Spend a day in the Cape’s oldest wine region, where every glass comes with a story — and, on this tour, something delicious to pair it with. This is one of our guests’ favourite private wine tours, built around two exceptional pairing experiences and the kind of flexibility that only comes with a day designed just for you.

Chocolate & Wine at Waterford

We begin at Waterford Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, home to a beautiful range of both red and white varietals. It’s a lovely place to ease into the day — start with a tasting of their whites, then move into the main event: a pairing of artisan chocolates, created by a Cape chocolatier specifically to complement Waterford’s Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and dessert wine. You’ll enjoy it in their courtyard on a warm day, or fireside in winter — either way, it’s one of the most memorable pairings in the Winelands.

Cheese & Wine at Fairview

We end our day  at Fairview — one of the oldest family-owned estates in the Cape Winelands, and home to a herd of goats since long before goat’s cheese was fashionable. The Back family, who own Fairview, also own neighbouring Spice Route Estate; together the two farms reflect two very different sides of the Winelands, Fairview rooted in the Paarl region and Spice Route in the West Coast and Swartland. Both make excellent wine, but today we’re here for Fairview’s Master Tasting — their best wines, matched with six of their own cheeses.

The Rest of the Day Is Yours to Shape

This is a private wine tour, which means the afternoon isn’t fixed — it’s built around you. Tell us what you love to drink, what else you’re curious about, and we’ll shape the rest of the day accordingly.

We’ll almost always route you through Stellenbosch, South Africa’s second-oldest town, along the way. Some guests want no more than a quick, beautiful drive-through; others — especially if art, architecture or a bit of shopping are your thing — prefer we build in proper time to explore.

If you’re a serious food lover, we love adding a stop at Babylonstoren. It’s one of the most beautiful working farms in the Cape, and walking through its vegetable and fruit gardens (with plenty of tasting along the way) is the kind of experience that stays with people. From there, the options range from a simple stroll and shop, to a light lunch, to a full sitting at their celebrated farm-to-table restaurant, Babel.

Our tour is a private wine tour – as such we would love to know more about your wine and other interests as we will build the lunch and choice of another estate to visit on the day based on your interests.

This tour will include a visit to the town of Stellenbosch – which is the second oldest town in South Africa.   Our visit to see this historical town can either be a speed visit or if you enjoy art, architecture and shopping – we can give you some time to explore the town!

If you are a food lover we would recommend a visit to the wonderful estate of Babylonstoren on this tour.   This farm truly celebrates our fresh produce in the Cape.   As foodies we love to walk their vegetable and fruit gardens and visit their produce stores.   It is easy for us to stop for a walk, shopping, a light lunch or a lunch at their smarter restaurant called Babel.

Lunch, Your Way

Lunch is one of the most personal parts of the day, so we build it around your appetite, your pace, and how much of the Winelands you still want to see afterwards. A few of our favourites:

• Babel at Babylonstoren — True farm-to-table, built entirely around what’s ripe that day.  Expect dishes that represent what is seasonal in the garden.   Portions are generous and the food is uncomplicated, fresh and delicious.   There is always a choice of meat, fish and vegetable dishes.  No foams, no fuss — just full flavour done simply. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays, and booked out months ahead in summer, so we’ll need to reserve well in advance.
• Melfort — A relaxed, chef-owned spot celebrating regional organic produce with creativity and real value.   The first restaurant of a young talented food loving couple.
• Jewell’s at Spice Route — A meal built around the farm’s own beef, pork and the seasonal vegetables they have harvested.   This relaxed country restaurant is home to Neil Jewell one of the best producers of charcuterie in the country.   You can enjoy a  chef-made charcuterie platter that puts the estate’s produce front and centre or simply enjoy a hearty cassoulet in winter.   Relaxed comfort farm to table food!   This estate is a great choice for lunch if you are a beer lover as the estate is also home to the CBC craft brewery!
• Spek & Bone  — For guests who want a memorable lunch without losing the afternoon to it. Tucked into a hidden courtyard in the heart of Stellenbosch, this chef-owned spot serves gourmet small plates — little flavour bombs, one after another — alongside a wine list full of exciting, lesser-known labels. (The name, incidentally, comes from the chef’s pet pig and dog — Spek for bacon, Bone for beans.)

Let’s Build Your Day

Every one of our wine tours is private and tailor-made, and this one is no exception — the wine styles, the pace, the lunch, even how long we linger in Stellenbosch, all shift around what you tell us matters most to you. Simply share your preferences, and we’ll design a day in the Winelands that feels like it was made for you — because it was.

To help us plan your day, please let us know:

• The date you would like to do the tour.   This itinerary works every day of the week (We would guide you as to what restaurants are closed on each day and make a recommendation on what would work best.)
• The wines you enjoy – reds versus whites and wine preferences.
• Any other interests — food, art and design, shopping, gardens, beer, gin….
• Where you’re staying
• Who’s joining you, and any dietary requirements

Tour Duration:

Full day:  08h30 – 17h00

Tour Type:Private

Cost:   Dependent on group size and location — email us and we’ll send a tailored quote.

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