Tour is a great option. You will set the agenda for the day and can visit up to six different wine farms.

Or try a Half Day Stellenbosch Private Wine Tour .

If you are a big fan of red wine there is a South African Red Wine Focussed Private tour around Stellenbosch that will take you to 4 wine estates particularly known for their reds.

Or if you’re more partial to bubbles check out this Sparkling Sensation Private Tour of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch that focuses on the experts in South African sparkling wine.

And of course, if you have a car there are many options for self-drive wine tours Stellenbosch. Stellenbosh and the surrounding wine regions are quite easy to drive around – just make sure you spit.

How to Get To Stellenbosch

The closest airport to Stellenbosch is Cape Town  – which covers both international and domestic flights.

⇒ Flights to Cape Town

Hiring a car is the best way to get around the Cape. The roads around Cape Town are good and clearly signed and the distances are quite large. Plus there are lots of areas to turn off and explore.

⇒ Car Hire Cape Town

If you’re planning a big trip to South Africa check out this Ultimate South Africa Bucketlist to help you plan your trip. And don’t miss the lovely Cape Town! Here is a fantastic post on 45 great Things to Do in Cape Town.

Where to Stay in Stellenbosch

I stayed at the absolutely lovely Wedgeview Country House and Spa – it was my perfect type of boutique hotel. Wedgeview Country House is located a few minute’s drive from the town of Stellenbosch on a one-hectare plot.

This hotel in Stellenbosch is very much a mix of a boutique hotel and someone’s very stylish yet relaxing country residence.

There are 18 rooms on offer at Wedgeview Country House Stellenbosch- ranging from deluxe to the Presidential Suite. I stayed in a Vineyard Room at this Stellenbosch hotel.

The design style is comfortable Scandinavian – lots of soft colours, light, and wooden floors. My Vineyard Room at Wedgeview house Stelenbosch was on the first floor and came with stunning views over the vineyards.

The room at this Stellenbosch boutique hotel was a very good size – enough room for my things and to feel spacious without being too big. The bathroom is a separate room with a separate bath and shower.

I loved the wine-themed toiletries at Wedgeview Stellenbosch – I have always wanted to wash my hair in Merlot.

The sheets are Percale Linen at Wedgeview Hotel, there are bathrobes, flat-screen tv, strong wifi, and all the boutique mod cons. There is also a fully stocked mini-bar with wine and treats from the region.

Wedgeview South Africa also has two decent sized pools and loads of outdoor seating areas. There is an honesty bar – love that. It was possible to help yourself to different wines from the area and just write it down which was fun.

There is a restaurant at Wedgeview but it tends to offer one three-course option in the evening which must be booked ahead. Having said that I ate there both nights I stayed and the food was excellent.

Wedgeview’s restaurant also offers soup and/or Winelands platters with local cheese and meats. Wedgeview serves an a la carte lunch.

A fantastic buffet breakfast is included in your stay at Wedgeview. It also comes with a choice of hot meals and some excellent coffee.

If you’re looking for some balance in your enjoyment of the wine and food of Stellenbosch Wedgeview has a small gym. This Stellenbosch spa also has two treatment rooms and they offer facials, massages etc and there are a sauna and steam room.

The spa at Wedgeview House is open to both guests and those who are not staying.

The Wedgeview staff are extremely friendly and helpful – and knowledgeable about the area. Indeed I was heading to Hermanus after my stay and was advised about the stunning Cape Whale Route by the owner Dave which was a brilliant experience.

Who Paid for What in this Post

Wedgeview very kindly hosted my stay – thank you! This covered accommodation and breakfast so I covered the cost of dinner and wine. Viator covered the cost of my Vine hopper tour.

I paid for my hire car and flights in and out of South Africa. As always my opinions are all my own.

This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you click through on some of them and make a purchase I will receive a small commission. This will not impact the price that you pay. I just wanted to make sure that you knew this.

READ NEXT: SELF DRIVE NAMIBIA GUIDE OR FOR MORE WINE CHARLOTTESVILLE WINERIES

Related Posts:

Vineyards in Portugal

Wineries of McLaren Vale

Like this Post? Why not Pin It?

Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.

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Konstantina

Thursday 13th of December 2018

I clicked as soon as I read the word "wine". I couldn't agree more with you. I love wine and if course wine tasting.

Sigrid Says

Sunday 25th of November 2018

I never know about South AFrican wines. I only know about Italian, Spanish, and Californian wines. I have always dreamt of going on a wine tasting tour. Oh my gosh, now I know that I have a lot to learn.

The Boutique Adventurer

Monday 26th of November 2018

Thanks Sigrid - it sounds like you know your wines - I think you would really enjoy south african wines!

Saturday 24th of November 2018

I am not a big wine drinker but I would love try some South African wines.

Thanks! you may find South African wines change your mind!

what a beautiful place, the landscape is breathtaking. I would LOVE to visit there hopping from one wine tour to the next ; )

thanks Eloise - I highly recommend it! especially the wine hopping!

Thursday 22nd of November 2018

I have read a post somewhere about stellenbosch before and exactly about wine.. Cool this makes deep sense. Great tour and sure good wine... I love wine and this makes me wish to visit and have one.

Thanks Lex - the area is known for its great wine!

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This fun wine tour from Cape Town, packed with wine tastings, Cheese & a sweet and decadent pairing, a cellar tour and more. Make new friends, have a laugh and experience the famous Cape Winelands first hand on our wine tour from Cape Town all while learning about and enjoying some of the best wines in the world.

Daily: Monday - Saturday

Meeting points: 08h30 V&A Waterfront: Stop 1 Tour office, located office outside the Two Oceans Aquarium 08h00 CBD: Stop 5 Tour office, located at 81 Long Street Also available: complimentary pick-up from many of our bus stops near all hotels (further details and collection times during the booking process and on your confirmation, that you receive after check out)

Tour returns to V&A Waterfront (Stop 1) at approximately 17h45. Use the Red or the Green Route to get back to your pick up location.

Coach tour guided by a expert wine guide Cellar Tour, Wine tasting with Cheese in the Stellenbosch region Walking tour in Stellenbosch Wine tasting in the Franschhoek valley See the quaint Franschhoek village Photo stop at Drakenstein Prison (Where Nelson Mandela was released) A sweet and decadent wine pairing in Paarl

Cost of lunch

* Refunds will not be issued for cancellations made within 24 hours of the scheduled departure time. Exceptions may be made under extenuating circumstances, subject to the provision of appropriate documentation for verification. All refunds are subject to managements discretion. Please note an R20 admin fee per ticket cancelled is applicable.

• Enjoy a Full day tour to all 3 Cape Wine regions in a luxury air-conditioned coach
• Includes a cellar tour with wine tasting and cheese in the Stellenbosch region
• Guided walk through historic Stellenbosch
• Includes a wine tasting in Franschhoek
• See the prison where Nelson Mandela served his last days of imprisonment
• Includes cellar tour, a sweet and decadent wine pairing in the Paarl wine region
• Live guided (in English) by a knowledgeable wine guide

Highlights:

Spend this action and value packed day exploring the 3 top wine regions of Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. This day tour includes a cellar tour and 3 paired wine tastings, one each in the Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl regions. Enjoy a guided walk in Stellenbosch, and a visit to Franschhoek village.

Stellenbosch Wine region

After leaving Cape Town we head close to Stellenbosch to enjoy a cellar tour followed by a Cheese and Wine tasting at our chosen wine estate. We then head into Stellenbosch, also known as the “City of Oaks”, it has giant oak trees shading the streets, which are lined with picturesque cafes, boutiques and art galleries. The Cape Dutch architecture dates back to South Africa’s Dutch colonial history. Our guide will take you on a walking tour of the historic town before we head over the Hellshoogte Mountain pass as we make our way to Franschhoek.

Franschhoek Wine region

The Franschhoek valley is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful places to visit in South Africa. With towering mountains and vineyards, Franschhoek offers stunning views from its famous wine farms. Franschhoek, meaning “French corner”, truly lives up to its name, with French-inspired cafes, delis and wine shops, and architecture dating back to the time of the Huguenots. You will experience a wine tasting in the picturesque Franschhoek valley and a see to the picturesque town.

Drakenstein Prison

Stop for a photo here and learn more about the Mandela story from your guide. In 1982 Mandela was transferred from the maximum security prison on Robben Island to Pollsmoor Prison in Cape Town. From there, Mandela was moved to the then Victor Verster Prison on 9 December 1988, where he lived in a private house inside the prison compound. Victor Verster, a farm prison, was often used as a stepping stone for releasing lower-risk political prisoners. Mandela served another 14 months at Victor Verster (Now called Drakenstein) Prison until his release on 11 February 1990. On the day of his release, reporters from all over the world surrounded the prison, giving the prison worldwide publicity.

Paarl Wine region

Paarl wines are now world renowned, primarily for the quality of their Shiraz while Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinotage, Viognier and Cabernet Sauvignon are also increasingly well regarded, and the region is home to some of the Western Cape’s most influential wineries. About an hour’s drive from Cape Town, the region has earned international acclaim not only for its Paarl wines but also the  breathtaking beauty of its natural surroundings. The name Paarl means ‘pearl’ and reflects the way the ancient granite mountains, which early Dutch settlers called ‘den Diamont ende Peerlbergh’ (‘the diamond and pearl mountain’), glisten in the distance.

We visit the our chosen Wine Estate to enjoy a wine tasting (5 wines) complete with a sweet and decadent pairing in Paarl. Choose your favourite wine and then enjoy a glass of it as you sit under the trees and take in all the ambiance before heading back to Cape Town.

Your guide will highlight points of interest along the way (in English), and will be on hand to answer any questions you have about the route or wine farms.

Return to Cape Town by approximately 17h45

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We reserve the right to alter the Wine Estates according to availability

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