Oenophiles and nature lovers alike are in for a treat on this private exploration of the Cape Winelands. Not only do you visit three esteemed wine farms for fine wine tastings and phenomenal pairing in the Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek regions; the extraordinary scenery along the way will transport you back to yesteryear to reminisce among white gabled buildings and impressive manor houses flanked by soaring mountain ranges.
Firstly you'll visit the cheese haven of Fairview for a master tasting of their wine with local produce. Continue to Franschhoek with a stop at Plaisir wine estate for an insight into farm-to-fork organic farming and tastes of their best wines. Visit the self-proclaimed culinary capital of South Africa, Franschhoek for a lunch stop and end your meander along the Winelands with wine tasting at the heritage-rich Muratie vineyard estate before heading back to Cape Town in late afternoon.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Stellenbosch - Muratie Wine Tasting
✔ Flexible private tour. Inform us after booking of your special requests.
✔ Franschhoek - Plaisir Wine & Confectionery Pairing
✔ Local English-speaking guide + Transport
✔ Drop-off after tour to your original pickup location
✔ Hotel pickup from 10km areas from Cape Town central or Stellenbosch town
✔ Paarl - Fairview Farmer's Cheese & Wine Tasting
✖ Food and drinks, unless specified
✖ Personal travel insurance
Pickup Locations
1. Onomo Cape Town Waterfront
2. The PortsWood
3. Cape Town Hollow
4. SunSquare Cape Town Gardens
5. Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel & Spa
6. The Village Lodge
7. Fountains Hotel
8. Dysart Boutique Hotel
9. Upper Bloem Apartment
10. Casa Elena
11. Upperbloem
12. Salama Lodge
13. The Capital 15 on Orange
14. Apartments In Mandela Rhodes Place
15. 9 On Barrack
16. ONOMO Hotel Cape Town - Inn On The Square
17. Lady Hamilton Hotel
18. Waterfront Village
19. Holiday Inn Express Cape Town City Centre, an IHG hotel
20. Blackheath Lodge
Additional Info: If your pickup address or hotel is not listed, ask us to see if it falls within the 10km radius pickup zone. Pickup is available from most addresses within Cape Town city, Cape Town International Airport and Stellenbosch town centre. Drop off after the tour usually to the same location originally collected from.
Itinerary
1
Fairview Wine and Cheese
Leave Cape Town behind and head off by luxury minivan to the Stellenbosch wine region – famous for its Mediterranean climate and fertile soils that help to produce millions of litres of wine each year.
With your expert guide, hop back in your minivan and continue your journey northwest to the Paarl wine region, home to leading wine producers like Fairview. Stop at the Fairview Wine Estate, trying out several of their famed white wines and cheeses.
As this is a private tour, your itinerary for the day is flexible and you can chop and change as you please. So, take it slow and be sure to meander along the way, staying a little longer if you please or even popping in at quaint looking stops along the way. Our suggestion is an early start at the cheese haven of Fairview for a master tasting of wine with cheese and olive oil that will open both your mind and palate to tastes that you didn't think were possible.
Duration: 1.5 hours
2
Plaisir de Merle
On the journey towards the quaint town of Franschhoek, stopover at Plaisir de Merle, nestled at the foot of Simonsberg Mountain. Founded by Charles Marais in 1693, the estate's history is steeped in winemaking tradition and French heritage. The manicured lawns, ancient oak trees, and panoramic vistas create a picturesque setting for wine enthusiasts. Step into the tasting room, housed in a charming 1823 barn, and indulge in some of the estate's finest wines while enjoying breathtaking views of the valley. Enhance your tasting experience with wine and confectionary pairings, including artisanal nougat or chocolate truffles. Plaisir Wine Estate's serene atmosphere and historic charm make it a memorable destination for wine lovers. Explore the estate's rich heritage and stunning landscapes as you sip on exquisite wines and immerse yourself in the beauty of the surroundings. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or simply seeking a tranquil escape, you'll love it here.
Duration: 60 minutes
3
Franschhoek
Lunch takes place in the gourmet capital of South Africa – Franschhoek – roughly 5 miles (8 km) away. Your private guide will point out the best sidewalk cafes and restaurants, and then leave you to enjoy lunch at your own expense.
South Africa’s epicurean capital; Franschhoek, with its multitude of eateries is a must-do for gourmands and on weekends the local farmer’s market beckons with colourful stalls, tasty aromas and live music. You’ll have time to soak up the history of the French Huguenots who arrived in the Seventeenth Century, maybe catch an impromptu church choir performance in the street, shop for knick-knacks and bric-a-brac along the main street or savour a charcuterie plate and tasty local creations.
Duration: 60 minutes
4
Muratie
Your last stop of the day is a small Stellenbosch wine estate called Muratie, much loved by locals, with bags of charm. Its traditional cellars are typified by ramshackle walls and worn paintings -- adding to its rustic charm. Sample the estate’s fortified sweet port-style wine and locally produced chocolate (or similar*)– a winning combination! If you are not a fan of sweet wines the Muratie's classic white or red tasting is available as an alternative too.
Relax on the journey back to Cape Town, where you’ll arrive in the early evening.
- The exact itinerary is subject to change and may, on occasion, run in a different order.
*Muratie's chocolate wine pairing experience will be discontinued by April 2024, and will be replaced with a similar value of wine tasting experience.
- This private tour will run exclusively run for you. The itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to spend more time at the tour’s highlights that interest you the most or swop for alternative options.
Duration: 60 minutes
5
Africa Select Journeys
This is a private tour running exclusively for you or your group. Do contact us during of after the booking process to let us know if you would prefer any changes to the tour and we can suggest an updated itinerary and cost estimate if there are any additional charges.
Additional info
• Wheelchair accessible
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Customers who have not reached South Africa’s legal drinking age of 18 will not be served alcohol.
• Please note: Wine tasting or pairings are not included for children under the legal drinking age of 18 years. Extra meals or drinks are under the adult’s responsibility and is not included in price.
• This private tour will run exclusively run for you. The itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to spend more time at the tour’s highlights that interest you the most or swop for alternative options. Do contact us during of after the booking process to let us know if you would prefer any changes of the tour and we can suggest an updated itinerary, and cost estimate if there are any additional changes.
• The exact itinerary is subject to change and may, on occasion, run in a different order.
• Personal and comprehensive travel insurance is recommended and not included in this tour.
• If some wines, farm or wine pairing options are unavailable during certain times of the week or season, we reserve the right to offer a similar type or value alternative.
• *Muratie's chocolate wine pairing experience will be discontinued by April 2024, and will be replaced with a similar value of wine tasting experience.
