South Africa’s vine-woven valleys are home to some of the world’s finest wineries, and many of the best are a stone’s throw from Cape Town.
Silvermist Estate Wine Tasting and Drumstuck Show (Photo: Get Your Guide)
South Africa boasts a culture of winemaking that dates back more than three centuries. Most of the country’s production is concentrated around Cape Town, in Constantia, Paarl, Stellenbosch and Worcester, but there are many more wine-producing places to explore. There’s no need to hire a car to explore the best of them either, with dozens of tours departing from the city centre every day. We’ve cherry-picked five of the best wine tasting tours from Cape Town based on price, customer reviews and itinerary.
Silvermist Estate Wine Tasting and Drumstuck Show
This 1.5-hour experience combines wine tasting with a traditional Drumstruck Show. It’s the perfect option for those who are short on time but still want to experience the delights of South African winery first-hand. Travellers are treated to a tour of the vineyard, which offers sweeping views of Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles, with the winemaker and owner. A winetasting of four fantastic wines follows, topped off with a Drumstruck performance that promises to take you on a journey through South Africa’s musical history. From $17.64 per person.
Franschhoek Wine Tram Hop-on Hop-off
Franschhoek Wine Tram Hop-on Hop-off (Photo: Get Your Guide)
While Stellenbosch was founded by the Dutch, Franschhoek was established by French Huguenots who brought their French traditions of winemaking with them. Today, its rolling vineyards and breathtaking scenery make Franschhoek one of the most popular stops in the fabled Winelands. This hop-on, hop-off tour makes it easier to explore the best of it. Travellers can choose between different lines and spend the day exploring wine estates on the route, with one-hour stops at each winery. You can expect to stop at between 4–8 wineries throughout the day and a wine tasting on the tram is included in the price. From $38 per person.
Half-day Private Wine Tour
This half-day private tour includes visits to two renowned wineries in Stellenbosch, South Africa’s most famous winemaking region. Travelling in an air-conditioned vehicle, visitors can enjoy a scenic drive through lush valleys protected by towing mountain ranges. Itineraries are flexible and can be tailored to your tastes. Prices include transportation, two wine tastings and the services of an experienced guide. From $126.41 per person.
Constantia Wine Valley Bicycle Tour
Constantia Wine Valley Bicycle Tour (Photo: Get Your Guide)
Set on the peninsula, surrounded by the Cape of Good Hope, Constantia is one of the oldest winemaking regions outside of Europe. This five-hour private tour involves a leisurely 15 km cycle through the historic Constantia Cape wine route with a local guide and winery stops along the way. The route meanders past a kramat (mosque) built for Dutch East India Company slaves, exemplary Cape Dutch architecture and dozens of wineries. There are tastings and tours around award-winning vineyards including Buitenverwachting, Groot Constantia, Constantia Uitsig and Steenberg too. From $135.40 per person.
Cape Winelands Full-day Private Tour
For a more luxurious Wineland experience, look to this full-day tour from Cape Town. Travelling in a Mercedes Benz C-class, the private tour explores three of Wineland’s most famous regions: Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl. Visitors get the chance to enjoy a tour and tastings in each town at renowned wineries, including DeMorgenzon, Marianne Wine Estate and Fairview Wine and Cheese. There’s time for lunch at the Delaire Graff or La Petite Ferme wineries too. From $139.06 per person.