Grape Escape Meander in the Winelands: VINEBIKES, WINE, TASTE

The Winelands are overflowing with vineyards, each producing unique wines with a range of flavours and tastes. One thing that’s often overlooked during a fleeting visit is the variety of ways one may explore the area while learning about a range of wine producing techniques. In addition to all the beautiful and unique vineyards, the great outdoors awaits you with lots of exciting activities for you to partake in.

There is no better way to really immerse yourself in a destination, than to exit the vehicle and to explore the great outdoors. The winelands offer incredible scenic valleys, expansive vineyards and beautiful mountain ranges. 

To get some fun exercise in during your indulgent day, why not hop on an electronic Vine Bike and spend the morning weaving through the vineyards on this alternative mode of transport. During your cycle we will visit 2 wine estates to enjoy a cellar tour of an award winning wine estate along the way before continuing in to the town of Franschhoek.  Here we will have the opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of this tiny French inspired town and the significance that it has had in making the area as one of the world's leading wine regions. 

We continue our morning adventure through the charismatic town of Franschhoek for a gentle stroll to explore this French inspired town. Uncover the true essence of the Franschhoek Valley – picturesque vineyards, breath-taking scenery, warm hospitality, world-class cuisine, fine wines and a 300-year history. we visit some of the smaller, boutique and family-owned wine estates for a more intimate wine tasting.

Visit one of the smaller, boutique and family-owned wine estates for a more intimate wine tasting. Jacoline Haasbroek from My Wyn Wine Estate in Franschhoek manages her own cellar and wine tasting in her home overlooking the Franschhoek Valley. My Wyn does not have its own vineyards but instead buys in grapes from the same suppliers each year and Jacoline makes her own wine. Jacoline has won an award as one of the top 3 blends for her My Wyn Cabernet Franc 2015. Sit on her veranda and enjoy a personal wine tasting and great hospitality with Jacoline, afterwards there is the option of taking a walk to the nearby waterfall on her farm.

For lunch, we will make our way to one of the local restaurants on a wine farm for a relaxed lunch experience. Enjoy a beautiful setting overlooking the gardens and the vines with the breath taking mountains as a backdrop.

This afternoon we take a scenic drive to Oldenburg Vineyards for a unique wine tasting. Oldenburg Vineyards is located in the Banghoek Valley (pronounced “bun hook” and meaning “scary corner” due to leopards roaming around in times past) about 8 km from Stellenbosch. One of their core beliefs is that wine is an encapsulation of what nature does best. At Oldenburg they believe that by working closely with nature they can ensure a consistent high standard of quality. This must be done with sustainability in mind.

Time allowing, we will indulge in another wine tasting in the afternoon at Muratie Wine Estate. Muratie's rich history is captured in every nook and cranny. Wherever you are on the estate you cannot help being moved by a sense of the many generations that have Lived and worked on this estate.