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

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 Stellenbosch.  

From Stellenbosch we will make our way towards the Banhoek Valley stopping at 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 you can visit one of the neighbouring farms to Oldenburg, neighbours include Thelema, Tokara, Delaire, Bartinney, Camberley and Rainbows End.

We then explore the charming town of Franschhoek with its French Huguenot origins and learn about the fascinating development of wine in the region. Here we will sit down for a fine dining lunch at one of Franschhoek's many picturesque wine estates.

After lunch we 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.

Wind the day down with a gentle stroll in the expansive gardens of Babylonstoren which are steeped in fascinating history. A working farm dating back to 1692, Babylonstoren is a historic Cape Dutch farm that boasts one of the best preserved farmyards in the Cape.