• Bergkelder Wine Centre - Visitors will be guided through the wine production process at South Africa’s largest cellar, ingeniously carved into a mountain to maintain optimal cool temperatures for wine aging.

Upon arrival, guests are led by an onsite wine specialist who explains the journey from grape harvesting in the vineyards to the final product ready for enjoyment. This educational experience takes place in the cellar’s controlled cool environment. As visitors learn about the production stages, they also sample various wines gaining international acclaim.

A typical cellar tour lasts about an hour, after which guests are welcomed into the wine museum. Here, they can explore ancient machinery, equipment, bottles, and methods used in wine production dating back to the 1600s when wine was first made in South Africa. Visitors also have the chance to purchase wine directly from the producer.

• Stellenbosch - Explore one of South Africa’s oldest towns, established in 1679 by Cape Town’s Governor Simon van der Stel. Stroll along oak-lined streets featuring cafes, boutiques, and art galleries.

Visit the Village Museum, a cultural history museum in the heart of Stellenbosch. Discover four houses built between 1707 and 1880 by the Dutch, with site guides dressed in period-appropriate attire to enhance the experience.

Beyond the village, lively streets are filled with vibrant students, as the town attracts many international students due to its location, reputation, and academic and sporting achievements. Observe the traditional open water canals lining the streets. Guests are then driven around part of the University to get a feel for the town before heading to the second winery, the Marianne Wine Estate.

• Marianne Wine Estate - Experience this boutique winery owned by a Bordeaux family who also own three wine estates in France. Discover the art of winemaking with meticulous manual grape selection.

Visitors will appreciate the attention to detail at this exclusive winery. Enjoy personal attention while tasting wines, including those purchased by Nelson Mandela to share with the Queen of England. This hidden gem is frequented by locals, and a visit here will surely enhance your appreciation of South African wine.

• Paarl - Discover the charming town of Paarl, first settled by the Dutch in 1687. Admire the old colonial Dutch architecture and visit the Afrikaans Language Museum.

Paarl is home to Paarl Rock, the world’s second-largest single rock outcrop after Australia’s Uluru Rock. Explore this quaint town with South Africa’s longest main road, flanked by Paarl Rock and the Du Toitskloof mountain. Visitors will also see the Paarl River, a small stream that once divided racial groups during apartheid but now serves as a training site for the South African Rowing Team.

• Groot Drakenstein Prison - Visit the former prison where Nelson Mandela was held under house arrest. Walk in the footsteps of this international icon.

This low-security prison is situated between Paarl and Franschhoek in the Dwaars River valley. Capture memorable photos next to the statue of Nelson Mandela. The prison is nestled among wineries with views of the Du Toitskloof Mountains.

Learn about Nelson Mandela’s imprisonment and his release on February 11, 1990.

• Fairview Wine and Cheese - Explore this renowned wine estate and goat farm offering wine and cheese tastings. The farm also features a Mediterranean-style restaurant.

Gain insights into wine tasting from experts and learn how to pair wine with various dishes. Sample a variety of cheeses and delicacies.

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Visit to The Diamond Works - Museum (time permitting)
• Registered and accredited tourist guide
• Bottled water
• In-vehicle air conditioning

• Wine tasting fees up to R120pp per winery
• Lunch
• Gratuities

This journey presents explorers to the renowned wines of South Africa, alongside its historical insights, picturesque scenery, and landscape.

The travelogue educates explorers on South African wine-making processes, the unique features of their wines in connection to the climate, and how their wines stand out globally. It further covers South Africa’s history, tracing back to the arrival of Dutch settlers, and later, the influence of French Hugenouts in introducing the wine production culture.

It sheds light on the historical events, such as Nelson Mandela’s imprisonment, and showcases the incredible landscapes in the wine-producing regions including the dramatic mountain ranges, and South African hospitality. Additionally, the tour instructs travelers on the art of pairing wines with varied dishes, cheeses, and deli items, along with tips on selecting wines for diverse occasions.

Amidst all these, the travel journey offers splendid sightseeing experiences. Some vineyards, almost nestled at the mountain tops, offer spectacular valley views, adding to the photogenic allure of the trip.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.