The Winelands is overflowing with farms, each producing their own unique wines offering a range of flavours and tastes. What is often overlooked by the fleeting visitor is the varying ways one can explore the area while learning about the differing ways in which each farm tends to their vines.
Committed to Ethical & Sustainable Tourism: By selecting this itinerary, you are choosing one of our most sustainable experiences. At Escape+Explore, we are committed to minimizing negative impacts of travel while maximizing the benefits for our local communities and environment. Our expert guides are passionate about sharing our sustainability journey - feel free to ask them about the steps we’re taking or how you can get involved. Together, we can make travel a force for good.
Today, we uncover the natural beauty of the Winelands, an area known for its rows of vineyards and stunning estates dominated by forests, gardens, and historic architecture. Our active exploration, on bike or foot, provides an intimate and fun opportunity to see this region - all at your own pace.
Cycle through Franschhoek, admiring the quaint buildings which date back to French Huguenot origins, and pass the bohemian galleries and designer boutiques for which this charming town is renowned. Enjoy sensational vistas over hidden gems, wine tastings at signature estates, and an introduction to wine-making.
ALTERNATIVELY: Hike the Mount Rochelle Nature Reserve, stopping at a fresh-water spring and taking in the picturesque Franschhoek Valley from above. After a rejuvenating break of local coffees and delicious baked goods, the wine exploration begins.
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, breathtaking scenery, warm hospitality, world-class cuisine, fine wines, and a 300-year history.
Next, we’ll indulge in a Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) tasting at one of Franschhoek’s charming boutique estates. Known for its elegant sparkling wines crafted in the traditional French Champagne method.
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 breathtaking mountains as a backdrop.
This afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive through the Banghoek Valley to Oldenburg Vineyards. Surrounded by a dramatic mountain amphitheatre, Oldenburg is committed to working in harmony with nature to create expressive, high-quality wines. Discover their philosophy of sustainable winemaking and taste a curated selection of their finest vintages.
Time allowing, conclude the day with a visit to Muratie, one of the oldest and most atmospheric estates in the region. From its cobwebbed cellars to its handwritten labels, Muratie tells the story of generations past. This estate is about more than wine, it is about legacy and character.
Tour Code: Travelyst Master
Group Size: Any Group size
Flexibility - adaptable on an hour to hour basis to suit your clients’ needs and changing weather conditions throughout the day. Where you go and what activities you do are up to you.
Adventure Utility Vehicle (AUV) – Our vehicle comes equipped with stand up paddles, pre-packed hiking packs and a fully stocked gourmet pantry with drinks included.
Top Adventure Guides - Viewed as the best in Africa in their specialist fields, our guides have a wealth of experience and stories to tell.
The tour shown is only an example, more or less can be done on the day. Click on the activities list and map for more information.
Includes:
- Private Adventure Guide / Driver
- Exclusive Use of Adventure Utility Vehicle
- Adventure Equipment - SUP Boards, Safety Gear & Hiking packs
- Travelling Toy Box
- Gourmet Pantry - selection of snacks and picnic items
- Drinks - Soft Drinks, Beer, Wine & Selected Spirits
- Unlimited travel in and around Cape Town, including as far as Winelands & Hermanus
Excludes:
- Surf Board, Wetsuit, and Tuition & Mountain Bikes – available at a supplement cost
- Entry, Attraction Fees and Park Fees – e.g. Aquarium & Cable Car
- Additional restaurant meals and wine farm supplied picnics
- Adventures beyond 100 km radius of Cape Town - e.g. Cape Agulhas, Ceres & Orange River
- Onward Transfer out of touring area. e.g pick up and touring in one location, drop off in second location
- Luggage transfers of more than two people (limited space due to onboard offerings)
- Extended Day Supplement – pick up before 8 am and drop off after 6 pm
