Transfer Type
Overview
Start with a morning pick-up from your accommodation in Cape Town or Stellenbosch.
Set off in the fresh morning air to the south-western slopes of the Paarl mountain range, to awaken your senses to spectacular views and even better wines. Your first stop of the day offers a uniquely curated pairing of wine and artisanal cheese and local produce to get your taste buds raring. Fairview by name and fair view by nature, this commercial winery boasts an onsite cheesery that churns out delicious artisanal cheeses. The farm offers stunning country gardens and a relaxed but thoroughly modern tasting experience. Laughter and chatter fill the room as knowledgeable staff guide you through the process, impart their wine wisdom and provide gourmet tips on the perfect pairings.
Just north of Stellenbosch tucked in a picturesque corner of the Knorhoek Valley lies one of South Africa’s oldest wine farms, Muratie, dating back to 1685. Wine tasting in historic Muratie, the very winery that made the first Pinot Noir in South Africa, shows yet another contrast… as does their perfect pairing of sweet-toned port-style wines and decadent chocolate. Wine lovers cosy up in the estate’s old wine tanks during this sweet tasting experience. The marriage is simple but effective and aims to harness the similarities (of the fruity flavours) or exploit their differences (sweetness versus bitter) and excite the palate.
As lunch nears, 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 delicatessen creations.
Continue on to explore the wine region of Franschhoek aboard a vintage style railway tram while sipping on a glass of world-renowned vino from the surrounding vineyards. Departing from the central village ticket office, hop on the Franschhoek Wine Tram for a short one-way journey through the rolling vineyards of the valley to reach Rickety Bridge winery.
From the station platform, you'll be transported past rows of vines and the historic Cape Dutch Manor to the tasting centre by an open-air wagon pulled by the farm's tractor, offering a glimpse into the inner workings of a working winery. Summer weather calls for alfresco wine tasting overlooking vineyards and the majestic Wemmershoek Mountains, while on cooler days tastings will be around cosy wood-burning fireplaces.
End the day with a wine blending experience by creating your perfect red or white blend in an interactive wine blending session, aimed at both wine novices and enthusiasts alike.
While standard wine tasting will give you a snapshot of a vintage, blending your own wine provides even more insight into the nitty-gritty of local wine-making. While making your own wine from scratch requires a lot of resources and know-how, you don't need to be a winemaker to blend your own wine. You'll probably even feel more like a scientist, mixing ratios trying to find the key to the elixir of youth - or just a decent wine to drink around a fire and reminisce about your time in South Africa.
The Rickety Bridge team will provide everything you need and coach you in the process of making your own bottle of wine, along with a personalised wine label.
With your very own blended wine in hand, head back to Cape Town region late afternoon to enjoy it for sundowners or keep it for a special event as a special way to remember your day in the Cape Winelands.
*Subject to availability, alternative wine experiences can be booked if the preferred option is not listed.
Why You'll Love It
Indulge with a cosy pairing of Muratie's port-style wines in historic carved-out cement wine tanks.
Tease your tastebuds along Franschhoek's charming streets in the gourmet capital of South Africa.
Enjoy some of Fairview's best as you taste a selection of fine wines paired with curated cheeses or local produce.
Hop aboard the Franschhoek Wine Tram tasting journey through rolling vineyards to taste fine wines at Rickety Bridge winery.
Create your perfect wine blend with an interactive wine blending session and take your personal bottled wine blend home as a memento.
Itinerary
Start with a morning pick-up from your accommodation in Cape Town or Stellenbosch.
Set off in the fresh morning air to the south-western slopes of the Paarl mountain range, to awaken your senses to spectacular views and even better wines. Your first stop of the day offers a uniquely curated pairing of wine and artisanal cheese and local produce to get your taste buds raring. Fairview by name and fair view by nature, this commercial winery boasts an onsite cheesery that churns out delicious artisanal cheeses. The farm offers stunning country gardens and a relaxed but thoroughly modern tasting experience. Laughter and chatter fill the room as knowledgeable staff guide you through the process, impart their wine wisdom and provide gourmet tips on the perfect pairings.
Just north of Stellenbosch tucked in a picturesque corner of the Knorhoek Valley lies one of South Africa’s oldest wine farms, Muratie, dating back to 1685. Wine tasting in historic Muratie, the very winery that made the first Pinot Noir in South Africa, shows yet another contrast… as does their perfect pairing of sweet-toned port-style wines and decadent chocolate. Wine lovers cosy up in the estate’s old wine tanks during this sweet tasting experience. The marriage is simple but effective and aims to harness the similarities (of the fruity flavours) or exploit their differences (sweetness versus bitter) and excite the palate.
As lunch nears, 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 delicatessen creations.
Continue on to explore the wine region of Franschhoek aboard a vintage style railway tram while sipping on a glass of world-renowned vino from the surrounding vineyards. Departing from the central village ticket office, hop on the Franschhoek Wine Tram for a short one-way journey through the rolling vineyards of the valley to reach Rickety Bridge winery.
From the station platform, you'll be transported past rows of vines and the historic Cape Dutch Manor to the tasting centre by an open-air wagon pulled by the farm's tractor, offering a glimpse into the inner workings of a working winery. Summer weather calls for alfresco wine tasting overlooking vineyards and the majestic Wemmershoek Mountains, while on cooler days tastings will be around cosy wood-burning fireplaces.
End the day with a wine blending experience by creating your perfect red or white blend in an interactive wine blending session, aimed at both wine novices and enthusiasts alike.
While standard wine tasting will give you a snapshot of a vintage, blending your own wine provides even more insight into the nitty-gritty of local wine-making. While making your own wine from scratch requires a lot of resources and know-how, you don't need to be a winemaker to blend your own wine. You'll probably even feel more like a scientist, mixing ratios trying to find the key to the elixir of youth - or just a decent wine to drink around a fire and reminisce about your time in South Africa.
The Rickety Bridge team will provide everything you need and coach you in the process of making your own bottle of wine, along with a personalised wine label.
With your very own blended wine in hand, head back to Cape Town region late afternoon to enjoy it for sundowners or keep it for a special event as a special way to remember your day in the Cape Winelands.
*Subject to availability, alternative wine experiences can be booked if the preferred option is not listed.
End with an evening drop-off at your Cape Town accommodation.
End with a late afternoon drop-off at your Cape Town or Stellenbosch accommodation.
Included
You can either join a micro group on scheduled departure days with a maximum of 8 guests per vehicle or guide & guaranteed window seat, or you can book this as a private exclusive tour.
Led by a local English-speaking professional tour guide.
Transfers to included tour highlights.
There is no central meeting point for this tour. A transfer service will collect you from your Cape Town accommodation.
- Fairview Cheese with Wine Pairing
- Muratie Port Wine Tasting
- Explore Franschhoek
- Tram Ride with Wine Tasting
- Rickety Bridge Wine Blending
Excluded
Local and international flights are excluded.
You are responsible for your own personal travel insurance.
You can purchase meals + drinks on tour.
FAQ
Terms & Conditions
Click terms for more details.
A non-refundable deposit is needed to reserve a booking and full amount payment required at least 31 days before a tour to confirm a booking.
- If you cancel 30 days or more before the scheduled departure date, a 20% cancellation fee applies.
- If you cancel between 29 and 8 days before the departure date, a 50% cancellation fee applies.
- If you cancel 7 days or less of the scheduled departure date, a 100% cancellation fee applies.
Read the full terms online at https://hotspots2c.co.za/agent#terms
Cancelaltion fees are calculated on the total amount of the booking.
Children under 8 years are not allowed.
Children under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult and book a private room.
Minors under 18 years are not allowed to consume alcohol and will require adult consent to partake in some optional activities.
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Know Before You Go
what to expect
South Africa
11 official Languages Spoken
Afrikaans – English – isiNdebele – Sepedi.– Sesotho – Siswati – Xitsonga – Setswana – Tshivenda – isiXhosa
How to say hello?
Molo – Xhosa
Sawubona - Zulu
Hallo - Afrikaans
Dumela - SeSotho
Electricity – Volt & plug
The South African electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ. Most plugs are 15 amp 3-prong or 5 amp 2-prong, with round pins.
Measurements
Metric System
WiFi/Internet Access on tour
WiFi can be found at most accommodations, restaurants and airports, however, the download speed is often slow and many connections limit your data usage. In short, you’ll be able to stay connected with home, but don't expect to watch HD movies in your spare time.
When to go
South Africa is blessed with a mostly mild climate, but different areas will yield different temperatures throughout the year. Summer in South Africa is usually peak season, lasting between November – February, however Easter time (March) is often still considered peak season too. Temperatures range from 25ºC in coastal areas to high 30ºs in inland areas. Cape Town has ideal weather during this time and Durban sports warm beaches and humid air, Johannesburg experiences hot clear days and often an afternoon thunderstorm.
Shoulder season is April and May, as well as September and October. Surprisingly, the weather in Durban is often at its best during this time, and other areas simmer down from their scorching highs. Prices are lower and crowds are smaller. September and October see eruptions of flowers and blooms all around the country.
Winter is beautiful in most parts of the country. Cape Town experiences winter rain and is often a little cold and miserable, but still crisp and beautiful. Because of the warm Indian Ocean, Durban has spectacular weather in winter, often hovering around 20-25ºC with clear blue skies. Inland areas get quite chilly and the odd snowfall is not uncommon (it only lasts for a day though!). Prices are at an all time low and it is an ideal time for game viewing, as the animals are more active in the cooler weather.
Best time to go
Jun-Jul = Safari
Jan-Feb = Beach
Public Holidays
With the possible exception of Christmas Day and New Year's Day, most tourist services and attractions are open on South African public holidays. In addition most city shopping centres, restaurants and entertainment venues remain open.
| 1 Jan | New Year's Day | |
| 21 Mar | Human Rights Day | |
| 30 Mar | Good Friday | |
| 2 Apr | Family Day | |
| 27 Apr | Freedom Day | |
| 1 May | Workers' Day | |
| 16 Jun | Youth Day | |
| 9 Aug | National Women's Day | |
| 24 Sep | Heritage Day | |
| 16 Dec | Day of Reconciliation | |
| 17 Dec | Day of Reconciliation Holiday | |
| 25 Dec | Christmas Day | |
| 26 Dec | Day of Goodwill |
Visa & Travel docs
Travellers from most Commonwealth countries (excluding New Zealand), most Western European nations, Japan and the USA receive a free, 90-day visitor's permit on arrival. These travellers do not need a visa to enter South Africa. A valid passport is essential with at least two empty pages. You generally will need to show return or onward travel arrangements. Children aged under 18 must show an unabridged birth certificate (showing both parents details).
Some countries do, however, need a visa. Visas are not issued upon entry, they must be attained beforehand. It is advised that you clarify this before you leave, the Department of Home Affairs office has a comprehensive list of countries that do not require visas. http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/exempt-countries
What to pack
We're generally laid back in South Africa, so no need to haul out your best silks and diamonds when you head to our shores. Here's some clothing advice when in South Africa:
- For the summers, bring clothes that are cool and comfortable, along with an umbrella or rain jacket, as this is when most of the country gets rain. A light jacket or wrap is a good precaution. Don't forget a swimming costume.
- The winters are generally mild, comparing favourably with European summers. But we do get some days when temperatures plummet, especially in high-lying areas such as the Drakensberg (some nights go below 0ºC), so be prepared with jerseys and jackets. If you are going to the Cape, rain gear will be needed in this season (your average here will be between 10-20ºC).
- Always bring a hat - the sun can be strong even in the winter months. Make sunglasses, a hat and sunblock a firm part of your skin care kit.
- Walking shoes are a good idea all year-round, with warm socks in the winter.
- For game viewing, a couple of neutral-toned items will be useful, but there's no need to go overboard and kit yourself out like David Livingstone, out to explore Africa for the first time.
- For the evening, if you are dining at an upmarket restaurant or seeing a show, go the smart-casual route. If you are simply going out to get a bite to eat, a general “no shirt, no shoes - no service” rule applies, so as long as you are fully clad, your attire should not be an issue.
- When travelling with Africa Select Journeys we encourage reasonably sized bags for multi-day tours and we are able to accommodate bags that are on average under 20kgs. For one and two day tours, a light backpack is encouraged.
Health & Safety
There are no compulsory vaccinations required to enter South Africa with exception of a yellow fever vaccination if you have been in a yellow fever area within the last 12 months.
The only major health risk you might face in South Africa is malaria, which is confined to small areas in the north-eastern parts of the country. Small pockets of the northern parts of the Kruger National Park fall under this area but the risk here is considered extremely low and it is not always necessary to take anti-malaria tablets. Remember as a precautionary measure to check with your accommodation what is recommended.
South Africa may have high crime statistics, but if you conduct yourself wisely, most tourists enjoy the country without any incident at all. Ensure that you lock away your passports and travel documents in a safe, which is usually provided by your accommodation. Don't flash around valuables and keep an eye on your belongings at all time. Majority of South Africa’s crime is opportunistic petty crime, so if you are vigilant about your belongings you should not have any problem.
Getting Around
South Africa has 3 world-class airports that receive international flights every day; Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. Most international airlines will have flights into one or all of these airports daily.
There are numerous budget carriers that offer domestic flights between the major cities for very reasonable rates; this is the fastest and safest way to span large distances, especially between Johannesburg and Cape Town, which is a 2-hour flight.
From the airports there are numerous shuttles and taxis that you can pick up upon arrival, there are also many different car hire options at each airport and in all major cities. Uber is another reliable and affordable option.
Money
Our currency in South Africa is the South African Rand. You can easily convert your currency to rand at a bank or Forex Bureau, the airports and larger towns often have many different Forex options. You can also withdraw from an ATM, banks are available throughout South Africa. Be sure to check what international bank charges you will incur for withdrawals before you arrive. Major credit cards are usually accepted in hotels or restaurants, however, there may be a surcharge. It is advisable to have small amounts of cash for curios and tipping.
Tipping
- Tour Guides and Drivers – Tipping on tour is neither expected nor compulsory, however, should you wish to tip the team on the road you are welcome to decide on a value that match the level of service received. A recommendation usually range from about R50 to R200 per person / per day.
- Restaurants and Bars - Tipping in restaurants is the norm and is customarily kept at 10% of the total shown on the bill. Many restaurants will add a 10% service charge to a bill if the number of guests exceeds six or ten.
- Hotels - At hotels you may also leave money to housekeeping at the end of your stay. Porter fees may already be included in your quote, and will be listed under your tour package inclusions.
