Winelands Grape Escape Exploration: WINEMASTER, TASTE, EXPLORE

We explore one of the most scenically beautiful areas in SA, visiting fascinating towns and taking a look into off-the-beaten-track farms which revel in their old-world roots and influences. Today is about so much more than just sipping the wines. Depending on time and season, stroll through the vines, learning about farming methods and techniques.

On this day, we will showcase the winelands from a unique perspective, delving off the usual tourist paths to showcase some hidden gems and to discover the rich history of this scenic region with the help of our hop on Guide and Cape Wine Master: Mr, Harry Melck.

With the focus for the rest of the day to be on the wines, the farms chosen will be led by your preferences but focus on what Harry, our Wine Specialist likes to call the South Africa’s ‘Wine Crazies’. Wine makers who continue to break the mould and pioneer the South African wine industry. A feature of all Harry’s tours is his own travelling pop-up wine cellar. Here you can taste a selection of his personally chosen wines that are not readily available, with unique stories of their own and in a setting decided upon by the pulse of the day.

Your day will start with uncovering 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. 

We start our day's adventure at Le Lude’s custom-built winery which is one of the few cellars in South Africa exclusively used for making Cap Classique. The distinctive black bottle, a pioneering approach unrivaled by most, a gorgeous rose garden, and distinctive French charm is what to expect from this unique wine estate.

Next, 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.

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 breathtaking mountains as a backdrop. 

Continue your day as 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.

Winding down the day, we head to Reyneke Wines for a unique wine tasting. Reyneke Wines was among the first organic wineries in South Africa to receive a five-star rating in Platter’s Wine Guide. Meet owner Johan Reyneke and hear about his long and often challenging journey to establish a successful chemical-free wine grape operation.