Transfer Types
Set out on a quest to discover the hidden gems of the Stellenbosch Winelands; around every corner, new tastes to savour, over every hill, breathtaking sights to explore.
This boutique collection of experiences will redefine your idea of wine tasting as you sink into a day of self-indulgent opulence and take the wine route less travelled to uncover premium wines.
From the adventurous wine safari 4x4 drive (optional) through the rolling vineyards of Jordan Wine Estate, with a cellar tour and barrel room wine tasting; to reserve wine tasting at DeMorgenzon, where gentle baroque music and wildflowers fill the vineyards; to Van Ryn's reserve brandy pairings - this connoisseur’s journey will broaden your horizons and introduce you to one of the best-kept secrets of the area;:the Stellenbosch Kloof Valley.
Tucked away just outside of Stellenbosch, with rustic roads too narrow for large tour coaches and mystical gardens in abundance, this historic valley was home to the first road that ran from Cape Town to Stellenbosch. You’ll discover the rich history of the area and get to sample the internationally acclaimed wines that are produced in this quiet little wine haven. Be transported to a hidden valley, where time seems to stand still; and if you listen carefully you might even hear the piercing call of the Fish Eagle soaring high above.
This private tour is the ideal way to discover top-class taste experiences.
Get off the beaten track for a synergy of soul and soil on an open 4x4-vehicle vineyard drive and wine tasting.
Indulge in the fine tasting notes of DeMorgenzon's award winning wines.
Savour the tastes of Van Ryn's world-renowned brandy with artisanal sweet treats.
Start with a morning pick-up from your accommodation in Cape Town.
Set off along the narrow roads of the Stellenbosch Kloof Valley towards the pristine Jordan Wine Estate. Taste their wine at the dam or terrace overlooking the winelands, or opt-in to redefine your idea of a 'safari' as you hop aboard and head out on a 4x4 tour through the beautiful rolling vineyards of Jordan Wine Estate.
The wine drive is subject to weather conditions. An alternative wine and food pairing or lunch voucher will be offered if the wine safari drive is not possible due to weather.
You won’t see the Big Five, but instead, you’ll feast your eyes upon the 'Big Vines' that produce Jordan’s award-winning wines. You’ll stop at key vantage points that offer 360-degree views of False Bay, Table Bay (and Table Mountain) and the Stellenbosch wine valley. It wouldn’t be a true wine safari without the vino; you’ll stop several times to sample some of the Estate’s best while your guide shares his knowledge about the wines and vineyards that surround you.
The next stop is at the working cellar for an insider’s look at how the grapes go from their stainless steel fermentation tanks to how they are processed into the wine that fills the endless rows of stacked oak barrels. Sample even more wines in the barrel cellar or head back to the unforgettable view for more award-winning wine tasting on the sun-soaked terrace.
Then it's time for a sensational lunch in the Winelands. There are plenty of options at your fingertips, including fine-dining at the prestigious Jordan Restaurant - headed by renowned chef, George Jardine. If you would like us to recommend other restaurants in the area we will gladly do so. For a more informal affair, treat yourself to some of the delicious baked goods found at the estate.
You waltz to the next tasting at DeMorgenzon’s musically influenced wines. The owners of this unique estate believe that playing Baroque music, day and night (yes, you read that right), from large speakers in the vineyards has a romantically delicious effect on the grapes, and the flavourful, aromatic depth of these international award-winning wines certainly sings true. Sip on the Maestro and exclusive Reserve wines as you're lulled by the baroque music drifting through the tasting room and estate. Follow the music on a whimsical walk through the vineyards behind the gabled Cape Dutch building and enjoy the Reserve Syrah while standing in the vineyard block it was harvested from. DeMorgenzon’s wines strike a good balance between lush fruit and crisp acidity with echoes of the garden in every bottle. You just have to taste it to believe it; the music does something to the wine!
Finally, choose between a family friendly tasting at Spier wine estate or the Van Ryn’s internationally acclaimed brandy tasting. End your day on a high note: pairing decadent confectionary bites with Van Ryn’s potstill brandies. This is the only brandy distillery in Stellenbosch, and these bottles of liquid gold have won the title of International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) Worldwide Best Brandy no fewer than five times. So you’re in for a world-renowned treat as you sample their fine brandies, paired to perfection with mouth-watering fruity or chocolate infused dessert delights.
Return to the Mother City by late afternoon as you bid farewell to the winelands, satiated after a day full of tasting classics.
The wine safari drive is a group activity that joins other people on tour. An alternative wine and food pairing will be offered if the wine safari drive is cancelled due to rain or strong wind.
End with an evening drop-off at your Cape Town area accommodation.
This trip will be arranged and run exclusively for you. Included activities and transfers may join other groups already booked.
Led by a local English-speaking professional tour guide.
Private 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.
Local and international flights are excluded. You are responsible for your own personal travel insurance.
This custom tour can be tailored to fit your needs. If you do not want to taste brandy you can opt to taste wine at a nearby Stellenbosch region wine farm (replace of a similar value amount).
You can purchase meals + drinks on tour. Restaurant bookings need to be made in advance and availability is not guaranteed.
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.
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.
Read the full terms online at https://hotspots2c.co.za/agent#terms
Cancelaltion fees are calculated on the total amount of the booking.
Children over the age of 6 years are welcome on this tour.
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:
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