Four Amazing Ways To Experience The Cape Winelands
Nestled within South Africa’s Western Cape province lies the captivating Cape Winelands region, renowned for its illustrious and outstanding winemaking heritage and the emergence of its globally acclaimed wines. Beyond its wine-producing legacy, the enchanting area is known for its mesmerising and breathtaking scenery, exquisite gastronomic delights, and charming architectural wonders, captivating all who venture there. Unsurprisingly, the region is among South Africa’s most prominent and sought-after destination cherished by travellers worldwide. Whether you’re a wine lover or an admirer of nature, the following tours offer a delightful and unforgettable escape to the Western Cape Winelands, effortlessly reachable from Cape Town. From group tours and family-friendly excursions to private, romantic wine-centered experiences for couples, we have it all covered!
- Franschhoek Wine Tram Tours
Embark on an enchanting journey through the scenic wonders of the picturesque and captivating vineyards of the Franschhoek Valley. Trundle along in an authentic open air vintage tram and immerse yourself in the breathtaking panoramic views of the stunning valley while savouring the chilled wine poured on board. This interactive tram adventure allows you to hop on and off at various stops to explore participating wine estates at your leisurely pace. Revered and widely celebrated as one of Franschhoek Valley’s main attractions, the Franschhoek Wine Tram Tour attracts multitudes of visitors each year, captivating them with picturesque landscapes, unparalleled wine estates and the delightful charm of its authentic vintage tram. Ideal for groups, this tour is a perfect option for those travelling with family or friends. However, private tours can also be arranged upon request. Be prepared to be whisked away on an adventure that includes visits to a curated selection of Franschhoek’s finest wine estates. Each estate boasts exceptional wines, stunning vineyards and incredible views. The tour typically lasts from morning to late afternoon, allowing you ample time to explore multiple wine estates and savour an exceptional meal at one of the exquisite vineyards.
Cost: It ranges between R650 – R1,200.
Why go? The Franschhoek Wine Tram Tour offers a delightful and educational experience for wine enthusiasts, providing the opportunity to indulge in wine tastings, meander through scenic vineyards, and gain valuable insights into the art of winemaking.
- Stellenbosch and Franschhoek Tour
Experience the essence of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek in an unforgettable full-day excursion, where you’ll be whisked away to four enchanting vineyards carefully selected from these renowned regions. Each vineyard possesses a unique charm, unmatched vistas, and a diverse tasting experience. Delve into the heart of wine country as you embark on this immersive journey through Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, both celebrated for their exceptional world-renowned wines. Wine Flies Tours and Explore Sideways are two of the best tour operators to help you uncover the wonders of the Cape Winelands. Midday brings a delightful culinary interlude, inviting you to indulge your palate in vibrant flavours and clink glasses with fellow wine enthusiasts during an optional lunch thoughtfully arranged at one of the vineyards. Amidst the awe-inspiring landscapes, relish in a delectable meal thoughtfully paired with the finest local wines.
Cost: The price varies between R1,500 – R1,700.
Why go? This tour offers a splendid opportunity to savour the very best of Cape wine country while providing a comprehensive, curated experience of two of South Africa’s most iconic wine regions. It’s an exceptional journey for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of South African winemaking and breathtaking landscapes.
- African Story Wine Tours
Are you still thirsty for more wine experiences? You may be more than just a wine enthusiast and are more of a bona fide wine connoisseur looking for something more comprehensive. African Story Wine Tours offers an extensive full-day wine tour that promises to indulge the true wine adventurer. This tour covers four wine estates across three towns, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl. At each estate, you’ll savour an exquisite selection of wines, venturing beyond the traditional red, white, and rosé varieties. This experience can include sparkling wines and port tastings, allowing you to discover a symphony of new notes and flavours. The tour can also include an exciting cheese or food pairing experience to complement the wines. Discover the perfect pairings and elevate your overall tasting experience with an array of cheeses, biltong or chocolate. Amidst rolling green slopes, take pleasure in an a la carte lunch, where your backdrop is as captivating as the meal itself. Expertly wine paired to complement your chosen dishes perfectly, this unforgettable dining experience promises to be a culinary delight.
Cost: This exceptional experience comes at a price range of approximately R3,600 – R5,000.
Why go? This tour is highly recommended for those with limited time in the Cape Winelands but an insatiable desire to explore the region’s finest offerings. Immerse yourself in a comprehensive journey that combines the best of three charming towns and four exceptional wine estates, leaving you with an enriched appreciation for South Africa’s wine culture.
- Picnics at Jordan
Jordan Wine Estates boasts idyllic, tranquil picnic areas with stunning views of Stellenbosch Kloof Valley and Stellenbosch Mountains. Embrace pure relaxation and style as you indulge in a thoughtfully prepared picnic basket amidst the estate’s secluded spots. For added comfort and relaxation during your picnic, many estates offer cosy picnic blankets, umbrellas and plush cushions. Every pre-packed picnic basket is brimming with an assortment of delectable treats, fresh, local produce and artisanal delights. Relish in the pleasure of artisanal pieces of bread, cold meats, fruit, and speciality foods. To cater to every palate, the baskets can be tailored to suit your dietary preferences, including delightful vegan and vegetarian options upon request. For a family-friendly excursion, the estate may have a designated children’s play area and even offer a kiddies picnic basket, specially curated with child-friendly snacks, ensuring that even the youngest visitors have a wonderful experience. While this experience is excellent for groups, we especially recommend it for couples seeking quality time amidst the beauty of nature.
Cost: For kids, prices range from R150-R170, and for couples, the range is between R350-R900.
Why go? These picturesque picnics beckon to slow travellers and couples seeking to embrace more than just the estate’s wines. Beyond the superb wines, many wineries showcase beautiful landscapes, historical buildings, and captivating art exhibitions, making it an enriching and memorable outing for all.
Note: To book the tours, we recommend contacting these tour companies directly. Please note that the cost will vary depending on the tour operator, inclusions, extras, package and group size. Fly into Cape Town, South Africa, with Proflight Zambia from Lusaka. Proflight also operates regular flights into Lusaka from Johannesburg, Durban, Livingstone, Ndola, Mfuwe, Solwezi, Kalumbila and Mansa. Visit flyzambia.com for the latest flight schedule.
